Comments on: Emergency Power: The Top Portable Solar Panel Chargers for Disasters

By: Terry Chin

Terry Chin — Wed, 19 May 2021 17:15:26 +0000

The main problem with any solar system is if disasters occur with minimal sunlight (overcast, etc). Have some small hand crank devices where you use mechanical energy, has USB outlets to charge cell phones, etc. As well as radio and flash light built in.

By: Jan R.

Jan R. — Fri, 19 Jul 2019 01:21:33 +0000

Can you give me the best battery/solar panel generator for me & my Mom. I’m on the coast in SC and susceptible to hurricanes and my 88 yr old mother is in rural NC and loses power several times a year sometimes lasting 2 weeks. Looking for something that will run an electric fry pan, hot pot for water, radio, and charge our phones. We’re both on very tight budgets and don’t want to waste or money on a product that won’t do what we want or not last more than a season or two.

By: kytriya

kytriya — Sun, 31 Mar 2019 12:56:41 +0000

In reply to Greg. Thank you for aaying what I was thinking! Surprising that more preppers aren't mentioning that!

By: Ken Spiegel

Ken Spiegel — Thu, 10 Jan 2019 02:38:51 +0000

In reply to Greg. If you store them in an old microwave. NOT plugged in. It should survive an EMP.

By: Greg

Greg — Thu, 13 Dec 2018 03:37:46 +0000

If the threat is EMP, all that electronics, including rechargeable batteries, solar panels, and solar charge controllers, all need to be inside and EMP proof container or Faraday enclosure. Throwing a radio in a bugout bag with some extra batteries will be useless after an EMP event. No one ever talks about this.

By: Dave Reichard

Dave Reichard — Sat, 01 Dec 2018 18:05:02 +0000

In reply to Ozark Prepper. Solar electricity is now for first time in history available to the masses and that will cause big economic shifts.Communist China is one of the biggest producers.No one in the world will be unaffected because of the huge scale.It’s wonderful that trickle-down has allowed survivalists to use this technology.Make use of what’s available to individuals while it’s there.

By: Dave Reichard

Dave Reichard — Sat, 01 Dec 2018 17:31:22 +0000

In reply to Need Alternative Alternative.... Rivers have a lot of submerged debris moving with the current that can clog and drag a generator.You might have trouble making it waterproof and snag proof.You can see plans and strategies on YouTube or other sites.

By: Dave Reichard

Dave Reichard — Sat, 01 Dec 2018 17:10:29 +0000

In reply to Ryan kirkbride. If you can deal with the lower power storage,smaller lead-acid storage batteries that are much more portable are readily available-Walmart,etc.They have the same 12 volts,less weight,often cheaper!

By: HeMan

HeMan — Thu, 10 May 2018 19:59:27 +0000

Be cautious of many USB power adapters, many are cheap and unreliable.

Although, it may take a little more space; consider using a solar panel charging AA or AAA batteries. Many HAM radio’s have AA or AAA option battery packs. And you can still use standard non-rechargeable batteries as well.

The newer portable battery packs people use for cell phones recharging also fits in. Bulk charge from the solar panel in the Li-ion battery pack, from there power to direct USB powered devices or use a small AA or AAA battery charger. Minimal extra weight be very flexible and reliable.

By: Grandpa Joe

Grandpa Joe — Thu, 04 May 2017 07:50:09 +0000

In reply to Linda. Try Addpower. They have units of 20-80w. The 80w was about $200.