Portable Solar Panels: Reviews and Buying Guide

22 March 2022

The portable solar panels employ the exact same energy capturing mechanism as that of the normal solar panels, with the exception of being lightweight and having compact designs. This makes them ideal for variety of uses suitable for something which is portable. These solar panels are a great way to familiarize yourself with the renewable energy.

The portable solar panels are great as they can be moved anywhere as you please. It has various advantages, as given below:

  1. The first and foremost advantage is that solar energy is renewable and is eco-friendly.
  2. The portable solar panels are versatile that they can adapt to different functions or activities. They are useful in a fixed position as wellas for a mobile use.
  3. Solar panels consume no fuels and give off no waste.
  4. Since solar panels consume no fuel and have no moving parts to wear out, there is no air, oil, or fuel filters to change, thus having low maintenance. Simply keep the surface of the panels clean.
  5. Portable solar panels are very easy to set up even if you don’t have much experience.
  6. Some portable solar panels come with charge controllers. Hence, these charge controllers offer overcharge protection.Also, some of these charge controllers allow for fast charging and other eye-catching features. In essence, they limit the rate of flow of electric current from batteries.Aside from overcharge protection, charge controllers may also protect against overvoltage.
  7. By fixing a solar panel system in your home, you can considerably reduce the cost of your utility bill.

Portable solar panels are easy to set up and simple to use. Even though, this is the case, there’s a lot to consider before investing in this piece of technology.

Some of the factors are:

  1. Know the Types:There are 3 types of portable solar panels, namely Monocrystalline, Polycrystalline and CIGS panels. Monocrystalline panels are rigid, heavy, durable and efficient. It can be found in a variety of different shapes. Polycrystalline panels are similar to monocrystalline ones, but are in blue color and slightly less efficient. CIGS  stands for Copper, Indium, Gallium and Selenide. These panels are thin and flexible, but are not durable compared to the other two. The type of portable solar panel is chosen based on where they will be primarily located and how long you intend to use them.
  2. Flexibility: If you intend to carry around your solar panel, it has to be flexible. You have to choose whether it is to be folded or not. Foldable panels are not durable eventhough it is lightweight and convenient. Another option is to get a panel of the right shape and size for your needs. 
  3. Weight: Foldable portable panels are large and lightweight, but they are not durable. Their smaller counterparts are sturdy and durable. Choosing the right type depends on the balance between utility and weight.
  4. Weather: A high efficiency rated solar panel is needed in a heavy rainy climate, as the sunlight is very little when it is raining and your device should still catch some sunlighton overcast days.
  5. Price: How much you are willing to spend should be determined by how often you think you will use the panel. If you have a very limited use then it’s better to go for the lower-end device since you won’t be exposing it to wear and tear. Otherwise, go for the expensive ones as they are very durable.

If you are planning to power your entire home with solar energy, then it is advisable for you to install roof top solar panels. However, portable panels are convenient for casual use, camping trips, and powering small devices.

One has to carefully consider the given above factors, as each could make or break your experience.