Portable solar phone charger. Types and features of using solar panels for charging car batteries. Via storage battery

The proliferation of high-performance smartphones equipped with weak batteries forces users to seriously think about alternatives. Unfortunately, there are no convenient solutions for everyday use other than conventional batteries. The only decent option is stand-alone power units for charging your phone without connecting to the network. But such options have a lot of disadvantages. At the same time, for those who like to spend time in nature and away from civilization, a capacious Power Bank will not be a salvation. In such situations, a solar battery for charging your phone comes to the rescue, which is completely independent from the mains. Such devices allow you to replenish the charge of mobile devices by receiving energy directly from the sun. Accordingly, this is also a free way to ensure the functioning of electronics.

Battery design and principle of operation

In design, such products resemble small batteries, the peculiarity of which is a wide range of various adapters. The standard device includes photocells that accumulate energy, which is converted into a power charge. Next, the energy is supplied to the mobile device via miniUSB or microUSB. Depending on the model, such devices may be equipped with special indicators, the glow of which indicates a sufficient level of light to complete the charge.

Before you start powering your phone, you should charge the solar battery. This may take several hours, depending on the brightness of the light. After this, the solar battery for charging the phone can be used for its intended purpose. Having selected a suitable adapter, you can connect the battery to the target device.

Main characteristics

The main characteristic is power, which averages 4-12 W. This indicator is enough to work with small mobile devices, but it is better to charge a tablet or laptop with more powerful batteries. In this case, the solar battery device may include several elements of the NiCd-NiMh type. Accordingly, the more batteries, the faster charging will be carried out, but the weight of the device will also increase significantly.

By the way, the dimensions of such devices rarely exceed the size of a video cassette, and the weight is usually 400-500 g. But there are exceptions, and if you are planning a long trip, it is advisable to initially calculate the mass of the additional power source. If you plan to use the device as a standard adapter, then the solar battery for charging the phone must also be able to connect to an outlet or cigarette lighter.

Charging efficiency

Still, the majority of buyers count on the possibility of operating solar panels in a mode of complete autonomy relative to the power grid. That is, the question arises of how effective, in principle, charging from an alternative source can be. As practice shows, the battery charge is completely recharged in 6-10 hours. Such a wide range of times is due to the fact that the sun can have different glow parameters. It is clear that under the most favorable conditions, this charging method will lose out to power supply from an outlet, which takes an average of 3-4 hours. When charged, a solar battery for a phone can provide power to the phone for 1-2 hours. For a low-performance push-button device, this time is quite enough for complete energy replenishment. However, modern smartphone models with large screens and capacious batteries often require much longer charging time.

Battery cost

The simplest elements with low power are valued at an amount not exceeding 1 thousand rubles. As a rule, these are Chinese devices of dubious origin, among which, however, you can find very effective options. The price tag increases as the functionality of the solar battery increases. The price of devices that have a wide range of adapters and connectors can be 2-3 thousand rubles. Of course, in this case the power will be at least 10 W. The most expensive models of solar batteries cost 4-5 thousand rubles. and more. Such devices can no longer be called compact, since the equipment may include a display, a wide range of ports and plugs, as well as special fasteners. With the help of such a complex you can recharge not only your phone, but also a full-fledged laptop.

Positive reviews about solar panels

Most of the laudatory opinions regarding the use of solar panels come from users who specifically purchase such devices for outdoor use. It is precisely in conditions of separation from civilization that one can highly appreciate the benefits of an alternative energy source - independence from an outlet is the main advantage that almost all solar panels have. Reviews also note the versatility of such devices. For example, in addition to being powered by the sun, the batteries can be connected to a regular electrical outlet and subsequently used to charge a mobile device one-time.

Negative reviews

Most manufacturers of solar panels are represented on the Chinese market with all the characteristic disadvantages of such products. Experienced electronics users note that, in essence, the basis of batteries is unfinished photocells. That is, such panels are nothing more than blanks for more complex devices. At the same time, the low technological level goes against the price tags. The fact is that even the average cost of solar panels is 1-2 thousand rubles. in most cases it is unreasonably high. For comparison, only in rare cases do they cost more than 1 thousand rubles.

How to choose the best option?

In order not to miscalculate when purchasing a solar battery, you should initially determine the level of required power, connectivity options, and the size of the device. The optimal power level for a medium-performance model is 3-4 W. In terms of connectivity, a solar phone battery should, at a minimum, support the USB and microUSB interfaces that most modern mobile phones interface with. In terms of dimensions, the choice is made individually, based on the nature of the operation of the device.

Conclusion

The world's major manufacturers are not yet striving to fully develop and market chargers based on solar photocells. Therefore, the niche is occupied by little-known and, as a rule, small companies. One way or another, the solar battery for charging the phone has no competitors on the market that can replace its function. The same ones are only good as a way to perform 3-4 power sessions, after which they themselves need to be connected to an outlet. In turn, solar batteries can operate for weeks and months in complete autonomy, providing power from photo panels.

An active solar panel located in an apartment near a window or in a house on the roof will not surprise anyone. Whether it's a solar energy converter for a car.

Several large companies, such as Canada's SunForce and Russia's Telecom-STV, have been producing experimental equipment for several years that charges a car battery and runs entirely on solar energy.

Application

Before ordering a solar system, you need to understand that no station is yet able to restore a completely dead battery in a short time. This will take at least 9-11 hours.

Therefore, you need to choose a solar module to quickly recharge the battery before it completely runs out. There are many such systems and they will be useful for drivers who make long journeys, while using all the delights of multimedia systems.

Optimal location

Car roof

As a rule, the solar system is located on the roof of the car. This is due to the fact that to obtain optimal power you will need a solar unit with an area of ​​1 m² or more. The roof of the car is just suitable for such a module.

Car enthusiasts from southern countries allow themselves to place several batteries on the roof of their car, fixing them with silicone glue, Velcro or special brackets.

It turns out that the driver has the opportunity to build his own power station on wheels. The result is convenient and useful equipment, especially for residents of remote areas. But the choice depends on your goals.

For example, for those who like to listen to music in the car or charge a gadget, a small solar panel that can be placed on the dashboard is suitable. To charge the battery you will need a more powerful station.

Dashboard

In addition, it is not necessary to buy a large solar battery and place it on the roof of the car; it is enough to purchase a folding panel that can be placed in the trunk. If necessary, unfold the solar battery and charge the dead battery.

Be careful: Before you buy a solar battery and place it on the dashboard, inquire about the quality of the material (plastic) from which the body is made. Cheap Chinese-made models are often sold with an unreliable case that can simply melt under high temperatures.

Connecting a solar panel to charge the battery is done in two ways:

• like many devices through the cigarette lighter;
• directly to the battery through the terminals.

You might be interested in an article about.

Read the article about solar panels for the home.

Charging rules

Every car enthusiast knows that there is no need to rush the time when charging your battery. The current capacity for lead-acid batteries should not exceed 10-12% of its capacity.

In other words, if a good battery with a capacity of 60 A/hour is completely discharged, then the charging current should not exceed 5-6 A. The charging time under such conditions will be 10-12 hours. If you exceed these values, there is a risk of damage to the car battery.

You don’t have to worry about solar panels, since the maximum current in them is no more than 1-2 A. A battery with a capacity of 40 A/hour will charge slowly, but will not fail.

A solar solar system with a power of up to 7 W can only support the battery; for a full charge you will need a panel with a power of 50-70 W. However, for such a scheme you need to purchase a controller that will monitor the power and prevent the battery from being damaged.

In practice, one solar panel with a power of 40 W and a voltage of 20 V can charge a battery with a capacity of 50 A/h by 40-50% in 7-9 hours.

Helpful advice: If the power of one panel is not enough, you can always connect a second or third battery. This will reduce charging time.

Model overview

There are more than enough offers online, but not all manufacturers produce high-quality solar systems for charging car batteries. Let us present to your attention three models that are worth paying for.

Solar panel "Sunsei". A high-quality solar battery that is popular is “Sunsei SE-500”. The compact station has optimal parameters (38x36x3 cm), which comes with a waterproof case.

The power of the small panel is 7.5 W with a current of 0.6 A. The battery is fixed on a tripod and is capable of supporting a car battery for several hours, provided that the engine is turned off.

The battery can be charged with the engine running and off. The panel is sold with terminals and a cigarette lighter plug. Some “experimenters” use the Sunsei SE-500 battery not only in a car, but also in large trucks, tractors, diesel boats, etc.

One of the disadvantages is the low power, but it is compensated for if you connect several panels together at the same time.

Solar battery "SunForce". The Canadian manufacturer of solar panels SunForce is able to please car enthusiasts with its more powerful equipment.

Panel dimensions: 97x35x4 cm, power - 17 W, voltage - 1.5 A. The kit includes a standard set of 7A/12V controller, terminals and plug for the cigarette lighter.

The dimensional system fits perfectly on the roof of a car, truck, tractor or boat. An additional plus is that the panel works in rain and fog.

Solar panel "TSM-15F". The portable solar system was developed on the basis of a flexible housing. Panel dimensions - 60x27x0.5 cm, estimated power - 15 W, voltage - 1A. The battery is compact, folds conveniently and is securely fixed on the roof of the vehicle. The efficiency of the solar battery is 22%, the housing is reliable and sealed.

To summarize, we can firmly state that a solar panel for charging a car battery is a convenient and useful device that can help out in extreme conditions. True, charging an “empty” battery will take a lot of time. The choice is yours, good luck with your experiments!

Watch the video in which the user uses a specific example to explain the features of using a solar battery to charge a car battery:

Summer is the optimal season for outdoor activities. Whether it's a festival area, a tent camp, the mountains, or your summer cottage, an outlet isn't always at hand. Solar battery chargers will come to the rescue.

We tested all chargers according to the same scenario: we connected an empty RAV power bank with a capacity of 22,000 mAh via a USB port to the corresponding charger and, using a USB tester, measured how much power (in W) the device can generate. These measurements were taken under different lighting conditions:

• The sun is shining, there is not a cloud in the sky. All solar chargers lie horizontally on the ground.
• Small clouds move in front of the sun. All solar chargers lie horizontally on the ground.
• The sun is shining, there is not a cloud in the sky. We point the charger panels directly at the sun.
• The sun is shining, there is not a cloud in the sky. We turn the charger panels away from the sun.

During the second round of testing, between 10:40 and 15:00, we connected the Huawei P8 Lite to different chargers and checked how long it took to fully charge under the midday sun.

Anker PowerPort Solar 21W

At 21W, the Anker PowerPort Solar is the "largest" charger tested. It consists of four elements, three of which are covered with solar panels. The fourth part functions as a bag that houses two USB ports. You can also store your smartphone (or other device) there while charging.

According to the manufacturer, the panels are coated with PET polymer and sewn into polyester fabric. Thanks to the design features, all panels fold to a size of 282 by 160 mm. Moreover, the device weighs only half a kilo. The material is weather resistant, but Anker recommends avoiding using the unit in very high humidity conditions to avoid compromising the electronic components. Through a pair of stainless steel eyelets, the Anker Power Port can be attached to a backpack or other items.

Specifications:

• 21 W
• 670x282x5 mm when unfolded and 282x160x28 mm when folded
• Compatible with USB-charged Apple and Android devices (except iPod nano, iPod Calssic, HP TouchPad and Asus tablets)
• 2 USB with current up to 2.4 A, total - 3 A
• Price: 5,500 rubles

With a horizontal position on the floor and the sun shining at midday, we measured a maximum power of 10 watts. When clouds appear, the Anker PowerPort in the same position generates only 1.5 W. If you point the solar charger directly towards the sun, performance increases again to 10W. When oriented against the sun, the power drops to 1 W.

Anker PowerPort took approximately 3 hours to fully charge a Huawei P8 Lite with a 3000 mAh battery. At the same time, at the beginning of the charging process, the performance was still at the level of 4.4 W, and by the end it dropped to 1.8 W.

Our measurement results did not reach the maximum value of 21 W specified by Anker. Even in the best weather conditions and with the panels pointed directly at the sun, the charger was unable to deliver those 21 watts. Anker allows you to use 2.4 A of current per USB port or 3 A when used in parallel. At 5V output voltage (standard for telephone devices), this corresponds to a maximum system performance of 15W.

RAVPower 16W

RAVPower with a maximum performance of 16 W supposedly cannot compete with Anker PowerPort, but how do things work out in practice?

The solar cell charger consists of four parts, one of which is not covered with solar panels, but serves as a bag for the device being charged. This model is smaller and lighter than the Anker PowerPort 21 W. The solar panel has a hardened PET plastic surface and is sewn into a polyester “shell” and should also be weather resistant. There are also eyelets here so that the device can be securely attached.

Specifications:

• 16 W
• 645x239x5 mm when unfolded and 239x160x20 mm when folded
• Compatible with Apple and Android devices charged via USB (except iPod nano, iPod Calssic, HP TouchPad, LG G2 and Asus planets)
• 2 USB at 1 and 2 A per port, total - 3 A
• Price: 4,000 rubles

In bright sunshine we measured a maximum output of 7.2 W, but in cloudy conditions it dropped to 0.7 W. With the panels facing directly to the sun, RAVPower reached 7.7 watts. Against the sun, RAVPower produced not like Anker, 1 W, but only 0.6 W.

