[pct-l] Solar Panel Info?

[jeffmoorehead1 at cox.net (Jeff Moorehead)]

Hi Jim,
 I have been experimenting with this same idea for awhile. First, I made 
sure that all electronic gadgets that I am taking use AA batteries and not 
the proprietary variety. Here's what I've found. A hi wattage charger will 
tend to charge much faster= less one full set of batteries to carry but is 
heavier. A slow 'trickle-type' charger is much lighter but takes a whole day 
+ of exposure (14 hours) to charge a set of 4 empty AA, so this would imply 
that you would need 2 full set of backups if you always want to have your 
gadgets ready to work their wonders (one set in the equipment, one ready set 
in your pack, one set being charged). I have chosen this latter system-- I 
am not sure about the ounce for ounce comparison, but to me this system is 
more foolproof and an easier concept. You mount the tiny panel on your 
backpack with some velcro mounts and tuck the battery tray inside your pack. 
Here's the link to purchase them-- note that they've done all the soldering 
and installed a diode so you won't have to worry about 'reverse charging' 
when the sun goes away:

http://store.sundancesolar.com/flsobachfor4.html


>I am trying to find some information about using a small, roll-up solar 
> >panel to recharge the batteries on my GPS and camera during my 2006 >hike. 
>Does anyone have any experience with them, and could you