FS: Solar Powered & USB Chargers -2 panels added

[cottonpickers]

Solar Power Sets for Li-ion, Cell phones, iPads etc

This is a selection of the Solar Panels and Solar Li-ion Sets that I'm offering for sale. I can also offer some more tailored solutions - just ask in the thread!

I made these as I found all the typical solar solutions were too weak or expensive. I bought a Goal Zero Nomad 7 as it said it was 7watts, but then I found it only put out 2.5w on USB , and less than 3w on the 12v setting. So I got to making my own.

The set is for a panel and a USB li-ion charger to charge li-ion 3.6v / 3.7v batteries (not 3.0v batts). These will be typically be 4 times better than a similar output 12v panel. For example the XXL panel outperforms my 20w 12v panel when rigged to charge Li-ions (or any USB devices)

By 'splitting' the package into a USB Solar panel and a USB li-ion charger, you can also use the panel on its own to charge other USB devices, or use the USB charger in a PC/walwart to charge batteries when the sun goes in. These work nicely with all my Li-ion chargers, as well as other standard USB devices like phone chargers etc.



All the prices below include Paypal fees and international shipping (Tracked for all orders over $130) They are rarely lost in the post, but if they are I will resend any lost items at my discretion. If you need to add a 'note' to your order you will need to manually pay in paypal rather than use these links. Feel free to ask any questions. Theres a lot of choices, I know so please do ask away.

150ma Solar Panel	This is a 150ma Panel perfect for charging small li-ions or charging MP3 players and other small USB powered devices. Comes in 3 options. Either a Bare Panel; A Panel with a 100ma Basic USB charger for charging small Li-ions or a Panel with a charger, and a small Slip case. More Details Here: Add to Cart: Bare 150ma Solar USB Panel $19 Add to Cart: 150ma Solar USB Panel +100ma Li-ion charger $29 Add to Cart: 150ma Solar USB Panel +100ma Li-ion charger + Slip case $34
500ma Solar Panel	This is a 500ma panel with one USB port. Comes with yellow elasticated 'shock' cord to allow you to strap to tents/rucksacks etc. Comes with a small bag. Use a couple matchsticks or coathanger wire to stand up and face the sun. The small bag has 4 eyelets, and can be used to put your phone in whilst charging. No chargers are included with this panel - but pop over to my charger thread if you need a li-ion charger. Add to Cart:500ma Solar USB Panel with slip cover $39
1100ma Solar Panel Set	1100ma panel with 2 USB ports - One is Apple compatible (has resistors to allow iPhones , iPads etc to charge) the other is a standard / Android compatible port. Supplied with a Cottonpickers Basic Li-ion Charger set to 700ma, and a NiMH charger. You can charge two devices at once and they will share the 1100ma. This compares to a PC port that puts out between 500ma and 800ma. You can 'link' these by buying a second panel to double the current. There are 3 models to choose from, depending on what you are primarily looking to charge (Li-ions, Non Apple stuff or Apple stuff) Add to Cart: 1100ma Solar Panel with 700ma Basic Li-ion charger and basic NiMH charger -$59 Add to Cart: 1100ma Solar Panel with 3 tip spider lead (MicroUSB, Apple Lightning, Apple 40ping) and basic NiMH charger -$59 Add to Cart: 1100ma Solar Panel with 10 Tip Spider Lead and basic NiMH charger -$59
Accessories for the 1100ma Panel Set	3 Optional items to go with the 1100ma Solar set. The Slip case is made from water resistant material. It will be made in one of my 'standard' colours or trims. These colours may vary, so please contact me if its important to have a certain material colour and a certain trim colour. The 10 tip spider lead is handy for your friends and colleagues various phones. It has an iPod lead, but is not suitable for iPads. It does not have a lightning lead. The white 3 tip lead is great if you need a Lightning Apple Lead, a 40 pin Apple lead and Micro USB all in one. Add to Cart: Cloth Slip Case for 1100ma panel -$10 Add to Cart: 10 Tip USB Charging Lead - $6.99 Add to Cart: 3 Tip (Lightning, 40Pin and Micro USB) Charging Lead - $6.99
High Current Charger	Why not take advantage of the high current Solar panels. These all require a high current (2 amp) USB socket. Most computers are unable to supply enough current, but my folding solar panels are. Add to Cart: High current 500ma/1200ma Black Rightie - $49 Add to Cart: 500ma/700ma/1200ma Black Rightie- $54 Add to Cart: 500ma/1000ma/1200ma Black Rightie - $54
18650 Cradle	This is a cradle for 18650's suitable for all chargers with built in voltmeter. Particularly good with the Octa charger as it ensure you get the polarity correct. Only available when ordered with a charger Add to Cart: 18650 Cradle - $7

