Do Solar Power Banks Really Work?

Ғылым және технология

Solar power banks sound great, you get clean, infinite power all for the price of free. But do they work well enough for you to rely on them?
We put our solar power bank to the test and tell you if one might be worth your hard earned money.
NOTE 1: The wall charging times from this video were taken while using a 5 watt charger. This bank is capable of up to 10 watt charging and using a more powerful charger allowed for a full charge in under 12 hours.
NOTE 2: This product is no longer available on Amazon. (April 2021)
Amazon link to other solar power banks:
amzn.to/46wtjRi
#solar
#solarpower
#solarpowerbank
Check us out on the social media at
Twitter: @randotechinfo
and
Instagram: randotechinfo

Пікірлер: 596

  • @georgeseriani2482
    @georgeseriani24824 жыл бұрын

    I'm very glad you did not have to form voltron because frankly I'm not sure you would know just how to control it's path of destruction.

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    4 жыл бұрын

    George: I appreciate your concern and trust me, the other pilots and I do not take the forming of Voltron, or it's powers, lightly. That said, we have gotten pretty good with our control and our collateral damage statistics are way down as of late. You have nothing to fear. Thank you for watching citizen.

  • @pooljunki1

    @pooljunki1

    3 жыл бұрын

    Lol

  • @AlanSpringer2074

    @AlanSpringer2074

    2 жыл бұрын

    Same here. This dudes awesome.

  • @nicc2366

    @nicc2366

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@RandoTechInfo what’s the link for the power bank?

  • @gillesrobinsbienaime7792

    @gillesrobinsbienaime7792

    2 жыл бұрын

    What's Form volton?

  • @lauratatsch1066
    @lauratatsch106611 ай бұрын

    This panel can put out close to 100 watts kzread.infoUgkxOqI2yqX0XVrhR2BMJciTWrHJpG8FhJyg when positioned in the appropriate southernly direction, tilted to the optimal angle for your latitude/date, and connected to a higher capacity device than a 500. The built in kickstand angle is a fixed at 50 degrees. Up to 20% more power can be output by selecting the actual date and latitude optimal angle.The 500 will only input 3.5A maximum at 18 volts for 63 watts. Some of the excess power from the panel can be fed into a USB battery bank, charged directly from the panel while also charging a 500. This will allow you to harvest as much as 63 + 15 = 78 watts.If this panel is used to charge a larger device, such as the power station, then its full output potential can be realized.

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    11 ай бұрын

    I hope you like it.

  • @theghostcore
    @theghostcore4 жыл бұрын

    And on the seventh day the power bank rested... and it was good.

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    4 жыл бұрын

    😆👍

  • @professionalamateur1549

    @professionalamateur1549

    2 жыл бұрын

    For some reason your picture makes that funnier lol

  • @d.l.jtransport9146

    @d.l.jtransport9146

    Жыл бұрын

    Lmao 🤣 😂

  • @andresciahooten9598

    @andresciahooten9598

    Жыл бұрын

    So it rested like God 🤔?! 😂😂😂

  • @QuantumBraced
    @QuantumBraced3 жыл бұрын

    It has four 1.5W solar cells, so in total a 6W solar panel, which means in reality it gets about 5W under optimal conditions. The battery is 96 Wh, so it should take around 20 hrs of direct sunlight to charge fully. In the US on average you get about 5 sun hours per day, so it should take 4 days to charge, but being overcast/sub-optimal conditions might push that to 5-6 days which is in line with your findings. But that's to fully charge the battery. To get ~13 Wh which is the average cell phone battery size should be doable in one day or at least get 80% if it's overcast, and that's not too shabby for how big the thing is. Also, putting a solar panel behind a (clean) window reduces efficiency by 50%, even worse if it's double pane or a tinted windshield. It also reduces how much direct sunlight can reach it throughout the day, especially if you're not putting it right up against the window, so that's why you hardly got anything with that approach. I think this is a very cool product, but in reality you wouldn't use the solar 99% of the time when you're near civilization, yet it adds 30% more thickness and some weight. If you go camping or expect to be away from outlets, then you can buy a separate portable panel like the 21W Anker or 28W Big Blue which will give you a lot more power. So it makes more sense to get a regular power bank and just bring those portable panels with you when you think you might need them.

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for sharing that information and your thoughts. Your idea about using separate portable panels is sound but they can be a bit more expensive (BigBlue for example is going for $63 on Amazon) and they don't have the added functionality of the power bank for stored charge. What's nice about this product is you can leave the power bank behind to charge while taking your phone with you. Don't get me wrong, I love the idea of using separate solar panels as well. I just think both products are better suited for certain situations. Thanks for watching!

  • @drzoidberg1

    @drzoidberg1

    3 жыл бұрын

    Great post. Re: separate portal panels, since this is the same price as a similar sized power bank, I would just get this AND hook up the other panels for extra juice. Win-win right there I think.

  • @unbroken1010

    @unbroken1010

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@drzoidberg1 but how would you connect the panels to the power bank do they make panels that attach through USB C can you make any recommendations

  • @unbroken1010

    @unbroken1010

    3 жыл бұрын

    So I can buy a separate tunnel to hook up to the battery charger how does it connect through a USB C any recommendations would help what's your recommendation for the best solar charger that also has a plug for plugging in things like appliances I can be a little more expensive like under 200 I think I was looking at something called the lion cub go but seems like there plug-in had some problems I don't know if they fixed it or not

  • @drzoidberg1

    @drzoidberg1

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@unbroken1010 usually the small fold up panels have their own connectors on the side of the power bank. For the larger panels you plug them into the input usb-c or micro-usb on the bottom of the power bank. I suspect most banks will allow simultaneous charging from the 2 input sources.

