Backup batteries and solar power?

Hello all, thanks for stopping by,

I have some questions regarding a backup battery, specifically the Duracell DPP-600HD Powerpack 600 Jump Starter & Emergency Power Source with Radio:

http://www.amazon.com/Duracell-DPP-600HD-Powerpack-Starter-Emergency/dp/B000TKHMWK/ref=cm_cmu_pg_t

I was thinking about buying this, as well as a portable solar panel. Now for the questions;
Has anyone used this battery, and if so what are your results?
Can anyone suggest a good quality solar panel to use with this battery?
How difficult is setting up other power sources to use with these types of battery? Specifically, if i have a DC motor that i have rigged up with a bicycle as a generator, could this store the energy I produce?
Feel free to answer, or ask questions about my question if you feel I have not been clear in my inquiry.
Thank you all!

Comments

One Response to “Backup batteries and solar power?”
  1. classicsat says:
    May 2, 2010 at 7:17 pm

    Just get one of those 10 or 15 watt panels you should be able to get where you buy that pack.
    It should charge it in around four good solar days.

    So long as you can regualte the voltage to around 14V, and use a blocking diode to keep battery back feeding into the charger, you should be fine.

    I don’t have one of those packs, instead I have a straight 35Ah AGM cell with a 15 watt PV panel, charge controller, and 400W inverter. The system so far has mostly kept up with my nighly use (1/2 hr/night, around 100W CF lighting).