Review By: Billy Conrad

Product Star Rating:

If you love solar power products then you must check out what Voltaic Solar has come out with.  They offer a variety of different backpacks and messenger bags that charge your electronics with solar power.  These solar bags are a great new technology giving you the ability to always have power for all of your favorite devices no matter where you are!  The first Voltaic Generator Solar Laptop Bag that is powerful enough of charging your laptop with solar energy.  This solar bag will also charge cell phones and you will never run out of music on your iPhone or iPod again.  Most any other handheld electronic can be charged from here too.  Whether you are down by the pool with a dead cell phone battery or out site seeing the Grand Canyon when your digital camera’s battery dies; these Solar Bags have the answer!  A Voltaic Solar bag won’t keep you tied to an electric outlet. They come with ten popular adaptor tips and a USB socket which works with most USB chargers like the ones that come with iPods and iPhones.

The Voltaic Solar Backpack with Silver Panels is not designed to charge laptops.  It does come with a Li-Polymer battery charger that keeps backup power ready for overcast or rainy days.  For multiple electronic devices it has pockets and wire channels.  The durable solar panels are water proof and scratch resistant, and the included battery pack can be charged using the USB Power Cable, making it just as useful on the grid as off.  The three independent panels operate to generate 4 watts of power.  This is typical double the amount of power that other solar chargers do and enough to charge most of your portable consumer electronics

The Generator Voltaic’s Solar Laptop Charging Bag is the first solar bag that is strong enough to charge your laptop. It is fabricated with recycled PET soda bottles, which make it tough and water resistant.  The solar cells it uses are high efficiency and feature a custom designed battery pack to systematically store and transform the generated electricity.  It will also charge cell phones, iPhone, iPod, and most other hand held electronics.  The included battery pack is equivalent to a typical laptop charger.  It stores the energy and instantly delivers the required amount of electricity.  The bag includes all the common adaptors for making sure you have connection to laptops, cell phones, the new iPad, iPhone4, iPod Touch, and any other portable device.  A USB or car charger is included with every Generator Laptop bag.

The Voltaic Solar Messenger Bag with Silver Panels is a mobile power generator.  It is double the power of typical solar messenger bags so it packs four watts of power for your mobile devices like mp3 players, cell phones, PDAs and two way radios helping them charge in a fraction of the usual time it takes other messenger bags. It is equipped with durable solar panels that are waterproof are mounted to the outside of a zipper pocket.  This large solar messenger bag includes room for files or a Laptop.  Though not intended for charging a laptop, this solar messenger bag does comes with a car adaptor and a Li Ion battery pack for storing extra power when the sun isn’t shining.

Voltaic’s Converter Bag with silver panels too is a multifaceted solar backpack for charging your handheld electronics.  It is a small feather weight day bag with a compartment for a water bottle which makes it great the outdoors when biking, hiking or just hiking the city streets.  These waterproof solar panels generate up to 4 watts of power and are scratch resistant & UV resistant.  It is designed of an aluminum and plastic composite which is specifically designed to be strong and lightweight.  Voltaic Solar Backpack easily stand up to typical outdoor use including being dropped and leaned on.  Although not for charging laptops it will charge most handheld portable devices.

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Review By: Kay Melmer

Product Star Rating:

If you would like to have free power for your laptop from anywhere, take a look at the new Solar Gorilla from Power Traveller. This device is compatible with most notebooks, iPads, iPods, iPhones, PDAs, MP3/MP4 players, handheld gaming consoles, and many standard cell phones.  The great thing is it’s capable of powering a laptop and a mobile; simultaneously charging your gadgets in real time.  This portable charger folds up and is engineered to protect the solar panels when stored away.  It has a standard 20V power socket out and standard 5v USB socket and SolarGorilla’s 24 volt and 5 volt USB socket make it the ultimate renewable power station for most small handheld electronic portable devices.  It also comes with a neoprene zip case and an additional compartment for extra tips.

It comes complete with fifteen connectors.  A pack of eight male notebook connectors and nine “monkey nuts” connector tips for cell phones.  They are clearly labeled on the pack.  The connector tips for cell phones include the Nokia and Mini Nokia, the Motorola V66, the Samsung E900, the LG Chocolate, and the SonyEricsson wide connectors.  There is also a mini USB for if you have Motorola Razr V Series, BlackBerry, or bluetooth headset.  Also featured is female USB charging tip for smart phones, PDAs, and other USB powered devices.  A micro USB for the latest Motorola and Nokia series phones is also available.  The cables include a two meter USB extension cable, two meter Powergorilla laptop charging cable and a 12V car charger socket.