  • @genjiglove6124
    @genjiglove61244 жыл бұрын

    This is, like, the only helpful video on all of KZread that I could find regarding solar power banks. Thanks!

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    4 жыл бұрын

    GG: Happy to help. Thanks for watching!

  • @relaxingsounds2526

    @relaxingsounds2526

    3 жыл бұрын

    it takes 8 hours to charge, Not worth

  • @tjmmcd1
    @tjmmcd14 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Randy for a rare, totally unbiased evaluation. Well done.

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thank YOU for watching!

  • @MiMiOrt
    @MiMiOrt3 жыл бұрын

    YES!!! You Sir, won a subscriber. I was searching for a detailed video and this is the best I have found. After a strong snowstorm and NO power for several days, I really appreciate this very well explained video. Thank you.

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    3 жыл бұрын

    MiMi: Thank YOU for watching and for the sub! Glad you found it useful. Stay safe out there.

  • @Fit.For.A.Firefight.

    @Fit.For.A.Firefight.

    2 жыл бұрын

    I can’t seem to figure out why anyone would look to a pocket sized solar bank to help them during a friggin snowstorm where there is no sun.

  • @dmitryru53
    @dmitryru532 жыл бұрын

    Thank you, Rando, for this video. Really well done and I was able to understand all. It seems this type of device is just made for my aim: long-distance cycle touring when sometimes I can stay at some organized camping ground and some time at wild camping sites. So it permits to maintain the power bank at least partially recharged while traveling between two AC provided sites.

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Dmitry. I'm glad you found the video useful. I feel like your use case is really what these type of products are designed for. Take care and happy cycling!

  • @nickwhite9209
    @nickwhite92093 жыл бұрын

    Just wanted to say thank you... I just ordered one and this is the ONLY vid I found explaining the solar charging of these chargers, thanks bro

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    3 жыл бұрын

    Nick: Glad I could help and thanks for watching!

  • @benthorne4148
    @benthorne41483 жыл бұрын

    Good no-nonsense video. I have the AddAcc version, (7.5W) coupled with an Anker 21W panel that connects into it via the microUSB. As most powerbank batteries are 18W I’m pretty sure it’s not getting the full 28.5W I could potentially be capturing, but between its own 5 cells and the large Anker cells I can charge the whole thing from flat to full in about 9hrs. I’m lucky to get a full day of direct sun as I face south and am on the south coast of the UK so have slightly less cloud than the rest of the country. Today I’ve just used the Anker panel on its own to charge a separate 21500mA power bank from 0 to 75% in 5.5hrs. With the power I collect in the AddAcc solar bank and the separate Ravpower bank I charge my phone, iPad Pro, Apple Watch and air pods overnight where necessary and have essentially removed all of the devices I use all day for work from the ‘grid’. They’re all super-low power devices I know, but it’s a start. Any power left in the AddAcc gets used to top up the Ravpower bank and then it goes back outside first thing in the morning. I carry the Anker panel with me too so I can charge power banks in the car (laid across the dashboard), at work (works well in a window, unlike the AddAcc unit, we also have a roof terrace I can use) or even on the beach. If Anker can produce a battery unit that fits in their large 21.5W panel and has a digital readout displaying charge percentage and power input/output then I’d be absolutely all-in.

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    3 жыл бұрын

    Ben: Wow. I admire your commitment to this. I have flirted with getting some panels. I think if I'm going to get serious about solar that will be my next step. Thank you for sharing and for watching!

  • @firstpersonstudios5514
    @firstpersonstudios55144 жыл бұрын

    i love this! Nice job with the annotations (*not phone) xD Funny, informative, honest review. 👍Great job.

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    4 жыл бұрын

    FPS: I was having some serious brain fartage that day. Glad you liked my solution and thanks for watching!

  • @Dethflash
    @Dethflash3 жыл бұрын

    THANK YOU! This is the information i needed to know about solar power banks before deciding if im going to buy one. Im going to get one since i do enjoy camping, and its either sunny or raining here. All the videos i watched before seeing your amazing review, they just spewed out some tech spec opinion pieces but they never bought any solar power bank to test for themselves.

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    3 жыл бұрын

    Dethflash: I'm glad you found it useful. Thank you for taking the time to share that and thanks for watching!

  • @OnusBones
    @OnusBones2 жыл бұрын

    I believe I have this same model, but it is only one part of my portable / backup power solution. I almost never use its attached panels (maybe good for 5W); instead I connect it through an adapter to the same much larger solar panel (100W-200W) that charges a portable power station. This device can charge my phone, UV-5R, razor, and other USB devices, plus charge NiMH and Li-ion batteries; the portable power station can run a compressor-cooler, charge tool batteries, and run other larger lights and appliances.

