WHAT CAN A PORTABLE SOLAR PANEL CHARGE? 9 Appliances: AC, Microwave, Fridge, etc

What can a portable solar panel charge depends on various features such as the compatibility of the product in contrast to the Portable solar panel; and the amount of power the products required for charging, while portable solar panels allow you to harness the sun’s energy wherever you are, there are many types of moveable solar items on the market today, including portable solar panels and solar generators for RV trips to solar phone chargers.

Most off-grid exercises, and RV-users, usually bring along electronic gadgets as a feature of their outing. Here is a rundown of few apparatuses that are consistently present during these off-grid exercises: Laptop, smartphone, projector, mini-fridge, TV, washing machine, coffee maker, RV air conditioner, coffee maker, and rice cooker.

This article will show you which product portable solar panels can charge, with the best recommendations for the best portable solar panels in the market. The chosen products will be a focus on the RV and Camping scenario. So if you’re an RVer or a person who loves camping, or going off-grid, then this article is for you.

First, we highly recommend that you check out our article ” How Long Does It Take For Solar Batteries To Charge? How Long Will It Last!

In general, a 100-Watt Portable Solar Panel can control up a few small electronic devices which, incorporate smartphones, laptops, Bluetooth speakers, lights, PCs, and other relatively small devices. Larger electrical appliances like coffee makers, TVs, air conditioners, and others like these require over one; 100-Watt Solar Panels.

For more on this, check out our post on What Can I Do With A 1.5 Watt Solar Panel?

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How Many Solar Panels Do You Need to Produce 2,000 Watts?

Before any of this, you may want to have a look at our article on CAN PORTABLE SOLAR PANEL CHARGE E SCOOTER?

1. CAN A PORTABLE SOLAR PANEL CHARGE A LAPTOP

Have you ever found yourself stuck with a dead laptop battery and no way to charge it? Few things are more aggravating than needing anything to run and making it crash because of a dead battery. Our appliances have been so rooted in our lives that it’s difficult to remember a time when we didn’t have them. 

However, in the past, the only way to replace these appliances’ batteries was to plug them directly into a wall socket. Such is no longer the case since portable solar panels have made this form of communication unnecessary.

Is charging a laptop with a portable solar panel possible?

Well yes, but not always, and you must take care to avoid damaging the Laptop input, power regulator. They may not charge during the early hours because of inadequate voltage or power from the panels.

The voltage rate of most portable solar panels is 18 volts. Voltages can be as high as 22 volts or as low as zero volts. You can directly connect the output of an 18V portable solar panel to the power input of a 19V laptop. There is no need for a regulator or a converter. The laptop’s internal regulator is self-contained.

How long would it take to charge a laptop using a portable solar panel?

Your laptop’s charging time can vary depending on three factors:

1. Battery size–the bigger your laptop-the longer it will take to charge. Here, we’ll assume a 45 Watt-hour battery, which is typical of new, efficient laptops.

2. The power (in Watts) of your solar panel–more power equals shorter charging times.

3. Clear sunshine days charge equipment much better than overcast days because of solar conditions.

You can find the size of a battery in Watt-hours by searching for the model number and the term “specifications” online. The size of the batteries is usually in Watt-hours. As with my Samsung Chromebook, which has a 30 Watt-hour battery.

How do I choose the relevant portable solar panel for my laptop requirements?

Many of the solar panels and battery packs on the market can charge laptops. If you need to recharge a laptop; quickly, we suggest you go for the Goal Zero Nomad 50, Foldable Monocrystalline 50 Watt Solar Panel.

They built the Nomad series of portable solar panels to be rugged enough for mobile base camp and off-grid adventures. It measures 17 x 53 x 1.5 inches and weighs 3.1KG. The Nomad 50 is ideal for longer trips that need more strength without losing packability.

The portable solar panel’s versatility allows it to quickly unfolded and collected solar power while stationary and easily packed down while on the move. The Nomad 50 is capable of powering laptops and other crucial electronic devices.

2. CAN A MINI-FRIDGE BE POWERED BY A PORTABLE SOLAR PANEL

Mini fridges are also a pleasant companion for long trips, RVs, camping trips, and keep your drinks cold for you. However, because of their ease of use, these are now being used in homes and offices. The less space-consuming variant of fridges with the same quality is the reason for its increased popularity in hotels and offices and while camping. However, does their lightweight feature guarantee they can charge with portable solar panels? Well, the answer is yes.

