Solar power and Nicads

[Johnny C]

Anyone have a solar powered battery charger and an assortment of Nicads?

Seems like a good SHTF idea, and I am looking into it.

 

[jb28]

Harbor Freight has a few different options for solar power. Cheap Chinese stuff but it certainly isn't gonna break the bank. I have one that folds up like briefcase. I have a Rayovac battery charger I picked up at Walmart for cheap then all you need is a 12v to 110 conveter. 18 Volt to 24 Volt Solar Charger

 

[spencer rifle]

I have both that I got from Real Goods years ago. The NiCads eventually wear out and are a disposal problem, being toxic and all. NiMH has better power density and will likely last longer. It's handy parking the charger on a windowsill and always having freshly-charged cells ready.

You might want to mark rechargeables some obvious way (we use a green duct tape stripe) so the kids don't accidentally throw them away.

 

[ctbreitwieser]

I have one of these. I used it in afghanistan and it was a life saver. Durable as all hell and worth every penny.

Portable Solar Battery Charger | Portable Solar Panels | Off-Grid Solar Generators | Goal Zero - Extreme Portable Power

 

[ctbreitwieser]

This is actually the one I have:

Goal Zero: Portable Solar Power | See the Sherpa 50 Adventure Kit