  • @SirioSechi
    @SirioSechi3 жыл бұрын

    There is also the excellent SUNSLICE, here the review: kzread.info/dash/bejne/gZx4ysiNgqW2naw.html

  • @wingmanalive
    @wingmanalive4 жыл бұрын

    I've owned at least half a dozen power banks and I was always interested in the solar. I bought one that had 5 total panels and here's my $.02. They will NOT charge under indoor lighting so don't try. Also don't try and charge them indoors next to a window like this guy did. They need full direct sunlight and a lot of it. They are a doomsday device only and not intended for everyday use. I bought one for my daughter's bug out bag.Great for camping and such but not for the power hogs.

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    4 жыл бұрын

    Wing: I agree with most of your points. Outdoor charging is definitely the way to go if you are trying to make use of the solar panels, but don't forget if you are a power hog you can always just charge it with a cord. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and thanks for watching.

  • @letsprayandfasttogether9618

    @letsprayandfasttogether9618

    3 жыл бұрын

    The first thing you do when you bug out is get rid of the phones 📱

  • @nogo7277

    @nogo7277

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@letsprayandfasttogether9618 do you not listen to music?

  • @letsprayandfasttogether9618

    @letsprayandfasttogether9618

    3 жыл бұрын

    No Go only worship music. But the government won’t be tracking me down. Vaccines/mark of the beast have quantum dot tattoo, that will track you and track who has been vaccinated. They will use your phones too. They are already building camps just like the Holocaust. Go look up fema camps. We are in the end times, going to be a time when you leave everything and go into the woods or follow Jesus Christ

  • @nogo7277

    @nogo7277

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@letsprayandfasttogether9618 well they do track you by your phone location, buuut that was possible a long time ago. also quantum dot? i know you are pretending to be delirious but uhh... no.

  • @foxielady1740
    @foxielady17402 жыл бұрын

    simple , clear , informative , well delivered,,,,thank you for your energy !!!

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Foxie. Appreciate that!

  • @mendellalvarado4285
    @mendellalvarado42853 жыл бұрын

    I love power banks. Thanks for the video! 👍

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    3 жыл бұрын

    Mendell: Thanks and thanks for watching!

  • @AYouTubeChannelwithNoName

    @AYouTubeChannelwithNoName

    3 жыл бұрын

    Uhm who doesn’t lol.

  • @MichaelChanslor
    @MichaelChanslor2 жыл бұрын

    Great video. Thanks for the information! 👏

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank YOU for watching Michael.

  • @bodax6161
    @bodax61613 жыл бұрын

    Great Video! Thanks! I took cheap solar bank 1 panel replaced original battery because it got puffy with some old 3.7 phone batteries 2 of them run in parallel. And works well for what it is. And found the cell phone batteriez do better in heat! Thanks and good Luck!

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    3 жыл бұрын

    BO: Glad you liked it and thanks for watching!

  • @rockmanADV
    @rockmanADV2 жыл бұрын

    I use this camping all the time. The one I have has a huge LED light that can turn yellow. Works very well!!

  • @adammcguinness9950
    @adammcguinness99502 жыл бұрын

    You’ve sold me on it, thank you for your review.

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for watching.

  • @kellyklein6252
    @kellyklein62524 жыл бұрын

    Sweet! Great information!

  • @AarronS
    @AarronS3 ай бұрын

    Excellent review. Thank you sir. I liked and subscribed.

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    3 ай бұрын

    Appreciate that. Thank you for watching!

  • @AlphineWolf
    @AlphineWolf3 жыл бұрын

    I picked up a single panel solar power bank. My purpose is a little different. People in our group each picked up a single panel one so we can go an entire day without having to use another power bank. The solar keeps the power bank topped up with trickle charge solar the entire day. It lasted me and my friend the entire day. We were doing pokemon go the entire day in the summer for an in game event

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    3 жыл бұрын

    Wolf: Good idea. Glad it worked out! Thanks for watching.

  • @leoui1085
    @leoui1085 Жыл бұрын

    This is dope man, great informative video Genuinely helped me out❤️

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    Жыл бұрын

    Glad to hear it. Thanks!

  • @largelarry2126
    @largelarry2126 Жыл бұрын

    I have the same one in your video and it works well if it's in full sun and is maximized. Something to keep in mind is that most glass has UV protection and will stop or reduce charging of any solar device.

  • @suezbell1

    @suezbell1

    8 ай бұрын

    So... trying to charge one on the dash of the car wouldn't work?

  • @jayfox9736
    @jayfox97362 жыл бұрын

    I love the Greatest American Hero Box Set in the back!!!

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    2 жыл бұрын

    Great show. Wish they'd remake it.

  • @beastmode4668
    @beastmode46683 жыл бұрын

    Great job my dude!! That sky was looking overcast AF on the outside portion, im sure that had something to do with it.

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    3 жыл бұрын

    Beast: Actually it was just overcast when I did the outdoor filming. The six days I did the charging leading up to the recording was quite sunny. Good observation though. Thanks for watching!

  • @sacredscythe7979
    @sacredscythe79793 жыл бұрын

    Great video! You helped me out a lot thanks!

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    3 жыл бұрын

    I am glad it helped. Thanks for watching!

  • @MNDashcam
    @MNDashcam3 жыл бұрын

    People seem to forget that it's not only phones that can be charged off of these things in a bug out scenario you can charge weapon lights or regular flashlights radios all sorts of other equipment I even have a USB chargeable lighter that is excellent for starting fires. It's basically just a coil with induction heating but it's a renewable resource that I can continue charging up off of one of these things and not rely on lighter fluid or bow drills or anything else. You can't expect wall power off of a couple tiny solar panels so I think a lot of negative reviews come from people who aren't realistic in their expectations. If you have a lot of your equipment that runs off the same 18650 batteries or other rechargable batteries and you have a USB charger, you can continue using that equipment long after the power grid goes down and generators run out of fuel. Most of the stuff that plugs into your wall is just a box with a step down transformer that usually bumps it down to 12 or less or 5 or less volts and basically anything that is going to be running in the 5 or less volts can be USB chargeable.

