Charging From Sun: Do you have to charge its internal battery before plugging in your phone, or can you charge your phone gradually JUST using the power of the sun?
198274
Like with most solar-powered charger, you have to charge up (at least partially) the internal battery first, before you can use it to recharge external USB devices. The current from solar panel (300mA best case) is too small to drive most USB devices directly, as they typically require 500mA - 1A. The solar panel output is also at the mecy of sunlight. That's why the internal battery is needed as an energy buffer.
2180418
Your phone has to be plugged into the charger with full sun exposure to work. Suntactics sells a backup battery that that can take a trickle charge from the solar charger all day and stores enough power for 2-3 phone charges. You can plug your phone into that battery at night or overcast situations for a charge.
1597422
I'm not sure about charging any battery. The plug is a usb connection, putting out 5 volts dc. I only kept it for a few days, it would have taken about 4 days of full Sun to recharge my Samsung phone. Way too long for my needs.
1763914
Yes - the battery is internal- you just need to charge it like you charge your phone
2284640
Hi there - yes to both. If you plug it into a computer it will charge a little faster than if you place it in sunlight. You'll need to give it at least 12 hours of constant charge at first...
1250523
You can use your phone like it's plugged in to a normal outlet, it will just charge a bit slower than if you weren't using it (because some of the power it gets has to go toward whatever you're doing with it).
1503296
iPhones require a lot of power. The solar panel is too small for this, as is the internal battery. While in theory it is possible if you crank this at 160 turns/minute. What you need is a stand-alone device with a solar cell and battery (sized 2250mA or more). The iphone will stop charging if interrupted. So use the stand-alone solar/battery device to charge it's internal battery. Then charge the iphone from internal battery. That way, there no interruptions.
1563378
I get only about 12-17% charge to my phone per each charge of this solar device. The solar device takes about 20 hours to charge in the sun
541426
You'll be charging from the battery pack not the panel it self. It goes sun panel battery then device. So it will be a continuous charge until those barriers are depleted. And they just recharge from the panels
618596
Not by more than a few minutes. Would take three or four full days of sun to charge your battery, and thats when your not using it.
531385
Absolutely. The lamp stores power after it has been charged -- think of it like a rechargeable battery. You can charge your phone using the lamp, just as long as their is still stored power. I have used my Sun King Pro 2 to charge my phone over several nights before having to recharge the lamp with the solar panel.
2127119
Yes you can pre-charge it with the sun or with your computer. I pre-charged mine and left it in the closet for two months, and it was fine.
2144748
no it continues to charge itself when in the sun. I would not recommend this item though. It only charges your device to about 30% max.
1499622
You can charge it while it is in the phone if you use the charger that came with your phone, but the included charger will NOT charge it while it is in the phone. There have been a few instances where if the battery level gets too low, charging it with a regular charger (like the one that came with you phone) will not bring it up to its maximum capacity. In those cases I'd have to remove the battery and charge it with the included charger. I would also suggest to charge it with the included charger during the "break-in cycle" that is described in the included instructions, just to be on the safe side.Hope that helps. You can charge it while it is in the phone if you use the charger that came with your phone, but the included charger will NOT charge it while it is in the phone. There have been a few instances where if the battery level gets too low, charging it with a regular charger (like the one that came with you phone) will not bring it up to its maximum capacity. In those cases I'd have to remove the battery and charge it with the included charger. I would also suggest to charge it with the included charger during the "break-in cycle" that is described in the included instructions, just to... » Read More You can charge it while it is in the phone if you use the charger that came with your phone, but the included charger will NOT charge it while it is in the phone. There have been a few instances where if the battery level gets too low, charging it with a regular charger (like the one that came with you phone) will not bring it up to its maximum capacity. In those cases I'd have to remove the battery and charge it with the included charger. I would also suggest to charge it with the included charger during the "break-in cycle" that is described in the included instructions, just to be on the safe side.Hope that helps. « Show Less
1119257
I think what you are asking is can you charge your phone while charging the battery. Yes as far as I know. I did this back in late August and it seems fine.
1067291
you can charge via USB or the solar panel sold by Goal Zero which is sold seperately..the charge holds for several hours...we charge once every couple of weeks and use daily for at least an hour or so a day off a USB charge. Much like you would with a cell phone USB jack.
1376681
It does not charge by solar power. It charges through a USB port. I think the charge life is great though. I played it for 3 straight days on the beach and still had battery life.