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by parametrek 3279 days ago
They aren't worth the money or the weight. You are almost always better off bringing the equivalent in spare rechargeable batteries. I've written an article on it:

https://www.reddit.com/r/flashlight/wiki/solarcharging

1 comments

4.9oz or .139 kg: https://www.amazon.com/LightSaver-Roll-up-Solar-Charger-Batt...

Works well on sunny days if you adjust it to point directly at the sun, and it charges in 6-8 hours.

While that is extremely light, it still weighs as much as 3x18650. Breakeven point would be after four days of perfect 100% utilization of solar power.

Is it practical even then? I'd gladly carry a few extra batteries so that I don't have to sit around camp and keep adjusting the panel every hour.

$100 isn't practical for most people either.