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In this article we provide a brief background on batteries and battery chargers to introduce you to the more recent and environmentally friendly technology associated with solar battery chargers. We also provide examples of different battery chargers that use solar energy.

Batteries were invented around 1800. A battery combines one or more electrochemical cells which store energy. This energy can then be changed into kinetic energy in order to create electricity. Batteries have become so ubiquitous that we rarely think about how central they are to daily life. We use batteries in flashlights, watches, cameras, laptop computers etc. Batteries can be found in the home and in business. Makers of batteries include Energizer and Duracell and the battery industry generates billions of dollars in revenue.

Unfortunately, until the late 20th century batteries were disposable and sat in landfills where they leaked toxic chemicals. In order to alleviate environmental harm and to reduce the cost of purchasing single use batteries, battery chargers came to market.

Battery chargers put energy into a rechargeable battery by transferring a current through it. The current's charge varies depending upon the technology and size of the battery. For example, we use different rechargeable batteries and chargers for laptops than we do for golf carts. Because of the widespread use of nickel cadmium high-power batteries that power electronics such as digital cameras, battery chargers have become more popular; they can now be found in almost any electronics store. The demand for chargers has even has stores such as CVS, Target, and Wal-Mart selling them.

According to Energy Star, a government program that promotes energy efficiency, about 230 million products use battery charging systems in American homes and businesses. Energy Star promotes energy-efficient battery chargers and estimates that Americans could save over 1,000,000,000 kilowatt hours of energy per year if they used more efficient chargers.

Promoters of solar chargers point out that even more energy can be saved if the sun's power is harnessed to recharge batteries: battery chargers can also use solar energy to force an electric current into the battery. As the market for solar products have grown, we have seen corresponding growth in the solar battery charger market.

Following are some examples of different chargers that use solar energy:

· Solar digital camera battery chargers. While camera manufacturers may not sell OEM solar chargers, you can purchase third-party chargers for brands such as Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Sharp, and Sony. When shopping for a solar charger for your camera, check to see how many volts your camera battery is. Then you can order a corresponding solar panel to charge it. Prices for a battery charger for a Sony digital camera range from approximately $140 to approximately $250.

· Solar chargers for cell phones and iPods. You can keep small devices such as a PDA, iPod, or cell phone running with a solar charger. Solio makes a pocket-sized charger that can charge the Apple iPod, iPod mini, iPod nano and PDAs. Prices start at approximately $100.

· Other products that use solar chargers include photovoltaic backpacks, hearing aid batteries, and laptops.

If you are committed to reducing your carbon footprint, then invest in a solar battery charger for electronic devices that you use all the time.

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for Web sites on gardening, biking, fashion, and home decor. Her background also includes running, yoga, and tattoos. For more of her useful information on solar products, visit Solar Battery Charger.

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