Minimize laptop energy consumption – Maximize battery life

When running your laptop computer on solar power, you should adjust your power-saving settings in Windows or Linux in order to conserve power when plugged in the same as it does when running on battery power, because your solar power isn’t unlimited the way an AC outlet is. Most laptops waste a lot of energy when recharging their internal batteries, so you’ll be most efficient with your limited solar energy if you keep the laptop plugged in and fully charged. However, keeping the battery constantly topped-off isn’t the best thing for the laptop battery. Continue reading →

When and how to choose a power bank

There are a lot of “power banks” on the market that appear to have similar capability to the Half-Pint we build and sell, but in practical use they are significantly different. Here’s how to choose and things to watch out for: Continue reading →

Portable Solar Power System Usage Scenarios

Are you really going to sit out in the sun next to your solar panel?

How you plan to use your solar power system affects what you need to buy, especially when it comes to the solar panels. Picture exactly how you’re going to use your system before you buy. Continue reading →

Solar Charging of LiFePO4 batteries

Compared to lead-acid batteries Lithium Iron Phosphate (abbreviated LiFePO4 or just LFP) batteries are simple to charge and quite forgiving about voltage set points. You can use most “12-V” lead-acid solar charge controllers to charge a 12.8 V LFP battery. On those with adjustable settings, here are our recommendations for voltage set-points and why.
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Charging directly from a Solar Panel

Can I use a Solar panel to charge my phone or tablet?

There is a lot of interest in charging tablets and phones directly from a solar panel, without the expense of an external battery and charge controller. We’ve done some testing on a variety of phones and several tablets that charge over a micro-USB connector at 5 V to determine what is practical.
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Half-Pint Village Translation Station

Problem: A language worker needs to run Paratext and other translation software in his home village where there is no AC power available. We want a low-profile minimal system.

Solution: Use two or three Solartec solar panels connected to the Half-Pint Power Bank and a Lenovo Tablet 2 10-inch Windows tablet with Bluetooth keyboard. Permanently mount the panels on roof, with the Half-Pint indoors, and keep the tablet plugged into the Half-Pint whenever practical. Continue reading →

GTIS Power and Communications Systems

Technology for the ends of the Earth