Solar Laptop Chargers: How They Work and Available Options

Solar laptop chargers are continuing to become more popular, and that's tied directly to the fact that they are more effective, convenient and affordable than ever before. In fact, there's now a wide range of solar powered laptop chargers available on the market, each of which may be able to meet a certain need or demand. Solar laptop chargers are great companions when traveling through a country which might not have a reliable electricity source. Before examining a few of the different choices that you can compare, first it's worthwhile to take a quick look at how exactly these devices work.

There are several different ways to quickly and efficiently capture solar energy and transfer it into an electric energy source. The most common of which is using photovoltaic cells, which capture the energy from the sun, and transfer that into electric current which can be used for any purpose, in this case charging up a laptop, mobile phone or another gadgets.

Here are four different solar laptop chargers to take a look at:

Solar Gorilla Laptop/Netbook Solar Charger:

On location, on safari, up a mountain or simply on the move, the Solargorilla portable solar charger gives power anywhere under the sun. The Solar Gorilla is a viable charging option for laptops under 40 watts and it can even charge your mobile phone, iPod, handheld games consoles and many more devices from the 5V USB output.
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How the Solar Gorilla Works:
1. Simply open the 2 panels
2. Attach the correct tip for your device
3. Expose to direct sunlight

Upside:
- Includes 15 connector tips for most laptops, mobile phones and other portable electronics
- Super lightweight and portable, weighting only 1.8 lbs;
- 2 charging ports; 24 Volt & 5 Volt
- For Battery Storage, easily paired with the Power Gorilla

Downside:
- No 120V AC plug-in socket
- Battery storage is not included, additional cost

Sherpa 120 Explorer Solar Kit

Rugged, durable and portable the Sherpa 120 Explorer Solar Kit delivers power to charge a wide array of AC, USB, 12 Volt DC and handheld devices. Engineered and designed to perform in zero-margin-of-error conditions the Sherpa 120 Explorer kit can provide power electricity for any expedition, camping trip or weekend adventure.

How the Sherpa 120 Explorer Solar Kit Works:
1. Charge the Sherpa 120 Power Pack via AC wall adapter or by included Nomad 27 watt solar panel
2. Attach Universal Inverter for AC devices or use Sherpa Power Pack directly for 12V and USB devices
3. Enjoy

Upside:
- 120 watt-hours of portable power
- Charge many devices; USB, 12V and AC (with inverter) outputs
- Plug in your devices like you would a wall outlet
- Fits in any backpack
- Included solar panel creates unlimited renewal source of power

Downside:
- 3 components to this solar kit
- Costly; but rugged and durable

Solar MacBook Charger

Finally, a solar charger for the MacBook. One 15 Watt, 20 Volt Panel connected to the HyperMac MP-60 Battery (via MagSafe Airplane Adapter) provides unlimited solar power for your MacBook. Some of the newer models like the 13″ MacBook or the MacBook Air deliver up to 45 minutes of runtime for every hour in the sun. If you have a pre-unibody 17″ MacBook Pro, it might only be 12 minutes per hour of sun. In other words, the longer it lasts when not connected to power, the better your experience will be when charging from solar.

How the MacBook Solar Charger Works:
1. Create your own MagSafe adapter (HyperJuice Magic Box included). Only 2 minutes to attach 2 "Magic Box" adapters along MagSafe Power Adapter cord.
2. Plug your 15 Watt solar panel to the HyperMac MP-60 Battery via 5.5×2.1mm plug
3. Attach one end of your MagSafe adapter to your MacBook and the other end to the HyperMac MP-60 battery

Upside:
- Solar charge your MacBook
- HyperMac battery has a 5V USB port which can charge your mobile phones, iPhone, and MP3 players

Downside:
- Solar kit make be bulky to transport
- Charge indicator on the HyperMac will only work when plugged to an AC source, not solar. You will have to unplug solar panel and check battery level

As solar technology transforms, everyday new technology is being created to render us independent of the grid yet allow us to enjoy our gadgets. Solar Laptop chargers are the best evidence of this.

We will continue to bring you new technology, if you come across a cool gadget please let us know – info@ecogeekliving.com