I love to shop clearance sale racks, shelves. You just never know what you're gonna find!! While at Lowes I walked to the clearance rack in the back corner of the store and came across some great gizmos. I guess people in my part of town don't want free energy from the sun. I found these great small solar panels designed to charge your mobile phone, tablets, computers, lights, etc. I got all these for 60 - 70% off
I got 2 of these "back pack" solar panels, one for the iPhone and one for the iPad...or iPod, etc. There are USB ports to connect your device. You can charge the battery packs and use to charge the device latter or connect device to the solar panel direct and charge real time in the sun. List price $159.. I got for $59 each.
Then I saw the lighthouse lantern. Charge it by 110, car battery, solar panels. It has a flashing red light for emergency purposes. The lantern is LED lights, is bright and lasts for 6-8 hours. It also has USB sockets to charge devices. List price $54. I go 2 at $19.
On another trip I went back to that little corner of the store and I found this bigger solar panel that includes a bigger battery with an inverter (looks like a thermos and weighs 10 lbs). You can charge it from 110, car batteries or solar panels. You can then plug in 12 volt appliances, USB or 110 devices...like a computer. It comes with an LED lamp with long cord like a hanging lamp. List price $359. I got it for $125.
I hope I will be able to afford a solar set up on my rig. But until I can, I will be able to use these solar items to help boondocking possible
If you'd like more information about these products here is the website for GoalZero. http://www.goalzero.com/
Next time you're at Lowes check their clearance rack