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    3 жыл бұрын

    Nate: I think you hit the nail on the head about expectations, and if the grid ever did go down it's a heck of a lot better to have something like this than nothing at all. And while the technology is far from perfect it's not really that expensive. I am definitely willing to pay a couple of extra dollars for the added functionality. Thanks for your thoughts and thanks for watching!

  • @MrRockstar1968
    @MrRockstar19682 жыл бұрын

    It's best to have the panels at an angle to face the sun rather than having it lay flat on a windowsill or table, this enables the panels to collect more sun.

  • @mattc825

    @mattc825

    Жыл бұрын

    Exactly.

  • @yuugataame6088
    @yuugataame60882 жыл бұрын

    “Still not a phone” 😂😂🤣😂 For real though. Cool video. Liked.

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you. Appreciate that! FYI, it's STILL not a phone.

  • @faithmercy7647
    @faithmercy76473 жыл бұрын

    Very well done. Thank you!

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    3 жыл бұрын

    Fair: You're welcome. Thanks for watching!

  • @LetsGoTech
    @LetsGoTech2 жыл бұрын

    Been looking for this

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    2 жыл бұрын

    Nurcode: Glad you found it!

  • @Paraver-Picture
    @Paraver-Picture Жыл бұрын

    Thanks very much, I appreciate it.

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for watching!

  • @johnholliday5952
    @johnholliday59523 жыл бұрын

    It got four lights on the 6th day... It rested on the 7th day! 😆

  • @sharonbraselton3135

    @sharonbraselton3135

    Жыл бұрын

    Bike corecy

  • @maryschwent7221
    @maryschwent72214 жыл бұрын

    Very useful info. Good comparison.

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks, glad you liked it.

  • @ObamaoZedong
    @ObamaoZedong4 жыл бұрын

    I've used one of those for the last two years of full time boondocking. It's come in handy as a backup to my solar system but it doesn't really charge up all that fast, maybe one full phone's worth when angled toward the sun on the longest day of the year in the desert. Recently the battery started to fail such that it would take forever to charge and then it would discharge far to quickly. Over all they're gimmicks and not meant for regular use.

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    4 жыл бұрын

    Not Friend Eater: I think it's a little bit harsh to call it a gimmick but I agree you would not want to use the solar panels for consistent, fast charging. I also agree it would probably work best in the desert. Perhaps I will take a drive and do another review. 😆 Thanks for watching!

  • @rhoodj

    @rhoodj

    3 жыл бұрын

    Those solar charger system do not have a long life. Not for regular use. Emergency or a trip..

  • @mikey13b

    @mikey13b

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the info. So probably best to go with a stand alone solar charger with a stand alone power bank for long term consistent use

  • @mikecaf4538
    @mikecaf45384 жыл бұрын

    Subbed. Very practical information.

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    4 жыл бұрын

    Mike: Thanks, that is much appreciated!

  • @derrickpittinger4444
    @derrickpittinger44443 жыл бұрын

    thanks dude, great vid!

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    3 жыл бұрын

    Derrick: You are welcome. Thanks for watching.

  • @phillipsmith650
    @phillipsmith6502 жыл бұрын

    I’m glad to have found this. I live in Seattle and just got one like this from stealth angel. I was disappointed from indirect sunlight with overcast (almost all the time in Seattle) and I got nothing like you. I even tried putting it on my car dashboard and let it charge. Still nothing. Hope I can figure out a good way to get it a charge. I want it for emergency situations where electrical outlets aren’t available.

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    2 жыл бұрын

    Hey Phillip. You won't get much charge through a window, (windows reflect photons) or indirect sunlight. You almost have to have direct sun to get any type of charge. Wish I had better news. Thanks for watching!

  • @tonytyler6755
    @tonytyler67552 жыл бұрын

    They do work, you just gotta get one built with quality parts!! You get what you pay for.. But yeah I’m a Extended Black-out situation they come in handy with keeping ya phone going, plus other small to mid size devices

  • @tom_morgandealer_pgh1648
    @tom_morgandealer_pgh16482 жыл бұрын

    I watched your video before I bought anything and I'm glad I did. I went with the cheaper iesafy brand one. Love it 4 full phone charges takes about 24 hours to charge on wall outlet and a week for solar only. ( They don't tell you this but you can have it on a window sill wall chargering and still get extra solar power.( Don't do both outside)

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    2 жыл бұрын

    Nice. Glad you found something you like. Thanks for watching.

  • @ChukaCustoms
    @ChukaCustoms3 жыл бұрын

    I found OUTXE with a waterproof rating of 67 on Amazon for just a little more than the generic ones plus the flashlight function seems to be more useful. After watching this video I've decided to purchase it myself. Thanks.

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    3 жыл бұрын

    Chuka: Thanks for the info and thanks for watching!

  • @Tjensen999
    @Tjensen9992 жыл бұрын

    I love the shirt!! Childhood memories. :-)

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    2 жыл бұрын

    Back when there was nothing a blazing sword couldn't handle.

