10 replies to this topic

[steph84]

Hi everyone! I want to get some of my family members solar power gifts for Christmas this year. I'm looking for a backpack with solar panels in the back that can charge up devices like cell phones and iPods. Any recommendations? I was also wondering what price range I can expect to pay for a gift like this. My dad also does a lot of hiking and I wanted to give him a gift that is lightweight that he can use to charge his phone when he goes camping or hiking. Thanks!

[Shortpoet-GTD]

Santa recently installed a solar panel on his sled, so he can keep his "hot toddies" warm while he
cruises around looking for chimneys and needy kids.

[sunny]

I do not have the information you need, but you have good ideas.

[Germs]

Very clever idea, sadly i have never though of this but i would be interested in similar ideas and where to purchase them.

[sammilynn]

That's a good idea :), but I've never hear of something like this... not to say it doesn't exist, but if it does, I would assume it would be pricey.

[mariaandrea]

Voltaic has backpacks with solar panels and chargers - they're pricy, running about $200 but they also have other kinds of portable chargers and panels and things. It's a good starting point to see what's out there.

http://www.voltaicsystems.com/

[zararina]

I just read about Nokero solar bulbs the other day that uses sun energy to recharged it. It could last for several hours and it was not that water sensitive. I think it could be a good gift too since it was not that expensive. It think it costs less than $20.

I do not know any affordable solar portable chargers.

[steph84]

This is exactly what I was looking for!   Thank you so much Mariaandrea! It is totally in my price range too! I'll be sure to post pictures and a review after my stepdad opens it up on Christmas! Many thanks!

mariaandrea, on 28 November 2011 - 06:39 PM, said:

Voltaic has backpacks with solar panels and chargers - they're pricy, running about $200 but they also have other kinds of portable chargers and panels and things. It's a good starting point to see what's out there.

http://www.voltaicsystems.com/

[omkar1991]

I am thinking of making a customized solar powered remote controlled car for a young nephew of mine. I have a solar array which I will use to power the car, but I don't know what to do about the remote. If I don't think about anything for the remote, I will have to go the normal way of using a battery there.
About the backpack, it looks like an awesome idea, but it is pretty pricey as well.

[kathie_san]

mariaandrea, on 28 November 2011 - 06:39 PM, said:

Voltaic has backpacks with solar panels and chargers - they're pricy, running about $200 but they also have other kinds of portable chargers and panels and things. It's a good starting point to see what's out there.

http://www.voltaicsystems.com/

A bit expensive but they seem really good. I think they're worth the price for as long as they can be used for a long time, and if the person using it is fond of trekking and other outdoor activities.

[dziomek]

This is very interesting: I didn't know such things existed. I will be looking into the products on the site a little more closely. I could have used something like that last year for my phone while I was out in the swather or hauling bales; neither unit had a spot to plug my charger in.