Voltaic FAQ
What do these bags charge?
The Amp, Fuse, Switch, OffGrid and Converter charge almost any handheld electronics including most cell phones, iPods, MP3 players, satellite phones, cameras and GPS systems. If you need to charge a laptop, see the Generator
Why do the bags include a battery?
The battery stores power so you can even charge your devices inside or outside when the sun is not shining. You can charge the battery from the sun, the USB charging cable or the optional wall or DC car charger.
Will I make it through Airport Security?
Most Likely. The Voltaic team and our customers have been through many security checkpoints. While we get interested looks and comments, we have never been blocked. TSA regulations allow you to bring an Lithium Ion or Lithium Polymer battery (like our battery or your cell phone) with you as part of your carry-on luggage.
What will happen if the bag gets wet?
The solar panels are waterproof and so will not be affected. The recycled PET used to construct the bag is also waterproof. However, water will eventually seep in through the zips and seams, so the contents can get wet. The only electrical component likely to be adversely affected is the battery pack, which you should treat as you would any other electronic device and keep it dry.
What care do the panels require?
Scratches on the face of the solar panels will reduce the amount of light hitting the solar cells and reduce the power generated, so it is best to avoid scratching them. The panels are coated with a material that will actually melt away some scratches when exposed to the sun.
Dirt on the panels has a similar effect. To clean them use a damp non-abrasive cloth.
Are the solar panels breakable?
They can be broken, but are unlikely to be damaged in typical use. They can easily stand up to being dropped and leaned on.
If you were to place the panel over a rock and stand on it you would cause the cells to crack, which would reduce the output of that panel. Since the three panels operate independently the other two would continue to provide sufficient charge to run most small devices, but charge times would increase.
What difference does this product make environmentally?
Solar power is obviously an environmentally friendly way to produce electricity. However to be fair, the total amount of power generated is a relatively small portion of typical every day consumption. Turning down your air conditioner in summer and reducing the thermostat in winter will probably have a greater impact.
However there are other benefits. This product should lead to less disposable AA batteries being used in emergency chargers and other devices (they produce way too much waste for a very small amount of electricity), and less discarded batteries finding their way into the wilderness.
It should also raise awareness of the advantages of solar power. A power generator that is tough, portable, runs on sunshine, and lightweight (the panels and battery pack weigh less than one pound) is illustrative of these advantages.
What does the LED in the logo indicate?
When the LED inside the logo lights up, it indicates that the solar panels are generating a charge. However, you should always look at the battery directly to see if the panels are producing enough power to charge the battery.
The Amp, Fuse, Switch, OffGrid and Converter charge almost any handheld electronics including most cell phones, iPods, MP3 players, satellite phones, cameras and GPS systems. If you need to charge a laptop, see the Generator
Why do the bags include a battery?
The battery stores power so you can even charge your devices inside or outside when the sun is not shining. You can charge the battery from the sun, the USB charging cable or the optional wall or DC car charger.
Will I make it through Airport Security?
Most Likely. The Voltaic team and our customers have been through many security checkpoints. While we get interested looks and comments, we have never been blocked. TSA regulations allow you to bring an Lithium Ion or Lithium Polymer battery (like our battery or your cell phone) with you as part of your carry-on luggage.
What will happen if the bag gets wet?
The solar panels are waterproof and so will not be affected. The recycled PET used to construct the bag is also waterproof. However, water will eventually seep in through the zips and seams, so the contents can get wet. The only electrical component likely to be adversely affected is the battery pack, which you should treat as you would any other electronic device and keep it dry.
What care do the panels require?
Scratches on the face of the solar panels will reduce the amount of light hitting the solar cells and reduce the power generated, so it is best to avoid scratching them. The panels are coated with a material that will actually melt away some scratches when exposed to the sun.
Dirt on the panels has a similar effect. To clean them use a damp non-abrasive cloth.
Are the solar panels breakable?
They can be broken, but are unlikely to be damaged in typical use. They can easily stand up to being dropped and leaned on.
If you were to place the panel over a rock and stand on it you would cause the cells to crack, which would reduce the output of that panel. Since the three panels operate independently the other two would continue to provide sufficient charge to run most small devices, but charge times would increase.
What difference does this product make environmentally?
Solar power is obviously an environmentally friendly way to produce electricity. However to be fair, the total amount of power generated is a relatively small portion of typical every day consumption. Turning down your air conditioner in summer and reducing the thermostat in winter will probably have a greater impact.
However there are other benefits. This product should lead to less disposable AA batteries being used in emergency chargers and other devices (they produce way too much waste for a very small amount of electricity), and less discarded batteries finding their way into the wilderness.
It should also raise awareness of the advantages of solar power. A power generator that is tough, portable, runs on sunshine, and lightweight (the panels and battery pack weigh less than one pound) is illustrative of these advantages.
What does the LED in the logo indicate?
When the LED inside the logo lights up, it indicates that the solar panels are generating a charge. However, you should always look at the battery directly to see if the panels are producing enough power to charge the battery.
Voltaic Charging FAQ
How long does it take to charge a device?
