Thread: Solar charger
View Single Post
Old 09-06-17 | 01:34 PM
  #9  
Skipjacks's Avatar
Skipjacks
Senior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 2,114
Likes: 239
From: Mid Atlantic / USA

Bikes: 2017 Specialized Crosstrail / 2013 Trek Crossrip Elite

Originally Posted by Danballa
was wondering if you found any solar panels that worked for your handlebars?
There are none that will fit on handlebars and charge a phone.

I have a 3 panel solar charger that's about 7 inches by 10 inches per panel. So it's fairly big when unfolded.

If I leave it in the direct sun at high noon with clear line of sight to the sun, it will charge a modern smart phone at the rate of about 1% per every 5 minutes. That's the peak efficiency, the best it works.

It's too big to mount to a bike. And even if I could mount it, it won't stay aimed directly at the sun as I ride, lowering it's efficiency even more.

Anything that will mount to the handlebars isn't going to be strong enough to actually do much.

I've yet to find a practical use for the panel I have.
Skipjacks is offline  
Reply