Buyer’s Guide to Solar Battery Chargers – Solar Panel Power Supply
Solar battery chargers save money which would be spent on alkaline batteries or electricity, as well as reducing pollution. They also reduce dependence on electricity, enabling you to keep using devices like radios and flashlights during a long power outage. Here are some features to look for when purchasing a solar battery charger…
BATTERY TYPE/SIZE: Most solar chargers can charge both Ni-Cd and Ni-MH type rechargeable batteries. But, you should manufacture sure a charger can charge the type of rechargeables you already have, as it would be honestly expensive to replace them. You shouldn’t assume that a charger will be able to charge all battery sizes; some solar chargers can only charge “AA” and “AAA” or “9V” batteries, while others are capable of charging all major sizes (AAA/AA/C/D). Most solar chargers are exiguous to two or four batteries at a time.
SOLAR PANEL: While a larger panel is desirable for producing more electricity, it is less likely to fit in small areas (like a window sill) and will probably cost more. But, if you use batteries heavily, you may want to obtain an estimate of how long it will seize the panel to charge them, before purchasing it. A few solar battery chargers can also glean power from an AC adapter instead of the solar panel when sunlight is not available, so that they function the same as a regular electric battery charger.
POWER SUPPLY: Some solar battery chargers have a power cord attached to them which can be connected to devices which speed on DC power (and have a socket which a DC adapter would normally be connected to) to provide them with power directly from the panel. Depending upon the model, this may be a fixed voltage, or there might be a switch to adjust it. Some chargers even have special power output jacks for charging MP3 players or cell phones.
POWER METER: A few solar chargers are equipped with power meters which indicate how much power is being gained from the solar panel. This is a helpful feature when determining where to locate it and estimating how long it will take for the batteries to charge.
ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS
If a solar battery charger is too expensive or poses some other spot, a potential alternative is to buy a solar-powered flashlight or radio and utilize it to charge the batteries in it, then remove the batteries and use them for a different purpose. But, you will only be able to charge the particular type of batteries the device uses, and you will have to make sure that they are removable before purchasing it. These devices are generally somewhat less expensive than solar chargers, and usually near with the necessary batteries. On the other hand, a large stand-alone panel may be preferable if you need to generate greater levels of power; but, this will be more expensive and require greater technical knowledge.
BUYING & COST
Solar battery chargers are available for select on websites like ccrane.com and windupradio.com, as well as internet auctions, although they are somewhat hard to find in stores. They usually cost about $15-35, depending upon their features and size.
