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Big Game Hunting => Backcountry Hunting => Topic started by: Florida_Native on January 27, 2014, 10:28:27 PM

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Title: Solar panel
Post by: Florida_Native on January 27, 2014, 10:28:27 PM

So I have been employed by my company for five years now. One of the nice things they do is gifts for milestone anniversaries. So far I have narrowed my choices down to a $50 pair of bushnell falcon 10x50 binoculars, a deep fryer and a 7 watt solar panel.

I'm leaning towards the solar panel. I'm interested I. Doing some boat in camping and backpacking. The solar panel comes with alligator clips so I would need a battery. I just so happen to have a small deep cycle battery for my old trolling motor. This would be too heavy for backpacking but nice for ther camping applications. I also have an inverter so I could run lights and other items to keep my wife and kids entertained.

I just wanted everyone's opinion. Anyone have one? How often do you use it?

Thanks

Title: Re: Solar panel
Post by: smdave on January 27, 2014, 10:41:43 PM

7 watt solar panel is not very much.

http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Solar-Charger-Reviews/buying-advice (http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Solar-Charger-Reviews/buying-advice)

Title: Re: Solar panel
Post by: Florida_Native on January 27, 2014, 10:48:30 PM

Not even with a 12v deep cycle battery. I know out would be all day or charge the battery but my thought is if the other items have batteries: iPads, cellphones, etc. It should be plenty of power. The only thing I plant on powering without these is some Christmas lights for camp and a pump for the air mattress.

Title: Re: Solar panel
Post by: akirkland on January 28, 2014, 11:34:51 AM

Seems like a 7 watt is just gonna charge a phone.

Title: Re: Solar panel
Post by: kerrdog on February 04, 2014, 10:20:26 PM

I'd go for the set of steak knives. :chuckle:

Title: Re: Solar panel
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on February 04, 2014, 10:36:05 PM

Seems like the binocs might be better in he end. :dunno:

Title: Re: Solar panel
Post by: lookin4thekillshot on February 12, 2014, 07:45:39 PM

I bought a Goal Zero 7 watt solar panel in a kit with a 4AA battery pack.  It says it will charge a cell phone in full sunlight in a bout an hour.  I bought it to power my Steri pen and never have to buy batteries again.  You can buy the 4AA battery pack separately and it may work with your solar panel??