Posted: 5/28/2014 5:41:34 AM EDT
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I am in the process of setting up my hurricane "oh shit" kit. Its basically going to be a combo bug-in/bug-out kit. One of the first things that usually goes after even most tropical storms is the power so I have started to look at solar options. I want it to be small enough that I can throw it into a pack in the case of an evacuation or bug-out situation, however I don't want it to be so small that its no longer useful. There are about a hundred different options on Amazon and was hoping for a little enlightenment. Side note: Everything in my Oh Shit kit runs on AAA batteries, so that would be pretty stellar if the panels could charge AAA batteries as well. The models I have been looking into are as follows:
Goal Zero Switch 8 Kit (Nomad 3.5 Panels): $82.54 
Goal Zero Guide 10 Kit (Nomad 7 Panels): $119.95 
BLKBOX 5W USB Charger: $29.99 
BLKBOX 10W USB Charger: $54.99 
AllPowers 7W Folder: $29.99 
PowerAdd 7W Folder: $29.99 
So I have a few questions: 1. If I have a USB solar charger and plug in one of those USB battery packs, will it charge it without issue or do I have to get a special solar USB power source? 2. Is the extra Goal Zero price worth it? Some of these alternatives appear to be pretty much the same product, so what are the advantages? 3. For the charging of a USB battery pack and the occasional charge of some AAA batteries, how big of a panel do I need? Is 5w ok or should I only look at 7w? 4. Do any of you own these products? Any tips or tricks you could share? Thanks for the help! |
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I have the goal zero Guide 10.
I haven't used it much except to test it, but it comes with quite a few accessories (hence the higher price). But I like it and it fits in a smaller pocket of my backpack. I would seriously question the viability of the cheaper panels. Goal Zero has a very good reputation. |
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i have 3 of the GZ guide 10 kits. they work VERY well.
the switch 8 kit is the same 7.5wt panel but uses an 186500 battery pack. better capacity but much longer time to charge with solar. i prefer the AA's as they will full charge most devices i need, charge faster and i can have more flexibility by using the batteries alone in other devices. with these small systems flexibility is the key along with length of time to charge, cloudy low sun days will be a BIG factor in charging. ALWAYS buy more panel than you expect to need. bigger panels put out better amps with less light. i am VERY happy with my CZ stuff. i also have a wagan 20wt panel. it works well but the case is SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper material than the GZ and i suspect won't survive much rough usage. the GZ panels are also a bit more flexible than some of the other "hard" kits i have seen which help with damage resistance. another brand to look into is powerfilm. roll up flexible panels. |
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i have 3 of the GZ guide 10 kits. they work VERY well. I have three of those as well. Another plus I can add for the GZ guide 10 kit is that you can (should) use the battery pack USB output for charging your phone, device, whatever WHILE the panel is collecting sunlight. The battery pack outlet is regulated, and won't vary with sunlight input. It also comes with the adapter to charge AAA's. |
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I have the 7w gz, 10w instapark and the 14w anker and if I was gonna grab just one it would be the instapark. It has 2 usb ports and works well in overcast. The gz works well also in overcast but one 1 usb. The anker needs full clear sun. I have the instapark as well. It really is an underrated panel. I love the pocket on the back, so I can just throw my battery pack in there, lash it to my backpack and go. |
| I have Bushnell Solarwrap Mini and a Brunton one. I carry the Bushnell in my laptop case because it rolls up. They also have a "400" version of it: Bushnell Solarwrap 400 |
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I have Bushnell Solarwrap Mini and a Brunton one. I carry the Bushnell in my laptop case because it rolls up. They also have a "400" version of it: Bushnell Solarwrap 400 i looked into those really hard. my biggest issue with them is no replaceable battery and no output if/when the battery finally fails. the emails i got from bushnell indicated the panel only charges the internal battery and has no pass though should the battery die. it's also 5v usb out only. assuming they are using a good battery you should get 5+ years of frequent use out of it but they are designed to be disposable. it's also not water proof/resistant which given a non replaceable battery to me was important. i do think it's a good product for a backup/emergency phone charger, just didn't fit my needs. |
a traditional charger added to the Goal Zero Guide 10 system gives you some options... I chose the Fujifilm SCH 808F as it works with 12v, 5v USB, and 120vAC....12v female power tap....I've converted most of my hurricane dedicated electronics to Sanyo AA Eneloop
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1st and second gen, not much i can tell other than the design of the panel case <i like it better> 3rd gen allows you to chain the panels together It could be a 2nd gen vs 3rd gen, whatever the newest gen is. Is the newest gen worth an extra $40 over the last gen? |
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It could be a 2nd gen vs 3rd gen, whatever the newest gen is. Is the newest gen worth an extra $40 over the last gen? Quoted:
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1st and second gen, not much i can tell other than the design of the panel case <i like it better> 3rd gen allows you to chain the panels together It could be a 2nd gen vs 3rd gen, whatever the newest gen is. Is the newest gen worth an extra $40 over the last gen? second gen has a mesh bag on the back, 3rd gen looks the same but has a green stripe and slightly different controller allowing the panels to chain together. jmho but no it's not worth that to me. these are low output panels very good at what they do. i can recharge the guide10 in about 2-3 hours. chaining the panels doesn't give you a double in output as there is a good bit of loss. you'd likely be pushing 10wt vs 7.5wt. if i am going to do that i am better off charging 2 packs individually. you wouldn't save more than a few minutes tops chaining them together unless you have 4+ panels. |
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Cobalt... I understand that there is a difference in the charging amperage on the newer Guide 10 packs when it comes to charging the newer IPhones etc.. my older Goal Zero 7w panel will not charge my old Motorola Razr with a mini USB port directly, nor will the older Guide 10 battery pack... it may just be my phone however
Omegaman....I think I got the Fujicell SCH808F from AmazonUK.... without a problem.... but am suffering from CRS |
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Cobalt... I understand that there is a difference in the charging amperage on the newer Guide 10 packs when it comes to charging the newer IPhones etc.. my older Goal Zero 7w panel will not charge my old Motorola Razr with a mini USB port directly, nor will the older Guide 10 battery pack... it may just be my phone however Omegaman....I think I got the Fujicell SCH808F from AmazonUK.... without a problem.... but am suffering from CRS you should never be charging any device directly from the panel. the current guide10 pack will charge iphones and others. the original may have issues as it has a lower output. |