One of the most popular applications for solar over the past few years. We get hundreds of inquiries for Sprinter vans, Transit vans, and all sorts of other trucks, and bug-out vehicles. System designs and energy needs vary somewhat, so…
Portable Solar Panels & Extension Cables
You’re looking to position some portable solar panels at a distance from your van or RV or cabin. Mainly because it’s nice to live in the shade, while you position the solar panels out in the summer sunshine. This is…
Flexible Solar Review
Edited by : Graham Morfitt (BSc Physics) Maybe you’ve seen them. Flexible solar modules without aluminum frames, glued directly onto the roofs of vans & trailers, or boat decks. Ever wonder what they’re all about, and whether they would be…
Solar Drone Charging In The Wilderness
Details referenced from an article posted by Voltaic Systems on July 30, 2018 In this post, we will outline the equipment needed to properly charge a drone when away from utility grid power. The goal is to create a lightweight,…
Don’t Pass on Pass-Through Charging!
We’ve been promoting the concept of pass-through charging since the early days of portable solar equipment. Primarily with the onset of lithium battery packs. Lately, I’ve seen a lot of buzz about it, which thankfully means that the functionality is…
How Do I Use A USB Solar Panel?
A quick “How-To” for those new to portable solar… How do you use a USB solar panel or charger to keep your USB equipment & cameras running everywhere you go? Simple. Start by asking us what the best USB solar…
Portable Battery Banks – 3 Steps To Choosing Wisely
Did you see that great deal on that randomly-named USB battery pack on Amazon? Looks great doesn’t it? Massive storage. Connects to tablets & phones of all types. Charges fast. What else could you possibly want? As it turns out,…
Choosing The Best Solar Panel
Choosing the best solar panel is not simply a matter of getting the most watts for the cheapest price. Even if we could assume that all manufacturers produce equipment of equal quality, the old adage of “For every job, there…
Unlimited Pokemon Go Battery Life for your Phone
C/Net recently published an article outlining the power demands placed on an iPhone when playing Pokemon Go. Similar results can be expected on an Android device. While powering the phone for AR, GPS, camera, bright screen for daylight, and graphics processing,…
Solar Powered Laptop… Realities
Need a solar powered laptop? This article covers everything you need to know to take your laptop off-grid. Editor: Graham Morfitt, BSc (Physics) POP QUIZ Take a close look at this photo… See the problems? 1. The panel’s output voltage…
Solar Charging : Compact Cameras
This note is provided as a guide to those who want to solar power their compact digital camera while outdoors & away from household power. This encompasses cameras that use 3.6V or 3.7V lithium battery packs. Articles in this series…
Solar Charging dSLR Cameras
Solar charging dSLR cameras away from civilization? This article covers everything you need to know to take your laptop off-grid. Editor: Graham Morfitt, BSc (Physics) This note is provided as a guide to those who want to solar power their digital SLR…
Solar Gifts – Avoid Disappointment
Thinking about a solar gadget as a gift for someone? I’d like you to choose wisely. What they say it can do in the description often isn’t the case. And, they assume you won’t do a little math to make…
Solar Charger vs More Camera Batteries
The question almost always comes up… do I really need a solar charger for my upcoming wilderness trek, or should I just buy a bunch of camera batteries? Knowing that you will be away from power for days, weeks, or…
Charging dSLR Camera Batteries from USB
USB battery packs & chargers are everywhere, but charging dSLR camera batteries from USB has not been possible. Until now. Editor: Graham Morfitt, BSc (Physics) The portable power and portable solar charger world is divided into two camps: USB &…