Solar Headlamps

[cajunlady87]

Just on a whim I looked up solar headlamps and they do exist. Of course I'm always a day late and a dollar short on keeping up with modern technology.

I'm interested in getting one and would like to know if any of you guys have one or know of one you'd recommend. Please let me know. Thanks.

[Cwi555]

I've looked them over, but don't believe they are cost effective. Imo, a solar battery charger makes more sense. For that matter, I'm not a fan of any device that embeds a solar cell for charging an internal battery.

From a cost and logistical standpoint, a stand alone charger that can be applied to multiple batteries is better. Those batteries can be used in any device that uses that battery size, not just a device singular.

[kutkota]

Feb 12, 2019 19:21:15 GMT -7 Cwi555 said:

I've looked them over, but don't believe they are cost effective. Imo, a solar battery charger makes more sense. For that matter, I'm not a fan of any device that embeds a solar cell for charging an internal battery.

From a cost and logistical standpoint, a stand alone charger that can be applied to multiple batteries is better. Those batteries can be used in any device that uses that battery size, not just a device singular.

I had a solar charger panel deal back a few years back. Didn't work that well for a rechargeable flashlight. Might have had the wrong charger but have they advanced in design over a few years ago to the point of it being a worthwhile endeavor?

[Cwi555]

Feb 14, 2019 12:58:53 GMT -7 kutkota said:

Feb 12, 2019 19:21:15 GMT -7 Cwi555 said:

I've looked them over, but don't believe they are cost effective. Imo, a solar battery charger makes more sense. For that matter, I'm not a fan of any device that embeds a solar cell for charging an internal battery.

From a cost and logistical standpoint, a stand alone charger that can be applied to multiple batteries is better. Those batteries can be used in any device that uses that battery size, not just a device singular.

I had a solar charger panel deal back a few years back. Didn't work that well for a rechargeable flashlight. Might have had the wrong charger but have they advanced in design over a few years ago to the point of it being a worthwhile endeavor?

There are too many variables there for me to determine what the problem was. The charger would be the least likely though.

This is my personal solution;

If it isn't on this page, I don't use it for a primary light source.
www.fenix-store.com/18650/

This is the battery I use.
www.fenix-store.com/fenix-arbl18-high-capacity-18650-battery-3500mah/

There are multiple lithium ion batteries on the market. Here it is a case of 'you get what you pay for'. Fenix did a fair job of explaining it here:
www.fenix-store.com/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-protected-and-unprotected-18650-batteries/

For standard sized batteries, I use eneloop pro with their charger. They are good for 500 recharge cycles before they start losing efficiency. They are not cheap, but it comes back to YGWYPF again.

I have a bunch of older legacy gear (Maglites etc) that use D cell. For that eneloop makes a D size battery adapter (Panasonic BQ-BS1E4SA). This was ideal to me. Rather than load up on a bunch of rechargeable D cells, I got the adapters which work well with the AAs. The final bill was a touch higher, but it plays well logistically.

For the solar chargers themself, it's a good idea to assure the solar charger output matches the input for the battery charger as close as possible. The variables there are many, with several brands coming close. For us, we manufactured our own to match precisely. If you're not going to do that, then make sure your solar output exceeds the amount of juice required. You will definitely want to avoid going under it.

[cajunlady87]

Sweet! I just love the input and Kutkota addressing a problem of his own.

Many thanks for the links to other resources.

[kutkota]

Feb 15, 2019 17:06:44 GMT -7 Cwi555 said:

Feb 14, 2019 12:58:53 GMT -7 kutkota said:

I had a solar charger panel deal back a few years back. Didn't work that well for a rechargeable flashlight. Might have had the wrong charger but have they advanced in design over a few years ago to the point of it being a worthwhile endeavor?

There are too many variables there for me to determine what the problem was. The charger would be the least likely though.

This is my personal solution;

If it isn't on this page, I don't use it for a primary light source.
www.fenix-store.com/18650/

This is the battery I use.
www.fenix-store.com/fenix-arbl18-high-capacity-18650-battery-3500mah/

There are multiple lithium ion batteries on the market. Here it is a case of 'you get what you pay for'. Fenix did a fair job of explaining it here:
www.fenix-store.com/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-protected-and-unprotected-18650-batteries/

For standard sized batteries, I use eneloop pro with their charger. They are good for 500 recharge cycles before they start losing efficiency. They are not cheap, but it comes back to YGWYPF again.

I have a bunch of older legacy gear (Maglites etc) that use D cell. For that eneloop makes a D size battery adapter (Panasonic BQ-BS1E4SA). This was ideal to me. Rather than load up on a bunch of rechargeable D cells, I got the adapters which work well with the AAs. The final bill was a touch higher, but it plays well logistically.

For the solar chargers themself, it's a good idea to assure the solar charger output matches the input for the battery charger as close as possible. The variables there are many, with several brands coming close. For us, we manufactured our own to match precisely. If you're not going to do that, then make sure your solar output exceeds the amount of juice required. You will definitely want to avoid going under it.

Thanks for your input sir.