What is the power output of a typical mini-fridge?

The typical mini-fridge consumes between 50 and 65 watts. However, this is not as clear as it seems. Any versions may use less than that, while others may use more. In reality, some models will consume up to 100 watts. The good news is that you need not worry about which portable solar panels can do the task.

For more on this, check out our post How Much Solar Power Do You Need to Run a Refrigerator?

An X-Doria Raptic Titan Portable Power Station 100X is the real deal. Under optimum sunlight, the Raptic Titan can charge mini-fridges for over 10 hours of use.

The Titan Solar 100x Solar Panel weighs 11.6 pounds, stretches to 20.5 x 59.5 x 1 inch when open to the sunshine, and collapses to 20.5 x 15.5 x 2 inches.

3. CAN A RICE COOKER BE POWERED BY A PORTABLE SOLAR PANEL

Let’s start by asking how much energy a rice cooker uses. In cook mode, a rice cooker consumes between 620 and 700 watts of electric power. It is a comparatively low voltage and amperage. In warm temperatures, the appliance only uses around 30-45 watts until the rice is ready.

Power output

A typical Philips brand rice cooker is rated at 400Watts, and uses 40% of the outdoor power supply within 26 minutes. Such electricity power generation supply can cook two times at this consumption level. Besides, what portable solar panel can cater to meet such a high voltage? Well, a Mobisun Pro: Portable Solar Panel with Battery and 230V Power Outlet / 250W can provide the amount of energy required to get your rice cooked.

It is the first portable free energy unit to build through an intelligent combination of innovative power conversion and power storage technology. Someone can modularly extend the panel with additional lightweight solar panels for ultra-fast and move through charging.

4. CHARGING SMARTPHONES & TABLETS USING PORTABLE SOLAR

Mobile phones and tablets relatively have lower power consumption than other bigger appliances such as rice cookers and fridges. Cell phones and tablets are very energy productive because they run on a battery for an extensive period. Cell phones use around 2 to 6 watts while charging, while a charge left connected without a mobile phone will devour 0.1 to 0.5 of a watt.

Is it possible to charge smartphones on any portable solar panel?

Thus, any portable solar panel having a wattage rate of more than 20Watt is powerful enough to get your smartphones and tablets charged. The IEsafy Solar Charger 26800mAh is one of the best options to go with if you’re looking to get your smartphone and tablets charged while going off-grid.

A magnificent item enthusiastically suggested for open-air use. Ready to charge cell phones, portable speaker, and 2 iPhone besides the entire day with the portable solar panel open and still show full force by the end of the day. Outstanding amongst other portable solar panel chargers on the lookout.

5. CAN A PROJECTOR BE POWERED BY A PORTABLE SOLAR PANEL

Would it be even better to watch your favorite movies using an Anker Nebula Mars II 300 Portable Projector?  It is great fun most RV users are not excluding in their on-the-road trips. With highlights, for example, a 480p picture and inherent speakers that offer shockingly excellent sound quality, this projector is ideal for RV life.

The auto-center and cornerstone mutilation devices are exceptional, alongside their moderately durable battery. Tragically, this one doesn’t get as splendid as we’d like, yet it fines in a faintly lit or dull space.

Yet, it uses a 19V power adapter for power. The Nebula Mars is powered using various portable solar panels since it has a much lower voltage rating than other devices. A Renogy 30W Portable Foldable Solar Panel would be a brilliant match to add to your Nebula Mars.

6. CAN A PORTABLE SOLAR PANEL POWER AN RV-AIR CONDITIONER

The need to get outside and to travel are the two primary reasons for purchasing an RV. Summer is the best time to be outside, but the scorching heat does not make up for optimal weather. To combat the heat, you’ll need a high-efficiency RV air conditioner. The best RV air conditioner improves the experience and leaves the indoor air hot.

A good example is the Honeywell MN10CESWW 10,000 BTU RV air conditioner. It is easy to introduce and cools enormous territories. This specific RV air conditioner is eco-accommodating. The unit’s solidness makes it stick out, and with its low sticker price, you realize you’re getting a decent profit from your venture.

What is the average wattage for a typical RV air conditioner?

The average watt once running is 700Watts, likewise-it requires 2000watts for a startup. A 10000 BTU AC uses 833–1250 Watts. With such an enormous wattage rating, can a portable solar panel charge an RV air conditioner? It is technically possible to operate an RV air conditioner with solar panels to generate enough power.

