My Dragon's Lair Sharing is the reason for my being...: Voltaic Solar Bags

Welcome:

The Voltaic solar bag is a mobile power generator designed to charge portable electronics including: cell phones, PDA's, digital cameras, GPS's, MP3 players etc. (Note: it is not designed to charge laptops).

To charge a device using a standard car charger, just plug it into the socket inside the bag. Alternately, the bag comes with a USB adaptor and a set of adaptors for common cell phones and other devices.

The solar panels generate up to 4 watts of power. They are lightweight, waterproof and UV resistant, but tough enough to withstand the rigors of everyday use.

Power generated by the solar panels is stored in a lightweight Li Ion battery, ensuring a smooth flow of power, even when not in the sun. The battery can also be charged with the AC charger or

What will happen if the bag gets wet?

The solar panels are waterproof and so will not be affected. The nylon used to construct the bag is also waterproof. However, water will eventually seep in through the zips and seams, so the contents can get wet. The only electrical component likely to be adversely affected is the battery pack, which you should treat as you would any other electronic device and keep it dry.

What care do the panels require?

Scratches on the face of the solar panels will reduce the amount of light hitting the solar cells and reduce the power generated, so it is best to avoid scratching them. The panels are coated with a material that will actually melt away some scratches when exposed to the sun.

Dirt on the panels has a similar effect. To clean them use a damp non-abrasive cloth.

Are the solar panels breakable?

They can be broken, but are unlikely to be damaged in typical use. They can easily stand up to being dropped and leaned on.

If you were to place the panel over a rock and stand on it you would cause the cells to crack, which would reduce the output of that panel. Since the three panels operate independently the other two would continue to provide sufficient charge to run most small devices, but charge times would increase.

What difference does this product make environmentally?

Solar power is obviously an environmentally friendly way to produce electricity. However to be fair, the total amount of power generated is a relatively small portion of typical every day consumption. Turning down your air conditioner in summer and reducing the thermostat in winter will probably have a greater impact.

However there are other benefits. This product should lead to less disposable AA batteries being used in emergency chargers and other devices (they produce way too much waste for a very small amount of electricity), and less discarded batteries finding their way into the wilderness.

It should also raise awareness of the advantages of solar power. A power generator that is tough, portable, runs on sunshine, and lightweight (the panels and battery pack weigh less than one pound) is illustrative of these advantages.

Charging FAQ
How long does it take to charge a device?
If the battery pack is already full, a typical cell phone will charge in about the same time it takes using a car charger (roughly 2 hours, although it varies by phone). The ideal way to use this product is to keep the battery pack charged, so that the charge is available when needed.
The actual time in the sun required to fully charge a typical cell phone is 4-6 hours. This will increase in cloudy weather, or if the panels are not angled towards the sun. The following table shows the typical time in the sun required to charge different devices. These are estimates and will vary based on the battery power of those devices.
Approximate Charging Times
Item Hours Direct Sunlight *
Voltaic Battery Pack 8-10
Cell Phone 4-6
Digital Camera 4-8
GPS 4-6
iPod 5-6
* Charge times may be increased in cloudy weather, high temperatures, or where panels are not angled towards the sun.
How do you get the best charging results?
For maximum power output, face the panels towards the sun. If the panels are in direct sunlight but not angled towards the sun the power declines by about 20%. When they are angled away from the sun the power drops off by up to 90%.
Will the Voltaic bag charge laptops?

No, current models don't produce enough power to charge laptops (they produce 4 watts). To meaningfully charge laptops would require at least 10 watts of power and therefore 2.5 times the cell area. This will be difficult to fit on the outside of a bag. However we are experimenting with ways to do this. car charger (both included), which makes it just as useful on the grid as off.

How do I know if the adaptors will fit my device?

The adaptors included with the Voltaic bag, and many of the devices they will charge, are listed on the adaptors page. However, these adaptors may fit additional devices (particularly the universal adaptors). We have included photos and specifications for each adaptor to help you to determine whether they are likely to suit your device.

How do I know what voltage to select on the battery pack?

