Solar iPod Charger

Considering a Solar Powered iPod Charger?

Is a Solar iPod Charger a reliable - on the go - power solution? Before you purchase any solar iPod battery charger read this. Tips for getting the best solar battery charger for your iPod.

The sun can be used to charge just about anything... the faster you want the job done, the more watts the solar charger needs to be capable of outputting. More watts means more money and larger size. Before you go looking for your ipod solar charger identify what your number 1 need is, is it portability? low price? high watt output?

Knowing what you need will ensure that you get the charger that best fits your circumstances. Here's what we've learned about purchasing a solar charger for an iPod.

Considerations for Choosing a Solar iPod Charger

• Watts of Potential Output.

  First, notice that we used the term potential output. That's because with solar powered chargers the output varies dramatically depending on the intensity and availability of direct sunlight. The watts stated in promotional materials are the highest amount of watts that device would be capable of outputting in ideal circumstances (direct, unobstructed, mid-day sun in a favorable latitude).



• Size and Weight

  The bigger the charger the higher the output. Problem is... the bigger the unit is the less portable it is.
  
  On the other hand, if you're looking for a pocket or purse sized charger you'll have to sacrifice some watts, mini chargers have mini output.
  
  

• Portability

  Foldable and rollable thin film photovoltaic panels offer the best of both worlds. They fold or roll into super transportable packages but open to become large collectors that provide some serious power. Those who are serious about recharging an iPod or keeping battteries charged during remote and extreme expeditions, tend to buy flexible panels that provide 12, 26, or 52 watts of power. Because they're durable and available in a wide range of sizes the Brunton line of portable solar chargers are very popular among the outdoor crowd.
  
  Although Brunton makes a 6 watt panel that is touted to charge an iPod some people have been disappointed with it's performance with a 3G iPod. Try the Brunton Solaris 12 - Solar charger - 12 Watt for more reliability or the Brunton 26 Watt Foldable Solar Array which is highly rated by consumers who own it. Although it's a more expensive solar panel it will run as well as charge, a wide range of electronic devices and will probably outlast all of your electronics.



• Adaptors

  Solar battery chargers usually include a selection of adaptors for a variety of electronic devices. If an adaptor for your device is not included you can often purchase one separately although it will add to the overall cost of your charger.



• Price

  If price is the deciding factor for you try one of the following. For under $30.00 the Scosche Solar Powered Backup Battery and Charger for iPod or the Back-Up Rechargeable POWER Boost for iPod, iPhone 3G / 3GS, ALL BlackBerry's, Kindle 2 & Kindle DX - Refuel 3 Ways AC, USB and SOLAR are both rated fairly highly by owners of the products. Although these products will recharge the iPod it should be stated that it will take days for a completely discharged device to become fully charged

Customers who are happiest with solar chargers understand the limitations of solar and have expectations in line with what solar power can actually achieve. If you want a fast and efficient solar charger be prepared to pay for it.

Any solar charger worth it's salt will outlive the device for which it was purchased. The wider the selection of adaptors the more versatile your solar powered charger will be over the next ten years as your devices and needs change.

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