Solargorilla Laptop Charger

Find out about the Solargorilla - a rugged solar powered laptop charger

A very common request we receive at REUK is for information on how to safely charge a laptop computer with a PV solar panel (1). While it is perfectly possible to put a suitable system together yourself assembled from available components, most people would prefer to purchase a guaranteed dedicated commercial solar powered laptop charger. Unfortunately these have always tended to be extremely expensive.

Pictured above is the Solargorilla Laptop Charger from UK-based Powertraveller. This device though still expensive is much cheaper than its competitor products at just £139.99.

Solargorilla is basically speaking a scaled-up version of the very popular PowerMonkey Explorer (2), but without its own battery storage. Instead it will trickle charge the lithium-ion battery in the laptop when it is sunny.

Solargorilla is a foldable 24 Volt photovoltaic solar panel with a water resistant rubberised casing. An LED indicator displays the strength of the charge - i.e. the UV intensity of the sunshine hitting it.

Solargorilla is fitted with two power output sockets (one 20V 500mA for laptops and one 5V 500mA for mobile phones and small media devices), and so can be used to charge a laptop and a mobile phone at the same time. A total of 17 adapters are supplied to connect Powergorilla to a range of mobile phones, laptop (notebook) computers, and the Sony PSP. Mini- and micro-USB connectors are also provided. The Powergorilla and its connectors can all be stored in the supplied hard wearing neoprene case.

Click here to view the official Solargorilla specification sheet (3).

Limitations of Solargorilla

Even in the sunniest conditions, it is unlikely that this device will be able to power a laptop directly (i.e. the amount of power generated will be less than the power required by the laptop), but will greatly extend the time the laptop will run on one full battery charge, or boost the battery charge when the laptop is switched off.

Powergorilla battery pack for use with Solargorilla laptop charger

The Powergorilla (pictured above) is a battery pack which can be charged by Solargorilla and then used to charge the laptop battery quickly at a convenient time - e.g. at night. Unfortunately the Powergorilla costs a further £150 making a Solargorilla-Powergorilla system a very expensive proposition.

Buy Solargorilla Now

Solargorilla is available for £139.99 from Ethical Superstore (4). Click here for more information and to buy Solargorilla (5) now.

Web Link References

(1) http://www.reuk.co.uk/How-Do-PV-Solar-Panels-Work.htm
(2) http://www.reuk.co.uk/PowerMonkey-Explorer.htm
(3) https://powertraveller.com/_code/download.php?f=VS_solargorilla_data_sheet.pdf
(4) http://ethicalshop.at/reuk76
(5) http://ethicalshop.at/reuk76?CTY=9&DURL=http://www.ethicalsuperstore.com/products/powertraveller/solar-gorilla-laptop-charger/

Article from REUK.co.uk:
http://www.reuk.co.uk/Solargorilla-Laptop-Charger.htm
Published: 25th September 2008
© REUK 2009