Goal Zero Switch 8 Solar Recharger Kit - Lightest USB Power | Goal Zero

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Goal Zero Switch 8 Solar Recharging Kit

SKU: #41001

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$99.95

Talk Longer Recharge a smartphone in 1 hour
Super-utility knife of rechargers Personalize with interchangeable tips (sold separately)
Recharge without restrictions Refuel the Goal Zero Switch 8 from USB in 4 hours or from the sun in 5 hours.

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Features

Mobility. Perfected

Keep talking, emailing, surfing, and always stay moving. Equipped with the Goal Zero Switch 8 Recharger and the Nomad 3.5 Solar Panel, you have the power to keep smartphones charged up anywhere you go from USB or sun.

What's in the Box

1 x Goal Zero Switch 8 Recharger
1 x Nomad 3.5 Solar Panel

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Goal Zero Switch 8 Recharger Download User Guide (.pdf)
POWER
Battery Type	Lithium-ion (NMC)
Battery Capacity	3.6V, 2.2Ah (8W)
GENERAL
Weight	0.2 lbs (0.09kg)
Dimensions	1x1x5in (2.5x2.5x12.7cm)
INPUTS
Will depend on attached Goal Zero Switch tip
Included USB Standard port	5.0V, 1.0A (5W)
OUTPUTS
Will depend on attached Goal Zero Switch tip
Included USB Standard Port	5.0V, 1.0A(5W)
Nomad 3.5 Solar Panel Download User Guide (.pdf)
INPUTS
Solar Panel	Rated Wattage: 3.5W
Cell Type	Monocrystalline
Open-circuit voltage	6.5-7V
Converting Efficiency	17-18%
Cell Area	0.0199 m2
OUTPUTS
USB Port	5V, 0.5A max (2.5W), linear regulated
Solar Port (for Guide 10)	6-6.5V, 0.5A max (3.0W), not regulated
GENERAL
Weight (no pkg)	0.5 lbs (0.22 kg)
Dimensions (folded)	7 x 5.5 x 1 in (12.7 x 13.9 x 2.5 cm)
Dimensions (unfolded)	14 x 7 x 0.5 in (33.5 x 12.7 x 1.2 cm)
Warranty	12 Months
Certifications	FCC and CE
Optimal Operating Temp.	32-104 F (0-40 C)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews

Goal Zero Switch 8 Solar Recharging Kit

4.8

(based on 4 reviews)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

Good value (3)
Reliable (3)

Cons

Best Uses

Portable electronics (3)
Travel (3)

- Reviewer Profile:
- Quality oriented (3)
- Primary use:
- Personal (4)

Reviewed by 4 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-4

5/5/2013

(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

No doubt great choice

By SM-C323

from Cumming, GA

About Me Quality Oriented

Verified Reviewer

Pros

Good Value
Perfect For My Use
Powerful

Cons

Best Uses

Emergency Equipment
Portable Electronics
Travel

Comments about Goal Zero Switch 8 Solar Recharging Kit:

Have been looking for a good solar charging product. I will be at the 2013 National Jamboree this summer and this product is perfect for my use.

4/18/2013

5.0

Does what it is supposed to do

By Livingupnorth

from Minnesota

About Me Quality Oriented

Verified Reviewer

Pros

Good Value
Reliable Performance

Cons

Best Uses

Backpacking
Canoe Tripping
Emergency Equipment
Travel

Comments about Goal Zero Switch 8 Solar Recharging Kit:

I bought the switch 8 for backpacking and canoe tripping to charge small devices like cell phones/kindle/mp3. Portable size and ease of use makes it ideal for this application.

It charges my smart phone fully in about 1 3/4 hours off of the battery pack. No issues charging the basic cell phone, kindle, and MP3.

The only problem I initially encountered was getting the smart phone (Casio Commando) to charge off of the battery. It would not charge using the phone's USB cable. The solution is to use a "charge only" USB cable (no sync/data capability).

Overall, well thought out and well designed product.

2/1/2013

(3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Great back-up product

By Jim

from Omaha, NE

About Me Value Oriented

Pros

Reliable Performance

Cons

Best Uses

Portable Electronics

Comments about Goal Zero Switch 8 Solar Recharging Kit:

Great back-up battery.

1/2/2013

(4 of 6 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

AWESOME PRODUCT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By El Barto

from Las Vegas, NV

About Me Quality Oriented

Verified Reviewer

Pros

Charges Quickly
Easy to use
Good Value
Light
Long Lasting
Portable
Powerful
Reliable Performance

Cons

Lacks Power

Best Uses

Having Around The House
Portable Electronics
Travel

Comments about Goal Zero Switch 8 Solar Recharging Kit:

I use this product because of its portability and ability to charge my stuff up.

Displaying reviews 1-4

Do you have questions about this product?

get answers from real customers and in-house experts with AnswerBox.