If the battery pack is already full, a typical cell phone will charge in about the same time it takes using a car charger (roughly 2 hours, although it varies by phone). The ideal way to use this product is to keep the battery pack charged, so that the charge is available when needed.
The actual time in the sun required to fully charge a typical cell phone is 4-6 hours. This will increase in cloudy weather, or if the panels are not angled towards the sun. The following table shows the typical time in the sun required to charge different devices. These are estimates and will vary based on the battery power of those devices.
If the battery pack is already full, a typical cell phone will charge in about the same time it takes using a car charger (roughly 2 hours, although it varies by phone). The ideal way to use this product is to keep the battery pack charged, so that the charge is available when needed.
The actual time in the sun required to fully charge a typical cell phone is 4-6 hours. This will increase in cloudy weather, or if the panels are not angled towards the sun. The following table shows the typical time in the sun required to charge different devices. These are estimates and will vary based on the battery power of those devices.
Approximate Charging Times
ItemHours Direct Sunlight
*Voltaic Battery Pack 6-7hrs
Cell Phone 4-5 hrs
Digital Camera battery4-8hrs
GPS4-6 hrs
iPod or iPhone4-6*
Charge times may be increased in cloudy weather, high temperatures, or where panels are not angled towards the sun.
ItemHours Direct Sunlight
*Voltaic Battery Pack 6-7hrs
Cell Phone 4-5 hrs
Digital Camera battery4-8hrs
GPS4-6 hrs
iPod or iPhone4-6*
Charge times may be increased in cloudy weather, high temperatures, or where panels are not angled towards the sun.
How do you get the best charging results?
For maximum power output, face the panels towards the sun. If the panels are in direct sunlight but not angled towards the sun the power declines by about 20%. When they are angled away from the sun the power drops off by up to 90%.
Will the Voltaic bag charge iPods and iPhones?
Yes.Most models will charge using the Apple supplied USB charging cable which connects to the battery pack via the included USB socket or the optional iPod adapter.
Will the Voltaic bag charge DSLR camera batteries?
Yes, although you will need a charging cradle that is designed to fit your battery. To get sufficient Voltage to charge a 7.4V battery (most DSLR cameras), you will need to set the Voltage selector to 12V and connect directly to the solar panels. We carry several camera chargers, but if you don't see yours listed, let us know.
Can I charge a device that is on the shoulder strap or in another pocket of the bag?
Yes. On the OffGrid, there is a wire that runs from the shoulder strap near the phone pouch, through the bag to the battery pack. Just plug this wire into the"USB Out" port on the battery and turn on the battery (hold for 2 seconds) to receive power.
There are also wire holes throughout the bag to run wires, so you can channel the power out cable from the battery pack through these wire holes to the main pouch or to the right side pocket.
What should I do if the battery pack is flat and I need to charge something?
As soon as the battery pack receives a charge (from either the solar panels, the AC charger, or the car charger) you can begin to charge your device.
When using solar power, it is more efficient to let the battery pack partially charge (to two lights on the charge indicator) before plugging in the device. However, if you have both a flat phone battery and a flat battery pack, you should be able to plug in your phone, angle the bag towards the sun, turn on the battery and make a call.
My device isn't charging, what should I do?
First see the basic instructions below. If the device does not charge even though the battery pack is charged, you have the correct adapter, and the voltage setting is that required for the device, then the device is likely designed to only work with a manufacturer supplied charger, or at a very specific voltage.
In this case the best thing to do is use a manufacturer supplied USB charger and plug it into the battery. Please also feel free to contact us at support@voltaicsystems.com
What if I need to charge a device and the sun has set or I am inside?
This is part of the reason we included a battery in the Voltaic bags. The battery stores energy generated by the solar panelsuntil you need it, and will hold a charge for months.So even when you can't get access to the sun, you can plug a device into the battery pack and charge from that.
The battery can also be recharged from any USB port, or from the optional AC travel charger and the DC car charger, so you can use whatever power sources are available to keep the battery topped up.
For maximum power output, face the panels towards the sun. If the panels are in direct sunlight but not angled towards the sun the power declines by about 20%. When they are angled away from the sun the power drops off by up to 90%.
Will the Voltaic bag charge iPods and iPhones?
Yes.Most models will charge using the Apple supplied USB charging cable which connects to the battery pack via the included USB socket or the optional iPod adapter.
Will the Voltaic bag charge DSLR camera batteries?
Yes, although you will need a charging cradle that is designed to fit your battery. To get sufficient Voltage to charge a 7.4V battery (most DSLR cameras), you will need to set the Voltage selector to 12V and connect directly to the solar panels. We carry several camera chargers, but if you don't see yours listed, let us know.
Can I charge a device that is on the shoulder strap or in another pocket of the bag?
Yes. On the OffGrid, there is a wire that runs from the shoulder strap near the phone pouch, through the bag to the battery pack. Just plug this wire into the"USB Out" port on the battery and turn on the battery (hold for 2 seconds) to receive power.
There are also wire holes throughout the bag to run wires, so you can channel the power out cable from the battery pack through these wire holes to the main pouch or to the right side pocket.
What should I do if the battery pack is flat and I need to charge something?
