How much do Portable Solar Panels weight?

A couple of weeks ago, a friend of mine asked me to help him decide which portable solar panel he should get for Xmas.

He was thinking of going camping. We were both caught up in finding which one is best since there are lots out there in the market.

We decided to pick one based on its weight. We managed to purchase a SEANFAR 10W 5V 1-Port USB Waterproof Portable Foldable Solar Charger.

So I went to research it and write a helpful post on how heavy portable solar panels are.

A 100 watts portable solar panel weight to power a typical average equipment is between 3lbs/ 1.3KG to 26lbs/ 11.8 KG.

Although smaller than those panels designed for residential and commercial use, each portable solar panel’s weight is measured based on the material made; plus the composition of inbuilt photovoltaic cells, the size, and whether it is a foldable design, a kickstand, or a carrying case style.

Also check out if you Can You Get An Electric Shock From Portable Solar Panels?

Why This Conclusion?

I have scanned several websites, such as Alibaba.com and Amazon. I was able to identify the different types of portable solar panels and their weights. The price range for these products varies for each brand, ranging from US$9.98 to US$949.97. The weight and specification ( with relation to power output) do affect the price of each portable solar panel brand.

For example, BoMiVa – Portable Solar Panel 5.5W 12V Power Module Battery Cell Phone Charger DIY Solar Power Panel weighs 0.3lbs/135g and costs US$29.99, on the other hand, the 50W 18V Portable Solar Panel, Flash fish Foldable Solar Charger with 5V USB 18V DC Output weighs 3.36lbs/1.5Kg and costs US$99.99

How Do Specs Differ And How Do They Impact Weight

Brand	Type/Colour	Weigh	Power	Open-circuit voltage	Price
Gerioie Solar Power Bank	Monocrystalline Silicon White/black	0.55 lbs	10W	6V	$20.29
GGX ENERGY 100W Solar Panel Monocrystalline Solar Cell	Monocrystalline Green/camouflage	8.4lbs	100W	20V-22.4V	$224.86
Geoking 65W Polycrystalline Solar Panel	Polycrystalline Black / Blue	9.9lbs	65W	21.6V	$119.95
MEIND 100W 18V Polycrystalline Solar Panel	Polycrystalline Black / Gray	18.7lbs	100W	22.4V	$214.00
DOKIO-Semi-Flexible Solar Panel 100W	Amorphous Skyblue / White	4.9lbs	100W	22.5V	$229.00
AMONIDA Solar Panels Efficient Amorphous Silicon Solar Panel	Amorphous Silicon Black / Blue	0.5lbs / 0.9oz	0.5W	2V	$11.99

Portable solar panels have specs that vary for each brand. These specs do have an impact on the weight of each product.

For example, the Geoking 65W Polycrystalline Solar Panel has a power of 65 Watts, open-circuit voltage is 21.6V, a weight of 9.9lbs, and costs $119.95 while; a Meind 100w 18v Polycrystalline Solar Panel has a power of 100Watts, a voltage of 22.4V, and a weight of 18.7lbs and, is priced at $214.00.

The heavier the panels, the more the power they generate; plus the amount of voltage produced, and also, the prices go up. However, this is not always the case.

Take, for example, GGX ENERGY 100W Solar costs $224.68, a power of 100Watts, the open-circuit voltage of 20V-22.4V, and weighs 8.4lbs, thus a DOKIO Semi-Flexible Solar Panel 100W. This panel weighs 4.9lbs; and has a power of 100 watts, an output-circuit voltage of 22.5V, and costs $299.00.

Here we have two portable solar panels producing the same amount of power (100Watts). However, one is lighter but produces more voltages than the other.

Therefore, it is crucial; to understand how specs differ for each portable solar panel. And in what ways they affect the weight of each product.

Knowing this gives you a better idea to choose the product that best suits your needs

Understanding Solar Panel Specs

These are the primary specs you should see when contrasting portable solar panels:

• Discover the number of cells and busbars the panels have installed.

• The hard casing burden will disclose to you how well the panels can withstand windstorms or canvas on a day off.

• Search for a salt and alkali obstruction rating if you will utilize the panel close to the sea.

• Discover how long the maker’s guarantee will cover the item.

• Check the measurements and weight of the panel.

• Take a gander at the force appraisals, including the greatest, ostensible force, the voltage at most extreme-force, and the amperage at most extreme yield.

• Search for items that meet the IEC 61730 security norms.

• Search for the IEC 61215 stamp to ensure the solar panel can withstand a range of climate conditions.

• Discover when the panel was; fabricated since more established items are ordinarily less performing.

Three Types Of Portable Solar Panels:

Monocrystalline: These are profoundly great-panels, fit for charging batteries and driving various little machines. Solar panels can either come in conventional glass tiles or incorporated into helpful, foldable covers (imagined).

