Portable Solar Panel

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Check out this demonstration video on a portable solar panel by Sunlinq.  This is the same panel that we reviewed in the previous post…

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Of all the portable solar panels available, the 12 watt folding solar panels are a popular, mid-range choice.  With 12 watts of power output they won’t keep you waiting too long to charge your device.

We’re going to compare the Sunlinq 12 Watt Folding Solar Panel, the Brunton Solaris Flexible Solar Panel, and the Wagan Solar ePanel 12 Watt Power Supply.

Here’s what you can expect from all of these panels:

1. lightweight and easy to pack
2. provide decent output even when not in direct sunlight
3. able to charge digital devices as well as rechargeable batteries
4. will provide a trickle charge to car and marine batteries, even laptop batteries

The Sunlinq and Brunton are very similar in design, and include a variety of attachments and adapters to suit different charging needs.  They both use a thin-film solar technology that is mounted to a flexible and durable nylon backing.  Grommets are built-in for tying them down or strapping them up.  And for packing, the panels fold into a small package about the size of a CD wallet.  Extremely convenient!

Even though these two products are so similar, we give the edge to the Sunlinq, since it’s generally available at a lower cost.

The Wagan ePanel is a slightly different design.  It still folds up into a compact package, but uses a different type of solar cell.  The Wagan has efficient monocrystalline panels mounted behind tempered glass.  The glass is rated for high-impact, but this should still be considered if you’ll be stuffing it in a backpack.

All of these panels are capable.  The Sunlinq and Brunton have the advantage in durability.  And of these, the Sunlinq portable solar panel wins our recommendation because it’s of high quality and you can get it for less.

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Here’s a great use for a portable solar panel:  use it to keep your rechargeable AA’s ready for action.  This can be quite a money saver, especially if you’re still using disposable batteries.  And you won’t be contributing batteries to the local landfill.

Think about it.  Make a little investment in 8 AA rechargeable batteries.  Then make a slightly larger investment in a portable solar panel charger.  If you use these batteries on a regular basis, you’ll break even on your investment pretty quickly.

Let’s look at some numbers (with some rounding for easy comparison).  With a quick check I found 8 rechargeable AA’s for $25.  A reliable brand of solar panel charger (Brunton) costs $100.  And no charge for electricity to recharge (not insignificant).  Total cost is $125.

For a package of thirty-two alkaline AA’s, the cost is $25.  After going through five packages our total cost is roughly equal.  And we’ve used 160 batteries.

Now divide 160 by 8 (rechargeables) and you get 20…meaning after 20 recharges on each battery, we’ve paid for the cost of the rechargeables AND the solar panel charger.  And remember, there’s been no cost for the electricity to do it.  Bonus!

The bottom line cost comparison: [solar panel + 8 rechargeables] = [160 disposables]

Do we come out ahead? (hint…we still have the solar panel and the rechargeables)

So if you’re able to invest ahead this way, it won’t be hard to recoup the cost of a good portable solar panel.  You’ll save money in the long run and be able to pack your power with you wherever you go.

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It’s true that a portable solar panel can be put to many excellent uses.  A lot of folks have discovered the benefits of using an RV solar panel for environmentally friendly camping.  They are particularly useful for boondocking, or remote camping (without utility hookups).  And just for fun we’ll call this greendocking – that’s boondocking with green energy.

One benefit of using portable solar panels on your RV is you won’t be depending on fossil fuels as much.  Charging up your battery bank with solar power doesn’t require energy from your vehicle’s engine or a generator.  The solar is clean energy and doesn’t cost any money.  Gas and diesel, however, cost money, are non-renewable, and result in pollution.

There’s also the issue of noise.  If you charge your system with a generator, you will create a racket.  This is an annoyance in campgrounds.  How wonderful to have a silent charging system!  Your camping neighbors will rejoice.  And if you’re greendocking, you can enjoy all the peace and beauty of the wild without noise or fumes.

Now RV solar panel systems have been around for a while, so there should be no problem putting together a system that will suit your needs and be easy to use.  These systems consist of basically four components:

1. solar panel (obviously)
2. charge regulator, or controller
3. storage batteries
4. inverter

If you’re new to this you may want to know what a regulator and inverter are.  The charge regulator monitors the state of the system, making sure the batteries get the power flow they need and assures they don’t discharge at night.  The inverter takes the DC current produced by system and changes it to AC, which is what you have in a typical wall outlet.

When you’re ready to invest in one of these systems, you’ll need to determine what kind of load you anticipate having for your RV and your lifestyle.  It’s important to think about what appliances you’ll want to run at the same time.  Once you’ve got your figures in hand, you can determine the size of the system required to handle it.

Now you can pull over whenever and wherever you like.  No worries about draining your batteries while the sun is shining.  No dependence on finding a place with hookups.

With a portable solar panel you can begin to enjoy your passion for RV camping even more.  You can spend time in the great outdoors and protect it at the same time.

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