The power requirement for a particular device is typically indicated, in the product literature, on the device itself, or on the charger (as power output).

Most cell phones charge at 5V when connected directly using an adaptor. USB chargers should also be connected at 5V. When using a car charger the 7.2V setting is usually the best.

Some devices will operate at several voltage settings. For the most efficient use of power, select the lowest setting that powers your device.

Warning: Using higher than the required voltage may damage some devices. Check the voltage setting on the battery before connecting to a device.

What should I do if I need more than 7.2V?

The maximum voltage output of the battery pack is 7.2V. Some devices may require a higher voltage (such as some larger digital cameras). The best alternative is to use a car charger and connect the car charger socket directly to the solar panels which produce 10V 400mA.

Does the fact that you offer the adaptor mean the battery pack will charge my device?

No, the availability of an adaptor does not guarantee that the battery pack will charge the device. The voltage requirements for your device may not match the output of the battery pack.

In some cases manufactures design their devices to only work with chargers made by them (e.g. Nokia). In this case it is necessary to purchase a car charger and plug it into the car ch

Will the Voltaic bag charge iPods?

Yes. Using our iPod adaptor plug Voltaic bags can charge 3rd and 4th generation iPods, iPod Minis, iPod Photos, and all current models. (set the battery pack to 7.2V for all models).

All iPod models other than the iPod Photo (color screen) can charge using an iPod car charger connected to our battery pack (at 7.2V), using the car charger socket inside the front pocket of the bag.

The iPod Mini (all models) will also charge using the Apple supplied iPod USB charger, which attaches to the battery pack via our included USB adaptor (at 5V). However Apple has blocked this method of charging for other iPod models. arger socket inside the bag.

Voltaic Messenger $229

The Voltaic solar bags are mobile power generators, designed to charge your devices without tying you to a power outlet, which makes them ideal for traveling.

Just plug a standard car charger into the bag and recharge most small electronic devices including: cell phones, cameras, two way radios, PDA's, and MP3s. Note: it is not designed to charge laptops.

If you don't have a car charger, the bags come with a set of 11 standard adaptors for common cell phones and other devices. We also offer a full range of optional adaptors.

Embedded in the outside of the bags are three lightweight, tough, waterproof solar panels which generate up to 4 watts of power. This means quicker charge times!

Included with each bag is a Li Ion battery pack which stores any surplus power generated, so it is available when you need it - not just when the sun is up. The battery pack can also be charged using an AC travel charger or car charger (both included). This makes the Voltaic bags just as useful on the grid as off.

Each model is designed for specific applications. Click the images for more information.

Voltaic Backpack $249

Voltaic Daypack $239

Voltaic Converter $199

Battery Pack The battery pack clips inside the back pocket of the Voltaic solar bags and allows it to function as a mobile power reservoir, not just a solar charger. Inside the battery pack is a 4,400m Ah at 3.6 volts Li Ion battery. It includes: A voltage converter with three settings 3.5, 5 and 7.2 Volts, A charge indicator, and A built-in LED torch.

Adaptors/Chargers

The Voltaic backpack comes with a set of standard adaptors pictured here. To charge a device you can use a standard car charger, or a USB charger. There are also direct adaptors for popular cell phones, and a set of universal adaptors.

It also includes an AC travel charger and a car charger for charging the battery when solar charging is not practical.

In addition to these standard items, we offer a range of optional adaptors for cell phones, cameras, PDA's etc.

Solar Panels

Integrating the solar panels into the back pocket of the bag is a key (patent pending) innovation of the Voltaic backpack. It means that unlike a typical solar charger:

There is no need to unpack and setup the panels

There is no need to stay in one place, and

All of your devices can stay securely inside the bag.

The panels are built into the back of the bag in a way that allows them to articulate, so the bag itself does not feel stiff or restrictive.

They generate up to 4 watts of power, enough to charge most portable electronics (other than laptops). A typical cell phone will take 4-6 hours to charge in direct sun- see approximate charging times.

The panels are built on a strong but lightweight
aluminum plastic composite, specifically selected to withstand the rigors of outdoor use.

Labels: shopping, solar battery pack, wish list