Solar energy reduces your energy bill and it is not surprising that 25,000 French households chose to buy photovoltaic panels in 2019. This year, portable solar panels are the most popular. From power to handling, connections and types of binding, we tell you everything you need to know on the subject. Let’s go !
The best portable solar panel
The BigBlue B434-EU has 2 USB ports and a DC output for 12 and 18 V devices. Ideal for outings in the countryside, this fast-charging device is compatible with smartphones, iPads, batteries. portable … .
The SunPower is equipped with 3 ports, including a USB port, a DC output and a USB output for fast charging. You can therefore charge up to 2 devices at the same time. This portable solar panel also consists of a voltage regulator. The current remains stable at all times. Besides, it has a relatively high energy conversion capacity.
The BigBlue B434-EU is just as flexible as it is light and shatterproof. It offers you a better yield (up to 23.5%) unlike conventional panels. This model folds and fits easily in a camping or hiking bag. Due to its compactness, it is very suitable for outdoor use.
Choetech J-SC005
The best entry-level portable solar panel
This foldable solar charger is satisfactorily efficient. Offering a power of 22 W, it is completely waterproof. The Choetech J-SC005 has 2 USB ports and gives you all the benefits of its auto-sensing technology.The Choetech J-SC005 will give you excellent energy conversion capacity. In fact, all accumulated solar energy will be converted, up to 25%, into free energy. This is one of the most convenient items for quick charging of your various devices. This intelligent model comes with an auto-detection system.
The portable solar panel weighs only 590g, making it one of the lightest models on the market today. You can take it everywhere, whether on a hike, camping or on a business trip.
AllPowers AP-SP-012-BLA
The best high-end portable solar panel
The biggest advantage of the AllPowers AP-SP-012-BLA Portable Solar Panel is its ability to functionally charge a laptop. Likewise, tablets and mobile phones are also supported.An exceptional 3-in-1 model, the AllPowers AP -SP-012-BLA provides you with a dual USB port of 2.4 A. iSolar technology ensures the charging of all your devices. The must?? This portable solar panel can power a laptop PC, a power bank or even a 12 V car battery.
The American-made AllPowers AP-SP-012-BLA foldable solar charger promises 100 W power. Its efficiency is up to 23.5%. Despite its finesse, it is relatively powerful compared to other models.
BigBlue B421EDE
An excellent solution for outdoor trips
Accompanied by 4 steel hooks, the BigBlue B421EDE is equipped with 2 USB ports, which makes it compatible with different models of smartphones. Its impermeability guarantees better protection against occasional rain.With a charging efficiency of up to 21.5%, the BigBlue B421EDE monocrystalline solar panel does not require the presence of an external battery. It intelligently regulates voltage to provide constant current to you. Likewise, it is equipped with a protection system against short circuits, overloads, but also overheating.
Thanks to its 2 USB ports of 2.4 A each, you can connect up to 2 devices of 5 V simultaneously. An attachment hook is provided with purchase for transportation. This model is resistant to humidity due to its IPX4 waterproof rating and PET polymer surface.
Comparison table of the best portable solar panels
The BigBlue B434-EU has 2 USB ports and a DC output for 12 and 18 V devices. Ideal for outings in the countryside, this fast-charging device is compatible with smartphones, iPads, batteries. portable …
This foldable solar charger is satisfactorily efficient. Offering a power of 22 W, it is completely waterproof. The Choetech J-SC005 has 2 USB ports and gives you all the benefits of its auto-sensing technology.The biggest advantage of the AllPowers AP-SP-012-BLA Portable Solar Panel is its ability to functionally charge a laptop. Likewise, tablets and mobile phones are also supported.
Accompanied by 4 steel hooks, the BigBlue B421EDE is equipped with 2 USB ports, which makes it compatible with different models of smartphones. Its impermeability guarantees better protection against occasional rain.
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How to choose your portable solar panel
Seasoned players in the field of solar energy have deployed many kits aimed at meeting all types of energy needs. While we were used to rigid photovoltaic panels, today we are discovering the advantages of portable versions. Only downside: it’s not easy to find yourself in the middle of all these models sold on the market, not to mention that there are several brands to offer.
