Working on the couch in the living room may be more enjoyable than working in a stuffy cubicle, but both can leave you feeling tethered to an electrical outlet. Fortunately, there's an easy way to cut the power and move your workspace outdoors without worrying about recharging the battery ahead of time.
Portable solar panels are also gaining popularity as people look for an easy, sustainable way to charge their devices. Whether you're a hardcore backpacker deep into the wilderness, or a sunbather looking to get some work done at your local park, there's a solar folding bag for you.
Why buy a portable solar panel?
When you think of solar panels, you might picture a large black plate tilted toward the sun. Portable versions of these fixed arrays use the exact same technology as solar panels, just bundled in a lightweight design. This makes them ideal for a variety of uses, from powering a recreational vehicle to charging your electronics.
Portable solar panels are also a great way to use renewable energy. While you may not be ready to install a solar roof on your house, charging your phone or laptop with a small panel can help you gauge the light levels in your area and see if solar power might be able to meet your needs.
power
The first thing to do is figure out how much power you need. Some individual panels come in many different wattages, which is a measure of pure electricity. Higher wattage designs tend to be larger and more expensive, so the best panel for you will depend on which electronics you wish to power.
Low-wattage panels won't prove useless in your quest to get away from conventional energy sources, but they may charge your devices slower than you're used to. For best results, look at your device's specs and work out how much power their charging cable allows. This can help prevent you from buying a panel with more power than your device's limits.
Portable outdoor power bank (energy storage) selection
Many portable battery panels come with the necessary wires and a handy outdoor power bank (storage) that you need to store power for later. A handy outdoor power bank (storage) is especially helpful if you're looking to use solar power when the sun isn't shining: to light up a campsite at night, to charge your phone during a thunderstorm, or to keep your Laptop operation, are good examples. If you're looking to stock up on solar energy, consider purchasing a kit that includes the necessary handy outdoor power banks (energy storage), converters, and cables.
It is also possible to use your solar power immediately without these additional accessories. Many portable battery boards have USB ports that can charge your electronics directly. A small and lightweight option might be all you need to keep your phone or laptop running on sunny days. Ditching portable outdoor power banks (storage) and wires can also help keep the cost of your solar setup low.
Portability
The size, weight and design of your portable solar foldable bag will all determine its portability. If you're going to be driving to a sunny location to get some work done, a solar panel with more power and a relatively heavier weight might be fine. You can keep it in your car until you reach your destination, so its size and weight won't be an issue. Backpackers and hikers, on the other hand, should opt for small, lightweight panels that won't be a burden on long outdoor hikes. Before you buy, make sure you check the weight and dimensions of a panel, as well as the weight and dimensions of all its accessories.
Weather resistance
While most solar panels are at least somewhat weather resistant, not all panels are truly waterproof. The last thing you want is to ruin your brand new gadget and get stuck with no power just because it wasn't designed to withstand the outside world. Depending on the intensity of your outdoor activities and the weather in your area, determine the tolerance of your panels before you buy.