Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => Gear => Topic started by: IZ on May 25, 2011, 08:08:02 AM

Title: Solar panels for tank bag
Post by: IZ on May 25, 2011, 08:08:02 AM
I've seen tankbags/backpacks with built-in solar panels for charging phones, i-pods, cameras.  

Anyone know if these can be purchased individually so I can add to my tankbag?  It would be nice to leave the chargers behind on  upcoming roadtrip.  

FHE?

Pricing?
Local stores these may be purchased in?  Maybe officeMax??

Found a few..including..
http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-11288_7-6427792-3.html (http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-11288_7-6427792-3.html)
Not a good review though.


**Found one at REI.  Going to check it out today. 
Title: Re: Solar panels for tank bag
Post by: He Man on May 25, 2011, 09:58:31 AM
unless the panel is in direct sunlight, it might not even produce enough electricity to power an LED.  Which is the case if the sun is behind you. You are better of wiring directly to your battery to a port that can accept multiple inputs.
Title: Re: Solar panels for tank bag
Post by: IZ on May 25, 2011, 11:12:24 AM
Thanks He!  I shouldve had that done when the bike was in this past weekend. Mech is leaving though until Aug now. Have It done then. 
Title: Re: Solar panels for tank bag
Post by: danaid on July 13, 2011, 11:16:20 PM
  I bought the Nelson-rigg solar thank bag kit which searching eBay could be had for less in various brands and knock offs.

The panel is 2.4w and charges a lithium ion battery pack, from the battery pack, you charge your various items. The discharge is a USB port , so you can use your own I phone cord or one of the various adapters it came with. The fully charged battery pack actually charged my I phone 3 times.
The down side is , like the cnet review, takes 8-10 hours to recharge by sun.   :)
Title: Re: Solar panels for tank bag
Post by: sugarcrook on July 15, 2011, 01:50:54 PM
I used this and wired an SAE plug off an accessory wire:
http://www.powerlet.com/product/luggage-electrix-connector-cigarette-socket/287 (http://www.powerlet.com/product/luggage-electrix-connector-cigarette-socket/287)
Title: Re: Solar panels for tank bag
Post by: thought on July 15, 2011, 01:59:52 PM
if you're charging a lot of electronics this works too:

http://www.burnsmoto.com/usb-power-socket-weatherproof.php (http://www.burnsmoto.com/usb-power-socket-weatherproof.php)

you can have then end it in a sae socket too so it can plug right into your battery tender.