Sunforce 82883 Solar "AA" Battery Charger

by Sunforce

Product Features

• Solar powered
• Charges 1-4 batteries at once
• Meter shaows battery charge and output
• Blocking diode
• Panel can be angled to maximize solar power

Product Details

USA Sun and Wind Map [150kb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 6 x 3 x 2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000MSCKKS
• Item model number: 82883
• Average Customer Review: 2.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #117,243 in Automotive (See Top 100 in Automotive)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

AA solar battery charger that works from the power of the sun. A built-in meter shows the charging power and the current battery output. A blocking diode prevents the reverse flow of power from the battery to the solar panel during night use or when sunlight is not available. Can charge 1-4 rechargeable batteries at a time. Angle the unit for maximum solar efficency and maximum power.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

53 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars A last resort, October 19, 2007

By 

D. M. Harman - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sunforce 82883 Solar "AA" Battery Charger (Misc.)

Only way this unit would be worth anything is as a last resort. Even in full sun it rarely generates more then 120 mA and 80 mA is probably the average and the slightest wisp of cloud drops it to near zero. With todays 2000-2750 mAH rechargeable batteries this unit would take 125 hours to charge 4 2500 mAH batteries. Assuming 6 hours of "full" sun a day at 80 mA it would take almost 21 days to charge those four batteries. Real world would be more likely a month.

Like I said, maybe if it was all I had, but there are better places to spend your money.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Poor design heats up the batteries, September 4, 2009

By 

AKO California (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sunforce 82883 Solar "AA" Battery Charger (Misc.)

I bought one of these several years ago and am surprised these are still made.

As someone has already mentioned, this unit doesn't provide a lot of power. You're really looking at weeks to completely charge a set of batteries and that's if you have a place that gets sun most of the day. Having it inside a window causes a pretty significant drop in amps, but leaving it outside for weeks isn't a great alternative either. Obviously partial charges and top ups may work for some people, but for most this is just not efficient enough.

But another big problem with this unit is the batteries are in a closed plastic case in the sun. Heat degrades rechargable batteries and I doubt any manufacturer would recommend it for such an extended period as this solar charger requires. I don't feel comfortable with how hot they get as it probably shortens the battery lifespan. There's a platicky smell when it heats up. There really should be an air gap and a more open case that allows excess heat to be carried away.

With two big flaws, I think people should apply their money toward a better charger, even if more expensive.

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sunforce 82883 Solar AA Battery Charger, February 19, 2008

By 

Guy Fanguy "solarGuy" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sunforce 82883 Solar "AA" Battery Charger (Misc.)

Length:: 1:32 Mins

Sunforce 82883 Solar AA Battery Charger Review.
Works well. Does not work well when on dashboard of car because of UV protection of the windsheild. Direct Sun 160 mA, when on dashboard brought it down to 40 mA.
Very pleased with the item