ARTICLE: How to Choose a Portable Solar Panel Charger
When choosing a portable solar device, there are two considerations to be made.
One, is the requirements for the device to be charged. Minimum amperage, or milliamps (mA).
1 amp (A) = 1000 milliamps (mA)
If the solar charger output is below the minimum required by the device to be charged,
it may not charge at all. The device may not even acknowledge your attempt to charge it!
Devices such as cell phone or IPOD that charge with a USB connection usually only need up to 500mA.
The Brunton Solaris™ i6 Foldable iPod® charger is ideal.
Second, keep in mind, that many solar chargers are rated for their output in optimum conditions,
full sunlight. The charger’s output will be compromised in less ideal, cloudy, conditions.We recommend getting a solar charger that far exceeds the requirements of the device(s) to be charged/used.The Brunton Solaris 26 (12 volt, 26 watt, 1400 milliamps Max.) is a great performer, able to charge most common portable devices, such as a laptop, cell phone, PDA, satellite phone, etc, in the shortest amount of time.For a fixed, outdoor setup, the Brunton Solar Flat Series is ideal. Weatherproof, rugged, perfect for
charging and/or maintaining an auto/RV battery, snowmobile, etc. The Brunton Solarroll series is great for
backpackers and canoe/kayak, as it is east to store and watertight.
Check with the manufacturer of the device(s) to be charged for minimum milliamps required before purchasing a solar charger.And it almost goes without saying, test the solar/device combo well in advance of any trips to remote locations etc.
Need assisstance? Call RoughGear.com at 845-596-3237