Solar gorilla works with two photovoltaic solar panels that generate electricity when they are exposed to light.  The two solar panels that generate the electric current are made of glass to greatly improve the performance plus it adds to the aesthetics of the unit.  There is a green LED on the Solargorilla that indicates the strength of the current charge.  The charge will be more intense when there is more light; it will work better.  The solar panels are technically advanced to ensure high quality power and maintain dependable performance.  The unit is also housed in a tough rubberized outer casing.

Bad news and great news if you are a Macbook Pro, Macbook Air, or Macbook user. Bad news-one item that we found was not included from the manufacture, unfortunately, is the Apple MagSafe Airline Adaptor, this purchased separately costs around $60. Great news-we did find a dealer that is adding the Magsafe Airline Adaptor in for FREE/at no extra charge to increase compatibility for an easy connection for Macs!  We included the link below.

Click Here for FREE Magsafe Adaptor offer Purchase of Solargorilla

The dimensions for the device are approximately 10.4″ x 7.8″ x 0.74″ and it weighs a light 1.5 LBS which is easy for transporting.  The output capacity is 500 mAh at 20V and 500 mAh at 5V.  The device also has a water resistant design, except for the power connectors; most solar chargers die if left in the rain.  This device comes with a 1 year Manufacturer’s Warranty along with a quick start guide.  So, whether you’re in the desert or working by the beach the technically advanced SolarGorilla portable solar charger ensures superb power and reliable performance anywhere under the sun.  Again, the link below is for the FREE Magsafe Airline Adaptor offer when buying the SolarGorilla.  Remember this normally cost around $60, so it’s just a little bonus for our readers.

Click Here for FREE Magsafe Adaptor with Purchase of Solargorilla

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Review By: Michael Merritt

Product Star Rating:

This gadget seems to be a great answer to a lot of portable power needs.  It offers the perfect and reliable solution for your portable solar power.  This device is great for handheld game consoles or satellite phones, even your GPS.  Never let your portable battery packs run out of power again.  The Sunlinq Portable Solar Panel Charger from Global Solar Energy, Inc. features 12 watts and 12 volts.  It can even charge your batteries while in the great outdoors.  With the Sunlinq Portable Solar Panel, the portable charging possibilities are endless!  The 12-watt only weighs 11 ounces and when folded is very compact and lightweight.  It can be easily stored and transported anywhere.

With the unique PowerFLEX technology, it is a durable and flexible portable solar panel that produces enough power to charge batteries, flash lights, lanterns, cell phones, and MP3 players.  Just about anything that can be charged with a standard cigarette lighter adapter can be charged with this foldable device.  The portable solar panels are available in a few models:  the 6.5 Watt, the 12 Watt, and 25 Watt.  The Sunlinq 6.5W is laminated with a brand new urethane material that acts and feels like rubber.  This makes it the most flexible and water resistant portable solar panel product from Sunlinq.  Using this unique material makes the 6.5 Watt by far the most revolutionary portable solar panel product.  No other durable, foldable solar panel on the market can compare to it today!

Global Solar Energy, Inc. is a manufacture of lightweight and efficient photovoltaic materials that have been engineered and designed into mil-spec grade products.  Sunlinq’s unique line of portable and lightweight solar chargers can add convenience and the bare electronic essentials to your portable power needs.  No matter if the goal is a weekend camping trip in the middle of the forest, a day at the beach or just listening to the radio in your back yard, Global Solar Energy’s Sunlinq products travel with you anywhere you go.  It’s a great environmentally friendly way to keep your electronic devices batteries charged and ready for use.

Click Here for an Authorized Dealer of the Sunlinq Portable Solar Panel

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Review By: Michael Merritt

Product Star Rating:

The XPower Powerpack 1500 by Xantrex Technology is a back-up power system that can supply up to 1500 W of household electricity and is an excellent alternative to a generator.  Sold in a rugged cart, the XPower Powerpack 1500 can be easily wheeled from room to room or outdoors over rough terrain.

It’s quiet and safe for indoor use since it has no fumes, fuel, or moving parts. This mobile workhorse can also be used outdoors and operates a wide variety of electronics including communication devices, power tools, full-size appliances, and more.  It weighs 60 lbs and measures 14.8″ H x 15.6″ W x 12.3″ D without the handle.

The XPower Powerpack 1500 system consists of a battery pack that stores electricity, advanced electronics that convert 12 volts of DC power from the battery pack to household power, an AC power panel that contains two standard outlets, and a DC power panel that is used to operate 12 volt products.

Click Here for an Authorized

XPower Powerpack 1500 Dealer

The Powerpack 1500 features many indoor and outdoor uses and can be used for emergency power to operate essential appliances, such as a refrigerator, a cordless or cell phone, a radio, fan, lamp, home security system, microwave, sump pump, and more.

It could be used in a work environment to operate power tools such as a drill, belt sander, and circular saw just to name a few.  In an office you can power communication devices such as a laptop, desktop and monitor, printer, fax machine, etc.