If you want something different to the above, you can Post to the thread, PM me or Email me at This is also my paypal account. Changing any of the current settings is easy and not chargeable. I can also swap Leftie's for Righties etc. If you know what you need and can specify it , I'm fine with you doing that directly in paypal with a paypal note. If something isn't right I can email you.




Charger details:

* It will taper the current as full voltage is reached. (so you get to 4v quite quickly, and a slower finish to the charge)
* Low voltage protection (will limit current below ~2.9v to protect batteries)
* Thermal limiting
* Cut off voltage is 4.2v +/- 1%
* Will start charging again when battery voltage drops below 4.05v


Charger is based on TP4045 unit http://www.vitexic.com/data/TP4054English.pdf but I think it does the CC bit for a very short period - only up to 3.9v then switches to the CV which is way earlier than than the spec sheet shows.
LED will light when charging and go out when done.
Comes with soldered magnetsfor easy connection - You may want to check your cells terminals are magnetic -most are.

• Penny Alcohol stove & mini oil lighter (uses zippo fuel, sent empty)
• mini voltmeter
  
  

Add on any of the following:
Stove & Lighter $10
Mini Voltmeter -$7
Extra Li-ion charger (for 2 USB models or just for spare..) $15

Upgrade to signed for delivery -$7 (prioritised, secure, compensation)

Paypal to I'll eat any fees

[cottonpickers]

Foldable Panel

If you really need a high powered solar solution, I'd recommend my 'Foldable' panel. It has 2 USB ports as well as (removable) 12v car socket. This will let you charge many devices. It comes with an Apple compatible car socket as well for charging iphones and ipads.

The 2 usb ports each put out over 800ma or if you use the 12v socket that will put out 800ma (you can't use the two together)

Compared to the popular 'Goal0'Nomad 7 it puts out over 3 times the current on both the USB and the 12v ports (total 1650 on the USB ports and 820 on the 12v compared to 500 and 250ma for the Nomad)

It comes with a li-ion charger (you choose the current settting from 100ma up to 700ma) and a 2 cell simple nimh charger.





Total weight (including nimh charger, li-ion charger, 12v socket and Apple compatible charger socket) 750g
Size folded: 29cm x 20cm x 4cm
Size unfolded: 29cm x 69cm

Material: Fire resistant; Water resistant; Rip resistant

Price: $139 delivered.

You may also want to add an 18650 'storage box' for $15 or a nimh box for $10. These are both without cells. The pic below is of the 18650 box:


You need to put in your own cells. Then, it can be charged in the sun, and used later when the sun goes down to charge your devices. The 18650 box has protection circuit so can use cheaper unprotected cells.

Caveat: These take a while to make up , so please don't pay until you've contacted me - I only want to take payment for products ready to ship.

[cottonpickers]

Solar Power Sets for Li-ion, Cell phones, iPads etc

This is a selection of the Solar Panels that I'm offering for sale. I can also offer some more tailored solutions - just ask in the thread!

I made these as I found all the typical solar solutions were too weak or expensive. I bought a Goal Zero Nomad 7 as it said it was 7watts, but then I found it only put out 2.5w on USB , and less than 3w on the 12v setting. So I got to making my own.

These work nicely with all my Li-ion chargers, as well as other standard USB devices like phone chargers etc.



FAQ:
FAQ1 Answer one

All the prices below include Paypal fees and international shipping (Tracked for all orders over $130) They are rarely lost in the post, but if they are I will resend any lost items at my discretion. If you need to add a 'note' to your order you will need to manually pay in paypal rather than use these links. Feel free to ask any questions. Theres a lot of choices, I know so please do ask away.

