Solar powered MacBook...

Question

Level 1

1 points

Solar powered MacBook...

Would it be possible to charge a MacBook with relatively small solar panels. Like those 2-3 panels that fold together in a laptop size package that output around 12-15 watt. I'm mainly thinking of using the laptop for 3-5 hours during the evenings on my boat (after sundown), so it can lie around and charge all day.

Are there any issues with connecting a MacBook directly to such a panel? Can it damage the MacBook? Would removing the battery and connecting it directly to the panel be better (and how would you go about that)? Can I get a cigarette lighter to mag safe cable? And has anyone actually tried this (with the MacBook or other Apple laptops)?

Cheers,

ragtag

iBook, Mac OS X (10.4.6)

Posted on May 24, 2006 5:27 PM

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Answer 1

May 24, 2006 6:20 PM in response to ragtag

The problem you're going to have is that a MacBook's charger requires 60W to charge the computer. Now, you could always use thosee solar panels to charge something else over the course of the day that could provide that 60W in a shorter period of time.

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Answer 2

May 24, 2006 6:32 PM in response to ragtag

theorytically it can be done, but I don't think there will be any portable solar panel that has adapter like Mac Book adpter with mag safe interface available yet.

there are a lot of option out there for solar panel such as alphasolar web site, photontek website, or powerstream website that you can check,

but refer to the previous post, it might be better to let the solar panel charge a rechargeable battery that has the output range from 110 v to 240 volt and then you plug your Mac Book power adapter to that rechargeable battery.

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Answer 3

mkruse21

Level 1

0 points

Mar 30, 2007 7:18 AM in response to ragtag

What about this?

http://www.solarenergyalliance.com/laptops.htm#top

They offer a 55-watt solar array with some sort of adapter setup. It is quite expensive and i don't even know if they sell it outside of Europe (I have emailed the company about it)

Any thoughts on how this would work?

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Answer 4

First Magus

Level 7

21,299 points

Apr 1, 2007 4:49 AM in response to mkruse21

As said the interface to the computer is the problem. None of the magsafe adapters that are for portable use charge the battery. They will power the computer only. You would be better off setting up something as already suggested.

Mort

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