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Personal Power  :  Portable Power Packs  :  Solar Panels  :  Batteries & Packs
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If you spend time out in the wilderness with your digital camera, on the road camping with your portable music, or would just like to reduce the number of batteries your house sends to the landfill, this is your department.

The products featured on this page are designed to provide power for laptop computers, digital cameras, PDAs, palm computers, digital storage devices, satellite phones, cell phones, GPS, mp3 audio players, and just about any other type of electronics you might want to take away from civilization.

We try it. We test it. So we can recommend it.

Expansion Alert...
If you see an item listed here, but no link to a product page, it's not a mistake... we are expanding our catalog, and are trying desperately to keep up. We have most of the new items in stock already, so please call or email for price & availability...
1-888-904-9990

Personal Power...
Sound like self-help? It is...

The products on the right are designed for charging small electronics & batteries. Your Pocket PC, Razr, Blackberry, iPod, & rechargeable batteries are tingling with excitement at this very moment. Some, like the Solio, SolarMio, & SolarUno's will charge directly from solar, and use on-board batteries (Lithium or NiMh) to store power for use later. The dynamo products (Sidewinder & Freecharge) work in a similar way, but use a handy hand crank to generate power instead of having to wait for daylight.

NOTE:
These products do not provide household AC power. They connect directly to your electronic device through specific connectors, or generic USB ports. They will not support an AC inverter. Look to the larger portabe power kits for AC & larger power needs.

Buying Guide: small power packs

Solio Classic
by Better Energy
Power all your stuff in style
Great for iPods & phones.

Solio Magnesium
by Better Energy
A hard shell & copius connectors
iPods, phones & more

Solio H1000
by Better Energy
Light & fast
with gate clip for packs

SolarMio
by SolarFocus
Excellent in low-light
Lots of connection options

SolarUno
by SolarFocus
Solar hybrid USB port
Popular with iPod owners

SolarPort 4.4
by Brunton
Power to spare
with 12V, USB & AA/AAA charger

FreeCharg 12V
by Freeplay
Compact 12V wind-up charger
No sun required!

Sidewinder
by IST
Tiny & convenient
Designed for cell phones

Mini Everlite
by New Options
Solar LED with options
Convenient hiking power

MicroSolar
by GMT
Mini solar AAA & USB
Ideal as phone & iPod back-up

e-Power by Wagan
3-in-1 compact solar
Battery charger & power supply

Converter Backpack
by Voltaic
Practical pack
Solar power with storage

Portable Power Packs
Taking power to the extreme

When you need to pack your own power into the wilderness,
and you don't have a 400km extension cord, these packs are the answer.

We've designed the Outpost Power kits to be as complete a system as possible, with solar panel, DC power cable, AC-DC wall charger, AC inverter, triple DC outlets, basic metering, & input regulation.

Buying Guide: portable power packs

How much power do you need?
Sizing a solar power system

Take the power draw from each device you wish to run, & multiply by the amount of hours per day it needs to operate
(ie. 40W laptop for 4 hours = 160WHrs)
If you cannot determine the power of a device, use its battery specifications
(ie. 2500mAHr @ 10v battery = 25WHrs)

Compare the total WHrs required to the capacity of our Large Power Packs to see which ones meets the total of all your device power needs.

We customize to suit...
If you don't see a Power Pack that exactly meets your needs, or you would like us to help you determine the best option, please contact us

Portable DC plus optional household AC...

Outpost Power 26
by Modern Outpost
The largest portable AC/DC power kit we offer

Outpost Power 18
by Modern Outpost
Reliable AC/DC power kit for demanding applications

Outpost Power 12
by Modern Outpost
Our most popular portable AC/DC power kit

Outpost Power 7
by Modern Outpost
The smallest power kit that will support AC

Outpost Power 4
by Modern Outpost
Take a trouble-free 12V DC power pack with you

WEZA
by Freeplay
Put the pedal down for power

Lightweight DC-only systems...

