So, I started looking into a solar panel for camping, and have run into a dizzying array of choices and selections. Not to mention the “inverters” or “converters” or what have you. So, I ask The Dope, what would I need for a simple recharging station for a couple of phones, an iPod and maybe a laptop?
I’ve looked at this setup, which seems like a good idea, but what else would I need?
I have a Goal Zero Guide set up, but it doesn’t give me enough amps for my iPhone, and I’d like to have a couple of things charging at the same time.
You would need a battery to get charging time. Eg so you can come back to base at night and do the charging… leaving the battery to charge during the day.
So you want, solar panels, battery charger, deep cycle (marine) battery.
Then it depends on whether you charge the laptop or not.
If you have the laptop, you need the inverter - DC to mains AC…
OR perhaps the automotive product to drive the laptop ?
If you don’t get the DC-AC(mains) invertor, you could just use a automotive USB socket device to charge the small devices.
(attach a car’s cigarette lighter style socket to the 12 volts from the solar panel , or battery,)
Some of these car’s USB sockets may be inefficient because they are regulators , which burn 60% of the power to reduce 12 volts to 5 volts. Maybe buy expensive automotive USB power sockets, which are switch-mode powered.
for batteries it would be best not to have a wet battery (one with liquid inside).
you would want batteries with a gel electrolyte.
many small inverters are of low quality and don’t produce quality power. you want to make sure the power supplies of your devices can handle the quality of power your inverter produces.