Solar panels are no longer just on roofs and in solar farms nowadays. There are now a lot of portable solar modules for camping, RVs, and emergency kits. Also, you can purchase portable solar panels for home use. It's very convenient to have one at home. In this blog, we will explore the workings, varied forms, and advantages/disadvantages of portable solar panels so that you can decide if you need portable solar panels at home.
How Do Portable Solar Panels Work?
Portable solar panels are made from photovoltaic cells and these cells absorb sunlight and then turn them into electricity. The portable panels are connected to each other and ultimately to a battery, which stores the energy from the sun.
When you use portable solar panels, they charge your deep-cycle batteries to power your electrical appliances. In this way, you are free to run your appliances whenever you want without requiring a constant supply of fuel or using conventional power sources such as generators.
Different Types of Portable Solar Panels
There are three types of portable solar panels: off-grid, grid-tie, and hybrid.
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Off-Grid Solar Panels
If you are prohibited from using the utility grid, and your primary goal is to stay in an inaccessible location like camping, off-grid solar panels are your ideal choice. You can install a solo solar energy system if you prefer using off-grid solar panels. So, as long as sunlight is available to power it, you can use it anywhere and at any time. You can purchase off-grid solar panels like Anker 625 solar panel if you like to go on adventures and need to charge phones and cameras. Anker 625 is a 100w portable solar panel kit that can convert up to 23% of the sun's energy into solar power. Even on cloudy days, this portable solar panel kit with a battery and inverter can also charge solar generators, making it a perfect choice for backup power when going on a trip.
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Grid-Tie Solar Panels
Grid-Tie solar panels are a solution if you want to have access to the utility grid and need backup power when there is a power outage. Grid-tie solar panels, also known as on-grid solar panels, function differently from off-grid solar energy systems. It is meant to operate in combination with your existing electrical grid. There will be two power or electricity sources in your home. Solar power serves as your primary source of electricity during the day.
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Hybrid Solar Panels
Hybrid solar panels use the best parts of both off-grid and grid-tie solar panels. It means that your home gets power from three different sources: batteries, solar panels, and the electric company that is connected to the grid. Although they are expensive, these three sources ensure that your home has a stable and unlimited supply of electricity. During the day, for instance, solar panels serve as your primary energy source, while the grid and the battery serve as backups.
Pros and Cons of Having a Portable Solar Panel
Now we know the different types of solar panels, let’s look at the pros and cons of having one.
Pros
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Sustainability
Using solar panels reduces energy consumption. It assists you and your family in learning more about the total number of Watts your home's solar system can generate. As a result, you will only use energy or appliances when necessary. Therefore, you reduce environmental impact, which is essential for minimizing the threat of climate change.
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Cost-Efficiency
Installing a portable solar panel kit with a battery and inverter in your house is an excellent approach to reduce, if not eliminate, your monthly electric cost. Even though there are upfront costs, owning one will help in cost savings. Thanks to the sun's unlimited supply of energy, you will have an infinite supply of electricity for any use.
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Convenience
Solar panels are easy to use. They are smaller and quieter than fuel and electric generators. They can meet or surpass your electric needs, including those for mobile gadgets, conventional appliances, and heavy-duty appliances. Frequently, the installation is basic and can be done by a single person.
Cons
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Durability
Rooftop solar panels are built to last at least 25 years and typically come with long warranties. And rooftop solar panels normally have frames and a mounting system for securing them to the roof. While portable solar panels, on the other hand, are usually propped up by a kickstand and are usually water resistant, they can have problems in heavy rain. Since they are not attached, the solar panels can be damaged by strong winds.
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May not qualify for solar tax credits
If you're looking to maximize your solar tax credits, owning an RV and purchasing a portable solar system is the way to go. Residential and commercial systems are eligible for federal solar tax credits, yet portables only occasionally qualify.
Conclusion
With the increasing demand for clean energy, portable solar panels can provide an inexpensive and green solution by generating electricity from the sun. Portable solar panels work by absorbing sunlight and turning them into electricity. They can be used both indoors and outdoors. However, it is important to consider all of its pros and cons before buying a portable solar panel. With proper research and planning, getting portable solar panels for home use can be a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and save money. So buy one for your home!
FAQ about Portable Solar Panels for Home
Can I Use a Portable Solar Panel at Home?
Yes, they can be used to power appliances and electronics in your home. However, a portable solar panel cannot provide enough energy to power an average home, which consumes 30 kWh (or 30,000 watt-hours) of electricity each day on average. So if you want to use them to power the whole home, they may need to work with other power stations or portable solar generators.
What Can You Run on a Portable Solar Panel?
It depends on the power provided by the portable solar panel. You can charge your cell phone, power bank, camp showers, 12v batteries, and other low-voltage gadgets with a 50-watt portable solar panel. A 100-watt portable solar panel can charge medium-voltage equipment such as laptops and cooling fans, while a 200 watt portable solar panel can charge high-voltage items such as a small refrigerator.
Do Portable Solar Panels Need Direct Sunlight?
Solar panels are most effective when exposed to direct sunlight, but they don't need it entirely in order to operate. That's because of photons: the particles that absorb light and convert it into electricity for photovoltaic (PV) panels.
Even though the direct sun produces more photons than indirect or partial shade does, solar energy can still be created from either source of light. This means that even cloudy skies won’t leave your home without a sustainable power supply!
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