Portable solar panels are all the rage since they have been touted as a great addition to stationary solar panel systems. They are marketed as a convenient way to harness the sun's power wherever needed.
Whether at home, outdoors during a summer festival, in a willy-willies-stricken area on vacation, or even during an apocalypse, portable solar panels can keep the lights on -- phones charged and Wi-Fi connected.
But, there's a lot of mixed thought on what portable solar panels can and can't do. Some people wonder if the claims are overstated or even false. That's the aim of this article. Let's take a look at some of these myths and clear up any confusion you may have about portable solar panels.
The Myths & Facts Behind Portable Solar Panels
If you are thinking about purchasing portable solar panels, here are some common portable solar panel myths that you should know:
Portable Solar Panels Are Fragile and Break Easily
When people think about portable solar panels, they tend to think about them falling apart or breaking when they get bumped or dropped onto the ground. This isn't realistic for most cases because a lot goes into making a product like this sturdy enough to be considered "portable."
The fact is that portable solar panels are incredibly sturdy and durable. They have been designed to withstand the elements and provide you with many years of service. If you take proper care of them, they will last many years.
Portable Solar Panels Are Only Useful for Camping
It is true that portable solar panels do come in handy when camping or hiking because they can help keep your phone charged up so you can use them for navigation purposes or even simply call someone if needed.
However, portable solar panels are versatile and can be used in many different ways. For example, they can be used to power cell phones and other small devices that need charging on the go. They can also be used to charge batteries and other electronics when no electricity is available. In addition to these uses, portable solar panels can also be used at outdoor science fairs, mobile power kiosks, and vending machines.
Portable Solar Panels Can Power an Entire Building
When it comes to portable solar panels, size does matter. The bigger the panel, the more energy it can produce. However, even small portable solar panels can be used to power devices that need charging on the go, such as cell phones and laptops.
The truth is that most portable solar panels are designed for use with smaller devices rather than powering entire buildings. For example, a small portable solar panel may be able to power the security systems, communication devices, emergency lights, and different components of the building.
To power an entire building with a portable solar panel, you would need multiple panels, increasing your overall costs and making it difficult to transport them from place to place when needed.
Portable Solar Panels Are Expensive
Portable solar panels are pretty affordable and can be used to power a wide range of devices. The average cost of a 120W portable solar panel is about $500. This may seem like a lot of money, but it is pretty affordable when considering that it will last many years before needing replacement.
In addition, there are many different types of portable solar panels available on the market today, so if you are looking for something specific, you should be able to find it at an affordable price point.
For example, if you are only looking for a small portable solar panel for charging your phone, there are many options for under $200. However, if you need a larger portable solar panel that can accommodate more than one device at a time, expect to pay several hundred dollars or more.
Portable Solar Panels Require Extensive Maintenance
This portable solar panel myth is often perpetuated by people who have never actually used a portable solar panel in the past. While it is true that you need to take care of your portable solar panel, it is not as complicated as some people make it out to be.
In fact, most people find that they can set up their portable solar panels and forget about them until they are needed again. This means that there is no need for extensive maintenance as long as you keep them used smoothly. You can even store your portable solar panel in its original packaging when not using it so that it stays protected from damage caused by exposure to the elements.
Portable Solar Panels Can Power Single Device at a Time
Many think a solar panel is only suitable for powering one device at a time. This portable solar panel myth is not true! In fact, there are many different types of portable solar panels available on the market today that can be used to charge multiple devices simultaneously or at least charge them quickly. Portable solar panels come in many different sizes and shapes, so it is vital to choose the right one for your needs.
If you do not have much room in your vehicle or backpack, you can buy portable solar panels that fold up and fit easily into a small bag or briefcase when not in use. On the other hand, if you need more power for your electronics, you may consider buying larger portable solar panels that can cover more area and provide more power than smaller versions.
Portable Solar Panels Are Not Safe
Although this may have been true in the past, today's portable solar panels are safe. These panels also do not require any fuel or dangerous chemicals to produce electricity, making them much safer than traditional gasoline-powered generators, which can cause fires or explosions if not handled properly.
In addition, portable solar panels do not produce harmful emissions when used as a power source, making them an ideal choice for people who want to reduce their carbon footprint without sacrificing convenience or functionality.
Last but not least, these panels are designed with great care by experienced engineers who ensure they meet all current safety standards before releasing them onto the market. In fact, most of these panel manufacturers have their UL certification, which means that independent third parties have rigorously tested their products for safety purposes before being sold to consumers.
Portable Solar Panels Cannot Be Used on Vehicle or in Windy Areas
Portable solar panels can be used in various locations, including windy areas. In fact, portable solar panels have been used to power many different types of vehicles, such as trucks that transport goods long distances and boats that travel on open water.
The main reason these vehicles can use portable solar panels is that they are equipped with large batteries that store energy from the sun during the day for later use when it is dark outside. This means that the energy stored in these batteries can be released at night so lights and other electronic devices can be powered up again.
Another reason portable solar panels work well in windy areas is that they are typically made of lightweight materials such as plastic and aluminum. These materials do not weigh much at all, which means they will not be blown away easily by strong winds.
Setting Up Portable Solar Panels is Time-Consuming
Setting up a portable solar panel system is usually faster and easier than installing traditional grid-tied solar panels. This is because you do not need to run an additional electrical line from your grid-tied system to your house — plug the battery pack directly into your outlet! You also would not have to worry about finding a place in your yard for mounting the panels or having them inspected by a licensed electrician like you would with traditional grid-tied systems.
The Output Is Unreliable and Inconsistent
The output of a portable solar panel is not as unpredictable as it might seem. Portable solar panels are photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight into electricity. These cells can be combined to form a single unit capable of producing significant power.
Indeed, the amount of power you can get from your portable solar panel depends on how much sunlight you get and how well your panel is exposed. However, if you are careful where you place your panel and expose it to direct sunlight for long periods, you should be able to get enough power for your needs.
You Need to Use Special Batteries for Portable Solar Panels
You do not need special batteries for portable solar panels because they can be used with regular rechargeable batteries that you already have on hand. However, if you want to get the most out of your portable solar panels, then it would be wise to purchase high-quality rechargeable batteries that can hold their charge for more extended periods and charge faster than standard rechargeable batteries.
Portable Solar Panels Do Not Come with Warranties
Most portable solar panels come with warranties like any other electrical equipment. This is because the primary purpose of portable solar panels is to convert sunlight into electricity, which can be used to power electronic devices and batteries.
The average warranty on a portable solar panel is usually 3 years, depending on the brand and model you purchase. Warranties are important because they allow you to receive free repairs or replacements if something goes wrong with your device within the specified time frame.
Portable Solar Panels Are a Passing Trend
The fact that more people are becoming environmentally conscious has led to an increase in the sale of portable solar panels over the past few years. With this increase in demand comes an increase in supply which means you will find more products available than ever before. This means that instead of being something that might go out of style one day, it is actually becoming a necessity for many people who want to save money and reduce their carbon footprint.
Already Debunked the Myths?
We hope we have been able to help you learn more about portable solar panels: their uses, capabilities, and limits. But more than anything, we hope that we have been able to dispel some of the portable solar panel myths that have developed around these products. There is a lot of misinformation surrounding these panels; we aim to clear it all up for you in one place.
So, if you are in the market for such an item, Bluetti's Portable Solar Panels are worth checking out! Our solar panels are superior in quality, price, and durability. We also pride ourselves on providing an easy-to-use experience for our customers. Complete with a warranty on our products.
