The Nomad7 and Guide10+ solar battery charging kit is a pretty good product that aims high, but fell somewhat short in performance in my use over a period of several weeks. The kit consists of the foldable Nomad7 solar panel unit with an output pack and zipper pouch, and the Guide10+ batteries and recharger. The thing to understand about solar panels is ... they really need direct sun to work well. If it's bright but pretty hazy, if it's partly cloudy, if you can't get a direct straight on view of the sunshine ... all of these factors impact the recharging times. A partly cloudy day and an off angle for the panels can double the amount of time it takes to recharge the batteries. And in my experience, obtaining optimum conditions is challenging. Read on for a discussion of pros and cons I experienced during my product testing.
(Pros and Cons are tagged with "Kit" if the observation is for the whole kit, "N7" if it pertains to just the Nomad 7 solar panels, and "G10+" if the comment pertains to just the Guide 10+ battery pack/recharger.
Pros:
N7 Cool Design: The 2 solar panels fold like a book, and a wraparound Velcro tab secures the panels closed. The panels are inside the closed case, and the outside contains a zippered mesh pouch that contains the solar converter and port panel, and lets you store the accessory cables, AAA adapter, instructions, and the Guide10+ battery charger. It's a brilliant design that puts everything you need right there in a fairly compact package weighing around 1.5 lbs.
G10+ Multiple Recharge Options: You can recharge the batteries from solar energy with the N7 or N3.5 panels or from USB (8-10 hours per spec.).
G10+ Charger Has a Flashlight: Pretty cool, and pretty bright too (100 mW).
Kit Multiple Accessories Included: A solar cable lets you charge the battery pack most quickly. Other accessory cables let you charge electronics that use a 12v car charger, and a standard USB type mini-B cable. Also included is a AAA battery adapter that lets you charge them in the G10+ charger. If you want to charge phones or Bluetooth headsets, you'll need to get a microUSB cable ... I purchased one separately from the auction web site for just a couple of dollars for several 1 ft cables.
Kit Having a Power Source Wherever/Whenever: This is the usefulness of the N7 solar panel: you have a power source wherever you are, whenever you need it. When the power goes out after a storm, you can recharge batteries as long *as the sun is out*. If you're on the beach, or camping or backpacking, you've got juice. Just realize, it's not really going to save you money using the sun to recharge your batteries.
Cons:
G10+ Battery Charge Doesn't Last: The rechargeable batteries appear to be good quality, but they do not seem to hold up under use. The AA batteries are rated at 2300 milliamp hours. Using a pair in a Logitech cordless mouse, a pair depleted in less than a week. Other AA rechargeable batteries of similar mAh ratings have lasted 3+ weeks. In addition, multiple times that I tried to use a fully charged set of these with the G10+ to recharge my phone; it could not even complete one full phone charge. It seems like my set of batteries must be defective.
Kit Takes Longer than Expected to Charge: Unless you live in a super-sunny place, you'd be surprised how rarely you get a full sunny day. I was. During my testing period of this product, I was confined to weekend solar charging (I'm in an office cubicle during the week with no sun). I rarely had a full sunny day to use the panels for charging. When those puffy white clouds come along, you're not getting much if any charge action. So the recharge times are extended each time a cloud comes by. Overcast day? Fuggedaboutit. This isn't a *product* weakness per se, it is a product class weakness ... today's solar panels just aren't hugely efficient, and smaller panels are even less so. I'm in the mid-Atlantic area, which generally has lots of partly/mostly sunny days, and I found charge times to take at least the maximum time the manufacturer suggests, and usually much more time. They say 2-4 hrs to charge with the N7 panels, real life charging took typically 6-8 hrs for most of the batteries to get to 80-100%. Once I got a 4-hour charge time. It's also harder than you think to be able to lay the panels flat to get the best angle. On the beach, sure that works. In your house or workplace? Mmmmm, not so much. Lay it on the floor, and the cat/dog/child may step on it, besides which you need to keep the G10+ charger out of the direct sun, so that's going to be underneath. Cool idea, but harder to achieve the best setup to get the stated charge times.
G10+ Battery Charger Has No Status Lights for Individual Stations: Batteries rarely discharge evenly, and so recharging occurs unevenly too. Without individual status lights, the batteries that finish first continue to receive charge, and those that aren't finished are likely unplugged too soon since there is one general status light. And the range for the indicator lights is too broad: 0-50%, 50-80%, 80-100%. Not very precise.