SolarSupra Value
by SolarFocus
40WHr/day lightweight lithium kit with advanced solar panel

SolarSupra Premium
by SolarFocus
80WHr/day lightweight lithium kit with advanced solar panel

Kayaker Power
by Modern Outpost
A special bundle kit.
Available now - call

Trekker Power
by Modern Outpost
A special bundle kit.
Available now - call

Field Laptop Power
by Modern Outpost
A special bundle kit.
Available now - call

Flexible Solar Panels
Converting daylight into electricity

Rigid 100 Watt solar panels are great for homes & RVs, but not so convenient for strapping to your kayak or backpack. So, Modern Outpost carries the more lightweight foldable & rollable variety of panel.

What is the difference between standard rigid panels and the flexibles featured here?
Primarily the cell technology, plus the material it is adhered to. Rigid panels using high-efficiency 'single crystal silicon' cells need a solid backplate to protect them from breakage & use tempered glass facings. The lightweight flexible panels we feature use 'Amorphous Silicon' or 'CIGS' thin film cell technology, and although not as efficient as single crystal or polycrystalline panels (meaning they need about a 5% larger surface area for the same power output as Single Crystal panels), they can be put on a wide range of surfaces including nylon & plastic. These panels are very popular with the military, who sew the panels into tent roofs to generate power at remote camps.

Which panel is right for you?
It depends on the amount of power you need to generate, along with size & weight considerations, your operating environment, and of course your budget.
PowerFilm Foldables are the lightweight winner, while the PowerFilm Rollables are the best choice for kayaks, canoes, boats & other marine applications. All panels are designed for outdoor all-weather use, but these are far better at taking a splash. Global Solar & Brunton panels offer excellent value for a wide range of applications.

Click the 'Buying Guide' link below for a closer look at a comparison.

Buying Guide: solar panels
These foldables are featured in our portable power packs

PowerFilm Foldable Panels

These are the lightest, most supple panels on the market. Ideal for portable applications.

F15-300 : 4.8 Watt
F15-600 : 9.6 Watt
F15-1200 : 18.2 Watt
F15-1800 : 27.3 Watt
F15-3600 : 54.6 Watt

PowerFilm Rollable Panels

These are the original PowerFilm lightweight flexible panels. Optimum water resistance makes them the best choice for marine applications.

R15-300 : 4.8 Watt
R15-600 : 9.6 Watt
R15-1200 : 18.2 Watt

PowerFilm Accessories

Cigarette socket, cigarette plug, extension cable, battery clamps, daisy chain cable, charge regulator, universal battery chargers.
See any of the PowerFilm pages for details

PowerFilm Solar Modules

Choose from various sizes, voltages, & outputs from 3V up to 15.4V.
Both standard & encapsulated weatherpoof models are available to cover your custom project needs.
CALL to discuss.

Global Solar Foldable Panels

Our most popular panels, offering tough construction, reliable service, & great value.

SunLinQ 6.5 : 6 Watt
SunLinQ 12 : 12 Watt
SunLinQ 25 : 25 Watt

Brunton Foldable Panels

Solaris USB
5 Watt flexible solar with USB outlet port for small electronics

Solaris 52
52 Watt flexible solar panel for bigger needs & battery packs

Reware Solar Backpacks

Eco-chic packs with built-in 6W panels & 12V connector. A convenient alternative for trekkers who need to pack their own power.

Juice Bag E100 : Backpack
Juice Bag E200 : Daypack
Juice Bag E300 : Messenger

Compact Rigid Solar Panels

The right choice for automobile trickle-charging, garden fountain pumps, and semi-permanent applications like remote signs, gates, & lighting.

SolarFlat 5 Watt
by Brunton
Small utility solar charger

SolarFlat 1.8 Watt
by Brunton
Small vehicle trickle charger

1.8 Watt Trickle Charger
by Coleman
Smokin' deal on right now!

Rechargeable Battery Packs
Storing the power you generate

Lithium (Li-Ion, Li-Po) carry a lot of power for their weight. Nickel-Metal-Hydride are memory-free and are eco-friendly like Lithium. Both of these chemistries are ideal for the small electronics, but cannot handle the rigors of alternative energy & back-up power systems very cost effectively. The old reliable Sealed Lead Acid (SLA, Gel) are heavy, but are much more durable & reliable than other types. The SLA & Gels are also the right choice if you need AC power via inverter.

