May 07, 2020

Outdoor activity is becoming more popular and with that, the demand for portable power is increasing. With newer devices needing multiple charges a day due to the power they're using, this has increased the need for solutions to charge these devices.

Our most efficient solution is our Solar Kits. Our Solar Kits include the Kestel 40, the Sport 25 Solar Kit, the Extreme, the Solar Adventurer, and the newest member the Solar Adventurer II. These kits are all slightly different but all work in the same way. The electrical module in the solar panel is made up of photovoltaic cells linked together. Then produces electricity by a physicochemical reaction when the sun's rays hit its surface, this then charges up the batteries integrated into the Solar Kit or via a cable connecting the panel and the power pack.

How does a solar panel differ from a solar kit?

Everything is based on the main material from which the solar panel is made, silicon, the main constituent of sand.

Like all the matter around us, silicon is made up of atoms. An atom is a grain of matter in the form of a nucleus around which electrons gravitate. An electric current, what we are trying to obtain, is precisely a circulation of electrons.

The silicon has a feature. When solar panels are exposed to light, the electrons in the silicon move in all directions. But to produce electricity, it is also necessary to create on one side of the silicon layer excess of electrons and on the other side a deficit of electrons.

These conditions are obtained as follows:

  • On the upper face of the silicon, phosphorus atoms with a surplus of electrons are added;
  • On the lower layer of silicon, boron atoms that have a deficit of electrons are placed.

We find ourselves in the configuration of a battery, with on one side the negative terminal which has an excess of electrons, and on the other side the positive terminal which has an electron deficit.

As soon as the sun's rays hit the photovoltaic panels, the electrons start to move. Electric current is produced. The advantage is that this system is almost inexhaustible since as long as there is light, electricity is produced.

In the case of a simple portable solar panel, electricity is produced and used immediately. For the solar external battery, electricity is stored to be used later as needed.

Kestrel 40

The Kestrel 40 is a foldable 12W solar panel with an integrated 10000mAh battery. Featuring dual 5V USB outputs for charging devices including smartphones, action cameras, GPS, and more. As well as a Micro USB input, the Kestel 40 is water-resistant to IPX6 rating and made from hard-wearing materials. The Kestrel 40 also includes a built-in stand to provide the best angle for solar charging.

Sport 25 Solar Kit

The Sport 25 Solar Kit brings two of our useful chargers together in one pack - the Sport 25 power pack and the Falcon 7 foldable solar panel.

The sport 25 battery is a lightweight yet rugged 6700mAh power pack that can charge virtually any 5V electronic device including tablets, smartphones, GoPros, GPS, and more. Rated IP67 which means it is fully protected from dust ingress and can be submerged in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes, the waterproof Sport 25 power pack houses a 150 Lumen torch that also has an SOS mode making it perfect for any situation.

The Falcon 7 is an ultra-lightweight, foldable solar panel capable of charging most 5V electronic devices with the power of the sun. Featuring high-efficiency monocrystalline cells from SunPower™ which produce 25-35% more power compared to conventional cells, this compact solar charger is IPX4 rated which means it can withstand splashes of water from any direction for up to 5 minutes and is made from rugged, high-wear fabric. It also has incorporated metal eyelets to allow the panel to be attached via the included carabiners to backpacks, tents, bike panniers, and more for easy charging.

Extreme

The Extreme includes a 5W solar panel which outputs 5V 1A via USB and opens to 210 degrees - perfect for fitting to a backpack or tent. The solar panel features MPPT technology which gives optimum charging in low light conditions and will not stop charging should a cloud pass over the panels. As well as a 12,000mAh lithium battery - providing a hefty amount of power for users when they need it most. Unlike most portable chargers, the extreme features both a 12V DC output - suitable for charging bigger devices such as SLR cameras and tablets, a 5V 2A USB output for smaller devices such as smartphones and GPS systems PLUS a bi-directional USB-C socket - meaning you can charge the very latest devices utilizing USB-C charging.

Solar Adventurer

When size and weight are at a premium, the solar adventurer is the perfect solution. Incorporating a 3500mAh internal lithium polymer battery, the solar adventurer features a 4-colour LED light to show the level of charge left in the internal battery and a 5V USB output which enables efficient charging of mobile devices. This charger is compatible with a whole host of 5V devices and can charge an iPhone / smartphone 1-2 times, a GPS 1-3 times, or an iPad by up to 25%. It is also compatible with headlamps, e-readers, hand-held action cameras, and much more. The slim, compact design offers optimum weight-to-efficiency at just 265g and the 2 solar panels output 3W max.

Solar Adventurer II

And welcome to our newest member of the team, our compact and powerful solar charger, the Solar Adventurer II has an integrated 10000mAh battery and is capable of charging most 5V electronic devices including smartphones, action cameras, smartwatches, and more. With a bi-directional 18W PD USB-C port the battery can be charged without using the panel making it a versatile, portable charger. As well as charging 5V devices, the Solar Adventurer II can provide charge to compatible USB-C laptops, giving a few extra hours of use.

It can be difficult to decide on what is right for you with quite a lot of options. Our Solar Kits are versatile and each has been used in different environments around the world - the newest addition the Solar Adventurer II is now pocket-sized and can give you that extra power you need, whereas the Kestrel 40 is easy to clip onto your backpack and charge as you go. Take a look at each of them and decide what is best for you.


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