Portable Solar Power Systems – Sunshine Power To Go!

You are on the go, perhaps camping way out in the wilderness or just waiting in a parking lot. Chances are you’ve needed to charge your phone, or finish tasks on a laptop that’s eeking by at 5% battery, or… In this article let’s take a look at portable solar power systems, what they are, and how to use them.

What Are They?

Remember those transistor radios that had a little array of solar cells on them? Just put the radio in the sun and it would play!

Portable solar power systems are like conventional systems, but with the ability to be easily unpacked and set up anywhere. When you need to pack up go again, they are easily taken down and stored quickly. They are lightweight and will likely have a carrying handle or travel case.

You might have an all-in-one type of unit with an integrated solar panel, a built in stand and a power connection all in one single package.

They can be a system that stores power like a large battery pack with a built-in AC converter (inverter). These always have a means for connecting an external power source to charge the batteries. These usually accept a wide variety of external power sources for charging. Power can come from a set of folding solar panels, the AC line, car or RV power – just about anything that puts out DC power!

Mobile Device Chargers

These are the most basic type of portable solar power sources you can purchase. They are about the size of a large mobile phone or tablet and have a USB connector on one side for plugging your device into.

The limitation of these is that they only supply power while the sun is on them. However, you can easily add power storage by plugging your USB power pack into it to charge while there’s light available.

Folding & Roll-Up Solar Panels

These are very flat small to full sized solar panels joined together so that they can be folded up into a compact stack that is easy stow away for travel or storage. There are versions of these that can be rolled up like a blanket. When ready to set up for power, you just unfold/unroll them and orient them for best sunlight exposure, plug in your gear and you’re in business.

These will usually be connected to a portable battery pack type power source that may have 12 volt dc and or 120 volt AC outlets on it. A good example are the Goal Zero Yeti systems.

Standing Units

These consist of one or two solar panels on top of a pole that can be raised up high for maximum sun.
There is usually a box on the pole that contains a battery pack for energy storage and power connections.

They can also be low profile units that let you prop your panels up at an optimum angle. Many standing units have wheels to let you easily roll your panels from one location to another.

Mobile Solar Panel Units

There can be an array of solar panels mounted on a trailer with wheels that can be towed to any location where solar power is desired. Just pull it into position, adjust the panels, connect up and you’re set!

Uses For Portable Solar Power

• Powering remote video camera systems, fountain pumps, or other water pumping applications.
• Weather stations.
• Power for your RV or while you’re camping (or at Burningman!)
• Changing your laptop or other mobile devices when you don’t have access to an AC outlet.
• Charging batteries for self powered outdoor night lighting.
• Keeping your car or other vehicle batteries charged while not in use for extended periods of time.
• Running remote data collection/recording equipment for scientific research.
• Emergency power during power outages.
• Operating fans, vents, etc in green houses.
• Hosting an off-grid backyard party! 🙂

Let’s Roll!

Solar power systems can be powerful yet small enough to take with you anywhere. Who needs a big plot of land to go solar? Wherever you can take your laptop, you can go solar!