Polycrystalline: These are by far the frailest panels with low voltage, be that as it may, they work better in low light and are less expensive than Monocrystalline panels. 

Polycrystalline panels charge batteries gradually, so they should not be dependent on as a sole wellspring of force for mid or intense usage machines. 

By and by, these panels; can be purchased in a solar cover or standard tile structure.

Amorphous (thin film):: This is an adaptable film of photovoltaic cells that can move, twist, and collapse. By and large, the more adaptable; the framework is, the less proficient it will be.

Thin-film panels produce extremely-low measures of power and are not too mainstream subsequently.

Advantages Of Portable Solar Power

Portable solar panel units have a few significant highlights that make them one of a kind premium quality items:

• They are thoroughly waterproof, including the solar charge controller, so they will, in general, be suitable in any environmental conditions.

• Collapsing monocrystalline solar panels are; made of excellent solar cells, which can offer high effectiveness. 

• The defensive pack; is provided in a unit. It is a strong defensive case made with layers of thin foams that forestalls coincidental harms to the edge and glass.

• Progressed completely robotized charge regulator gives total cheat assurance and supports a few battery types with various charging boundaries for efficient proficiency

Portable solar panels are incredible while going outside and needing the power to control apparatuses. Their portable size considers simple mobility.

A 12v compact solar panel pack is the size of a satchel-thusly simple to store someplace and can offer a more diminished force yield, contingent, upon the size, it very well may be 80 – 120W of force.

Such packs incorporate a stand, solar charge regulator, 5m link, and a capacity case that contains everything required for charging the battery bank.

How Portable are Solar Panels?

A lightweight: portable solar panel can be as light as a large portion of a pound. The bigger models can weigh as much as 30 pounds.

Weight matters when you are conveying anything here and there. The vast majority lean toward the little light portable solar panels when they are climbing.

The equivalent applies on the off chance that you should be physically moving portable solar panels for RV use from your vehicle to the site to set them up and later when the camping area is being cleared and moving them again to capacity.

The more productive the panels, the lighter they can be. The lightweight panels are a lot better for moving around.

To charge your battery, you unfurl it, plug it in, and lean the panels back on its help outline. A similar set up goes for charging or working any apparatuses.

Whether you are buying a portable solar panel purposely for charging a battery on your boat? or to utilize it close to the water? Do ensure that you get a marine-grade framework.

Assess Your Needs

You need to ask yourself how much force you need for your RV or outdoors trip. On the off chance that you plan on utilizing; a purchased solar panel at home, choose which apparatuses you resolve with it.

You can, also without; much of a stretch, force an outdoors cooler or a smaller than usual refrigerator with a little portable solar panel associated with a 12-volt battery.

You can likewise; add an inverter to solar frameworks like this to sit in front of the television, power a PC, or for telephone or hardware charging.

Buy Portable Solar Panels

Solar is free energy we can use without any side effects like polluting the environment. We can use it as long as we are under the sunshine. And currently, we have the technology to harvest this free energy resource.

And with the portable solar panel, it is now possible for us to use this energy anytime, anywhere.

There are several factors you need to consider when choosing a portable solar panel here are some of them:

1. Weight

You purchase portable solar panels since you need to have the option to convey them without any problem.

Ensure it is adequately light, so you don’t have any issues conveying it alongside you. It likely will not be an issue when you go into a vehicle.

For instance, nonetheless, on the off chance that you are hiking, at that point, it very well may be an alternate story.

2. Power

Ensure you see how much power it can supply. Will it have the option to run your hardware? or whether it has those options to charge it?

Ensure you pick the solar panel that accommodates your hardware power necessity.

3. Back-Up Cell

A few brands offer back up batteries alongside the solar panel. This way, you can charge the battery, suppose while you’re voyaging, at that point, use it later to help your hardware.

It is a decent choice, and I propose you get one that has this reinforcement battery.

4. Waterproof

For some people, it is; an important; factor to consider. If you plan to go by boat or camping in the jungle, make sure your solar panel is waterproof.

5. Length of cord

Many of us do not pay attention to it. Remember, you will need to place the cell under the sunlight. However: your equipment maybe is not suitable to be used under direct sunlight; this is where the cord length plays an important role.

Conclusion

These days, as solar panel innovation progresses and turns out to be more proficient – and with the number of producers expanding, dropping their sticker price – portable solar panels have become an incredible decision for every individual who needs power while going on an undertaking.

The measure of the power: which you anticipate from your solar panels; will influence the weight; and cost of your portable solar panel unit (solar panel, charge controller, batteries, and so on). However, in general, portable solar panel weight for standard equipment average power output is between 3lbs/ 1.3KG to 26lbs/ 11.8 KG in weight.

Thus, before purchasing one, ensure that you have: decent assessment of the measure of solar force you need.