MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - Will this solar charger work with the Libre Pro

MLXXXp · 12-30-2011, 06:41 PM

I'll try to provide some help to the OP, instead of just my comments, arguments and criticism.

My question is, why are you interested in this charger?

Because it's really inexpensive and looks like it would be a cool thing to have?
I'd say forget it. The solar cell is too small to be useful and the battery is probably too small to provide adequate portable charging for an eReader. It might work somewhat but probably not as well as you expect.

Because you want to be environmentally friendly and use solar power?
I'd say forget it. The cost and materials and processes used to produce most small solar devices has a greater impact on the environment than what's gained by the subsequent use of solar power.

You don't really care about solar but want to be able to charge your eReader when you're not in a house or vehicle or other source of power?
Consider a device with a battery that can be charged up and then provide USB power such as:
http://www.duracell.com/en-US/produc...b-charger.jspx
http://www.energizerpowerpacks.com/c...rtablechargers

You want a portable solar solution that you can carry while biking, hiking, backpack camping, etc.?
Get something similar to the device you asked about but a quality product (expect to pay quite a bit more) such as:
http://www.goalzero.com/shop/p/57//1:1/
http://www.energizerpowerpacks.com/ca/products/sp2000/

You want solar but portablilty isn't an issue?
You could use Ken Maltby's first suggestion but add a car or motorcycle lead acid battery to buffer the power. You might also need a charge controller, depending on the battery and panel size. You should also consider "low voltage cutout" circuitry to prevent discharging the buffer battery too far and damaging it. You could also use a sealed lead acid "gel cell" type battery but probably would need a charge controller regardless of the panel size.

For this last case, you could also go with one of the many larger or non-portable commercial solar systems available. Some may not be as expensive as a portable solution because making things small and light can add cost.

Note that I have no connection with, or am endorsing, or have even used any of the products in the above links. They're just examples, and there are many similar products available.

12-30-2011, 06:41 PM	#12
MLXXXp Enthusiast Posts: 37 Karma: 88 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Toronto, Canada Device: Aluratek Libre, Nokia N800	I'll try to provide some help to the OP, instead of just my comments, arguments and criticism. My question is, why are you interested in this charger? Because it's really inexpensive and looks like it would be a cool thing to have? I'd say forget it. The solar cell is too small to be useful and the battery is probably too small to provide adequate portable charging for an eReader. It might work somewhat but probably not as well as you expect. Because you want to be environmentally friendly and use solar power? I'd say forget it. The cost and materials and processes used to produce most small solar devices has a greater impact on the environment than what's gained by the subsequent use of solar power. You don't really care about solar but want to be able to charge your eReader when you're not in a house or vehicle or other source of power? Consider a device with a battery that can be charged up and then provide USB power such as: http://www.duracell.com/en-US/produc...b-charger.jspx http://www.energizerpowerpacks.com/c...rtablechargers You want a portable solar solution that you can carry while biking, hiking, backpack camping, etc.? Get something similar to the device you asked about but a quality product (expect to pay quite a bit more) such as: http://www.goalzero.com/shop/p/57//1:1/ http://www.energizerpowerpacks.com/ca/products/sp2000/ You want solar but portablilty isn't an issue? You could use Ken Maltby's first suggestion but add a car or motorcycle lead acid battery to buffer the power. You might also need a charge controller, depending on the battery and panel size. You should also consider "low voltage cutout" circuitry to prevent discharging the buffer battery too far and damaging it. You could also use a sealed lead acid "gel cell" type battery but probably would need a charge controller regardless of the panel size. For this last case, you could also go with one of the many larger or non-portable commercial solar systems available. Some may not be as expensive as a portable solution because making things small and light can add cost. Note that I have no connection with, or am endorsing, or have even used any of the products in the above links. They're just examples, and there are many similar products available. Last edited by MLXXXp; 12-30-2011 at 08:09 PM.