  • @michaelmoore2802
    @michaelmoore28023 жыл бұрын

    Good video sir....I appreciate it !

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    3 жыл бұрын

    Michael: Glad you liked it!

  • @johngifford7725
    @johngifford77252 жыл бұрын

    I just got my "winlove" branded solar power bank. It looks identical to yours, except the red trim bits. I'm looking forward to playing with it. If a person is relying on the solar to keep their devices running, a minimum use strategy on the devices will help extend battery life and these small solar panels may be more viable. Just a thought.

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    2 жыл бұрын

    Agreed.

  • @leonas3840
    @leonas3840 Жыл бұрын

    I think it's good enough for an emergency phone call or for camping .like how it can be carried discreetly like a phone

  • @juliamarcotte7812
    @juliamarcotte78123 жыл бұрын

    Hi, did you do the recommended first charge for 5-6 hours using regular electricity? That's what some of them say to do. It might have affected your results. Thanks for the video. It's always good to know how different settings affect a product.

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    3 жыл бұрын

    Julia: Good question and yes I did. Thanks for watching!

  • @sharonbraselton4302

    @sharonbraselton4302

    Жыл бұрын

    wrón use up first chred reduce charge dusscharge cyckes

  • @user-rv7xb3sk6g
    @user-rv7xb3sk6g4 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for useful video.

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    4 жыл бұрын

    Art: Thanks for watching!

  • @vBDKv
    @vBDKv2 жыл бұрын

    I charge my 15000mah battery bank with an xdragon 20w solar panel in 4-6 hours depending on the sun. This is in Denmark, where the sun dont shine all that much compared to some placed in America. I'm pretty happy with that amount of free power. Keeps my phones and stuff charged up.

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    2 жыл бұрын

    I recently made another video with 65 watt solar panels and I was pretty impressed with their output. Thanks for watching!

  • @sharonbraselton4302

    @sharonbraselton4302

    Жыл бұрын

    goód enough

  • @jackhazz5777
    @jackhazz57772 жыл бұрын

    This solar powerbank is like the Poweradd power bank with 4 panels. It weighs a pound. I left it by the window in direct sunlight here in California, so you can imagine how much sun that is. I planned to leave it for a week to see if it will fully charge since the instructions says 50 hrs of sunlight to fully charge it. Before this, I charged this a few times using a wall charger and used it. It worked as it should. It still had 2 bars in it when I tried to solar charging. The indicator showed it charging when the sunlight hit the panels. Then I totally forgot about it. Over 3 weeks later, I remembered to check it and the charge went up to 3 bars. 3 weeks to up the charge to 3 bars from 2. Blah.

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    2 жыл бұрын

    I'm actually surprised you got that much charge out of it. I have never been able to get any charge when trying to charge inside through a window. Thanks for sharing.

  • @markmayotte301

    @markmayotte301

    Жыл бұрын

    @@RandoTechInfo Thanks for making that comment re charging through a window. I have an older solar charger (POWER NEWS 300000 mAh capacity that I purchased several years ago and then never used really. I have had it sitting in my window for a couple of years and every now and then I see if it will charge my phone - it never does. I thought I had a bad unit, but your comments make me think like it may work but really needs to be in the direct sun (for solar charging). Thank you.

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    Жыл бұрын

    @@markmayotte301 Happy to help.

  • @stephendemille5424
    @stephendemille5424 Жыл бұрын

    Awesome video… but just take into consideration that ur window has insulated glass in it which resists the heat from in

  • @danieljung2810
    @danieljung28103 жыл бұрын

    I have three of these. I love these things and with the qi charging if you forget the cable just plop the phone on top of it. I have the five panel one. ;)

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    3 жыл бұрын

    Daniel: I reviewed a bank with wireless charging but had to let it go in a give away. I really liked it. Thanks for watching!

  • @ElloAir
    @ElloAir2 жыл бұрын

    I have this power bank and use it every day to save on my electric bill. It was a gift and helps me cut down on using my smaller appliances and my electric bill.

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    2 жыл бұрын

    Glad you are liking it!

  • @ranbymonkeys2384

    @ranbymonkeys2384

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@RandoTechInfo Well if you paid $40 for it you have to use the whole battery (charging the phone 5-6 times for the whole battery) 2000 times to make your money back so charging your phone 10,000 times you will break even that's how much money you are saving. That is at 20 cents per kwh which is pretty high. The battery completely charged takes .135 kWh of energy at 20 cents for 1 kWh.

  • @boxmanatee
    @boxmanatee2 жыл бұрын

    This is going to be neat in southern Norway in the summer! Sun doesn't set "properly" and there is almost never cloudy or raining!

  • @KnivesSurvival
    @KnivesSurvival2 жыл бұрын

    I will be getting a few of these. I am also interested in a Bluetti battery bank but they are very expensive.. i will also doing reviews on the solar chargers

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    2 жыл бұрын

    Knives: Good luck with your reviews. My power bank reviews haven't had a lot of traction, just the videos about how they work. 🤷 Thanks for watching!

  • @deanp2105
    @deanp2105 Жыл бұрын

    That's it, charge it up on your mains, top it off with sunlight when out and about.

  • @richperigo660
    @richperigo6603 жыл бұрын

    NICE, Greatest American Hero in the back!

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    3 жыл бұрын

    Rich: Believe it... or not.

