Global Solar Sunlinq 6.5W Full Review
Posted: 20 March 2008 by Mark Harris
The Sunlinq is the most basic solar charger we've tested, consisting of just a solar panel and cigarette lighter or 12V adaptors. It's also the slimmest charger, measuring just 13mm at its thinnest point. The panel rolls out from an extremely compact 13x23mm to a sprawling 750x230mm in use.
Although it's a long way from the lightest solar charger we've tested, the modest 200g weight means carrying it shouldn't cause any aching backs. It's also water resistant and feels extremely resilient for regular outdoor use, with grommets supplied to lash it to your car, boat or bike.
We know virtually zilch about the working conditions of its production except that it's made in Tucson, Arizona in the US, so we can make some postive assumptions about working standards. But retailer Select Solar, which supplied our sample, didn't tell us about any factory certifications or standards, so we'll have to hope for the best. We know that Global Solar's main business is relatively ethical and green because, so far as we can see, the only thing it makes is solar products.
The Sunlinq's panel is far and away the best performing one we've tested, generating a healthy 433 mA of current in full sunshine (that's a lot). It's worth noting there's no built-in indicator to show that it's generating power.
Accessing all that power isn't easy either. Because it doesn't have a battery to store any generated power, you can only use the Sunlinq to charge gadgets 'live' in real-time, while they're plugged into it and the sun's shining. So if you're busy walking or cycling or just don't have anywhere flat to lay it down while it's sunny, tough. Unlike the Freeloader and the PowerMonkey it won't be able to charge gadgets at night.
The second problem is that the only power output option is a cigarette lighter (and similar 12V jack). While some devices -- notably GPS units and mobile phones -- often ship with a cigarette lighter adaptor, most MP3 players and cameras don't. And it's a bulky accessory even if you do happen to have one. We did spot an iPod adaptor for the Sunlinq on sale for $20 (£10) in the US, though we haven't been able to find a UK stockist.
The cigarette lighter adaptor gives away the Sunlinq's target audience: car campers will love it. You can leave the panel draped over the parcel shelf to power your car's battery or use it to boost charge on any in-car gadgets while you're stopped. And conveniently, it ships with standard battery leads to trickle charge your car battery in an emergency.
Quality
Value
Ethics
Green
