I am interested in getting a solar battery charger for AA and AAA batteries. Ideally, it should be suitable for both home and bugout situations. My three questions are: what should I look for, what model should I get, and who would you recommend as a supplier?

First consider if you really need one. Will you be buying rechargeale batteries? What and how many items will you need batteries for? The expense, weight and hassle factor may make quality lithium or the military red label units more appealing. In a BOB, you may wish to devote the space and resources to food, meds etc. It's real easy to accessorize ourselves to the point of immobility.

I haven't used them personally, but if I were in the market the first place I'd check is www.jademountain.com. Their line is worth looking at in any case, and they have a pretty good reputation among the high-tech end of the homesteading crowd.<br>__________________<br><br>Later: It seems that Jade Mountain has merged with something called Real Goods. <br><br>Here's the index page... still interesting stuff:<br><br>And here are a few chargers that might be what you're looking for:<br><br>http://www.realgoods.com/shop/shop3.cfm?dp=305&ts=1011563<br><br>http://www.realgoods.com/shop/shop3.cfm?dp=305&ts=1051068<br><br>http://www.realgoods.com/shop/shop3.cfm?dv=3&dp=305&ts=1050212&kw=solar<br><br>They used to have an even smaller unit, the size of a AAA case, but as I recall it took a long time...

Hey, Chris! Educate a civilian... what's a "military red label" battery?

Code red batteries (one current brand name available ) are batteries you twist to activate ( much like snapping a chemlight.) They can be stored up to 20 years before using. They are expensive, but an alternative. I believe MajorSurplusNSurvival sells the d cells. In fact, they have a pretty nice selection of batteries and lighting accessories.

I too have been researching the same need...<br>I found a couple units made by Brunton (the compass guys)<br>they make two units... one for just charging AA batterys and the other will also power other 12/6 volt devices and charge 4 AA batterys too. They both look very well made and are nice and compact... they even include storage for extra sets of batterys.<br><br>To find a source just do a search for "brunton solar AA"<br><br>Good luck on your search...