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60 of 62 found the following review helpful:
 Best portable solar solution on the market May 20, 2011
By Ernest Mayer
I have purchased, used and tested every lightweight solar charging device on the market that I could find. The Goal0 nomad 7 and Guide 10 set is the only one that works sufficiently that I can be completely off the grid with my backpacking devices and have no need for extra batteries. See below for solar panels tested. I have been testing portable solar panels for several years now, and the Goal 0 products are the best.
The Nomad 7 is the only solar panel that has the capability to charge an adequate battery pack, my headlamp AAA's, AND my smartphone/GPS all in the same day in full sunlight. It is the only panel that has reserve capacity to charge my devices in less than full sun (shady/cloudy). No other panel has the output of the Nomad 7. Its closest competitor is the Brunton panel. The Brunton weighs 20% more and is rated to output 30% less than the Nomad 7 (Brunton = 5 watts, Nomad 7 = 7 watts). In my testing the lower output was verified. The off-axis performance of the Nomad 7 is superior. It maintains full output to a greater angle of sun than any other panel I have tested. The Nomad 7 is the only panel, in my knowledge, that uses the more efficient mono-crystalline panels. It does seem to give it an edge in real-world usage. As far as flexibility, that characteristic has nothing to do with panel efficiency. Another of the well-thought out features of the Nomad 7 is the connection options. The Xpal SP-2000 and the Solio both rely on many different tips to connect to different devices. The Nomad 7 has three great options built in: 6.5 volt fast charge for the Guide 10 charger, 5 V USB connector, and a port that the included 12V female car lighter adapter plugs into. Every portable device has the option of an inexpensive car power adapter, and the Nomad 7 nicely offers that ability.
The Guide 10 charger works to its rated specifications, unlike most of the other solar devices I have used. It charges AA and AAA batteries. It charges them faster with the Nomad 7 than any other solar panel/charger combination that I have tested. The Goal 0 batteries that ship with the Guide 10 are the best of their type I have tested. They are low-discharge, like the Eneloops, but much better. The Eneloops are rated at 2000 mAh, but charge only to about 1900 mAh capacity. The Goal 0 are rated at 2000 mAh, but charge to 2200 mAh. The guide 10 has some very well thought out features, including the LED flashlight, the function switch and the built-in hanging loop. These touches all demonstrate that the designers are users, and thought well about how these devices would be used.
All is not perfect, though. The Guide 10 does have an overheating problem, but only in very strong sunlight and under certain conditions. This is a known issue that is being fixed as I write this. This brings me to one of my most important experiences; customer service. Goal 0 has the best customer service by far than any other of the solar panel manufacturers I have tested in this group. Immediate phone contact, responsiveness to questions and warranty service are far and away some of the best I have experienced.
Following is a list of the solar panels I have tested, and short comparison comments on each.
1. Powerfilm USB + AA: This one has a great form factor, is flexible and very durable, and is the lightest weight and most compact of all the solar chargers. Its fatal flaw is that it simply does not put out enough power to be practical in extended backpacking. It does not fully charge the AA batteries when it indicates a full charge, and is not nearly as flexible as the Nomad 7 for connection. The unit was replaced on warranty, but the replacement performed exactly the same. I tested a total of four of these, and all performed the same. Customer service was good, after spending weeks trying to get their attention, and this happened several times.
2. Solio Classic: This one has a nice form factor, but the unit simply does not charge its internal battery nor a connected device at all adequately. Just in case, I had it replaced on warranty and the replacement performed exactly the same.
3. Xpal Power SP-2000: Same as the Solio. Internal battery rated at 2000 mAh, only charges to about 1100-1300. Not enough power overall to be practical. Very good customer service.
4. Brunton Explorer: A good panel, but not enough overall power. Weighs 20% more than the Nomad 7, output is 30% less.
29 of 33 found the following review helpful:
 Melted May 26, 2011
By K. Moore
The two panels put out plenty of 12 volt DC to charge the batteries, however the unit holding the batteries melted so severely that it only blinks slow red. This means that the batteries are charging so according to the melted battery holder it is charging and the batteries never take the charge. I followed their directions and placed the device on my patio table outside in the sun. The temp never exceeded 95F degrees. When I opened the black nylon envelope that holds the batteries the charger was melted. So far customer service at Goal 0 is non existent. Look on their website they fully understand that the units melt. Do not buy one of these or you will be sorry. The ones that do not melt are due out July 2011.
20 of 23 found the following review helpful:
Perfect system for charging AA, AAA, USB, or DC Mar 29, 2011
By gmac
[...] for full specs
Best solar charging system that I have found. I work in the outdoor industry and have always been frustrated with the options for charging electronics when on extended trips. Goal0 has provided the solution. Check out all their elite series.
Guide 10 kit:
Pros:
Fast charging of AA or AAA batteries with the included charger or directly charge USB or DC devices from the Nomad panel.
Charging unit can be used to charge USB devices when not plugged into the panel
Charging unit has a LED flashlight built in
Very durable
Charging unit can be charged from USB, AA, AAA, or Panel
Cons: panels are not flexible (flexible panels are not as efficient)
Summary: the best system to charge AA, AAA, USB, or small DC electronics in the field.
Bonus: Excellent customer service and other products.
7 of 7 found the following review helpful:
 Missing AAA Insert Oct 30, 2011
By AudioFan
The first charge seemed to work well with the included AA batteries and Guide 10 pack. Charged much faster in the sun than my previous Solio Classic!
However, the box clearly states that the AAA Insert is included, and none was included with mine. I see that others have encountered that issue as well. I can't rate above 2 stars for having missing parts, especially since charging AAA batteries was a motivation in buying this kit. More details to come after I get a response from Goal Zero support, which I contacted through their web site.
Another reviewer stated that they were informed that the AAA insert was intentionally left out of the package due to it not being available. If that's the case it's disappointing that Goal Zero doesn't have a clearly posted program for new customers to receive the part for free once it is in stock. I would have expected some information in the box apologizing for the missing part and explaining how to obtain it.
6 of 6 found the following review helpful:
Better than Expected based on reviews Oct 03, 2011
By Luke
I was very skeptical about purchasing this solar charger after reading the reviews.
I was going to take it on a 14 day back country hunting trip and needed some was to charge my android phone as I use it as a camera, GPS and alarm clock. I took this item in the mountains and on a nice sunny 60 degree day I hung it up on a small pine tree and occasionally adjusted it to be at the best angle to the sun and it charged my phone in just a little over 2 hours. I also charged my dads phone and the battery pack from Goal0 as well.
I love this solar charger and feel strongly enough about it I decided to write a review as I was extremely skeptical..
Great product!!
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