G10+ Less Recharge Power than Expected: See results below for phone charging. The first number represents the mAh rating of the batteries used. 2300 are the Guide10+ batteries. The others are other brands of rechargeable batteries. The phone being charged is a GSM Samsung Galaxy Nexus, battery rating of 1750 mAh.
2300: Phone charge: 22% G10+ charge: 9200 maH Time to shutoff: 2 hours Ending charge: 39%
2300: Phone charge: 10% G10+ charge: 9200 maH Time to shutoff: 1.3 hours Ending charge: 29%
2400: Phone charge: 25% G10+ charge: 8280 maH Time to shutoff: 2.5 hours Ending charge: 64%
2400: Phone charge: 26% G10+ charge: 9200 maH Time to shutoff: 2.5 hours Ending charge: 74%
2150: Phone charge: 20% G10+ charge: 6880 maH Time to shutoff: 3.5 hours Ending charge: 91%
What the figures mean are: what the phone's initial charge was, what the aggregated charge of 4 AA batteries in the G10+ was, how long until the G10+ stopped charging the phone, and the phone's ending charge. Basically, I never even achieved 1 full charge from any battery pack, so the claim of 1-3 phone charges per G10+ charge did not bear fruit. Maybe with a feature phone with a tiny battery, eh?
Kit Tablet charging? Not likely to happen. Most have proprietary chargers with molded cables. Besides which, their batteries often have 2-3 times the capacity of my phone, which wouldn't even charge once from the battery pack.
N7 Direct Charging from Panels Not Successful: I tried charging a couple of different phones directly from the solar panels. None would go into charging mode. Their circuitry evidently has a minimum voltage it has to receive to start charging. This might work if you're in full sun, with optimum panel angle, but many, if not most of us, are going to find perfect conditions nearly impossible to achieve. In this case, the manufacturer recommends connecting the Guide10+ pack to the Nomad7 and the device to the Guide10+. That's fine, but don't mislead folks into thinking that direct charging from the panels is likely, because it really isn't.
Kit Using Solar Charging Isn't a Money Saver: Using rechargeable batteries sure IS a money saver, but charging with solar panels really isn't. It takes mere pennies to use a conventional charger to recharge 4 AA batteries.
Bottom Line:
The usefulness of this product is in having a power source at hand wherever you are, provided there is sunlight. The amount of sunlight directly correlates to the amount of charge power the Nomad panels provide, and consequently, the ability of the product to charge batteries. It is important to understand that this is the product's strength. Saving money on charging batteries is not its strength. Being able to charge a lot of devices -or even one smartphone one time -is not a strength of this product. You may be able to boost a depleted phone's battery enough to make some calls after fully depleting the Guide10+ batteries, but that takes several hours.
I recommend the product within those parameters described above. However, I would suggest buying more powerful, more reliable rechargeable batteries to use with it. I found Immedion batteries rated at 2400 mAh to be the best performers in my testing. If you are just looking for backup power to tote around to recharge some devices that run out of power, then I recommend a rechargeable Li-Ion power pack rated around 7500 mAh. I have used such a product to successfully recharge the same phone 3 times on a single charge. Just something to consider.
I made the mistake of buying the Goal Zero 19006 Guide 10 Adventure Kit with 4 Goal Zero AA Batteries, not this one, which is the Guide 10 PLUS Adventure Kit. The Guide 10 Plus is iPad compatible, whereas, the Guide 10 is not.
I bought this kit mainly for camping. I find myself needing to charge my iPhone and iPad and knew this company made a good product. In April 2011, I went to Overland Expo in Amado, AZ and the Goal 0 reps had a big booth and gave away some small solar powered led flashlights. I was very impressed with their presentation of the products. This kit fits perfect in my bug out/backpacking/camping bag. I weighed the item, as I do with all items that go in my pack, it weighs 1 lbs 6 oz with: the solar panel, all cables, battery pack and batteries. EVERY OUNCE COUNTS when backpacking. So, for me, this was a good option compared to having to pack batteries and then maybe having to worry about scavenging more, if in a survival/bugout/zombie/post-apocalyptic situation, lol.
NOTE!!!!
