Update: We're starting to build a prototype for this product. Stay tuned for more updates.
I've devised a stationary system for using a solar pannel to charge a smartphone that replaces the use of a wall outlet and doesn't cost the consumer an arm and a leg.
A very small solar panel (4.8 volts, 100mA), hung on a window, could load a rechargeable battery over 6-8 hours with enough capacity that, when full, can fully charge a mobile device.
Assumptions:
Smartphones are generally charged at night, trickle charge takes between 6-8 hours.
The solar panel is suction cupped to the window which receives maximum sun exposer. The panel is tethered to a desktop component which consists of a rechargeable battery, LED capacity indicators and a female USB port. The desktop component is intended to sit on the nightstand where the smartphone is usually charged and is designed aesthetically so. The battery in the desktop component is charged by the solar panel during the day and stores the load for later use. The power cable for the smartphone is a connected to the desktop component and the smartphone. At night, when the smartphone is connected, the stored energy would be transfered to the battery of the smartphone. This alleviates the use of a wall outlet almost all together.
The desktop component will have to have an auxiliary cable that will always connect to a wall outlet as a backup. This secondary system assists in the event of a poor solar charge due to sunlight obstruction (weather or otherwise) so the smartphone will still be charged. The battery from the desktop component with always be depleted first then a low powered trickle from the wall outlet will provide the addition sustaining charge.
Justification:
It would take a 9 watt solar pannel to high-power charge an iPhone or similar device. This is costly to the consumer and is not required because time period in which these devices are usually charged is during the night. This means using a much smaller panel to trickle charge a rechargeable battery over a longer period of time is much more efficient both cost and energy consumption. At the moment, all solar systems are set up in this traditional way which is reflected in the cost therefor are not practical to the consumer. Using this solar trickle charging method will allow for a huge competitive egde in the market.
Notes:
This system could also be retrofitted to work in a car.
The desktop component could also be designed to be hidden.
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