The Absolute Guide to buying portable power solar chargers
When its potential first emerged in the late 19th century, Solar Power is quickly constrained by available technology and competition from more readily accessible fossil fuels of the time. Yet its potential endured; finding traction amid rising energy costs and the environmental consequences of more than a century of reliance on coal and oil.
As demand grows for cleaner energy sources, solar technology increasingly finds its way into our everyday lives. Importantly, it has become a way of bringing low cost, sustainable energy to remote communities around the world. In turn, this technology has generated a whole new wave of Portable, Solar-powered Devices designed for use in the outdoors. From solar phone and GPS chargers to lighting and power banks.
The Goal Zero Story
The humanitarian aid and development sector, in particular, has been quick to recognise the versatility of solar technology. Founded in 2009, Goal Zero was established on the principle of Zero Apathy, Zero Boundaries, and Zero Regrets. During his time in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, company founder, Robert Workman realised the need for reducing poverty lay partly in giving people the opportunity to empower themselves. Robert gathered together a basic solar array with the goal of bringing a small, yet life-changing, sustainable energy source to a small rural community. The project proved a success and with it grew the idea of creating a range of portable, solar energy systems to bring a means of affordable energy to millions.
In the years that followed, a number of companies emerged, bringing with them a wave of innovation in the form of personal solar chargers, lighting systems, and power storing devices. Often aimed at supplanting a reliance on hazardous kerosene usage; and wasteful, and often costly single-use battery cells.
Why Portable Solar Power?
The heart and soul of such companies as Goal Zero, Biolite, Mpowerd and Waka Waka rest within the ethos of community empowerment and a sustainable future. Their ability to fund such efforts has seen them introduce their long proven designs to the wider commercial market; balancing retail sales against development projects and disaster relief efforts - seen most recently in the wake of hurricanes Irma and Maria.
This ever-growing range finds itself at home in the outdoor industry, as the perfect tool for those venturing off-grid. And while some may view the outdoors as a refuge from the excesses of the modern world; there are many for whom the advent of portable rechargeable power allows a new level of freedom. From everyday phone boosts and device top-ups to emergency power-banks for recharging GPS, action cameras and tablets over multi-day backpacking trips and expeditions. The technology is here, and it brings a whole new dimension to outdoor adventure.
What Type of Portable Solar Devices are Available?
Portable solar chargers come in a range of sizes. From handheld single-purpose devices, such as torches and lanterns, to multi-purpose fold-out panels used to boost and charge a range of devices from smartphones and power-packs to tablets and laptops.
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