Recommend Solar Charger for AA and AAA batteries?

I have gone down this road a couple of times for different reasons and here is what I found:

A) Needed a way when bicycling long distances to charge a cell phone and some camera batteries. Found a really nice system that you could put the panel (about 8 inches by 12 inches) behind your seat on top of your tent or sleeping bag to do it. Only issue was it was SLOW and EXPENSIVE. They also make a similar one for hiking.

B) Needed a way to charge camera batteries, cell phone and computer when driving. Found a nice 75W inverter that plugs into the lighter for this. Then I inherited a 300W and mounted that in the front of the truck so I can plug all my chargers in when driving (not at the same time). I now use the 75W in the camper when I need to charge something small like my cell phone and do the rest when driving.

C) Wanted to charge some RC batteries when parked and found a nice setup a guy built with a smaller solar panel. Biggest drawback was the time it took, was great for maintaining but slow for charging.


If you are moving during the day I would go with the inverter in the cab. If not I would put a larger panel on the roof that would give you lots of power instead of the smaller ones and then just use your standard chargers from home.

Gdetrailer wrote:
Why bother with solar OR an inverter..

To be able to run other things AC such as phone charger etc.

While I flew RC planes we used 12v quick chargers that could do 4 or 8 at a time.

Put 100 watts solar on the RV and let the OEM charger do the work.
For back country use... just bring spare primary batteries.

jimh425 wrote:
I don't think it is worth the trouble and limitations. I'd use a small inverter instead.

Why bother with solar OR an inverter..

Buy a AAA/AA charger which operates directly from 12V!

HERE

I realize there is some "allure" to using a solar panel to be "green".

But in the real world a AAA/AA charger with a solar panel is going to be absolutely worthless and not to mention over priced for what it can do.

A AAA/AA charger plugged into your vehicle or RV battery is not going to kill your 12V capacity..

Moved from the TC Forum

Wayne
Moderator

I don't think it is worth the trouble and limitations. I'd use a small inverter instead.

Goal Zero has good reviews, I have one and used it for phone. Seems to work well

I'll be getting more stuff from them, but not sure what yet...

{Hope that helps and this should tag along with the Admin's move to Tech...)

Mod will move this post to tech issues.