merenay

Solar charger is convenient for people who usually travel out. But sometimes I want to ask such question “solar charger can work without sunshine?” Perhaps it is a stupid question. But I still want to know the answer. And if they can not work, is it still convenient. You can not use inside and you can not use in winter. Only without sunshine, it becomes rubbish. So is it worth for us to use?

hubbazoot

Depends on what type of solar charger you're talking about. Solar chargers don't need direct sunlight, they can work on a semi-cloudy day; they will have decreased performance. I know of a couple people in my neighborhood who use solar powered contraptions, from exterior lights (which are actually pretty bright) to a guy who uses a car cooling fan that's solar powered (thinking of getting one of these myself, burgundy interior is nice and warm in the winter, but too warm in the summer.).

As with everything, it depends on the application.

fivendime

I used to race electric cars and know for a fact that you can use most solar powered devices on a cloudy day it just dramatically reduces the efficiency of them.

CRoading

The efficiency of solar charger really depends on sunlight...
It reduces performance when the sun is not present...

hubbazoot

Hate to be "that guy," but that's what I said.

serawan

What are you charging? There exist devices with photovoltaic cells that work off of any reasonably bright light, but these tend to be extremely low energy. For anything that consumes more energy than a scientific calculator, you're probably going to need sunlight so yes, it's uses are rather limited. However, I don't see why you can't use it in winter (the sun is still there) and you can use it indoors as long as you place it by a window (although indoors usually has AC power outlets so it's not necessary).
i know a good website, i can recommend you, here is the link.
www.gizmograbber.com

Taffy

i use mine to charge a caravan(trailer) when im at work here in the uk and we only get about 7hrs of daylight this time of year and it keeps my batteries charged fine, i suppose it depends on what size panel you have i also run a wind tubine which charges up day or night depending on the wind outside....mind you after a few beers gets pretty windy inside as well!

BowtieGuy3

Solar charger can work without sunlight. If you can see, you can use solar. The photons that are present to produce the light you see during the day that keeps you from walking into walls and stuff, just excite electrons within the cel and produce a current. Now, with full on sunlight, there is more available direct light hitting on the solar cel in addition to a more intense amount of light thrust upon it.