Xantrex Solar portable power

[tygger]

Looks pretty decent for the price but the solar panel is pretty weak. Would it even be possible to fully charge the batteries with solar or would it just take too long? Anyone have experience with this unit?

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000SECKO2/ref=nosim/17177931-20

From the Manufacturer
The XPower Powerpack Solar is the first portable power pack that incorporates solar power in a compact, portable power source. It's completely self-renewing, which means the detachable 5-watt solar panel has the ability to recharge the power pack's 10 amp-hour battery. The 5-watt solar panel captures, stores and converts the sun's renewable energy, replenishes the XPower Powerpack Solar's battery, and extends the runtime of many devices by up to 25 percent. Product Features: Runs 120-volt AC or 12-volt DC products anywhere Built-in 400-watt inverter Sealed, non-spillable 10 amp-hour AGM battery Two 120-volt AC outlets, one 12-volt DC socket and one USB port Three-digit display for easy battery status monitoring Rubberized protection to guard against unit slipping AC charger included so you can charge from a standard wall outlet DC charger included so you can charge from a vehicle or RV Applications: Operates and charges a portable DVD player, 13-inch color TV, laptop, portable stereo, cordless phone, portable cooler and air compressor Operates multiple products simultaneously

 

[VidPro]

stuff like this is par, even if it did work, if it has the usual gell cell battery in it , it isnt going to last very long when USED.
like it says in the reviews, get yourself descent solar cells, a descent battery and add a cheap converter on and you will have something usable, instead of a cute thing that will work for a while in a dire emergency.

these things are an embarassment to what is possible with solar, they often have so little solar its just a buzz word added to the sales, as you charge it off the wall

 

[tygger]

Yeah, you're right. Its not not even close to a proper solar setup. But it is cute.

 

[vio765]

I own this an its performance is so-so. i have never attempted to charge the battery with the solar panel. i have plugged in a 15W flourecent (im too lazy to look it up) lamp and the display on the Xantrex went from 100$ to 90% right away. but the light stayed on for many hours! AC recharging takes about 5 hours. i can't image how long the solar panel would take to recharge. i purchased it as a means to recharge 18650 or other cells for my lights if the power went out. hasnt happened yet (thank God)