Has anyone bought a solar charger for there phone.

[EoreisNumberOne]

This is for you who are still looking to go solar, batteries are HEAVY, and solar chargers like Suntactics don't use batteries and only require sunlight, they are slim enough to fit in a purse or backpack, and weigh less than 8 ounces.

I've tested the sCharger-5 and it charges:

Smartphone (iPhone 4s) - 1.5-2 hours from 0% to 100% charged.
iPad - 8 Hours from 0% to 100% charged

I also have an sCharger-12, it charges:

Smartphone (iPhone 4s) - 1.5-2 hours from 0% to 100% charged.
iPad - 6 Hours from 0% to 100% charged

 

[mieshie75]

Thank eye robe for all the info. Still not sure which way to go but your input is helping with my decision.

 

[cobright]

Just using an iPhone 4 as an example... most smartphones should be similar:

You need to provide 10 watts of power to your USB port that you want to charge your phone off of. Less may work, original iOS devices charged from a 5W USB adapter. Apple now reccomends a 12W charger for all iOS devices.

The watts is a measure of capacity of the charger, more wattes does not mean the phone will burn up. Supplying a 100W supply will not kill a smartphone. The phone draws the watts it needs.

To get the fastest charge, supply your phone USB cord with at least 5W but 10-12 would be better.

What this means is that a 100% solar charger that will supply that might be expensive. So charging companies go small on the solar panel and include a battery storage so they can be charging over a long period of time then fast charge your phone when you plug it in. Makes them heavier though.

Harbor Freight has some options that won't break the bank:

• http://www.harborfreight.com/13-watt-briefcase-solar-charger-68750.html
• http://www.harborfreight.com/39-watt-solar-power-system-68694.html
• http://www.harborfreight.com/5-watt-foldable-solar-panel-charger-60449.html

 

[hakepb]

I considered a solar charger, but went with a slightly larger battery only charging pack instead.

While a park day involves time in the sun, most rides have shaded queues, so solar charging would still require a break from touring, so I don't think they would be useful enough.

 

[cobright]

The solar panel will get some use out of indirect sunlight as well.

The best option really is a hybrid of sorts. A 2-3k milliAmp Hour battery pack + a 4-5w solar panel. This way the batt pack can charge over a longer period of time from the smaller solar panel.

With anything other than iPhone the best is a few extra batteries carried in your pocket.

 

[ChloesDaddy]

Just using an iPhone 4 as an example... most smartphones should be similar:

You need to provide 10 watts of power to your USB port that you want to charge your phone off of. Less may work, original iOS devices charged from a 5W USB adapter. Apple now reccomends a 12W charger for all iOS devices.

The watts is a measure of capacity of the charger, more wattes does not mean the phone will burn up. Supplying a 100W supply will not kill a smartphone. The phone draws the watts it needs.

To get the fastest charge, supply your phone USB cord with at least 5W but 10-12 would be better.

What this means is that a 100% solar charger that will supply that might be expensive. So charging companies go small on the solar panel and include a battery storage so they can be charging over a long period of time then fast charge your phone when you plug it in. Makes them heavier though.

Harbor Freight has some options that won't break the bank:

• http://www.harborfreight.com/13-watt-briefcase-solar-charger-68750.html
• http://www.harborfreight.com/39-watt-solar-power-system-68694.html
• http://www.harborfreight.com/5-watt-foldable-solar-panel-charger-60449.html

Good overview and a good representation of the options for true solar-only charging. There are many products that combine an external battery pack and a very small (phone or handheld device size) solar panel. With those products it is the battery that is the workhorse, and the solar panel is mainly a show horse. I would say do some research online, read reviews on the products (Amazon, CNet, etc...) and decide what works for you.

As an example of what is out there, here is a page that compares a number of recommended solar charger options, all of which include battery storage. I personally have the Voltaic Amp listed in the second column -- bought it for potential emergencies, but didn't take it to WDW with us (took the Anker Astro 3e instead).

Here is the Suntactics s-Charger 5 mentioned by one PP. It's currently $140 on Amazon and is 6.25 inches by 11.5 inches in the fully open position.

Here is a Soladyne solar charger (not sure if it's the same one Kaybird mentioned). With this one I suspect it is the battery that is mainly being relied on for charging, with the solar panel slowing the depletion of the charge on the battery somewhat. This one is currently about $45 on Amazon and is 7x10 inches with a 2W collector (no mention of the battery capacity).

There are many options out there, so think about what your needs are and how you're going to use it, do a little research and pick the one that's right for you. Some things to take into consideration:

• How many devices am I supporting and what kind? Know the capacity of your devices' batteries (in mAh) and the minimum voltage required.
• How many times am I likely to need to charge them? Think about how much you'll use each device, including whether you will be using GPS-driven apps that draw lots of battery power.
• How quickly do I need to charge them? Can you be without the device for awhile as it charges?
• How much time will I be in direct sunlight? Will you be in direct sunlight long enough to get a significant charge from solar panels?
• How much weight do I want to carry?
• How big a solar collector surface area can I manage? Do you have a pack or stroller that it can be strapped to?
• How much money do I want to spend?
• What do I do with it when I'm not using it? Can it be folded or rolled up and stored in a pack? Strapped to a pack? If I strap it to a stroller am I comfortable leaving it?

 

[britfish]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005X1Y7I2/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Bought this little 3000 mAh backup battery for my wife's iPhone5. Only $20 and should charge the phone just fine.

I looked at larger ones, but 1) They are too big to lug around all day 2) They are heavier. This one will fit in her purse, no problem. (I already carry a small HD camcorder in one pocket and a small ELPH camera in the other of my cargo shorts so I'm maxed out)

Like the rest of you, I wanted to make sure her phone didn't die while in the parks, especially with the apps being more and more important. (FP windows and wait times, show times, FP+ if offered when we're there, dining reservations, etc...)

Dan

This looks really perfect for carrying through the parks. I noticed some of the reviews indicated it didn't work with an Iphone5, but you are confirming it does? Did you have to use a separate cord or is there one that works with a 5 included?