About the solar charger: It does not work. I guess there is not enaugh "amps" to push the juice. (I tested it a lot) I have returned mine to the shop I got it. Instead I got a 12 Volt smart charger from "Hape". Not to expensive and it can charge any battery (from AAA to D-cel and 9V-block). It's a bit bigger then the solar charger, but at least it works http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/smile.gif

Maarten

I got a solar panel from Maplin (UK) and I use it to trickle charge the bike battery when the bike is standing for a few months. (Away on the other bike.) I've also used it to charge up small (AA & AAA) batteries with a 12V to USB converter. The USB converter is also used to charge my PDA.
The thing to check is the amp rate output, mine is 500mA. The bikes are fitted with 12V sockets which I can use with the USB converter to charge most things.