Charging Red Komodo batteries with solar

[TimoT]

Hi,

heading to Antarctica for 5 weeks and searching for a solution to charge my V-mount batteries using solar and wind. Speed is not so much of essence, we have plenty of sun (hopefully), wind and time. Does anyone have a technical solution to charge the batteries. We have Goal Zero Nomad 100 panels, but struggling what and how to charge the batteries including RED 98WH and IDX I Micro 150 V-mount, but can also buy others if there are batteries easier to charge say using USB C PD directly? Absolutely no access to AC and batteries need to be airline approved.

Any experiences using solar off grid 100%?

Timo

 

[M Harvey]

I don't know anything about a direct option to charge your batteries from solar panels. However, I have a 2kw Ecoflow battery that accepts solar panel inputs, and I then use that 2kw battery to charge smaller batteries or power lights (from regular Edison plug chargers). It does have USB outputs as well.

The other advantage to using a separate big battery is that you can store energy in the big battery all day, whereas you might be using the v-mounts while the sun is shining and then have no power to charge them at night. I have no idea how the cold affects your situation.

As to USB-C: I've travelled with just a USB-C PD charger and SmallRig or FXLion batteries with no problems. If your batteries charge by d-tap, I think there might be adapters.

 

[TimoT]

I don't know anything about a direct option to charge your batteries from solar panels. However, I have a 2kw Ecoflow battery that accepts solar panel inputs, and I then use that 2kw battery to charge smaller batteries or power lights (from regular Edison plug chargers). It does have USB outputs as well.

The other advantage to using a separate big battery is that you can store energy in the big battery all day, whereas you might be using the v-mounts while the sun is shining and then have no power to charge them at night. I have no idea how the cold affects your situation.

As to USB-C: I've travelled with just a USB-C PD charger and SmallRig or FXLion batteries with no problems. If your batteries charge by d-tap, I think there might be adapters.

Thanks! The USB-C PD might be the way to go - just need batteries that cooperate!

 

[M Harvey]

You're welcome. Report back on what you learn!

 

[Emintre]

I don't know anything about a direct option to charge your batteries from solar panels. However, I have a 2kw Ecoflow battery that accepts solar panel inputs, and I then use that 2kw battery to charge smaller batteries or power lights (from regular Edison plug chargers). It does have USB outputs as well.

The other advantage to using a separate big battery is that you can store energy in the big battery all day, whereas you might be using the v-mounts while the sun is shining and then have no power to charge them at night. I have no idea how the cold affects your situation.
crossy road
As to USB-C: I've travelled with just a USB-C PD charger and SmallRig or FXLion batteries with no problems. If your batteries charge by d-tap, I think there might be adapters.

What specific precautions or modifications have you considered to protect your solar panels and charging equipment from extreme cold and harsh weather conditions in Antarctica?