  • @Funcentric
    @Funcentric Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for taking the time to perform the test and sharing it. I guess the answer is no. If it takes days to charge a bank, that's terrible and completely not practical for any sort of usage. It seems like it would make more sense to charge the phone or devices directly through a solar panel vs taking 6 days to charge a bank and then another hour to charge the phone/device.

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    Жыл бұрын

    I tested that as well if you're interested. kzread.info/dash/bejne/doKCq8acaKaXadI.html

  • @jrhjrh9372
    @jrhjrh93723 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for your time. Good break down. Also, thanks for the comments peeps, I learned a few things as I'm about to enter the solar madness. Lol

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    3 жыл бұрын

    jrh: You are welcome and thanks for watching!

  • @johnmonk66
    @johnmonk663 жыл бұрын

    I got two with built-in lights, one is always in my window, one always on my car dash, this way I always have a light when I need it.

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    3 жыл бұрын

    John: Good idea. Thanks for watching!

  • @sharonbraselton4302

    @sharonbraselton4302

    Жыл бұрын

    plug solar power bank car dmadoter keep car barer chared up

  • @ahaveland
    @ahavelandАй бұрын

    Remember with solar panels, area doesn't lie. Allow 3 W max per 12x12 cm square or per sunpower cell.

  • @justin6604
    @justin66042 жыл бұрын

    Very cool!

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    2 жыл бұрын

    Justin: Thanks!

  • @justinpaye3206
    @justinpaye32063 жыл бұрын

    Great vid men i love it

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    3 жыл бұрын

    Justin: Thanks and thanks for watching!

  • @justinpaye3206

    @justinpaye3206

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@RandoTechInfo no probs

  • @donkey_mediocre7246
    @donkey_mediocre72462 жыл бұрын

    Great video

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    2 жыл бұрын

    donkey: Glad you enjoyed it!

  • @PeaceChanel
    @PeaceChanel2 жыл бұрын

    Thank You for All that you are doing for World Peace and for our Planet... Peace.. Shalom.. Salam.. La Paz.. Namaste .. 🙏🏻 😊 🌈 ✌ ☮️ ❤️ 💐 🕊

  • @charleshead4445
    @charleshead44454 жыл бұрын

    Hi Randy. I purchased this exact device last week. It is June and we have had some very sunny days. I left the solar charger opened in the direct sunlight for three days. The charger started at two lights and by the end of the three days, it was still at two lights. The device appears to work in every other way apart from charging up in the sun. The device was flashing indicating it was charging. Do you think it is faulty or was 20 hours of direct sun not enough to raise the indicator by one light? I suppose it could have gone from 50% up to 74% and the light not change up to three lights. If these devices had a better way of showing how charged up they were then you would know how much charge is accumulated in the time that you left it rather than thinking the thing is broken. Any feedback would be welcome.

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    4 жыл бұрын

    Charles: I totally agree with you about the light situation. The lack of a numeric readout is an issue. On my unit the lights flash sequentially while it is solar charging. Is yours doing the same thing? If it's not, I would say you have a defective unit, if the lights are flashing sequentially then maybe give it another day or two. That's my advice for what it's worth. Please update me on your situation if you figure anything out. Thanks.

  • @mikey13b

    @mikey13b

    3 жыл бұрын

    Hi Charles do u have an update on your unit?

  • @CarenWeb
    @CarenWeb2 жыл бұрын

    I have the Be-charming power bank you demo'd. It's been in a sunny window for 5 day and still has only 1 light. It seems like a long time to charge this. I appreciate how long you demonstrated you had to charge yours. Can I just plug it in to charge it or is it just for solar charging. Thanks for the video. It helped me alot.

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    2 жыл бұрын

    Caren: Yes you can plug it in for faster charging. Good luck!

  • @renangarzon4329
    @renangarzon43293 жыл бұрын

    Never explained how this device makes phone calls. Lol 😂 Other than that a great review on its ability to be charged via solar panels. 👍

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    3 жыл бұрын

    Renan: Thanks. Still can't figure out calls though.

  • @sharonbraselton4302

    @sharonbraselton4302

    Жыл бұрын

    solar phñe esist solarviphine x sooarvi0hine 11 some solàr ohines exißy

  • @mrtordse9042
    @mrtordse90423 жыл бұрын

    i was planning on getting something like this because im going to camping in the woods for 2 weeks straight (army/military service) but then again its most likely gonna be cloudy all the time, its cold like -10 to -20 celcius and in the woods probably wont really charge the powerbank at all. So i think it just means no phone after my other powerbanks go empty with ultra power saving mode maybe in a week.

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    3 жыл бұрын

    Mr Tordse: Those temps are gonna kill any and all batteries and power banks. In the scenario you will be in, I'm not sure how helpful the solar functionality will be. If you are out there for two weeks you might get a LITTLE extra juice from the solar but I certainly would not count on it. Thank you for your service and good luck out there.

  • @quashiesuzanne
    @quashiesuzanne2 жыл бұрын

    Good review.

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    2 жыл бұрын

    Suzanne: Thanks!

  • @tahajidedes5567
    @tahajidedes55674 жыл бұрын

    Seems like one would only fully charge this once. If hoping to use when power is out it's extra panels are really of no use after the first time because it would be being used daily not once every 8 days to let it charge to full again.

