Portable solar panels can make life easier if you want to disconnect from your busy life while keeping the lights on and your devices accessible and charged. Here are some of our favorite portable solar panels we think you may like.
Why buy a portable solar panel?
Portable solar panels operate just like the large, stationary solar panels on rooftops. Sun shines onto a solar panel, absorbing the energy through photovoltaic (PV) cells or mirrors. The energy creates electrical charges that interact with the PV cells’ internal electrical field and causes electricity to flow.
This same phenomenon happens in compact and lightweight, portable solar panels, making them ideal for charging electronics, RVs, car batteries, and generators for emergencies. Portable solar panels are also a great way to familiarize yourself with renewable energy.
While you may not be ready to install a solar roof on your house, charging a phone or laptop with a small panel can help you gauge the light levels in your area and see how well solar power may be able to meet your needs.
What should you look for in a portable solar panel?
Wattage: It’s normal to assume that high-wattage capacity is always best. However, that’s not always the case for solar panels. Some portable solar panels for charging cell phones are only 6W. But the advantage is the compact size. Higher wattages mean more power and capability to charge car batteries.
A 300-watt, 18V optimum power voltage can work with many power banks and batteries. This type of solar panel is more expensive. A lower-wattage option may be perfect if you want to charge your cell phone while on a hike.
Portability: Some portable solar panels are more mobile than others. Factors such as design, size, and weight define their portability. What matters to the user is if the portability of a solar panel makes sense for their activity and situation.
Many portable solar panels fold up to carry, but only from house to car, for example, because they measure Unfold size: 73.03*22.24*0.12in. It’s not fixed to the top of a roof, but that size of a solar panel will not fit in a backpack.
Accessories: Most portable solar panels come with at least a charging cable. The greater the variety of the solar panel charger’s applications, the more accessories you get. A solar charger kit may come with an AC adapter, DC to DC extension cables, alligator clip cable (for 12V batteries), etc.
Consider your reason for buying a portable solar panel. If you want a product with a generator, find one you like, then compare it with similar models. Just conducting comparisons between different models should give you an idea of which accessories you want.
How much should you expect to spend on a portable solar panel?
This is an excellent question because the prices vary widely given the variety of applications, technical specifications, and material quality. It’s a common assumption that all solar panels are too expensive.
If you want a portable solar panel for daily use for household appliances like grills with a generator power outage backup, you may be looking at prices around $1000. However, you can get a decent product powerful enough to charge car and boat batteries for around $300.
Our Sungold for the Best Portable Solar Panels
Sungold® SPC-3*55W Portable Solar Panel foldable solar kit uses monocrystalline solar cells. The cell efficiency is as high as 22.62%. The low light performance of the battery is much better than other batteries, usually has 12v-24v output to charge batteries, lead acid or lithium batteries,Regular connection, suitable for battery.
There is another combination of the portable solar panel bag, the necessary connection is directly inserted into the power station, which is convenient for the use of the mobile solar system, suitable for camping, RV, outdoor, rural medical treatment, and emergency. Charge all 12v-24v devices, portable refrigerators, mobile phones, fans, cameras, tablets.
Final Thoughts
Portable solar panels offer convenience and cost savings while you enjoy life on the go. With various features, sizes, and designs, you can choose a portable solar panel that fits your lifestyle and keeps you plugged in while you’re out.
