Solar Powered NiMH chargers?

[Kankujoe]

Anyone know of the current availability & current technology of "Solar Powered NiMH chargers?

If available, where?, costs?, efficiency?, reliability?

 

[smopoim86]

I'm also interested. My cousin is going on a trip to Africa and will be "off the grid" for several months. A decent solar charger would be great for him.

I'm guessing the best option is probably a solar 12v battery pack and then a charger that will run on 12v.

 

[Sub_Umbra]

Years and years ago I bought CCrane's ~$20 solar NiMH charger. (when I got mine it was ~$15) I threw it in a storm bin where it sat for years...until Katrina. I pulled it out...and charged NiMH and NiCD AAs with it. It really worked. It's primitive and very hands on but it does work. Probably not very satisfying to use on a day to day basis but infinately better than nothing in an emergency...

You might also read the threads on the BOGO light as it will charge NiMH and NiCD cells. I haven't heard of anyone using one as a charger...but it will charge them. It's also pretty cheap.

For day in, day out use you could always get an ACCUPOWER ACCUMANAGER 2020 BATTERY CHARGER, a deep cycle 12v marine battery and a cheap solar panel and controller. I've been using the AM2020 for years for AAA, AA, C and D cells and Thomas is selling them right now for less than I paid long ago. A setup like this should give great service and cost very little. 10W solar panels are getting cheaper every year.