I haven't found any articles on the forum about solar power battery charging systems for kayak trips. I am looking to put one together and have spent a lot of time on the Internet looking.
Does anyone else use solar power chargers on kayak trips for charging AA/AAA, cameras, cell phones, GPS, marine radio etc? If so, did you put it together yourself?
I have seen the website "the Rogue Paddler" where he has built his own system with a 12v bilge pump incorporated into the system. I love this idea and would like to make a system like this with a few changes. The problem is I don't like the storage battery used in it. He uses a 12 v heavy acid filled battery. I know there are smaller battery packs made now for solar panels that are light, small and not filled with acid. These battery packs come built with with the car adapter plugs and USB adapter. This is great but now I wouldn't be able to custom wire my system into the battery like on "Rogue Paddler" with the bilge pump.
If anyone is familiar with any of these systems I would appreciate any comments or suggestions. So far the system I am looking at putting together WILL NOT allow me to incorporate a 12 v bilge pump. Here is what I am looking at:
-Powerfilm R7 solar panel (marine grade 7 watt)
into
-Novuscell 24 battery pack
into
-3 outlet car adapter (this will allow me to charge 3 different things at the same time)
Items to charge off the battery:
-AA/AAA Rechargeable batteries and pack with car adapter outlet
-IPhone (can use car adapter or USB adapter that comes with Novuscell 24)
-Digital camera battery with car charger adapter
-Marine radio battery with car charger adapter
This system will allow me to charge directly to the IPhone, rechargeable batteries etc directly from the solar panel or charge the Novuscell storage battery from the solar panel.
I would probably charge the Novuscell storage battery while paddling during the day then charge the other things, as needed, off the storage battery back at camp.
Thanks and please let me know what you use.

Hello? Does anyone have ANY input? Anyone?

Hey Chad: I use both design models of the Solio to charge all of my electronics including, Ipod, cellphone, VHF, etc.
The rechargeable batteries with the USB that they can special order from China are junk (do not buy). The optional reading light is great as are all the the other products sold by Solio as options. Easy to use and works great.
Some electronics require the one solar screen model whilst others require the three panel solar screens. The three panel charger is stronger and can charge everything I have so if you are buying just one make sure it is the three screen model. I have one of each to increase my charging ability and speed.
I have never tried to charge a bilge pump with either unit.

Good Luck in the garden!

Solar panel power is very easy and environmentally friendly idea. solar panel plates are exposed to daylight and generate energy. solar powered battery charger converts the sun rays into low voltage DC electricity.

No doubt the cost of installation of solar power energy system is high in the start.But in the long run almost it incurred no cost and this is environment friendly too.This is the best feature of the system ever.

Sea Kayaker had an article by Robert Walker titled "Expedition-Capacity Waterproof Solar Battery Charger" it appeared in the December 2003 issue. The article was a do-it-yourself project that was designed to recharge a number of batteries at a time to keep you going on an expedition. It might be a good starting point for you.

Mike Kayak

Thanks Mike.

Solar energy is a biggest source of energy which is more cheaper and environment friendly.Thanks for sharing its mechanism.

try Curt trailer battery and CTEK USA charger from Summit Racing online.

The Curt is proven, the CTEK is beautiful, charges all 12V.

Innovative batteries are a PITA. The Curt is not that heavy.Buy 2.

On lead acid batts, POWERSTREAM sells dc converters. Email PS for advice. PS sold one here for 12V to Marntz PMD 620 voltage then phantom power to a Mineroff hydrophone. An Attwood 12V bilge pump swallows 12V.

Add a Pelican box with plastic thru wall fittings from US PLASTICS or McMaster Carr.

Carrying 2 Curts should clear the cloudy day