Its my first time soldering a QFN package..luckily I build a small hotplate with a PID controller to help with that. I could use a skillet..but I used that for rocket fuel. It seemed to work well, but I had to do it twice as a few pins didnt have enough solder on them. The first board I did was based on Microchips MCP73871 Lithium charger with Load Sharing. I chose this IC because I wanted to be able to charge the battery and draw from the solar panel at the same time. The IC itself is limited to 1.8A. I am charging at 500mA so that leaves a little over a amp available. The panel can only put out around 5V @2A at max sun light, but this was tested in the winter sun. 1A to charge a phone is plenty since there are two batteries.

The area I will be in isn't your normal camping site..its pretty much near a beach on a open field so I will probably get a higher than normal output. Now the question is, what will I do with this thing after camping is done and over? The batteries will be there and they will be charged. I will have a system in place that effectively can charge batteries for free.