Portable solar panels make it possible to use a renewable source of energy even when you're far from home. Learn more about them.
Solar panels designed for domestic consumption are generally bulky and permanently mounted. This design issue makes moving and installing the panels a logistical challenge in a lot of cases. Good thing there are portable solar panels that make using a renewable source of energy a lot easier and more practical, even in the remotest places.
Why go for portable solar panels?
Regular panels are quite simply bulky and heavy to carry around, especially if you will be going on a trek or a camping trip and need only a source of power for small appliances and gadgets.
Smaller panels are easier to pack and don't weigh down your luggage. They may not provide as much power as their bigger counterparts but they do offer the kind of functionality that people will find very useful and convenient. After all, not every solar panel sold in the market today can be brought for mountain climbing or long fishing trips.
Another reason why you might want to opt for smaller and lighter solar panels is your energy consumption. If you just need a solar panel with a low wattage, the portable version is the best solution. Most of these panels are made from thinner films of silicon attached to a flexible substrate. These panels can be flexed, bent and folded. As such, they are easy to use and can be placed on virtually any surface where they can collect sunlight.
What to look for:
When choosing portable solar panels always consider their practical use. Most solar panels of this type sold today are designed to provide power for small devices such as mobile phones and laptops. These are perfect if you are an active outdoors type who will be using these panels repeatedly. If you foresee only two or three incidents when these panels will be used, the more handy versions may be the better choice. If, however, you want handy solar panels that can be used at home AND carried around and transported, there is a host of choices, although they come in a larger scale.
Look for sufficient power output. Portable green sources of power come in different wattage versions. The lowest series are at 3 watts to 10 watts, although more power may be tapped from panels at 12 watts to 20 watts. However, in order for a handy solar panel to perform more functions, it should have at least 5 to 10 watts. This should be able to power mobile phones, AA batteries and your trusty iPod. Remember, too, that other factors affect how well the panels will perform. Location, the environment and even the weather will change the amount of sunlight they will receive, which will of course affect their power output.
Flexibility is also an important criterion. There are times when the energy output from a single portable panel will be insufficient. A good brand or model to look for is one that allows two or more panels to be joined for more power. This will give you better options, especially if you desperately need to charge multiple appliances together or just a power-hungry gadget.