500ma Solar Panel	This is a 500ma panel with one USB port. Comes with yellow elasticated 'shock' cord to allow you to strap to tents/rucksacks etc. Comes with a small bag. Use a couple matchsticks or coathanger wire to stand up and face the sun. The small bag has 4 eyelets, and can be used to put your phone in whilst charging. No chargers are included with this panel - but pop over to my charger thread if you need a li-ion charger. Add to Cart: 500ma Solar Panel $39
1100ma Solar Panel Set	1100ma panel with 2 USB ports - One is Apple compatible (has resistors to allow iPhones , iPads etc to charge) the other is a standard / Android compatible port. Supplied with a Cottonpickers Basic Li-ion Charger set to 700ma, and a NiMH charger. You can charge two devices at once and they will share the 1100ma. This compares to a PC port that puts out between 500ma and 800ma. You can 'link' these by buying a second panel to double the current. There are 3 models to choose from, depending on what you are primarily looking to charge (Li-ions, Non Apple stuff or Apple stuff) Add to Cart: 1100ma Solar Panel with 700ma Basic Li-ion charger and basic NiMH charger -$59 Add to Cart: 1100ma Solar Panel with 3 tip spider lead (MicroUSB, Apple Lightning, Apple 40ping) and basic NiMH charger -$59 Add to Cart: 1100ma Solar Panel with 10 Tip Spider Lead and basic NiMH charger -$59
Accessories for the 1100ma Panel Set	3 Optional items to go with the 1100ma Solar set. The Slip case is made from water resistant material. It will be made in one of my 'standard' colours or trims. These colours may vary, so please contact me if its important to have a certain material colour and a certain trim colour. The 10 tip spider lead is handy for your friends and colleagues various phones. It has an iPod lead, but is not suitable for iPads. It does not have a lightning lead. The white 3 tip lead is great if you need a Lightning Apple Lead, a 40 pin Apple lead and Micro USB all in one. Add to Cart: Cloth Slip Case for 1100ma panel -$10 Add to Cart: 10 Tip USB Charging Lead - $6.99 Add to Cart: 3 Tip (Lightning, 40Pin and Micro USB) Charging Lead - $6.99
Quad Setting Charger	A simple switch toggles between four current settings. Common settings below. These all have USA upgraded ICs and a built in Voltmeter Add to Cart: Quad 90ma/300ma/480ma/700ma - $54
'Octa' Charger	8 Current Settings: 50ma, 100ma, 200ma, 300ma, 400ma, 500ma, 600ma, 780ma Add to Cart: Octa Black Rightie -$59	$59
High Current Chargers	These all require a high current (2 amp) USB socket. Most computers are unable to supply enough current. Add to Cart: High current 500ma/1200ma Black Rightie - $49 Add to Cart: 500ma/700ma/1200ma Black Rightie- $54 Add to Cart: 500ma/1000ma/1200ma Black Rightie - $54
4.2v / 4.35v Charger	This is a specialist charger - Most 18650s will be damaged with this when used on the 4.35v setting. Only VERY limited number of 18650's are designed to take this 4.35v setting. If you don't know for SURE that your your cell is compatible, please do not purchase. 4.2v setting set to 500ma ; 4.35v setting has max 1000ma (dropping to 500ma at 4.2v) Add to Cart: Dual 4.2v/4.35v Black Rightie - $49
18650 Cradle	This is a cradle for 18650's suitable for all chargers with built in voltmeter. Particularly good with the Octa charger as it ensure you get the polarity correct. Only available when ordered with a charger Add to Cart: 18650 Cradle - $7

If you want something different to the above, you can Post to the thread, PM me or Email me at This is also my paypal account. Changing any of the current settings is easy and not chargeable. I can also swap Leftie's for Righties etc. If you know what you need and can specify it , I'm fine with you doing that directly in paypal with a paypal note. If something isn't right I can email you.