Lightweight Lithium

myPower All 3450
by Tekkeon
Li-Ion battery pack, 50WHr multi-voltage

myPower All 3300
by Tekkeon
AA-NiMh battery pack, USB port

Voltaic Battery Pack
by Voltaic
Li-Ion pack, 15WHr, 3,5,7V, multi-output connectors including USB & mini USB

SolarReady 360
by Reware
Li-Ion pack, 18WHr, 5,6,7V, multi-output connectors including 12V socket

Outpost Power Battery Packs

Sealed Lead acid for pass-through power needs, and the ability to operate an AC inverter (Kit 7 & up only). Customizable.

Outpost Power 4 : 25WHr
Outpost Power 7 : 45WHr
Outpost Power 12 : 75WHr
Outpost Power 18 : 110WHr
Outpost Power 26 : 160WHr

NiMh Rechargeables
by Targus
AA, & AAA batteries for your solar charging gear

Other Utility Packs

These are all-in-one kits, including 12V DC power, air compressor, & household AC power on some models.
by Wagan

Power Depot 2-Way
Power Depot Extreme
Power Dome 5in1

Battery Chargers
Caring for your batteries

Consumer battery charging is one of the most common applications for portable solar, so as a result, all but one of the chargers we carry offers the ability to connect directly to solar or automotice DC power in addition to household AC.

Lithium rechargeable batteries, like the ones found in digital cameras & camcorders, typically have their own proprietary chargers, but because these require AC power, this means also purchasing an AC inverter for use with your car or solar power kit (note that because inverters cannot operate directly from a solar panel, they require a sealed lead-acid battery between themselves & the solar panel). We carry the growing line of DC chargers for proprietary lithium batteries from Targus to eliminate this AC problem.

When it comes to NiMh batteries (Nickel Metal Hydride), it is important to purchase a charger that contains proper charging circuitry. Look for features like 'reverse polarity protection', 'temperature compensation', 'overcurrent protection' & others. These special features ensure that your batteries have a long, useful life.
SPECIAL NOTE: The faster you charge your NiMh batteries, the more abuse they are taking, and the shorter their lifespan & useable capacity.

Buying Guide: battery chargers

For AA/AAA Rechargeables...

Alpha Charger
by LaCrosse
Possibly the best AC charger anywhere

Rapid Charger
by Targus
2/4 x AA/AAA, AC & 12VDC input adaptors

3-Way Charger
by Nexxtech
4 channel AA/AAA, via USB, 12VDC, or AC

Mini Charger
by Targus
2 x AA/AAA, 12VDC input charger

USB Mini Charger
by Nexxtech
2 x AA/AAA USB input charger

myPower Go
by Tekkeon
4 x AA USB input charger/power supply

Mini Flexible Solar
by PowerFilm
Charges 2 or 4 AA's
The smallest, lightest charger

SunLINQ Charger
by GSE
5 Watts of power
Light & easy to use

For AA/AAA/C/D/9V Rechargeables...

Delta V
by Powerfilm
2 or 4 channel plus AC & DC input adaptors

PowerEx Universal
by Maha
Includes cradles for AAA, AA, C, D

For Lithium Battery Packs...

PowerEx Universal
by PowerEx
Cares for all Li-Ion, Li-Po, NiMh, NiCd batteries & packs.

Universal Lithium
by Targus
Covers most camera manufacturers' packs

Canon Universal
by Targus
Charges most Canon batteries from AC or DC

Sony Universal
by Targus
Charges most Sony batteries from AC or DC

For 12V Deep Cycle Batteries...