Are you planning to buy a portable solar panel? Note that it is essential to define certain selection criteria, namely its power, size and weight, connections, resistance and type of binding. Quickly take stock to find yourself in all these details!
Criterion n ° 1: the power
Before buying a portable solar panel, primarily consider the optimum wattage that best suits your needs. Certainly, manufacturers offer different powers which do not facilitate the task. However, the rule is simple: the bigger the panel, the more powerful it is. Since there is no question of cluttering, your best bet would be to choose the wattage of your portable solar panel according to the type of device you are going to connect it to.
These are usually basic electronic devices like smartphones, laptops, GPS, or radios. If your gadget seems energy-hungry, opt for a power between 30 and 120 W. However, less energy-consuming equipment can be perfectly recharged thanks to portable solar panels with a power of 7 to 30 W.
Criterion n ° 2: size and weight
Intended for recharging portable devices, portable solar panels are increasingly light and compact. Among other things, you will find on the market models measuring 32 x 17 cm and 3 mm thick. In addition, there are models of large size, but which are foldable for a small footprint.
For example, there are portable solar panels measuring 47 x 21 cm unfolded, but which only take up 21 x 13.5 cm when folded. Regarding their weight, you will have the choice between models from 150 g to 2.5 kg. Once again, the rule is simple: the less bulky the panel, the better! Therefore, we advise you above all to focus on ease of use and transport.
Criterion n ° 3: the connectors
In order for it to be connected to your devices, the solar panel must be equipped with outlets and cables. While older models only have one, newer versions offer dual output, or more depending on performance. Most of the time, these are universal USB ports. On the other hand, more advanced models offer other types of outputs (micro USB, USB type C, output type MC3, MC4, LC4 …).If the input of your device does not match the output of the panel, consider getting an adapter.
Criterion n ° 4: resistance
As this is mainly equipment intended for nomads, resistance and strength are essential criteria when choosing a portable solar panel. Whether you plan to use it in your vehicle, between four walls or in the middle of nature, you absolutely need a shock-proof and fall-proof solar panel. In addition, nature adventurers will necessarily lean for a waterproof and waterproof device in the face of climatic hazards.
Criterion n ° 5: the type of fixing
To simplify the use of portable solar panels, the designers have incorporated reinforced eyelets to fix them to the wall or even to the backpack (an essential asset for hikers and campers). Many models, for example, have a practical, easy-to-use and particularly sturdy suction cup system. In addition, on small portable solar panels, hanging systems are more common.
Finally, the latest high-end models offer a more advanced system, as they fold and fold in on themselves. This does not require any fixation because their format allows them to stay upright without any constraint.
What is a portable solar panel used for?
If you are passionate about outdoor activities (skiing, mountaineering, hiking, mountain races, camping, caravanning, water sports, etc.), know that portable solar panels will be your greatest allies. Likewise, people who have to travel frequently and have to drive long journeys by car will find it highly beneficial.
Like ordinary photovoltaic panels attached to the roofs of homes, they harness solar energy to turn it into electricity. The difference is in the type of equipment that you plug into it knowing that a rigid solar panel is connected to the electrical system of the house to power very energy-intensive equipment. Conversely, the portable versions are mainly intended for recharging common electronic devices such as:
Cellphones
laptops
the tablets
digital cameras
torches
GPS
bluetooth speakers
surveillance cameras
radios
mp3 players
etc.
In other words, you carry electricity everywhere with you, without worrying about running out of it. To operate, this mobile energy race is equipped with a small-sized photovoltaic panel that captures sunlight and stores it for sharing with devices connected to it. It is therefore used to recharge the electronic devices essential for everyday life (phones, tablets, etc.) as well as the gadgets that are used during outdoor activities (lamps, radios, batteries, GPS, etc.).
Solar power bank or portable solar panel?
Despite the big differences that characterize them, users often confuse the solar power bank with the foldable solar panel. Of course, their uses are somehow the same. Designed to accompany you on your outings to ensure that your electronic equipment is recharged, they operate using the energy they obtain from the sun’s rays.
Solar external battery
Note that an external solar battery is mainly composed of a mini solar panel on the one hand, which is associated with a powerbank type battery. The panel draws energy from sunlight which is then stored in the battery.You can then recharge your devices at any time by drawing the source which is in the battery.