I can charge my iPhone(4) directly from the Nomad 7 solar panels or with the Guide 10 Plus battery pack. But I can ONLY charge my iPad (1st Gen) with the Guide 10 Plus battery pack, I CANNOT get the iPad to charge when directly plugged into the Nomad 7 solar panels...this was disappointing for me, but I'll make do. Furthermore, I plan on buying 2 additional Guide 10 Plus battery packs with 4x AA batteries and 3 packs of 4x AAA batteries. I plan to use the AAA's in my flashlight, lantern and head lamp, and to use the AA's in the Guide 10 Plus packs to charge my electronics.
Buy Goal Zero 19010 Guide 10 Plus Small Adventure Kit Now
The Guide 10 plus adventure kit is a nice, compact solution for battery and device charging. It includes the solar panel, the battery pack, a few cables, and a AAA battery insert (so you can charge those). Note that the unit I received was a little different than depicted in the stock Amazon photos (single mesh pocket on reverse of panel rather than on the flap as shown). See my video for more.
Read Best Reviews of Goal Zero 19010 Guide 10 Plus Small Adventure Kit Here
This solar charger works great as a way to charge my AA batteries when away from home. Now I can recharge my AA's and even AAA's when on the trail. There are loops you can strap to your backpack while hiking if you need every minute of sun to keep your batteries topped off. To charge AAA's you'll need to buy a small adapter that snaps into the Guide 10 Plus. The required adapter is now packed with all Goal Zero AAA's. There are combo packs available that include the Nomad 7, Guide10Plus, 4-AA's, AAA adapter, 4-AAA's and a Luna light as bonus features.
First I'll discuss the Guide10Plus unit:
The Guide 10 Plus battery holder has a 3 position switch. Off, On and Light.
Off = USB Output disabled
On = USB Output is ON (1.0a max)
Light = LED Light is on, USB output is disabled.
Store in the Off position, charges in any switch position.
The Guide 10 Plus must be in the On position to charge your phone or whatever you have plugged into the USB. The LED light is very handy in camp for finding things in the dark, plugging things and so forth. I wouldn't consider it my primary light but it is a very useful feature, and a rather easy way to make sure your batteries are charged up too.
There is a red/green LED that lights when charging. It blinks slow red when the batteries are 0-50% charged. It blinks slow green from 50-80% charged and fast green blinking from 80-100% charged. When the power Output is enabled, the status LED shows Solid green when power is available, solid orange when running low and solid red when no power is available.
There is a dedicated plug for charging the Guide10 unit from the solar panels. Thus, you can be charging the batteries while they are also in use. There is an additional mini USB port for charging the batteries from a USB power source. This is handy for topping off your batteries before leaving on a hike or trip where you'll be using the solar charger.
Goal Zero AA batteries:
I've cycled my Goal Zero AA's and they came in at 2400mah, pretty nice. I also use Eneloop batteries in my Guide10Plus with no problem.
Nomad 7 Solar panels:
You can use the special Guide 10 Plus charging cable and charge the batteries directly from the solar panels. There's a handy pocket for storing the Guide 10 Plus right next to the solar panels too. It includes an opening to easily feed the charging cable right to the battery holder. The Nomad 7 panels are nicely made, fold nicely and fit easily in a backpack.
The rating information on the solar panels shows:
USB output: 5v, 5watt max
12v output: 13-15v, 4 watt max
Guide 10 output: 6-6.5v 7 watt max
Monocrystalline solar technology.
There are 3 outputs from the solar panels. 1 for charging the Guide 10, next to that a USB port, and on the opposite side a 12v output. My setup came with a 12v cig type adapter that plugs into the Nomad 7 so that I can take the 12v directly from the panels and use it.
My Nomad 7 panels weight in at 14.9 oz. With the Guide 10 Plus and Goal Zero AA's installed I have an all up weight of 21.2oz.
Since I own several other Goal Zero systems, I want to point out that mixing the systems does work in a slightly indirect fashion. Let me explain. Due to the different plug sizes used (which is intentional I believe) the systems don't plug into each other. I believe this is due to the abilities of the charge controllers in the different devices, to avoid overloading things. If you want to use the larger panels to charge the Guide10Plus, you can connect it up by using the USB output options. The Nomad 27 Panels have a USB output, which you can then plug the Guide10Plus into directly using it's included cable. It's nice to know that via the USB output options and in some cases the 12v Cig adapters you can mix the Goal Zero systems. The USB cross connections aren't full power and are thus slower but hey it works!
When comparing these units, there is an older Guide 10, and now the Guide 10 Plus. Make sure you get the Guide 10 Plus. The plus version supports 1.0a output at the USB port so you can charge newer iPhones and iPads. A few very early Guide 10 systems had an overheating issue, my Guide10Plus works fine with no problems.
