Flexible Solar Panels - The cycle for Life 2008

[gotwind2]

A group of U.K friends are attempting good work in Africa, starting next friday (11th April).

It is a 5000 mile human powered (bicycle) expedition between Namibia and Kenya.

http://www.gotwind.org/cycle_of_life_2008.htm

They approached me for some advice,

Initialy I was just happy to offer free advice on how to choose the most appropriate solar panels, batteries, controlers e.t.c for all their electronic gear.

Flexible solar panels were decided upon for longevity (vibration issues mounted on a bike) - 4 times the price per watt however

I priced the job and it was about 300 U.K pounds, (approx $600 U.S) and I decided to fund it myself - my contribution if you like, bit of publicity maybe.

http://www.gotwind.org/cycle_of_life_2008.htm

I'm not sure if I would like to be sat on a bike saddle for 5000 miles however - ouch...

Ben.

[ghurd]

Wow Ben, That's a Big Job!

Some of the new gear takes USB.  And at least some 12V to USB chargers are switchers.  That's gotta help.

I think I'm going solar, to 11 Ni-Cds, to a 12V to USB switcher for about the same thing. (cell phone, GPS, etc)

My wife is a bike nut.

Anyway.  Here is what I intend to use.

(Email for a UK supplier)

And they are not designed to be opened for a quick look.  :-/

At least they are cheap!

http://www.otherpower.com/images/scimages/2050/USBswitcher.jpg

G-