With recent a recent power outage, I'm put a concerted effort into upgrading my household emergency kit.
One piece of the puzzle, is power generation, and how I can charge batteries. I've got an OK stock of batteries (both primary & li-ions), but I'd feel better if I were charging at the same time as I'm consuming.
I'm thinking I would like a solar panel that is capable of powering a charger. Right now I've got a Nitecore D4 which is a fantastic charger, but I certainly don't need the display or the fancy features in the situation.
Looking for a recommendation on a solar panel and a small charger that is capable of charging 16340, 18650, and Eneloop AA (desirable). I'd like the charger to be "family friendly" as in anybody can put any cell in it without issue and without having to set anything.
Solar Panels:
Goal Zero Nomad7 - looks nice, but 7W seems to be a bit short in capacity. Some chargers ruled out due to power high power consumption.
Goal Zero Nomad13 - questionably capable of providing the 12V @ 1A (12W) to power some of the chargers
Charger:
Xtar XP1 – Seems to fit most of the wishes. Charges AA & 16340, but not 18650. Bummer. USB cord would plug right into the solar panel, and I might even be able to use a Nomad7. The charger consumes 2.5W ([email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>)
Xtar MC1 plus – Nice and compact but won't charge nimh.
Xtar VC2 – won't charge nimh.
Xtar SP1 – won't charger nimh. High input power.
Nitecore i2 – Chargers both nimh & li-ion in the sizes I'm after. I'd probably have to make a cordset to connect the output from the panel to the 12VDC input to the charger.
Nitecore UM10 – won't charge nimh.
Any other suggestions on brands/models, particularly on the panels?
One piece of the puzzle, is power generation, and how I can charge batteries. I've got an OK stock of batteries (both primary & li-ions), but I'd feel better if I were charging at the same time as I'm consuming.
I'm thinking I would like a solar panel that is capable of powering a charger. Right now I've got a Nitecore D4 which is a fantastic charger, but I certainly don't need the display or the fancy features in the situation.
Looking for a recommendation on a solar panel and a small charger that is capable of charging 16340, 18650, and Eneloop AA (desirable). I'd like the charger to be "family friendly" as in anybody can put any cell in it without issue and without having to set anything.
Solar Panels:
Goal Zero Nomad7 - looks nice, but 7W seems to be a bit short in capacity. Some chargers ruled out due to power high power consumption.
Goal Zero Nomad13 - questionably capable of providing the 12V @ 1A (12W) to power some of the chargers
Charger:
Xtar XP1 – Seems to fit most of the wishes. Charges AA & 16340, but not 18650. Bummer. USB cord would plug right into the solar panel, and I might even be able to use a Nomad7. The charger consumes 2.5W ([email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>)
Xtar MC1 plus – Nice and compact but won't charge nimh.
Xtar VC2 – won't charge nimh.
Xtar SP1 – won't charger nimh. High input power.
Nitecore i2 – Chargers both nimh & li-ion in the sizes I'm after. I'd probably have to make a cordset to connect the output from the panel to the 12VDC input to the charger.
Nitecore UM10 – won't charge nimh.
Any other suggestions on brands/models, particularly on the panels?