Solar Option 1

Remote Solar Option 1

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This option allows the charging of a battery using a 12 VDC charger. This is a relatively cheap method of charging a camcorder battery. The charger (and the attached battery) can be placed inside of a dry box so that charging can take place as you proceed down the river.

I have used a Solarex MSX20L solar panel to charge my Canon BP-911 and BP-924 batteries. Check with your solar panel distributor to determine which model will work with your battery charger. This line of Solarex panels are virtually indestructible.

Place a 12V cigarette lighter charger (purchased as an accessory with most camcorders) into a dry box.
Connect the solar panel to the charger with the female end of a cigarette lighter plug.
Drill a small hole into the side of the dry box and run the wires through the holes.
Seal the holes with silicone sealant.

While charging, the battery should be placed in an area that is between 70-90 degrees F. Batteries will not charge in cool temperatures (for example, near the bottom of a raft's storage area, close to the cool river).

Advantages	Disadvantages
Relatively cheap	Limited to devices that come with cigarette lighter chargers
Works nicely if only one type of battery needs to be charged.	Requires cigarette lighter charger
	Only charges batteries to be used for specific purposes
	Battery could discharge itself if it is left connected to the solar panel at night (a blocking diode device placed between the charger and the solar panel would prevent this discharge).
	Camcorder battery chargers may only work if the solar panel is under direct sunlight.

SOLAR OPTION 2

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