Published on April 19th, 2019 | by Sunit Nandi

What are the Different Uses for Portable Solar Panels and how to Choose the one you Need

Over the past decade, solar panels have become a popular commodity if you own a home, motorhome or even a commercial property. The reason for this is twofold. Some people are of the belief that you should do whatever it is that you can to help sustain the environment. Installing solar panels can help with this cause as they take sunlight and turn it into usable energy that can power a house, car, or building. Others choose to invest in solar panels because they can save a lot of money over an extended period of time as energy bills will decrease significantly. The reason for this is that sunlight is inexpensive and electricity can be costly. Further still, there are many more uses for solar panels which we will discuss in this article. We will also include some helpful tips on how you can choose the best portable solar panels for your needs.

There are many uses for portable solar panels. While the most popular reasons include the creation of energy in a means to assist in helping to “save” the environment, as well as saving money on utility bills, there are many more reasons to make such an investment. Some choose to use solar panels to power vehicles, camping gear, or serve as a mechanism to power things during a natural disaster. Basically, anything that you need to generate energy to run, can benefit from the use of portable solar panels.

There are a number of considerations that need to take place before you make an investment. Here are a few considerations to think about:

How much energy do you need?

Before you buy solar panels, you need to first determine how much energy you need to produce. How much energy will you need for your home, camping trip, RV, or whatever it is that you intend to use solar panels for? For example, if you want to power a large RV, you will need to invest in a substantial solar panel kit, however, if you only need to power a mini-fridge, a smaller solar panel will work just fine.

Where will you place your solar panels?

You also need to determine the space in which you will house your investment. The reason for this is because the type of solar panels you purchase can impact the space you install them. For example, some solar panels are heavier and take up more space than others. If you have a small space for solar panels, you will want to purchase a compact version, however, this can be more expensive than the larger options.

What type of solar cells will work best for your needs?

There are several types of solar cells to take into consideration. The main types of solar panels are:

Monocrystalline panels
- If you are looking for a solar panel that will produce more than 20%, a monocrystalline panel is one to take into consideration. While it is going to cost more than another option, it will be efficient and durable. This type of solar panel is made from silicone and will withstand the test of time.
Polycrystalline panels
- If you have ever seen a blue solar panel, you are most likely looking at one that is made of polycrystalline panels. What makes these panels unique is that they are made by melting silicone together. The downfall to this type of panel is that it is considered to be less efficient, however they are more affordable than other the monocrystalline option.
Amorphous or thin panels
- If you are truly in need of purchasing a portable solar panel, the thin, amorphous version is your best bet. Not only are these types of solar panels lightweight, but they can also be folded or rolled into a compact size so they can easily be transported or stored when not in use. The downfall is that they produce less than 20% efficiency but are very easy to install on a non-traditional platform.

Every situation has its own set of variables which will impact your solar panel decision. Now that you have thought through some of the logistics, you are in a better place to begin the shopping process. The best way to start this process is to research solar panels and read reviews from consumers. We found this 7 best portable solar panels review which will help you find the right product for your needs and budget.

Tags: choose, different, portable solar panels, uses, what are

About the Author

Sunit Nandi I'm the leader of Techno FAQ. Also an engineering college student with immense interest in science and technology. Other interests include literature, coin collecting, gardening and photography. Always wish to live life like there's no tomorrow.