SunSport 6
by Eco Energy
Advanced solar charge controller
110W/6A max, bare leads

Solar Charge Controller
by Eco Energy
50W max, bare leads

2A Multi-Stage Charger
by Eliminator
Keeps marine & deep cycle batteries charged

AC-DC 15V, 1A Converter
by Nexxtech
Charges 12V system batteries via CLA plug

DC Power Converters
Convert car & solar to match your gear

Most portable electronic devices use DC power. If it comes with a battery, it uses DC. So, when you can, avoid the use of AC inverters, and use DC adaptors to convert your vehicle or solar power into the voltage your device needs.

65W Universal DC Laptop Adaptor
by Wagan
65W max., 6 laptop adaptor tips, 6 voltages

Mobile DC Power Converter
by Wagan
24W max., 6 adaptor tips, 6 voltages 3-12V

12V USB Adaptor
by Nexxtech
Create a USB port from a 12V outlet

Dual 12V to USB
by Wagan
Creates two USB ports in your car
A must for today's portable electronics

AC-DC Converter
by Wagan
Creates a 5Amp car outlet in your home

AC-DC 15V, 1A Converter
by Nexxtech
Charges 12V system batteries via CLA plug

AC Power Inverters
Household power on the go

All batteries are DC, so it makes sense to keep all your laptops, phones, & radios operating in a DC world, but when a DC power option is not available for your device, get an inverter.

Inverters come in two types: Modified Sine, & Pure Sine. If an inverter's literature or packaging doesn't state which, it is most likely the basic modified sine variety. What is the difference between these two? Essentially, it is just the quality of the AC electrical power that the unit produces. How 'clean' it is. A modified inverter takes several steps to create the 60Hz waveform, while pure sine models create a very smooth waveform using more sophisticated circuitry.

Which inverter is right for you depends on your needs. Most computers & household appliances & battery chargers will work fine on modified sine power, but if you are worried about electrical noise or have sensitive electronics, choose a pure sine. It is also adviseable to choose an inverter size that is 20% than the largest total electrical load you will need to operate.

Buying Guide: inverters

Standard Modified Sine AC...

75W Smart AC
by Wagan
Mini one-piece design

120W Smart AC/USB Slim
by Wagan
Ultra compact,
USB port, airline adaptor

120W Inverter with FM
by Wagan
AC, DC, USB,
& FM broadcasting all in one!

150W Smart AC/USB Slim
by Wagan
Ultra compact, USB port, dual AC outlets

150W Smart AC/USB Dual
by Wagan
Ultra compact, USB port, airline adaptor

200W Smart AC/USB Dual
by Wagan
Ultra compact, USB port, airline adaptor

400W Mobile AC Dual
by Wagan
AC with direct connect option

700W Mobile AC Dual
by Wagan
Mobile AC with direct connect

Pure Sinewave AC...

150W Pure Sine
by Samlex
Clean AC in a small kit

300W Pure Sine
by Samlex
Pure AC for larger needs

600W Pure Sine
by Samlex
Ample clean power, portable size

150W Pure Sine
by Wagan
Clean AC in a small kit

300W Pure Sine
by Wagan
Pure AC power to go

Large & special features...

Looking for a larger inverter? Do you need an integrated transfer switch to coordinate external power? Would a rack mount model suit your installation? Although not a part of our regular catalog inventory, we can special order modified sinewave inverters up to 8,000 Watts, and Pure Sinewave inverters up to 1,500 Watts with a variety of features.

We feature top models from Samlex America, and economical models from Wagan Tech. Let us provide you with a quote for the equipment you need.

DC Cables & Connectors

3-Way DC Outlet Hub
by Wagan
3 DC outlets plus battery status

DC Extension Cable
by NexxTech
Extend the range of your DC power

DC 'Y' Cable
by NexxTech
Provides two outlets from one

DC Dual Male CLA Cable
by MOE
Connects two female CLA outlets for charging etc.

Battery Clamp DC Socket
by Wagan
Add a DC CLA outlet to any battery

Got any new product suggestions? Let us know!

Don't forget to get your copy of the Modern Outpost Catalog