[LEDAdd1ct]

I realize this probably isn't quite the "interest" you are looking for, but:

I admire your work and your desire to share it with us! Unfortunately, my funds are earmarked for other projects. However, that does not detract from how incredibly cool these are.

[Mettee]

Hang in there....this is a great idea. People just need time to look and think about it. Looks like nice work, and again such a good idea that no one has done yet.

And I think its a good fair price for all the trouble and time you took to source the parts, then put them together, and put it up here.

[JollyRoger]

This is a great idea, but a bit pricey for a 1w or 2w system. I may be interested in one, plus a bug out kit, but will have to see what the exchange rate is these days.

[ama230]

i want to help and not bash on your great ideas. I would in a heartbeat buy this but funds are tight right now. You should check out EDC forums and this stands for every day carry forums.com. They would look at this and take it more seriously.

Hope it works out...

[derfyled]

This seems to be a great setup.

And the penny stove is a real pleasure to use for any lightweight backpacker/traveller. I used one of those for over a month and it's very efficient. Your is really great as a self-primed model with the wick around.

Maybe you should put the price in USD, that could lead to more interest for people unfamiliar with £ conversion ?

[rider]

What voltage do the panels output from their USB port? 5V? How are the banks wired? (i.e. if one bank is covered, is the voltage the same)?

This looks like a pretty good deal to get not only the panel, but also a LiIon charger for the price you're asking.

It's too bad that the charger puts out a non-selectable 400mA when it is not current restricted; it would be really useful to be able to use it to charge smaller batteries (10180, 10280, etc.) when not hooked up to the solar cells.

[brighterisbetter]

I might be interested in the smaller cell/charger kit and the LED voltage meter only from your "add-on" kit. I have no use for the phone charger adapter stuff of the alcohol stove, though they certainly are neat ideas.

[cottonpickers]

Thanks for all the feedback which is appreciated. I like solar, so I'm going to stick with this and build on it - so any future feedback (+ve and -ve) is appreciated.

I've done the easy bit of changing prices to dollars. Took the opportunity to lower prices by the 'odd cents' differences and I have an idea or two more that I'm starting to work on.

Rider: voltage out the solar is 5.5v. Covering one half of the panel halve the current - the voltage drops a little. Cover a third to reduce by a third etc. Covering 90% of the panel and voltage remains over 4v, but current down by 90%
Brighterisbetter: PM Sent

[brighterisbetter]

Brighterisbetter: PM Sent

PM replied

[donn_]

I have no need for a solar charger, but I'm interested in the micro LED Votage indicator.

How is it powered?

What is it's voltage range?

Can it be purchased separately?

[cottonpickers]

Donn: The voltage meter is good for about 2.5v-20v.
CORRECTION: Its good from 3.2v to about 20v (designed for li-ion packs sized 1-6 cells)

It takes its power from the battery that it is monitoring.

If you can PM me an email address I'll let let you know what I can send one to you for or where you can source- but generally I'm encouraging purchasing with a panel/charger, so I can have the fun of making them up.

[donn_]

Thanks, Cotton.

I don't do PM, but my email is

[DaveThe Dude]

Cottonpicker...OK, I'm interested. A few preliminary questions...

1. Are the magnets used to attach the leads to the cell being recharged?

2. Assuming a sunny summer day, with less than 10% cloud cover, how long does it typically take to recharge a 3.6v AW 2400 maH 18650, and a 3.6v AW 750 maH 14500 li-ion cell?

Thanks.

[cottonpickers]

Hi DTD,

1. Yes, the round magnets just help the lead 'snap' in place, you can place on the lead or the battery and it attracts the other

2. You will see average of around 300ma for large or 150ma for small panel (because current tapers towards the end) so in the sun I would expect

* 18650 starting at 10% full to take about 6 and a half hours (double the time for smaller panel) -it will hit 4v in about 4hrs
* 14500 & RCR123 starting at 10% full to take about 2 hours (double the time for smaller panel) -it will hit 4v in about 1.5hrs
* 14400 & 14250 starting at 10% full to take about 1 hour (double the time for smaller panel) -it will hit 4v in about 45mins


The panel/charger will be delivering closer to the 400ma USB rate at the beginning which is why 4v is hit quicker than the remainder.

