Gadget of the month – September 2016

Solar power to keep you connected

For many of us, September is a month for travel and holidays. Whether you’re camping on a staycation or going overseas to sunnier climes, you must contend with the trials and tribulations of finding places to charge your smartphone, laptop or tablet. This can be made much less worrisome with a solar power charger. 

The PE team tried out the not-so-catchy named SP-SC-0021 from Solstice Power Solutions to see if it offers a viable alternative to the grid while out on the road. The solar charger, complete with high temperature resistant 6,000mAh lithium battery, is around the size of a tablet or notebook so is by no means a burdensome addition to your luggage. It’s covered in a fairly robust fabric to protect the two 10W solar panels. All you have to do is unfold the device and let it soak up some rays. A simple blue LED charge indicator shows when the device is fully charged and when it is depleted of energy.

It took just an hour to charge up when placed out in full sunlight and was able to charge an iPhone three times via its micro USB cable before running out of juice. The cable can also connect to Android devices.

Although Solstice Power recommends you to charge the device in direct sunlight, the firm says the battery can also be charged in overcast conditions. Unusually for a British summer, there were not many clouds around at the time of testing to prove this theory. 

A useful feature is the inclusion of four carabiners so that hikers can attach the device to their backpack and charge the solar panels while walking. 

Alternatively, if users are just looking for a portable spare battery, the solar panels could be charged by mains supply.

It is advisable to keep the panels a safe distance from liquids.  

Verdict: a handy and reliable back-up for charging your phone when there are no plugs in sight. The SP-SC-0021 costs £79.99 but the company also offers a smaller version at just £29.99.