19 Questions | 33 Answers

Displaying questions 1-19

Q:
Will the Switch 8 explode if it is charging with solor panel direct to the sun for long period (5-8hours)?
Asked on 5/7/2013 by Alex from HK
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2 answers
- A:
  Thanks for contacting Goal Zero! All our batteries have a charge controller built in them. This charge controller will regulate what goes into the battery to not overcharge or damage the battery.
  Answered on 5/8/2013 by Anonymous
- A:
  It is designed to be left in the sun for extended periods to charge fully. To date, there are no reported cases of this product exploding from being left in the sun too long.
  Answered on 5/7/2013 by Community Answer from None
Q:
Will this charge my laptop computer
Asked on 5/2/2013 by dee the geek
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1 answer
- A:
  No, the Switch 8 cannot charge a laptop.
  Answered on 5/2/2013 by Community Answer from None
Q:
Are you able to have the Switch 8 plugged into both the Solar Panel 3.5 and a smart phone at the same time? So are you able to directly charge your smart phone from solar power, or does it have to be a two step process (1. solar panel 3.5 charges switch 8 then, 2. switch 8 charges smart phone)? Thank you!
Asked on 4/26/2013 by beachbum from Virginia Beach
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1 answer
- A:
  No. From the FAQ in the User Guide: "The Nomad 3.5 will not
  charge smart phones by itself." They recommend the two step process using the Step 8.
  Answered on 4/27/2013 by Community Answer from None
Q:
How does this work with the iPhone 5?
Asked on 4/20/2013 by Nacyanne from San diego
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1 answer
- A:
  Using the standard USB port the Switch 8 Solar Recharging Kit can be used to charge an Apple iPhone 5.
  Answered on 4/20/2013 by Community Answer from None
Q:
will this produuc work with the galaxy s 3 phone
Asked on 4/19/2013 by don
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1 answer
- A:
  Yes, as the Galaxy S3 uses a USB charger.
  Answered on 4/19/2013 by Community Answer from None
Q:
Why can't the solar panel charge an iPod directly? Why must you charge the Switch 8 and then have the Switch 8 charge the iPod? I would like to cut out the "middle man device."
Asked on 4/6/2013 by GRB from Sacramento, CA
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1 answer
- A:
  As far as I can tell from the user manual, as long as there is a charge in the Switch8 it will continue to charge your device. If you leave it plugged into your iPhone through the USB output connection, the solar panel charger will continue to replenish the power on your device.
  Answered on 4/7/2013 by Community Answer from None
Q:
Will this product work with my Guide 10 Plus?
Asked on 4/2/2013 by Misty Mountain Fog Dragon from Newport News, Virginia
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2 answers
- A:
  Thanks for contacting Goal Zero! If you are referring as in using the Guide 10 to charge the Switch 8 yes it will work just fine. If not could you specify as to what you mean to our support team at 1-888-794-6250 or emailing them at support@goalzero.com
  Answered on 4/3/2013 by Anonymous
- A:
  This will work for your Guide 10 Plus as long as it is USB compatible.
  Answered on 4/2/2013 by Community Answer from None
Q:
What is the total weight of the solar panel + chargercable + switch8 battery? I'm planning on buying it and taking it with me when I go hiking next month and every gram counts in this situation. Thanks!
Asked on 3/30/2013 by Frank
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1 answer
- A:
  The weight of the Switch 8 Solar Recharging Kit is 90 grams.
  Answered on 3/31/2013 by Community Answer from None
Q:
Hello,

I already bought the Switch 8 battery on its own before there was the price drop. :-S It looks like the Nomad 3.5 Solar Panel is only sold along with the Switch 8. Is this correct? The smallest standalone Solar Panel I see on your site is the Nomad 7. Can you comment on this?

