The proliferation of productive smartphones equipped with weak batteries makes users seriously think about alternative power sources. Unfortunately, convenient solutions for everyday use, besides conventional batteries, do not exist yet. The only worthy option is autonomous power units for charging the phone without connecting to a network. But such options have a lot of their drawbacks. At the same time, for those who like to spend time in nature and away from civilization, the capacious Power Bank will not be a salvation. In such situations, a solar battery comes to the rescue to charge the phone, which is completely independent from the mains. Such devices allow you to recharge the charge of mobile devices, receiving energy directly from the sun. Accordingly, it is also a free way to ensure the functioning of electronics.
Device and battery principle
By design, such products resemble small batteries, a feature of which is a wide variety of different adapters. The standard device of the solar battery provides for the presence of photocells that accumulate energy that is converted into a power charge. Further, through miniUSB or microUSB, the energy enters the mobile device. Depending on the model, such devices can be equipped with special indicators, the glow of which indicates a sufficient level of light to carry out the charge.
Before you begin the process of supplying the phone with energy, you should charge the solar battery. This can take several hours - it depends on the brightness of the light. After that, the solar battery for charging the phone can be used for its intended purpose. By selecting the appropriate adapter, you can connect the battery to the target device.
Main characteristics
The main characteristic is power, which averages 4-12 watts. This indicator is enough to work with small mobile devices, but it is better to charge a tablet or laptop with more powerful batteries. In this case, the solar cell device may provide for the presence of several cells of the type NiCd-NiMh. Accordingly, the more batteries, the faster will be charging, but the mass of the device will increase significantly.
By the way, in terms of size, such devices rarely exceed the size of the video cassette, and the weight is usually 400-500 g. But there are exceptions, and if you plan an outing on a long trip, it is advisable to initially calculate the mass of an additional power source. If you plan to use the device as a standard adapter, then the solar battery for charging the phone must also have the ability to connect to a wall outlet or cigarette lighter.
Charging efficiency
Still, the bulk of buyers rely on the possibility of operating solar panels in full autonomy relative to the mains. That is, the question arises of how, in principle, charging from an alternative source can be effective. As practice shows, a full recharge of the battery occurs in 6-10 hours. Such a wide time range is due to the fact that the sun can have different glow parameters. It is clear that under the most favorable conditions, this method of charging will lose supply from the outlet, which takes an average of 3-4 hours. When charged, the solar battery for the phone is able to provide power to the phone for 1-2 hours. This time is enough for a low-performance button device to fully replenish energy. However, modern smartphone models with large screens and capacious batteries often require much longer charging time.
Battery cost
The simplest elements with a small capacity are estimated at an amount not exceeding 1 thousand rubles. As a rule, these are Chinese devices of dubious origin, among which, however, you can find very effective options. The price tag increases as the functionality available to the solar battery expands. The price of devices that have a wide range of adapters and connectors can be 2-3 thousand rubles. Of course, in this case, and the power will be at least 10 watts. The most expensive models of solar batteries cost 4-5 thousand rubles. and more. Such devices can no longer be called compact, since the equipment may include a display, a wide range of ports and plugs, as well as special fasteners. With the help of this complex, you can recharge not only the phone, but also a full laptop.
Positive reviews about solar panels
Most laudatory opinions regarding the operation of solar panels come from users who specifically purchase such devices for use in nature. It is precisely in the conditions of separation from civilization that the benefits of an alternative energy source can be highly appreciated - independence from the outlet is the main advantage that almost all solar panels possess. Reviews note the versatility of such devices. For example, in addition to power from the sun, batteries can be connected to a conventional power supply and subsequently used for a one-time charge on a mobile device.
Negative reviews
Most manufacturers of solar panels are represented by the Chinese market with all the characteristic disadvantages of such products. Experienced users of electronics note that, in essence, the basis of the batteries is represented by unfinished solar cells. That is, such panels are nothing more than blanks for more complex devices. At the same time, a low technological level runs counter to price tags. The fact is that even the average cost of solar panels is 1-2 thousand rubles. in most cases, unreasonably high. For comparison, energy storage devices in the form of portable charges only in rare cases cost more than 1 thousand rubles.
How to choose the best option?
In order not to miscalculate with the purchase of a solar battery, you should initially determine the level of required power, the ability to connect, as well as the size of the device. The optimal power level for an average performance model is 3-4 watts. As for connectivity, the solar panel for the phone, at a minimum, must support the USB and microUSB interfaces that most modern mobile phones interact with. In terms of dimensions, the choice is made individually, based on the nature of the operation of the device.
Conclusion
Large world manufacturers are not yet striving to fully develop and market chargers based on solar cells. Therefore, the niche is occupied by little-known and, as a rule, small companies. One way or another, the solar battery for charging the phone has no competitors in the market that can replace its function. The same portable chargers are only good as a way to carry out 3-4 power sessions, after which they themselves need to connect to an outlet. In turn, solar panels are able to work for weeks and months in conditions of complete autonomy, providing power from photo panels.