As soon as the battery pack receives a charge (from either the solar panels, the AC charger, or the car charger) you can begin to charge your device.
When using solar power, it is more efficient to let the battery pack partially charge (to two lights on the charge indicator) before plugging in the device. However, if you have both a flat phone battery and a flat battery pack, you should be able to plug in your phone, angle the bag towards the sun, turn on the battery and make a call.
My device isn't charging, what should I do?
First see the basic instructions below. If the device does not charge even though the battery pack is charged, you have the correct adapter, and the voltage setting is that required for the device, then the device is likely designed to only work with a manufacturer supplied charger, or at a very specific voltage.
In this case the best thing to do is use a manufacturer supplied USB charger and plug it into the battery. Please also feel free to contact us at support@voltaicsystems.com
What if I need to charge a device and the sun has set or I am inside?
This is part of the reason we included a battery in the Voltaic bags. The battery stores energy generated by the solar panelsuntil you need it, and will hold a charge for months.So even when you can't get access to the sun, you can plug a device into the battery pack and charge from that.
The battery can also be recharged from any USB port, or from the optional AC travel charger and the DC car charger, so you can use whatever power sources are available to keep the battery topped up.
Adapters FAQ
How do I know if the adapters will fit my device?
The adapters included with the Voltaic bag, and many of the devices they willcharge, are listed on the adapters page. However, these adapters may fit additional devices (particularly the universal adapters). We have included photos and specifications for each adapter to help you to determine whether they are likely to suit your device.
Where can I purchase an extra adapter?
Please see the www.voltaic.com
What can I do if I don't have the adapter for my device?
If we do not offer the adapter, a USB charging cable for your device is the easiest solution.
How do the universal adapter plugs work?
These adapters are standard sizes designed to fit many different devices. A device will typically have the required voltage marked beside the DC power in plug. Be sure to check the voltage setting on the battery pack before connecting to a device.
Most devices will also indicate the polarity beside the DC in plug with the following symbol: . The polarity of the universal adapters is center positive, which is indicatedby this symbol.Almost all consumer electronics are made center positive, but youshould double check before charging and do not connect the device if it indicates the center pin is negative.
The adapters included with the Voltaic bag, and many of the devices they willcharge, are listed on the adapters page. However, these adapters may fit additional devices (particularly the universal adapters). We have included photos and specifications for each adapter to help you to determine whether they are likely to suit your device.
Where can I purchase an extra adapter?
Please see the www.voltaic.com
What can I do if I don't have the adapter for my device?
If we do not offer the adapter, a USB charging cable for your device is the easiest solution.
How do the universal adapter plugs work?
These adapters are standard sizes designed to fit many different devices. A device will typically have the required voltage marked beside the DC power in plug. Be sure to check the voltage setting on the battery pack before connecting to a device.
Most devices will also indicate the polarity beside the DC in plug with the following symbol: . The polarity of the universal adapters is center positive, which is indicatedby this symbol.Almost all consumer electronics are made center positive, but youshould double check before charging and do not connect the device if it indicates the center pin is negative.
Battery Pack FAQ
What should I do if I need more than 5V?
The maximum voltage output of the battery pack is 5V. Some devices may require a higher voltage (such as some larger digital cameras). You can also connect directly to the solar panels and get 12 Volts. You will need to switch the Voltage selector from 6 to 12V (the Voltaic battery charges best at 6V).
How do you know how much charge is in the battery pack?
Disconnect the power source and press button to show battery level. 1 light < 25%, 2 lights < 50%, 3 lights < 75%, 4 lights > 75% full. LEDs flash when battery is nearly empty. If no lights come on, the battery is flat.
What do the lights on the battery pack indicate?
LEDs light sequentially when charging. Solid LEDs indicate portion of battery charged.
Does the fact that you offer the adapter mean the battery pack will charge my device?
No, the availability of an adapter does not guarantee that the battery pack will charge the device. The voltage requirements for your device may not match the output of the battery pack.
In some cases manufactures design their devices to only work with chargers made by them (e.g. Nokia). In this case it is necessary to purchase a USB charge cable and connect it to the battery.
The maximum voltage output of the battery pack is 5V. Some devices may require a higher voltage (such as some larger digital cameras). You can also connect directly to the solar panels and get 12 Volts. You will need to switch the Voltage selector from 6 to 12V (the Voltaic battery charges best at 6V).
How do you know how much charge is in the battery pack?
Disconnect the power source and press button to show battery level. 1 light < 25%, 2 lights < 50%, 3 lights < 75%, 4 lights > 75% full. LEDs flash when battery is nearly empty. If no lights come on, the battery is flat.
What do the lights on the battery pack indicate?
LEDs light sequentially when charging. Solid LEDs indicate portion of battery charged.
Does the fact that you offer the adapter mean the battery pack will charge my device?
No, the availability of an adapter does not guarantee that the battery pack will charge the device. The voltage requirements for your device may not match the output of the battery pack.
In some cases manufactures design their devices to only work with chargers made by them (e.g. Nokia). In this case it is necessary to purchase a USB charge cable and connect it to the battery.
