How To Choose a Solar Panel

A solar panel is a great solution for recharging various gadgets away from home. It converts solar radiation into electrical energy, which allows you to do without using a typical outlet. Modern models are quite compact, easy to maintain and can work even on a cloudy day. To start the charging process, just unfold the solar panel and connect it to the device using a cable. And how to choose it - we will tell you in this material.

The capabilities of a solar panel largely depend on its design and purpose . By type of execution, solar panels can be divided into two large groups:

For charging stations

universal devices with several connectors that can be connected to external batteries, energy storage devices and portable equipment, and also used as an additional or emergency power source. As a rule, such models are much more efficient, have a higher output power and take up more space, but also cost more than simpler analogues.

For mobile devices

essentially a simplified version of panels for charging stations. Often, such models have a built-in voltage stabilization module and only one or two USB ports. With their help, you can charge low-power gadgets with a USB interface and portable batteries. They are distinguished by a convenient and compact form factor, which allows you to use the panel in a limited space and while moving. For example, it is possible to attach it to a backpack or other equipment.

Output power

Maximum output power is the most important characteristic that should be considered together with the efficiency (energy conversion efficiency) of the solar panel. It determines what type and number of gadgets the panel can charge. This parameter should be equal to or greater than the power of the gadget's battery being charged. As a rule, a power of 10-15 watts will be enough to charge a smartphone, including using fast charging technology.

For gadgets with capacious batteries (tablets, laptops, etc.), it is necessary to select a solar panel with a higher output power. Here, everything depends not only on the number of gadgets, but also on the characteristics of the batteries of specific models. Panels with indicators of 40 W or more may be required.

Another important characteristic is the number of sections . Depending on the specific design, the size and number of sections can vary dramatically. For example, there may be only one medium-sized section or as many as eight, but smaller ones. In theory, the larger the total area of ​​the sections, the greater the output power the solar panel can provide, but you should not discount the quality of the panels themselves and their efficiency. The downside of a larger number of sections is the bulkiness of the design. When unfolded, they take up much more space, which requires a more careful choice of where to install them.

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The output voltage 

Parameter is also important , which determines the actual value of the resource that the solar panel provides when output to the port. This parameter is measured in volts - V (international designation). The most common options are 5 V or 18 V. It is important that the mobile device supports the same value as the solar panel. Information can be found in the characteristics of the gadget or on the original charger for it. Exceeding the maximum permissible voltage for the gadget means increasing the likelihood of failure of the device's battery. A model with lower indicators will also charge the gadget, but it will take longer.

The maximum output current 

Parameter is especially important when connecting smartphones and other gadgets that support fast charging. For example, Quick Charge, Power Delivery, etc., which require increased current. As a rule, the maximum output current of solar panels varies from 1.5 to 10 amperes, depending on the connectors used and the specific model.

Connectivity options

The output connectors 

The solar panel body allows you to connect different types and quantities of devices for recharging. The most common option is DC, which is a universal 5.5 x 2.1 mm output connector. As a rule, solar panels have a voltage stabilization module with a DC port, which allows you to connect them to various energy storage devices and external batteries.

MC4 is a standardized connector for connecting solar panels and arrays of panels. It creates a reliable and hermetic electrical connection necessary for outdoor use. Manufacturers often equip panels with several cables: from DC to MC4 and MC4 to crocodile clips. You can also find MC4 to XT60 options, which allow you to connect the panel to modern technological chargers.

It is worth noting the presence and number of USB ports, with which you can connect the solar panel to a portable battery, smartphone or other gadget. As a rule, there are two such ports and much less often three. These can be both classic USB ports of the Type-A format and modern ones with the Type-C format. Often, charging is carried out using a controller built into the solar panel, that is, the smartphone can be connected to it directly. But such a scenario in practice causes a lot of inconvenience - the smartphone will have to be constantly kept near the panel, and the charging process will be uneven due to the specifics of the panel. It is much more practical to use a portable battery for these purposes, and then charge all your gadgets from it.

Additional Features

An important factor when choosing is the IP protection class - all due to the specifics of using solar panels outdoors. The IP protection class determines the level of protection of the panel components from dust and moisture. The first digit indicates protection against solid objects, and the second - the degree of moisture protection. As a rule, the overwhelming majority of solar panels have an IP67 protection rating. That is, dust cannot get inside the gadget, and sudden rain will not disable it.

The presence of a fast charging 

function allows you to significantly save time spent on replenishing the batteries of connected devices. Due to the increased current, the charging time is reduced several times - the main thing is that the connected device supports the required fast charging protocol.

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The folding design, complemented by convenient handles, significantly simplifies the transportation of the solar panel in the trunk of a car and its subsequent storage. In some models, you can find a battery charge indicator , which is a small LED next to the output connectors on the body.

Tips for choosing

• If you need a simple model for charging a couple of gadgets, take a look at solar panels designed for mobile devices .

• A universal choice is a solar panel with a maximum output power of 100 W.

• If you plan to connect a portable battery to the panel, take a closer look at models that have one or more USB ports .

• Battery charge indicator makes it much easier to control the charging process of connected devices.

• The need to use solar panels in any weather is a good reason to pay attention to models that are resistant to dust and rain.