JFCoupe Loc: Kent, Washington

I am booked for a float trip through the Grand Canyon in Aug/Sept 2022.

I am wondering about being able to charge my camera batteries with a small solar panel unit. In my research I see that many of the units have connections for cell phones, etc. However I have not found one that would accept an AC plug in to my battery charger.

Do any of the UHHers know of one that you can use an AC plug with?

I may just need to purchase a couple more batteries.

Thanks for you information.

tradio Loc: Oxford, Ohio

Check to see if there is a battery charger available that will operate on 12 volts.
I think I saw one that Nikon made with intentions of powering the charger from a lighter outlet in your car.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Battery pack using solar and AC. These are versatile and work for anything as long as you have a USB cable and your camera accepts charging this way (not all do).

jim quist Loc: Missouri

https://www.fleetfarm.com/detail/milwaukee-m18-top-off-175w-power-supply/0000000370546

Only thing I can think of.
Buying a pocketful of batteries would cost less than buying the unit and battery.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

You can find battery chargers for just about any camera that has a USB connection. I would still opt for extra batteries though, (often you can buy a couple of batteries combined with a charger), because depending on the output of the solar panel and your access to full direct sunlight the charging time may not be feasible.

KindaSpikey Loc: English living in San Diego

As already mentioned, extra (charged up) batteries is the way to go. Small portable solar panels are not going to be very helpful for your needs. They tend to have a very low output, and will take a long time to charge your batteries, and don't forget that they need good sunlight to work at all. If it's a cloudy day, the efficiency will drop significantly, and if you are somewhere in the canyons there's a good chance that you will be in the shadows. Even if if you're in a sunny spot, you'll need to keep adjusting the angle of the solar panels to track the sun throughout the day. Then, obviously there's the cost. A portable solar system that is (good enough) for your needs is going to be expensive, you'll save a lot of money just buying enough spare batteries for your trip, at least you'll know that your power needs are taken care of and ready to use instantly, you won't need to waste your time "babysitting" a charger, when you could be exploring and shooting some great pics! Anyway, this is just my personal opinion, do what you feel is best for you, have a great time and don't forget to post your photos here when you return.

Red6

Solar panels may be feasible but will be slow. Will you have the time (and sun) to sit around for hours during the day to charge batteries? During the day I would think you would be on the river or enjoying a hike or other activity. I have been on some of these types of trips. Your only downtime is during the late evenings and night when no solar charging can be done.

Just take additional batteries. They would be easier to pack and carry than a solar panel and associated charger, cables, etc.

Drbobcameraguy Loc: Eaton Ohio

I have a charger for my D5oo batteries that can use 120 or 12 volts from my cig lighter. It came free with an off brand battery purchase from adorma

traderjohn Loc: New York City

I would also buy a water proof bag of sorts.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I did one of these trips some years ago. You'll spend a good deal of your time trying to keep from getting wet. Keep that in mind for your equipment, especially.
--Bob

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

A Dry Bag would be useful. Take extra batteries. I would also suggest just taking a good quality compact camera that can be kept in a ziplock bag inside a zipped or buttoned pocket while you are bouncing down the rapids.

oglem919 Loc: 1ST Coast

I just saw an email from Harbor Freight Tools advertising a 4 panel, 18W portable solar panel with 2 USB outlets. It may or may not be what you are looking for. If you aren't familiar with them, they have good products at good prices. They gave all their PPE to local hospitals at the start of the pandemic, started closing at 8PM several years ago to give staff time at home with their family, and have an Industrial Arts high school competition every year with millions of dollars given to high school industrial arts programs. Great company to do business with.

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

A larger "battery bank" might serve better, something like a 250WH reserve and multiple outlet types....they are used a lot in conjunction with solar panels. I have two like this one for power outages/picnics/whatever, where I need power and or a light. There are many models and sizes available, many brands. That and a dry bag would keep you charged....

DenGaWa Portable Power Station 250Wh, Laptop Charger Lithium Battery Power Supply with 110V/250W Pure Sine Wave AC Output, DC USB Ports for Outdoors Camping Home Emergency (description from Amazon).

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

You might want to consider a portable battery/charger. I use them quite a bit.

https://smile.amazon.com/s?k=portable+battery&crid=N2ZN042Q820H&sprefix=portable+battery%2Caps%2C94&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

aphelps Loc: Central Ohio

Small solar panels will not provide adequate power for recharging batteries. There are battery banks with both AC and usb outlets. Go to Walmart and search for "power banks with AC". Hope this helps.