Originally Posted by
Skipjacks
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.
I'm curious about a large panel that could be put on something like a cargobob trailer. it could be 16"wide and upto 36" long. Might be able to mount 60Watt on that. i've also thought about having a trailer wheel that runs a smaller gear via chain to run a generator at higher rpm and get more electricty. drag would be higher but might not be noticeable, especially if its disabled up hill.