In three hours, Huawei P8 Lite was charged to 90 percent. RAVPower started at 4.2 W, and with a power of 3.6 W. An hour later, the mobile phone was fully charged.

SunnyBAG Explorer+

The combination of a backpack and a solar panel is offered by the Austrian company SunnyBAG in the form of the Explorer+ model. On the front of the polyester backpack is a 6W solar panel that snaps on and can be removed if needed.

The charging device can be kept in a small pouch located on the front of the backpack. According to the manufacturer, the material must be resistant to natural phenomena. The power backpack has a volume of 15 liters, which has an integrated compartment for a 15.6-inch laptop. It is comfortable to wear thanks to the padded shoulder straps, which are approximately 7cm wide.

Specifications:

• 290x370x140 mm (panel)
• Compatible with Apple and Android devices, MP3 players, navigators, travel and action cameras, Kindle, game consoles
• 1 USB 2.4 A
• available from 79 euros

During test tests in shining sun and in a horizontal position, 6-watt solar cells produced 3.8 W at the beginning of charging, but in cloudy conditions the figures became somewhat low - 0.5 W. When we turned the panel directly into the sun, we managed to get 4.1 W. When oriented in the opposite direction, the backpack was only able to generate 0.4 W.

Of course, we wondered how the SunnyBAG Explorer+ would perform when carried on shoulders. Here's what happened in different positions:

• In the sun: 2 W
• In the shade (tree) but towards the sun: 0.2 W
• Away from the sun: 0.5 W
• At 90° to the sun: 1 W

Revolt power banks with capacities of 20000 and 11000 mAh

What about power banks equipped with solar panels? What is practical in this case is that the energy produced is stored directly in the devices themselves. However, are they truly a reliable source of electricity when traveling? We tested two “solar” power banks from Revolt with a capacity of 20,000 and 11,000 mAh.

The workmanship of both panels is good. The large power bank has an integrated LED table lamp, and the small one has a camping flashlight with 20 LEDs and a brightness of 240 lumens.

Specifications:

• 20000 and 11000 mAh
• 86x26x162 mm and 78x25x120 mm
• Compatible with Apple and Android devices charged via USB port
• 2 USB 1A, total 2A
• Micro-USB connector for charging from the power supply
• Price of a 20,000 mAh power bank: from 4,000 rubles
• Price of a power bank for 11,000 mAh: from 2,000 rubles

Based on the test results, both power banks with solar panels disappointed us. We placed both models in the sun and left them for the whole day. In the evening they were charged by approximately 10%. The biggest problem with such devices is the size of the solar panel. It is too small to quickly charge a large battery. It is also necessary to note: the case becomes very hot in the sun - of course, this does not have the most positive effect on the longevity of the battery.

It's still worth spending a little more money and getting a detachable panel. Alternatively, you could pre-charge the power bank from an outlet so that it doesn't end up completely empty in the sun. With all this, together with additional solar energy, the device has the potential to become a convenient source of energy in nature.

Charging a smartphone from a fire: Biolite Campstove 2

What if it rains all day or the battery power runs out at night? In this case, there is an alternative solution: a camp kitchen with a Biolite Campstove USB charger. The device charges a mobile phone not from the sun, but from fire.

During the test, very little energy was received, but it is still better than nothing when you are in bad weather and away from civilization. And with such a gadget you can prepare a delicious dinner. Device price: about 13,000 rubles.

Conclusion

What can help if your smartphone runs out of charge during a trip? Powerbanks. But they also run out of charge someday. A permanent alternative is solar-powered chargers, which can be used even when away from power outlets.

We have tested many models with solar cells. The results show: if you walk in the sun, such exercises will be quite enough. The most powerful solar panel during testing took approximately 3 hours to fully charge a mid-range smartphone. The main thing to remember is that without direct sunlight, things won't go far.

Other charger reviews:

A phone charger powered by sunlight has long ceased to be a fantasy, thanks to progress that continues to advance by leaps and bounds. And we don't mind getting everything from him?

With charging powered by sunlight, people have the opportunity to uninterruptedly use not only phones, but also other mobile gadgets. It can be freely purchased in specialized stores at an affordable price. The solar battery has a set of adapters, allowing you to charge the most common brands of mobile phones, as well as other mobile devices. Having it, you can safely leave civilization, but not lose touch with family and friends.

A solar battery for charging your phone will no longer allow you to find yourself in a situation in which every person has been more than once: you are waiting for a very important call or, on the contrary, you need to make it yourself, but the phone is switched off. The unique properties of the solar battery are provided by a built-in Li-Pol battery, which is constantly charged from the solar battery.

