Solar Experiment

I’ve finally had the time, and the weather, to sit down and play with the solar devices some of you were kind enough to provide for me. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! I’ve actually been using the portable units since they got here, and it is worth noting that I’ve not actually been able to drop them down significantly.

I wanted to see what would happen on a nice sunny day (where I would enjoy being out, sunny in winter isn’t it really). Within two hours, the portable units were fully charged. I’ve not been able to drain them like I expected, as there is quite often enough light to keep them mostly charged.

The fold-out panel is amazing. It has already got the big unit charged up, and you can charge it and another item (like a cell phone) at the same time. Suspect there is some time cost to do multiple at once, but didn’t really notice it on my limited experiment.

As for the big pack, I’m really wanting to try it on the router/fiber optic station upstairs. The fiber optic portion should stay up even in a power failure, so getting power to the router should provide internet access. Good theory, and if the landlord has no objection, will see if the “brick” can power it and maybe get an idea of how long.

While I don’t think the fold-out panel would be good for backpacking, it should be great for camping. The portable units would be great for backpacking and useful with camping.

I’m going to play more with them in the days ahead I hope, but for now I have a solid source of DC power in emergencies for cell phones, laptop, and other devices. Which means I have at least basic communications. If the router test works out, and the fiber optic stays up, that would be very, very helpful.

So, these systems are a very good add to your preparedness power portfolio. Useful for camping and other activities as well. Remember, the more independent sources of power you have, the better.

More soon, and thank you again so very much to all of you who made this possible!

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.