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    4 жыл бұрын

    tahaji: What you are saying is not wrong, but I also think the scenario you present is not the product's intended use. You would not want to use this as an only source of power for an extended period of time. (You are correct that would clearly not work.) It is simply a way to get some additional/free power when away from home or an outlet for a few days. To use your example, if you lost power, and were able to get some solar charge, you might get an extra couple of days out of it, as opposed to a battery that had no panels. Solar energy is not in place yet to replace a lot of major power needs, but I do think the supplemental power it provides can be useful in the right circumstances. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and thanks for watching.

  • @wagemawagema4618
    @wagemawagema46184 жыл бұрын

    I have a regular Power bank which works very well with any phone. However, i would'nt recommend a solar power bank as this device could take your phone a couple of days to charge while a Regular power bank only takes a day to fully Charge your device. Just a thought.

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    4 жыл бұрын

    Wagema: I would agree except you can use a solar power bank the same way as a traditional power bank. It will change with a cord. The solar panels just give it some versatility (at the cost of a little extra bulk.) Thanks for watching!

  • @jorgethecoach
    @jorgethecoach4 жыл бұрын

    Great sale 👌🏼

  • @robs5688
    @robs56882 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the useful info. Has anyone ever told you that you look a little like the comedian Jim Breuer? You've got those slightly "stoner eyes" too, lol. That's a good thing, btw. ;-)

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    2 жыл бұрын

    Rob: Goat Boy Tech Info 😂

  • @MizzAugust7
    @MizzAugust7 Жыл бұрын

    When the hurricane is over & you have no electricity, for days- Im thinking something (if charged) is much better than having- nothing, so if you have an emergency call to make, they seem fine.

  • @Joshmakey12
    @Joshmakey123 жыл бұрын

    I had gotten a 21w big blue solar charger and it almost fully charges my phone in 30 min. I have an iPhone 8 plus and it can charge a power can't alongside with the phone. Much better than the feob solar power bank which is similar to the one your testing.

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    3 жыл бұрын

    Josh: Good to know. Big Blue makes good stuff. Sometimes more expensive though. Thank you for sharing and thank you for watching.

  • @blomkillen

    @blomkillen

    3 жыл бұрын

    Does it not destroy the battery to charge with that much watts?

  • @Joshmakey12

    @Joshmakey12

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@blomkillen the usb 3.0 outputs have a maximum output of 5 watts. The solar charger I have comes with two usb 3.0 ports.

  • @blomkillen

    @blomkillen

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@Joshmakey12 You can fully charge with 5 watts in 30 minutes from empty? I am new to this

  • @lostsailor76
    @lostsailor762 жыл бұрын

    t-shirt merch idea. "Still Not a Phone".

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    2 жыл бұрын

    Not a bad idea.

  • @theadventurebiker
    @theadventurebiker4 жыл бұрын

    Good review!

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    4 жыл бұрын

    Biker: Thanks and thanks for watching!

  • @theadventurebiker

    @theadventurebiker

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@RandoTechInfo Sure thing, man! I've looked at some of these solar power banks available on Amazon and wondered how effective and practical the solar feature actually is. You just answered my questions and suspicions. In order to get any useable level of solar output you need to have a panel that's 5x this size - at the very least! Cheers man. 👍

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    4 жыл бұрын

    Not sure that would fit in your pocket. 😆 Thanks again!

  • @reveninja1642
    @reveninja16422 жыл бұрын

    It seems that the unfoldable solar charged powerbank is a very good option for people living off the grid or on the road. But for people who do not really care about few thousands of miliamps drained from their home ac every now and then I think they would prefer the even slightly less chunky device.

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    2 жыл бұрын

    REV: Fair

  • @Joshtheweatherman
    @Joshtheweatherman3 жыл бұрын

    Lol, I bought this just to keep from using power adapters, and saving energy. With a fully charged 25,000 mAH battery, I'll be able to charge my iPhone XS up 9 times, which literally means 8-12 days of use without a power outlet! Not bad, and it would definitely come in handy if a bad storm or tornado came threw and knocked out the power for a couple of days (like it did last year during Easter). Worst case scenario, if I forgot to charge the power bank up, I can just open the panels up and put it on my car's roof and charge my phone that way.

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    3 жыл бұрын

    Joshua: They can be very useful, especially in a pinch. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and thanks for watching!

  • @Joshtheweatherman

    @Joshtheweatherman

    3 жыл бұрын

    You're welcome!

  • @Sean-tm2eu

    @Sean-tm2eu

    2 жыл бұрын

    Bro I have a question does it affect battery health?? I’m also an apple user iPhone X. Was it???

  • @3737dandelion
    @3737dandelion2 жыл бұрын

    thank you very much! i am new to all of this and found your video very helpful! once the solar bank is charged, how long will it keep the charge?

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    2 жыл бұрын

    It will depend on storage temps and conditions but I can go months between usage with very little lower drain. Thanks for watching!

  • @dslgod
    @dslgod2 жыл бұрын

    Note to self need sun to charge! 😂

  • @bahhaziz
    @bahhaziz2 жыл бұрын

    The idea is good to have a power bank that charges with solar light, but so far none of these compact ones does charge in a reasonable time

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    2 жыл бұрын

    They aren't very fast, that's for sure,but it can be better than nothing. Thanks for watching.

