A thousand years, these don't work.

That would probably be fine but when the sun hits the panels at an angle you will get reduced power output so if you want to leave it in place and not move it, they're not ideal.

Maybe strap a couple of those to the roof canvas and poles of a tent. Or does it need to be flat?

Eeesh! Sounds like a lot of investment for little reward. Would be good strapped onto the back of an e-reader though

You're welcome. I have loads of power banks, but I like the idea of charging using solar.

I have to be honest, to get near the full 14W of that one you need to be basically direct sunlight, but I can charge a 3000mAh over a day or nearly charge a 5000mAh in spring time in the U.K. This is without moving or repositioning it throughout the day, so you can be more efficient by moving it to direct light (e.g. If it's really sunny and you're outside having a BBQ). But it puts into perspective how big a panel you need to generate meaningful power and how a panel the size of a mobile phone is not going to do an awful lot beyond stopping the battery draining of its own accord.

Cheers mate, looks good! How big is your battery pack, and how long does it take to charge?

Basically something like this. Sorry I didn't actually post it, so don't bother looking!

KINGSOLAR 14W 5V Portable Solar Charger USB Solar Panel for iPhone 6 Plus 6 5S 5C 5 4S, iPads, iPods, Samsung Galaxy and Many Other 5V USB-Charged Devices https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A6X4J4S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_VYn9ybX5E45PV

Just remember it's not a power bank so won't store charge. You really need this and a conventional power bank combined to use the solar to store charge in the bank for later. The all-in-one units are useless, if you compare the panel sizes you will quickly understand why - even if they claim to have next gen solar cells (if they did, I'm sure people would use these on houses)!

I've really scoured post 14 and I'm still coming up blank. Was a specific one mentioned or did you just imagine it?

So, can anyone recommend one that actually works? Maybe one with fold-out/plug-in panels to catch more sun?

Heat

I returned mine when I originally tried to explore solar charging. Its the UK. This unit is too small.

Just as a 5000mah power bank and using the solar panel to stop standby drain it's probably a good deal and fine. It's when people expect them to charge from zero to full by sunlight alone (and people do)...

Have people seen the size of solar panels that output 10-20W (I have a 14W and its 4 pieces, each about the size of a Kindle)? So some tiny panel stuck on the back of a battery as an afterthought, is probably going to be putting out less than 1W.

I like the idea, not sure would a) hold the power for long, b) ever fill up to maximum, even if borrowing some Icarus wings let alone here.
I did used to have a small solar-powered radio many moons ago (*ba-boom*) which worked fairly well - but I'd imagine this would be good for sending an emergency text before hitting 20% territory?

Word to the wise: If solar panels actually worked as claimed, don't you think every phone would come with a solar panel on the back as standard? (or as an upgrade for the apple sheep)

excellent!! cheers!!

That's what she said :smirk:

I wasn't referring to the car!

Thanks. Went to try that but couldn't find the exhaust. Handbook didn't help either!

I did wonder about running it off the tram cables when in town but the thing on the roof really spoils the lines of the car. I've asked Elon if he can get his styling guys working on that.

Will this keep my Tesla topped up? :wink:

Have you bought one of these then?
Nothing to lose with this as 3 year warranty. so if faulty just get a refund.
Heated

Great deal. Wonder how long it takes to charge from 0% in direct sunlight?

Nice.. Anyone know when this deal ends..?