Laptop solar power kit
Posted by Solar energy guru | Filed under Solar power systems
These days it’s all about solar power, and it’s not just houses and cars that can be powered but the sun. Think small: even laptops, which require about 15 to 30 watts of energy, can be powered by the sun. Solar power kits can be made or purchased, and the reason to go this route is to have power in the outdoors without the need for electricity. For example, campers or those studying outside now don’t have to be at the mercy of then their batteries run out of power. Or, if you’re just crazy about living green, these devices could appeal to you.
Solar power is the headliner when it comes to alternative energy for its Earth-friendliness and the cheapness of the power itself. However, the devices that still run the power can be costly. As these technologies become less rare and more people purchase them, the price should be going down. There also are government incentives out there that reward people for using solar energy.
Very few people have bought laptop solar power kit, and experts that have purchased them have given negative reviews. The devices are generally considered not worth the extra fuss for only a couple of hours of time. Many of the kits are considered unwieldy, and they only work at best when the sun is the brightest. Put in simpler terms: two extra hours of power is just not worth the couple to several hundred dollars that these devices now cost. Size and weight are going to be two of the biggest issues when trying to decide on a laptop solar power kit. However purchasing a do it yourself kit is considered the affordable alternative and can prove to be a fun project for tech or green gadget enthusiasts.
If you still are insistent on giving this technology a shot, here are some examples of how to integrate solar power into your laptop:
- Earthtech Product’s solar power kit is great for laptops and other small devices, with 32 watts of compact solar panels. Just plug the kit into your device and – voila – you have power.
- The 25-watt kit that Sunlinq provides comes with a 300-watt battery and can provide up to 12 hours of energy, 6 hours of time with the solar power pack alone. The device also can be used with other smaller devices.
- In the do it yourself world, a homemade kit from Powersource can cost under a couple hundred bucks and power such devices as the MacBook. The kits weigh about 2 pounds and offer about 2 hours of energy. The foldable 25-watt bag from Earthtech also is a promising choice, offering 6 hours of power at a time.
- Meanwhile, if your laptop only needs 15 watts, Voltaic solar bags are a wonderful option. They look like a backpack and can fully charge a laptop after a day in the sun. Battery back included, and the device can be used with other handheld electronics.
- The Sunshine Solar Briefcase Charger offers 28 watts of energy, a 12V battery and an adapter that lets you hook it up to a cigarette socket.
- The Brunton Solaris 26 Solar Array offers 26 watts of power, is as large as a DVD case in its compact form and claims it can even perform in low-light conditions. The device weighs 28 ounces.
- The Shayne McQuade solar-powered laptop bag can charge laptops, cell phones and more … all while storing these devices! Battery pack included, in addition to common adapters and a built-in USB port. This water-resistant bag is made of PET fabric and was developed from recycled soda bottles.
