More individuals are interested in renewable energy, and that has seen more solar panel installations than you can imagine. The advent of new technologies is making these panels more effective and affordable to homeowners. A recent innovation is portable solar panels from solar companies in Idaho, which enables a user to generate electrical power when they are on the road or camping.
Portable Solar Panels
Solar panels are an aggregated assembly of multiple photovoltaic cells. These cells absorb light energy from the sun and convert it to electricity. The traditional solar panels are large and require permanent installation. Portable solar panels, on the other hand, are light and useful in mobile applications. These are useful in both commercial and residential applications. Although they are smaller in size, they have other features, such as a foldable design, a carrying case, and a kickstand.
The Working
Solar panels have divisions of small photovoltaic cells. An individual cell contains a double layer of silicone that is thin in structure. Once the sun’s rays hit the solar panel, the photons create electric fields between the silicone layers. There are busbars that channel the electric field and stores it in an available battery. The battery then powers your appliances, or you can sell it to your local grid.
Components
Solar panels harness solar energy and in turn, convert it to electricity. However, you require extra components to have a functioning system. The extra components you require include:
- Camping Appliances
You may require to use the panels to power different appliances, such as cookers, fridges, and coolers when you are out camping. In this case, the panels will serve as solar generators. The appliances should run on DC power of 12 volts. It is possible to power these appliances using a single battery and without an inverter.
- Inverter
Batteries can store direct current (DC) electricity as a form of power. However, electrical appliances use alternating current (AC) power. You need an inverter for the conversion of DC power to AC power. If the battery you’re using is a 12-volt one, then the inverter adjusts the voltage to power other appliances which run on high power.
- Battery
As you’ll be using solar generators, you require a battery with a deep-cycle. That’s because you’ll be charging and discharging the battery often.
The battery should store sufficient power to operate for long when there’s no electricity. A majority of solar panels operate on batteries using 12 volts. If you are using multiple solar panels, you will need to have a battery with a higher rating.
- Charge Controller
Also known as the solar regulator, the charge controller ensures steady and stable electricity flow between the battery and the solar panel. In the absence of the charge controller, the solar panels can overcharge. As a result, prolonged overcharging risks damaging the battery altogether.
Portable solar panels are a valid option for individuals who are on the move and are interested in using renewable energy. The electricity you can get from a panel depends on its size, its amount of sunlight exposure, and its efficiency. Take these factors into consideration when making your purchase from solar companies.