Thank you.
Asked on 3/15/2013 by NH_Man from NH
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1 answer
- A:
  You are correct, we only sell the Switch 8 in kit form with the Nomad 3.5. However, the Switch 8 works great with the Nomad 7 solar panel! We sell both of these items a la carte.
  Answered on 3/19/2013 by Anonymous
Q:
I just bought the ultra-light class kit and it is in the window charging. There is film on the panels, does it stay on or am I to remove it. Thanks.
Asked on 3/12/2013 by Truckman225 from Happy Valley Oregon
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1 answer
- A:
  The film is there for protection, but most people remove it after purchase.
  Answered on 3/14/2013 by Community Answer from None
Q:
I have a Canon Powershot,and will I get in this product cable who is compatible with canon battery charger?
Asked on 3/8/2013 by Uros
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2 answers
- A:
  This unit only has a USB out for charging capabilities. If you can charge using USB then you should be fine. However if you need 12v or 110v i would suggest the Sherpa 50 kit.
  Answered on 4/1/2013 by Anonymous
- A:
  Maybe use the transfer cable for camera, might have a usb ?
  Answered on 3/22/2013 by SL from South Dakota
Q:
Is the unit water proof? I may need to leave the solar panel and Switch 8 unit out to charge during the day while I'm gone. Will it be damaged if it rains?
Asked on 2/21/2013 by Herb from Aurora, IN
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2 answers
- A:
  It is not water proof. It will resist damage if it get wet if it is dried out. You can just keep it in a bag or under the panel.
  Answered on 2/22/2013 by Anonymous
- A:
  The solar panel is weather "resistant". It will withstand rain but not immersion into water. The switch 8 itself needs to stay out of the rain, but the charging cable gives you length to do that.
  Answered on 2/22/2013 by Community Answer from None
Q:
Can I use this to recharge my GPS Unit?
Asked on 1/30/2013 by MR K. from Tremonton Utah
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2 answers
- A:
  Thanks for contacting Goal Zero! This should charge your GPS if it is USB compatible. You also need to take into consideration that the Switch 8 only stores 8 watts of power and if you GPS requires more power it will not fully charge it.
  Answered on 3/21/2013 by Anonymous
- A:
  It should technically work to charge your GPS as long as your device has a cable with a standard USB plug.
  Answered on 1/30/2013 by Community Answer from None
Q:
Can I charge the Switch with my Nomad 27 panel. Also have a Lighthouse. Can it be charged with the Nomad27
Asked on 1/15/2013 by Anonymous
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2 answers
- A:
  Yes you can! You will want to charge the Switch 8 using the USB output on the Nomad 27 and you will want to use a 4.7 to Female Car adapter and use the 12v car adapter to charge up the Lighthouse Lantern.
  Answered on 1/16/2013 by Anonymous
- A:
  Yes the Switch and lighthouse are both compatible with the Nomad 27 panel.
  Answered on 1/15/2013 by Community Answer from None
Q:
Can the switch be used while charging/solar charging?
Asked on 1/12/2013 by Anonymous
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2 answers
- A:
  Yes! You can use the unit while it is charging!
  Answered on 1/14/2013 by Anonymous
- A:
  From the user guide, it appears that devices can be used while they are charging.
  Answered on 1/12/2013 by Community Answer from None
Q:
Is there an AC charger for the Switch 8?
Asked on 12/27/2012 by Anonymous
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2 answers
- A:
  We do not sell a usb to AC convertor. You should be able to use any usb to AC convertor.
  
  If you run into any conflicts feel free to give us a call or email us.
  Phone: 1-888-794-6250
  Email: support@goalzero.com
  Answered on 1/3/2013 by Gear Pro
- A:
  No. It only has USB connections.
  Answered on 1/3/2013 by Biff from Texas
Q:
Can this be charged with AC power in addition to the solar panal?
Asked on 12/22/2012 by Anonymous
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1 answer
- A:
  Yes it can, via a USB adapter. You can actually charge it off any USB.
  Answered on 1/4/2013 by Anonymous
Q:
Hi. Does the switch power an iPhone 5? Thanks!
Asked on 12/20/2012 by Anonymous
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6 answers
- A:
  Just Charged an iPhone 5 with the lightning plug and it worked great. It initially said not compatible but realized the switch was not charged. Once charged, no issues.
  Answered on 2/26/2013 by Dearth from Ozarks
- A:
  I have charged my iPhone 5 from this 4 times now. NO PROBLEM!!!!
  However.
  Answered on 1/16/2013 by lynn from Az
- A:
  Yes it does! You can get a full extra charge to your phone or more if the phone is powered down.
  Answered on 1/4/2013 by Anonymous
- A:
  Yes it can power all iPhones and iPads! Also can charge any deceive that can charge through a USB.
  Answered on 12/31/2012 by ruablack2 from Utah
- A:
  Yes, I used it this past weekend to charge mine. It's almost as quick as the wall charger.
  Answered on 12/31/2012 by Jbluesgal from Phoenix, AZ
- A:
  When Apple introduced the Lightning connector, they added a data requirement that would not permit non-apple designed chargers from charging their devices. I have tested the Switch 8 with apple products of both the new and old connectors, and it works with the old 30 pin connector, but not with their new port. But, to be clear, its not the switch 8's deficiency, but rather Apple's lunacy that makes the answer a "No".
  Answered on 12/30/2012 by Macktion from Great Outdoors
Q:
Can you buy the charging device without the solar panel. I already have solar panels?
Asked on 12/20/2012 by Anonymous
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2 answers
- A:
  Yes you can! You can purchase them separately.
  Answered on 1/9/2013 by Anonymous
- A:
  Yes you can find it here - http://www.goalzero.com/shop/p/148/Switch-8-Recharger/6:2/
  Answered on 12/31/2012 by ruablack2 from Utah

Displaying questions 1-19

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