Sunday, May 9, 2021

Hiker hack: Solar module

The question is: solar module - yes or no

I decided to buy a solar panel, knowing that it would be hard to charge my phone anywhere in corona times! As much as I like my solar module, I would say, most people won't need a solar panel! 

Why:

Most people want to and will stay in an accommodation once a week, where they can charge electronic devices and a power bank/power banks. A solar panel is not necessary. It is heavier and more expensive. Plus, one power bank is still necessary, even with a solar panel! Because it is a buffer for electronic devices, but it is also necessary, in case there is no sun and thus no energy from the solar panel :) 

Here are 3 reasons, when a solar panel makes sense to me:

(1) Long time off civilization

(2) Not willing to spend time and/or money in civilization

(3) wanting to go 'green'

I really enjoy my solar panel. It gives me a lot of freedom and it feels good to 'produce' my own energy. But it certainly is some additional weight! 


If it comes to the question of: 'which solar panel', I can't really say much. I'm happy with my Anker PowerPort 21W, which I randomly bought and which worked fine so far. But there are tons of possibilities. I even met a guy on the CDT, who bought a lighter and smaller cheap Chinese solar panel. He had two smartphone batteries and added some things to charge them directly. 





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