Alternative Energy
Small Scale Solar Power Backup…Take 2?
Many of you may remember the failed attempt at working with a small scale solar charger.
If not, you can read the full article here.
But just a quick recap,it was the worst product I have ever bought, it caught on fire and nearly burnt my van down.
I finally found something that may work, at least it is showing pretty good promise so far!
Check out the Revive Series, solar backup:
Product Features
- External 1500mAh battery pack recharges up to 1,000 times from Solar, AC, or USB power *NOTE: Solar power can only charge 50% of the internal battery*
- Provides a full charge to most phones, MP3 players, GPS, iPod, iPhone, e-Readers, Bluetooth devices and other USB powered devices
- Includes AC adapter, Micro USB, and Mini USB charging cables
- Convenient size makes solar charging at home, in the car, or at work a breeze
- LED Power capacity indicator lets you know how much battery power you have left.
The Good:
-small
-portable
-hasn't caught on fire!
-multiple ways of charging
The Bad:
– only charges 50% with solar power
– The led light has a flexible head that pops loose easily
– (just a personal note) it is the exact same size as my iPhone… and made me look extremely silly when I tried to answer it instead of my phone
The bottom line:
Considering the fact that it is only $30.00 as opposed to the other failure of a product, the Revive Series solar back up is a much better bargain. Also the size makes it easily able to be packed into a bug out bag or just to keep in your car.
After I bought this I used it at a full charge to power my Kindle. It got around 53% charge before the battery petered out.
Not bad if I do say so myself.
The fact that you can only charge the battery to 50% via solar power is a little disappointing but that should be more than enough to charge most phones, tablets, and other small electronics.
** I don't know how I missed it before but this unit actually has an add on for around $12.00 that you can buy that allows you to get a full charge out of the solar panels instead of just 50%.
If you're looking for a way to keep your small electronics powered up this is definitely worth a shot.
I am actually taking it on my cruise to give it a real world test ( I have a room with a window and want to see how well it will charge from there)
Hope to give you an update when I get back!
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Selina
February 28, 2013 at 9:02 AM
Just did some searching and found these sold together for $8.00 less at Sears.com…only drawback is it’s white…not sure why black is more expensive…thanks! Going to get one of these!
Joe
February 28, 2013 at 9:09 AM
Oh wow good catch selina! any chance you still have the link ? I’d love to post it !
Rubie
February 28, 2013 at 1:06 PM
Just checked and it is, indeed, on Sears.com AND it is only $34.99 for the charger, extra panel (the accessory that lets you charge 100% of power off of solar source) AND shipping is FREE! How much better can it get?
Joe
February 28, 2013 at 1:45 PM
Hey Rubie I just checked and found the same thing here is the link for it
http://www.sears.com/accessory-genie-revive-series-solar-restore-bst-external/p-SPM6539806101?prdNo=15&blockNo=15&blockType=G15
Great catch
Fred
February 28, 2013 at 3:38 PM
I just found it on Amazon for 29.99 and if you have Prime there is no shipping.
Rubie
February 28, 2013 at 5:09 PM
The one at Sears.com comes with the second panel so you can do a full charge and not just 50% — it is waaaay cheaper and has free shipping, too.
Margo
March 1, 2013 at 10:25 AM
Amazon comes with the second panel too.
JJM
February 28, 2013 at 8:54 PM
Why sell a basic unit that cannot fully charge a battery pack??? My 4″ x 2″ x 1″ Kodak KS100-C fully charges the internal 2100mAh batteries and has a USB type 5 volt outlet that will charge phones and run my USB LED light. Only problem was needing to ‘cycle’ the china batteries to take a full charge. Think I paid far less than $20 from bigdailysale.com when they had these in stock. Along with my automotive solar charger and a small inverter, I feel somewhat comfortable.
JJM
February 28, 2013 at 9:04 PM
Your best pricing if you are technically inclined is to build your own using purchased solar cells or recycling outdoor solar lights. I recycled some solar lights to allow me to charge AAA, AA, C, D, 6 & 9 volt batteries.
Jeff
March 21, 2013 at 11:23 AM
I purchased on Amazon the dual panel 6000. I love it always have a full charge and a battery backup at all times now Solar Restore XL+ Easy to use very good customer service Written directions were poor.