[csa]

That's a cool little kit you've put together. I'd buy it if I hadn't recently finished something similar of my own.

[DaveThe Dude]

Hi DTD,

1. Yes, the round magnets just help the lead 'snap' in place, you can place on the lead or the battery and it attracts the other

2. You will see average of around 300ma for large or 150ma for small panel (because current tapers towards the end) so I would expect

* 18650 starting at 10% full to take about 6 and a half hours (double the time for smaller panel) -it will hit 4v in about 4hrs
* 14500 starting at 10% full to take about 2 hours (double the time for smaller panel) -it will hit 4v in about 1.5hrs

The panel/charger will be delivering closer to the 400ma USB rate at the beginning which is why 4v is hit quicker than the remainder.

Cottonpicker...

In view of the above, I'll take the large solar panel, please, and the add-on kit.

Large Solar Cell + USB Charger $43 including International shipping
Add-on kit - $21
Upgrade to signed for delivery -$7
Total = US $71

Paypal to be sent (in about five minutes) to
cottonpickers at cottompickers dot plus dot com.

I'm looking forward to the joys of recharging my li-ion cells from the comfort of an off-the-grid backwoods cabin.

[cottonpickers]

All were in the post either this morning or yesterday.

[Weylan]

is the charger on the back of the pannel or in the cord of the USB to battery connector?

I very much like this idea and may pull the trigger for one! So the idea is great!

I was thinking this might be a great tool camping and charging batteries for night time use for longer trips.

In combination with a USB battery charger this could extend usage of battery devices for a really long time.

Input power into this as a combination
http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/sho...d.php?t=229554
And you could go days off grid with just a few extra batteries.

[cottonpickers]

The charger is in the cord, so you can use them separately.

The panel would work with that storage device fine (which looks a bargain btw) to charge it and the charger would also work off the storage for later charging of other batteries. Hope that makes sense. I use a very similar device. Its less efficient than direct charging just with panel and charger of course.

[scout24]

Still for sale?

[cottonpickers]

Yes, I plan to turn into a permanent (hopefully expanding) solar offering. Currently have 3 left of each size, and 2 kits. I'll make it clear at the start of the thread if any item isn't available.

[Weylan]

Since this a solar application, is there a good box consideration to get the battery out of the direct sun or weather if you are charging this bunch?

Stand options? I was thinking of a small picture stand from a Michael's( art supply store) that helps get the solar panel in the right angle to the sun. This might also provide shade for the battery, but getting the battery into the shade is a good idea and also out of the weather.

for the voltage monitor, what is the current drain?

[cottonpickers]

Weylan,

Thanks for the Q's & ideas.

The panel is encapsulated, but you are right that protection from rain is sensible.

You can charge inside the house on a windowsill quite nicely even if the weather isn't perfect and/or the panel is flat - I often do this succesfully even on a 100ma panel ( which I'm looking to add to the sale next week).

I like the idea of a stand - I'm looking out for a few bits to improve the stove and panel and will see if I can get something cheap/simple - currently I just use the lead bent back to act as a stand, and keep the battery behind the sun at the same time. Not perfect, but if its really hot where you are it makes sense. The charger chip will reduce current if it gets too hot (but I've not seen this)

Current drain of voltage meter is 12ma

[nautilus1950]

for items described in pm!

Thanks!

[mvyrmnd]

Paypal Sent for:

Large Panel kit $43
Signed for shipping $7
Total: $50

[cottonpickers]

mvyrmnd, nautilus1950: Items were posted this morning.

[brighterisbetter]

Got mine today thanks. Confirmed the solar charger is working by connecting the LED battery gauge/meter thing to the USB charging leads and holding everything under a fluorescent ceiling light. Initial readings were averaging between 3.73v and 3.78v output using this method. Would have tried it outside but we're getting some pretty hardcore thunderstorms here in the midwest, everything's overcast. I'd say this was a pleasant purchasing experience. Now to find a way to mount the solar panel onto a Pelican case or something and seal it up. The LED voltmeter thing is super cool.