  • @kendalmyers9445
    @kendalmyers94453 жыл бұрын

    In short, I believe they do work. No they dont charge your phone as fast as a regular charger but they have good battery and a led light. Plus some of them are even waterproof and drop proof. I have a 4patriots one and I love it.

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    3 жыл бұрын

    kendal: Thanks for sharing and for watching!

  • @philipaubin4679
    @philipaubin46792 жыл бұрын

    I believe that glass blocks some light, so it would reduce the effectiveness of the solar panels

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    2 жыл бұрын

    Phillip: Big time!

  • @ranbymonkeys2384
    @ranbymonkeys23842 жыл бұрын

    So would you recommend the thing?

  • @dacentabaal
    @dacentabaal3 жыл бұрын

    Would you say my indoor grow light (red light, blue light and UV light) would charge this up as it gives off the same lights source as the sun? I live in a flat so no garden, my mom's got a little grow area in a corner with a watering system and small rechargeable fans to make the plants get a more natural thing going, if I propped this up under the lights would it charge up the panels you think so we could plug the USB fans into the battery pack to save some electric on main charging?

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    3 жыл бұрын

    Lucas: To be honest, I am not sure. That is a great question. Returns are pretty easy on Amazon. Perhaps get one and try it out? If you do, and you don't mind taking the time, come back and let me know how it goes. I am really curious. Thank you for watching!

  • @raheempradesh7742
    @raheempradesh7742 Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the review was quite helpful. I just bought the XTorm solar charger with XTorm 20 000mAh powerbank, but have to say it is not ideal combination for tracking cause 20k mAh powerbank is too long and doesn't fit well with charging cable on into pocket on the back of the solar panel. If your usecase is to have it with you on a track and you want to have you power bank placed into pocket on solar panel is better to buy XTorm 10k mAh powerbank or some shorter and thinner powerbanks max 160 mm in length. I am planning to test the charger in winter conditions on snow and I am quite curious how it will be efficient in low temperatures and when sun trajectory during the day is quite low.

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    Жыл бұрын

    Cool. Let us know what you find out!

  • @shwartz166
    @shwartz166 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    Жыл бұрын

    You're welcome.

  • @thegiantfinds
    @thegiantfinds3 жыл бұрын

    they fully charge with 48 hrs FULL sun exposure....meaning not just 2 days

  • @aaroncarbon518
    @aaroncarbon518 Жыл бұрын

    I have the single panel version an got to say it let me down big time, I spent 8 nights out in a heat wave. Took it out fully charged it worked for 1 an a half days. An that was it it was literally in direct 20 odd degrees of beaming sunshine an maybe got 2% out of it. It doesn't look broke or there are no lights to signal that its broke.

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    Жыл бұрын

    No banks that I currently know of can charge fast enough to keep up with steady use. For that you would need larger panels. The technology is certainly still far from perfect. Hopefully in the next few years solar panel efficiency will improve. Time will tell. Thanks for sharing.

  • @colinsdrawings8523
    @colinsdrawings85233 жыл бұрын

    Does it charge all types of USB compatible devices? Ive been screwed too many times by power banks that charge some types of phones and not others with no rhyme or reason

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    3 жыл бұрын

    It should charge any phone as long as you have the right cord. This charger, and most others, comes with a Micro USB cable so you might need a different cord depending on your phone.

  • @VinnyMickeyRickeyDickeyEddy
    @VinnyMickeyRickeyDickeyEddy3 жыл бұрын

    Good info

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    3 жыл бұрын

    Mike: Thanks!

  • @tillytothetophere
    @tillytothetophere3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    3 жыл бұрын

    Tilly: You're welcome.

  • @rainbowjudy8020
    @rainbowjudy80203 жыл бұрын

    Curious to know can one use this to power PA equipment? I experimented with a 20000 power pack and a 48v phantom power (USB) device to see if it would provide power to the adapter. I plugged in a condenser mic and plugged into battery pa (15w) speaker. Need to know if this would work for "Busking". Worked well inside. Should work outside approximately 4 hours. Will find out in the Spring. But Does the solar unit provide on-going supply? Or is it only an emergency provider?

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    3 жыл бұрын

    Judy: I have never used a power bank in the situation you are describing, so I can't really speak to your questions about the PA equipment. As for your last question, it's more the latter. The solar charge you get will not keep up with the kind of draw you are talking about. If you charge it while using it, you might buy yourself a few extra minutes but nothing significant. Hope that helps and thanks for watching.

  • @Nonnachella
    @Nonnachella3 жыл бұрын

    I've had no issues. I use it to charge when I'm kayaking and camping, about 12 times a year.

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    3 жыл бұрын

    M K: Glad it's working for you. Thanks for watching!

  • @mihaiomc
    @mihaiomc Жыл бұрын

    Because solar panels generates electricity from UV (not necessarily sun light) when you tried to charge the power bank from indoor, behind the window, most of UV where blocked by the double glazed window... that's why it did not charge!

  • @RandoTechInfo

    @RandoTechInfo

    Жыл бұрын

    Correct. I have addressed this in videos I have done since this one. Most of the photons get reflected. Thanks for watching!

  • @clevelandexplorer2221
    @clevelandexplorer2221 Жыл бұрын

    I'm sorry, I'm really confused. You laid it out each midday giving you three hours of light in the summer + guessed 8 days would make it an accumulated 24 hours total to charge? :S also I didn't see if you tests whether the quoted mah was correct? I tried watching it a few times :s thanks for sharing

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