slackercruster
Newly Enlightened
What can you recommend for solar flashlights?
Thanks
Thanks
OK, thanks.
Are there any usb flashlights and solar panels you recommend?
I'd like to try both flashlights and the panel options. The nice thing about a dedicated solar light is simplicity.
The only solar flashlights I've ever seen have 5mm LEDs and 5mms LEDs don't take a lot of power unless you run a bunch of them. As for windup lights with the efficiency of LEDs now is such that with lower modes and an 18650 battery you don't need to use them and if you tried to recharge an 18650 with a hand crank you would have to have a carpal tunnel operation afterwards.Sometime, maybe 2003, I used a solarflashlight. After a couple times charging on a south glass window ledge inside, the plastic frame of the light warped. little panel on it was still functional but the anemic incandescent bulb was near useless for tasks. Live and learn.
Simplicity? Have you tried the wind up lights?
A 5 watt solar panel can be had for not that much money, and will charge an 18650 in full sun. Don't go fully draining your battery, or that will take a while. Nitecore F1 is a solid candidate for a simple charger. Hopefully they will update that model with a stronger slide spring. If you are car camping, or otherwise stationary, a two bay charger is feasible and more flexible (MiBOXER C2-3000 being one choice if available- disclosure: MiBOXER sent me one of them for review)
That makes some sense..... as that high up light reflected off of clouds is probably a lot brighter than down nearer to sea level.Since we are at about 7000 feet in altitude in what is considered a semi-arid environment, we get good sun. Curiously, more watts can be achieved when there are substantial white clouds in the sky, with the sun not obstructed by a cloud. This will exceed stated ratings sometimes.