Energizer Rechargeable Solar Flip

As mentioned in the video above, this is an AA or AAA battery charger from Energizer. It comes with an AC adaptor but also a solar panel to recharge your batteries. The pack also includes 2 x 2000mAh rechargeable Energizer batteries and feels quite solid with a rubberised finish. It claims to be weather resistant, so the solar panel can be left outside on a table unlike many of the cheaper panels. It has built in smart charging technology to avoid battery damage and also has a built in LED torch.

I was quite impressed with this solar charger today, I had two flat AA batteries and left it on the windowsill from about 9am until 4pm and in those seven hours the charge status on the device now reports full. I need to do a full test with the batteries to check they do have a full charge, but I don’t see why this would be reporting wrong. It was quite a bright day today (with all the snow) and the unit was not in direct sun for all of those seven hours.

Important note: the USB out socket did not charge my iPhone, however, once the batteries are charged I will use my Energizer AA battery emergency iPhone charger or my iGo PowerXtender for iPhone

If you are thinking of getting one of these solar chargers, make sure you have a really good hunt around. I have seen some ridiculous prices listed for these devices (up to £70!) but you should be able to pick one up in Maplin for £34 with free delivery (if you are quick).

Product Features (from their website)

• Compact and portable design
• Charges from AC power supply or in direct sunlight
• Convenient “On the Go” top-up
• USB charger “out” to charge other devices
• Solar panel can be rotated for maximum exposure to the sun
• LED Flashlight
• LCD Screen to show charging status indication
• Charges AA and AAA batteries
• Supplied with 2 x AA 2000mAh rechargeable batteries
• Fast charging time: 8 hours using the mains adaptor and 21 hours using the solar panels
• UK and European plug included

Charge times: