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Solar Station - Does anyone have one/thinking of getting one?

tui34tui34 Posts: 2,721
in The potting shed
There are various sizes and prices - but for an average solar station that can recharge phones, computers and have a light.  I saw one for about 60 euros, but when I went on Amazon, there are some quite sophisticated ones.  

I am thinking of getting one for emergency situations.

Thank you for your comments....
A good hoeing is worth two waterings.

Posts

  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 11,161
    I don't have personal experience @tui34 but l know someone who has one. It was used for a while in the Summer and was quite successful, but after that it languished in a cupboard. 
    I suspect it might return this Summer, weather permitting.
    I'd be interested any comments as well.
  • Jenny_AsterJenny_Aster Posts: 621
    Didn't have one like you are thinking of, though when we lived on a boat for 5 years we did have solar panels that fed a bank of batteries. Most of the electric was 12v, though we did get a gismo that upped the voltage to 18-21v to charge mobile phones and laptops. 

    Perhaps you could research on boat and caravanning websites? Eg https://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/helpandadvice/technicalhelp/solar-power/
    Trying to be the person my dog thinks I am! 
  • tui34tui34 Posts: 2,721
    edited April 2022


    Thank you very much for your comments  Jenny and Ann.  Yes.  The old gismo in the cupboard trick!  They do tend to find their way there eventually!!  

    It was destined - sort of - for the cupboard, to be pulled out in emergency situations such as electricity cuts.  Rather expensive for a "just in case/be prepared" gismo, I suppose.  I wonder what Arkela would advise!!
    A good hoeing is worth two waterings.

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 28,811
    Why bother?  Keep your devices charged and, in the case of mobile phones, modern cars have attachments, either direct or via the cigarette lighter dooberry, which allow mobile phones to recharge.   Other than that, we keep candles on hand for lighting and have gas hobs for cooking in a power cut. 
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
  • tui34tui34 Posts: 2,721
    Thank you for your ideas @Obelixx    Yes, so do I.  Candles, matches and gas hob.  I was going for the "modern" approach !!  :D:D:DB)
    A good hoeing is worth two waterings.

  • young codgeryoung codger Posts: 522
    I have not heard of solar 'stations' as such but I read a discussion about using a solar panel for garden use. Someone was asking about the potential for powering a pond pump to save on mains electricity . Obviously running a motor is going to require more juice than a light.

    Is a solar station basically just a few panels together? 
  • FireFire Posts: 17,116
    edited May 2022
    I have been thinking of getting a solar station for years but never went for it. Very interesting though, esp when spending time off grid.
  • FireFire Posts: 17,116
    edited May 2022
    .
  • young codgeryoung codger Posts: 522
    @Fire
    This link about garden solar stuff was provided in the thread I was  looking at. May be of some interest?

    https://www.primrose.co.uk/water-features/solar-water-features

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