Portable Solar Power System

You'll be surprised just how portable solar power can be these days

From roll up panels that go anywhere to small self contained units that recharge laptops and run tools.

Every portable solar power system (PV system) requires a solar collector or panel. Each solar panel is comprised of a number of solar cells. Generally a small panel can recharge a cell phone, GPS, camera, that sort of thing while larger or multiple panels can run a laptop, water pump and household appliances.

The flat and rigid panel still provides more bang for the buck but there are now panels that are foldable, flexible and stowable which makes a solar power unit more portable.

If you are always on the go, bring along a portable solar power system and there'll be little need to be concerned with finding a place to plug in your laptops, video cameras, cellular phones, PDA’s, portable DVD players, and other electronic devices.

How does a portable solar power system work?

All systems begin with a solar panel that collects sunlight and converts it to electricity (12V or DC) Some items can be run directly from a solar panel.

In order for that to be the case the following would have to be true.

• The item runs on 12V power ~ the kind you get from plugging into a cigarette lighter type plug in.



• You do not require the item to function during the night hours



• The item will not be damaged by the surges and lapses that typically occur as the sky changes.

Power packs usually accompany a portable solar power system.

A power pack is a lightweight solar pack that can produce both 120V or AC (the power available from outlets in the home) and 12V or DC (the power source found readily in your car via the battery). The unit can be charged through various methods, solar panel, electrical outlet, etc.

With a solar panel just place the panel in the sun, connect it to the power pack.

The energy that the solar panel produces is not only stored in the powerpack for use when needed but the power pack can convert the energy to AC or 120 volt to run ordinary appliances and tools.

Most portable solar power units also have an AC adapter.

When there is little light or you are in a place where the unit can easily be recharged, you can simply plug it into the wall for a quick recharge. You can also still power units as they recharge, especially in broad daylight where the solar panel is absorbing energy from the sunlight.

No more worries about batteries running low.

A portable solar power system will save you the worry of running out of battery on your laptop or cell phone in the middle of a place where it is inconvenient or impossible to plug into a wall outlet. Power up and charge any electronic device from the portable system, and simply recharge the unit in daylight for continued usage.

Reasonably priced and user friendly.

Most portable systems on the market include certain convenience devices, including a flashlight, power adapters for international voltage, and more. Best of all, most of the systems available on the market today are not extravagantly priced.

A 20 watt panel with a power pack can be had for under $400 USD. For $100 more you can get a 40 watt system.

Though they haven’t become mainstream yet, portable solar power devices are going to out perform standard battery packs every time, and they are certainly worth the money.
As solar power units become more popular, they will also become more competitive, and prices will drop, making them even less expensive than alternative generators and batteries.

From backpackers to rv'ers there's a portable solar power system that suits every lifestyle.