Wow, this is getting long, but these are the nice details to know when choosing between systems. I rate this 5 stars for working to charge my AA's and AAA's on the trail. Feels like a required purchase for any Grab-n-Go kit.
Want Goal Zero 19010 Guide 10 Plus Small Adventure Kit Discount?
The first thing I did when I received this product was to label all the cords with id that they belong to this kit. The USB cord looks like every other one you own, but is for charging the battery pack and I did not want to confuse it with my zillion other cords. There is a nice zippered pouch for storing all these bits and pieces.
I could not find any way to remove the "protective film", I believe that these panels did not actually have any film on them. If they do, then they are working fine with the film on them.
We live in New Mexico at 7300 feet altitude, and that that altitude we get some serious solar energy. In fact the GoalZero Guide 10 Plus adventure kit was able to charge 4 Eneloop 1900mAh AA batteries from drained to full in 1.75 hours. The slow green light (50 -80% was actually lit after 50 minutes) It charged 900mAh batteries AAA from drained to full in about 45 minutes at midday, when laid flat on a cloudless day.
Some devices will complain if they sense the charge is too low (notably Apple products), in that case you run the charge through the battery pack (while still being able to charge the batteries).
We were able to charge (without sending the power through the battery pack) the following items on a sunny day in New Mexico.
Kindle Keyboard
2 kinds of Samsung phones
Sansa clip
Battery pack for a TI Inspire
Creative Zen mp3 player
Tom Tom GPS
Using the battery pack we were able to charge an Ipod 4G. I tried charging my ASUS laptop (one can dream, right?) by using the cigarette adapter and a plug I have for the car. That was not successful.
I also accidentally left the solar charging panels out in a rainstorm, and they still worked fine after drying out. (I had the panels outside the patio door with the Kindle inside the house). You do need to think about this, your device you are charging may not stand up to the rain as well. The battery pack instructions state that you should "shield it from direct sunlight" and that "unexpected rain storms probably won't harm it". I do wish the charging cable were a little longer so that shielding it would be easier.
Overall, I love this product. I love knowing I will be able to charge my cell phone, the batteries for my nieces insulin pump and necessary items (like my Kindle!) even if the power is out for an extended amount of time.
I am going to type up some info from the instructions, that might be useful in making a purchase decision and is not listed above in the Amazon page. Everything below this is from the manuals.
Nomad 7 (the solar panels)
USB output port: Accepts any standard USB cable for charging USB devices.
Solar Output Port: Charges Guide 10 battery pack faster than USB.
Car adapter and 12V output port: Connect the car adapter (included) to charge small 12 V devices.
*FAQ from Nomad 7 (solar panel)
What will my NOMAD 7 charge?
The NOMAD 7 will directly charge most USB and 12 V devices (not tablets).
Can I use the USB and 12V ports to charge devices simultaneously?
Yes. The Nomad 7 will split the incoming solar power between the two ports to charge devices simultaneously. Some devices may not be compatible.
Why am I having trouble charging my smart phone?
Smart phones require very specific, consistent input. If your NOMAD 7 is angle perfectly, there should'nt be an issue. However, most charging issues with a smart phone are made simpler by incorporating a Goal Zero power pack as an intermediary (such as Guide 10 Plus) (*note, this is the battery pack).
Is the Nomad 7 waterproof?
The nomad 7 is weather resistant and will not be harmed if exposed to rain or snow.
What kind of solar cells do you use in the Nomad 7?
We use state of the art monocrystalline technology in the Nomad 7 because it delivers more power per square inch than any other solar technology on the market.
Can the Nomad 7 be chained with other devices?
No.
*FROM THE FAQ for the Guide 10 plus (the battery pack)
What batteries can be used?
Any AA or AAA NiMH can be sued and recharged, we do not recommend other types of batteries. 4 same sized batteries MUST be charged at once, but not all batteries need to be empty.
How do I charge?
From solar: use GOAL ZERO Nomad 3.5 or Nomad 7 with solar charge cable for fast charging.
From USB: Use any USB power source, such as computer or and GOAL ZERO power pack.
Is it waterproof?
No, but it is weather resistant. Care should be taken to shield it from direct sunlight and the elements. Unexpected rain storms probably won't harm it.
How is it protected? Usage is plug and play. The built in battery management system prevents overcharge and over discharging of batteries. The USB output will only supply the amount of power needed.
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