This Product offers great features such as:

• Operates Products Anywhere (120 Vac or 12 Vdc)
• Non-Spillable 60 amp-hour AGM Sealed Battery
• Automatic Over-Heat and Overload Shut-off with Massive Surge Protection.
• Low Voltage Alarm and Shutdown (preventing deep battery discharge)
• Battery level indicator (lets you know the charge Level)
• High Power Connector (12 Vdc) * (2) Three-prong AC outlets
• Removable Padded Grip Towing Handle (for easy storage)
• Built-in side handles (allow for easy lifting)

The XPower Powerpack 1500 does have a few useful accessories you can purchase as well.

1. AC charger – (recharge the XPower Powerpack 1500 from a standard wall outlet)

2. DC charger cable – (recharge XPower Powerpack 1500 from a vehicle or RV)

I recommend XPower Powerpack 1500.  It is great for all your emergency or portable power needs and is an excellent alternative to a generator.  The company, Xantrex Technology, has been in business since 1983 and is a world leader in the development, manufacturing, and marketing of advanced power electronic products and systems for the renewable and mobile power markets.  They also offer a 1 Year Factory Warranty on the product.

Click Here for an Authorized

XPower Powerpack 1500 Dealer

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Review By: Michael Merritt

Product Star Rating:

Have you ever wondered how to create your own renewable energy or backup power system for your home, business, cabin, or cottage?

I discovered the Xantrex PowerHub 1800, the first backup and renewable power system that allows you to independently create your own energy.  This is a great alternative to gasoline or fuel powered generators that can only be used outdoors. The PowerHub converts power stored in your deep cycle batteries to 1800 watts of household power to operate your essential applications (batteries not included).  It provides an affordable, high output, primary power solution of backup power for grid-connected homes when the power goes out or power for a off-grid cottage or cabin, as well as.  The PowerHub 1800 is 57.5 lb and 28″ x 21.9″ x 36.1″ (71.1cm x 55.6cm x 91.7cm) and can be recharged from AC utility electricity, a generator, solar, or wind energy.

RUN TIMES:

• Refrigerator – 18 cu. Ft. (120 watts) 15 hours
• Inkjet Printer (8 watts) 218 hours
• Laptop computer (65 Watts) 22 hours
• Table lamp (25 watts) 54 hours
• Cell Phone (5 watts) 396 Hours

*Run times are based on the PowerHub 1800 with 2 – 100 AH batteries installed.

Setting up this power system is simple and hassle-free with built-in fuses, breakers, and cables.  The Authorized Dealer has a Product Video to see how simple it is to set up the PowerHub 1800 (click on the Product Video tab).  The PowerHub is designed to be part of a system that allows the owner to easily connect to and charge the batteries with solar and wind inputs if so desired.  It allows for pass-through generator output or generator charging of the batteries as well.  Its advanced automatic power transfer switching ensures your essential applications keep running in your grid-connected home should the power go out.

Click Here for a Xantrex PowerHub 1800 Authorized Dealer

Simply install your Gel-type lead-acid batteries (Sealed-12Vdc, 100Ah) into the provided battery box then connect the batteries to the PowerHub 1800 with the supplied cables.  Next plug in the PowerHub 1800 into your wall outlet to start trickle charging your batteries. Next time a power outage occurs, simply plug your appliances or devices into the PowerHub and you have power again.  The device is also able to connect solar panels and wind turbines for an alternate power supply to charge your batteries.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Inverter Maximum Power:  1800 Watts Continuous
• Power:  1440 Watts
• Surge Rating:  2880 Watts
• AC output voltage:  115V
• AC output frequency:  60 Hz +/- 1 Hz
• AC output wave-form:  Modified sine wave

The batteries are not included but can be purchased at any automotive supply store.  It requires (2) sealed, lead-acid Gel-type 12Vdc, 100Ah batteries.  Battery dimensions must be 12″ W x 6.75″ D x 9″ H.

If you decide that you need even more power you can increase the run time of your Xantrex PowerHub 1800 with an optional battery box.  This will hold two more batteries to double the operating time of your appliances.

Great features of the Xantrex PowerHub 1800 are:

• Modified sine wave inverter/charger with battery box
• Designed to include a generator as part of the system; generator power can pass through the unit to the AC outlets and recharge the batteries
• Integrated transfer switch
• 40-amp three-stage charger
• Four AC outlets with hardwire option
• Two DC inputs for solar and/or wind connections
• Full-feature LED display for system monitoring
• Warranty: 1 Year

The Xantrex PowerHub 1800 is a safe back-up for when the lights go out.  The PowerHub 1800 seems to be another great product from Xantrex Technology.  There is a reason they have been in business since 1983 and are a world leader in the development, manufacturing and marketing of advanced power electronic products and systems for the renewable and mobile power markets.

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