So here's what happens with my solar powered Optrel.... I might not weld more than 5 minutes worth - for weeks at a time... maybe a couple months go by... and the Optrel is DOA..... and needs to be laid outside in the sun to recharge. Guess what happens with that in the winter in the Pacific NorthWET.
If you're welding all the time - it stays charged up. Kinda hard to weld enough to charge it up - so that I can actually use it to weld with huh?
Good enough answer?
If I'm doing a big azz project - it's not a problem... but I own FOUR helmets... so if the Optrel isn't working - it's pretty easy to grab another.
It's like the stupid 1/4" drive digital Snap-On torque wrench --- how often is it used - I always take the batteries out -- then have to find some and load it up for the 3 bolts that need torquing. Never again.... just give me a friggin' tool that works when I pick it up!