At home or in cloudy weather, you can charge it in the usual way by connecting it to a USB port or directly to the mains. The output voltage is adjustable, which will help charge various brands of mobile phones. If darkness finds you, the built-in LED flashlight will help.

Basically, the package of the main cell phone models includes:

• Power adapter
• Instructions
• Phone adapters
• Battery and solar panel.

Video: Solnechanya battery for charging your phone

Charging time from the sun is 10-12 hours. During the winter, it is recommended to completely discharge the battery and store it in a dry and dark place. If you follow the recommendations, it will last for more than one year.

Specifications

• Built-in lithium battery capacity – 2600 mA
• Input voltage is 5 V and current is 1000 mA
• Output voltage -5.5 V
• Power – 0.4 W
• Weight – 0.2 kg
• Package size – 1190x740x400 mm
• Black color
• The kit includes a USB cable and a set of adapters for charging various phone models.

A solar battery will especially come in handy if you are going on a road trip or trip, on a business trip, fishing, etc.

The new product is certainly the best that manufacturers have offered so far.

Principle of operation

The operating principle of a solar battery is extremely simple. Attached to the front of the portable charger is a photocell that captures solar energy, generating current to charge the phone. If there is a built-in battery, it also charges it. And in the dark, the latter can be used to charge gadgets.

The main advantage of solar panels, which more than covers all the shortcomings (they also exist) - this is the lack of the need to have an outlet on hand to constantly charge your mobile phone. This charger has the most reliable and environmentally friendly source of energy - the Sun.

Now about the disadvantages: For freedom from the need to constantly charge the device and clean air, you have to pay for the size of the solar battery, which is larger than the gadget being charged. After all, in order to provide the required current, the area of ​​the photocell must be appropriate. And the minimum panel dimensions are therefore usually -13x8x1 cm, i.e. more than any smartphone. Size is a problem, but not the main one, since there is another one - night and cloudy weather, when the phone will not be able to charge if the internal battery is low.

Video: Solar battery for charging a mobile phone - Operating principle

However, a portable battery is very helpful on the train, bus, while traveling and in the country where the power goes out.

Price of a solar battery for charging a phone

The price depends on the quality of the model. The simplest version of a solar battery will cost no more than twenty dollars, the most expensive – many times more. For example, the model that can be seen below costs almost 1,900 rubles.

You can purchase a more powerful charger, the features of which include:

• The presence of eleven adapters that are capable of charging any brand of phone, smartphone, tablet and other device with a USB connector.
• Complete with two polycrystalline removable panels
• Charging from a built-in lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 1000mAh
• Capable of charging via PC port, USB and AC adapter (not included)
• High charging speed (one hour)
• Low power consumption
• Ease
• Portability
• Unique design

How to choose a solar battery

It is impossible to imagine everyday life today without a smartphone or telephone. A person’s life becomes complete when he can send an SMS or make a call, listen to music or surf the web at any time. And if the phone dies and there is nowhere to charge it, it’s like a disaster.

It is difficult to imagine the state of a person who has been deprived of communication for a long time - the light, for example, has been turned off. There is only one way out - buy a solar battery.

Moreover, if a long power outage is expected, then you need to look for a device not only with an external battery, but also with a built-in battery. And for those who like to travel, they need more powerful charging. In a word, when choosing a solar charger, you need to pay attention to a combination of a number of characteristics (design, functionality, guaranteed compatibility, versatility).

Design, of course, is an important characteristic, but even it can be neglected in favor of functionality. Well, what is the size worth, for example, in comparison with battery capacity, charging time, etc.? If the charger turns out to be incompatible with your phone, it will just be wasted money as it will be useless. Versatility is akin to functionality.

Even if a universal solar battery for charging your phone costs more, it will be useful for all the devices you have. In addition, the built-in battery inside will make charging possible at night and in cloudy weather.

Are you brave, determined and can’t imagine your life without extreme sports? Do you prefer active recreation? Do you spend a lot of time traveling? Do you like to absorb the unique atmosphere of cities (by walking the streets for many hours)?

If you answered yes to at least one question, you are at the right place. Welcome to the online store “It will come in handy!”

Since today every person, almost from birth, surrounds himself with a variety of portable devices and gadgets, we dare to assume that for the heroes of our time - modern adventurers - the problem of powering their electronic assistants is very relevant.

The sun is a publicly accessible, inexhaustible and free source of energy. In our store you can purchase solar battery chargers. These are autonomous sources of electricity that do not require either an electrical grid or fuel. Another attractive feature of solar chargers is their versatility - the same charger is suitable for various devices.