Solar Technology Supercharger Full Review
Posted: 07 May 2008 by Adam Vaughan
The Supercharger also lives up to its claims of being weatherproof. By weatherproof we mean it can hack the rain but won't thank you for being submerged in a bath. To test it out, we left our Supercharger on the SmartPlanet balcony for a weekend and it survived a day of unseasonal snow. Surprisingly, the battery -- which isn't deemed weatherproof -- lived to tell the tale, too, by being hidden underneath the panel.
Handily, the solar panel is also easy to attach to your existing backpack, bicycle panniers or, for that matter, any other bag big enough to take it. Built into the fabric are two crocodile clips that grip surprisingly firmly, plus a versatile Velcro strap that you can hoop onto a bag's straps or carry-handles.
We've given the Supercharger a higher green score than the Freeloader because its zippier charging time means, for much of the year, you'll be able to run gadgets without fossil fuels. Without this accessory, the Freeloader is only really practical for occasional use.
The green Supercharger's weatherproof, but the pink battery ain't -- so hide it in your bag
The main practical bummer to the Supercharger is the lack of weatherproofing on the Freeloader battery and the cable that connects the pair. Generally, we've found ways round this -- slipping the battery and cable inside a bag and clipping the Supercharger on the outside, for example -- but it's still a drag that the whole 'system' isn't weatherproof.
Ethics are reasonable rather than spectacularly good or bad. The Supercharger's made in China in a factory that's a member of the Sedex scheme. That means its factories set labour condition goals for themselves and let independent auditors check how well they're doing. In other words, it's a welcome self-assessment but shouldn't be taken as a guarantee of good wages or working conditions. Freeloader's UK team also visit the factory twice a year to inspect standards.
If you're in the market for a solar charger for your gadgets, this is one of the most powerful options you can buy. Check it out in combination with the Freeloader. The cheapest way we've seen to get both is to buy a £50 bundle pack called the Globetrotter, which nets you the Freeloader, Supercharger and a useful waterproof case for the Freeloader's battery.
Quality
Value
Ethics
Green