How do the RV solar panels work?

It is a seriously long interaction to creating power. Having the portable solar panels providing energy to the batteries; makes the capacity of any standard RV driving framework conceivable. The way that it has potential doesn’t infer that it is simple. Moreover, to completely control an RV air conditioning system with portable solar panels, you would require the accompanying:

1. Solar panels

The solar panels work by allowing light particles from the sun (electrons) to be absorbed. It provides power to the solar panel.

2. The Battery

The electricity generates from the panel is transferred to a battery reserve. The battery bank has a significant amount of power.

3. A 12-volt direct current (DV) edge is present on the RV’s electrical surface.

4. The battery is connected to the RV’s DC control system.

(There are two types of power: DC and AC). A voltage to the current inverter is a system that transforms voltage to current. Furthermore, the battery directly supplies the capacity to an inverter. The inverter receives power from the battery in the form of a 12-volt direct current (DV). The inverter converts this energy into alternating current electricity.

5. The AC Cabinet

Following the inverter’s energy conversion to the RV’s air conditioner, the power then transfers to the air conditioner. It takes a long time to generate electricity. It does, however, perform. All of the features of a standard RV powering device are made possible by making the portable solar panels providing electricity to the batteries.

A great example is the WindyNation 200 Watt (2pcs 100 Watt) Solar Panel Kit.  The panel kit has a dimension, 19 x 14 x 14 inches, and weighs 43 lbs, plus it also has a wattage of 2000watts.

These portable solar panel kits is-designed in a precise way. Each feature has a purpose and designed with a real-world use case in mind. When the power goes out, you must push everything from camping areas to tackle jobs and open-air events to basic circuits at home.

For more on this, check out How Many Solar Panels & Batteries to Run a Window Air Conditioner?

7. IS IT POSSIBLE TO POWER A MICROWAVE USING PORTABLE SOLAR PANELS

Probably a great advantage of taking your RV out and about: you can cook en route! Cooking in your RV sets aside cash and permits you to avoid the cheap food and eat good dinners all through your excursion.

RV microwaves work in the same way as any other microwave. However, there is one thing you should be aware of if you do intend to use yours. Since most RVs are ready to pull a limited 30 or 50 amps of power at any moment, it is not hard to trip a breaker.

Microwave power requirement

A typical 624watts microwave requires an additional 800watts for a start-up before a 625W running wattage.

It is especially apparent when using several things that have a lot of control. That includes air conditioners, hairdryers, toaster ovens, coffee machines, and microwaves. Running any of these machines may not be a challenge in and of itself, but bear in mind that running the microwave while another person is drying their hair is not a good idea.

One of the better appliances for RVs is the Sharp R1874T 850W Over-the-Range Convection Microwave.
It has an integrated exhaust system, as well as a hood lamp, a powerful fan, and low and high shelves.

Considering the question, can a portable solar panel charge a microwave oven?, the ROCKPALS 250W Portable Power Station and ROCKPALS 60W Solar Panel is a great product to get your foods heated while going off the grid. 

This product has two bundles, a ROCKPAL 250Watt portable generator-rechargeable lithium battery-pack; and a ROCKPAL SP002 foldable 60Watt solar panel. It is constructed of high-efficiency solar arrays with a conversion rate of up to 21.5-23.5% of solar power into free energy.

The ROCKPAL SP002 is 13.78 X 13.39 X 2.36 inches in size. It is easy to transport due to its foldable nature. Furthermore, if your new portable power station isn’t cutting, then the ROCKPAL SP002 is built to work with varieties of other portable power generators on the market. Whether you are going camping or just spending the day off-grid on your RV, this bundle is a great match.

It includes different size connections, such as an 8mm DC Adapter for Goal Zero/Jackery, 5.5 X 2.5mm DC Adapter for Suaoki Portable Generator, and 5.5 X 2.1mm DC Adapter for ROCKPALS 250W/300W/350W/500W portable power station), as well as 5V USB modules, such as smartphones and tablets (iPhone, iPad, Samsung Galaxy), GPS, compact cameras, and so on.

8. CAN A PORTABLE SOLAR PANEL POWER A COFFEE MAKER

Assuming you are an RV explorer, having a quality mug of coffee is similarly as significant when you are out and about as when you are at home. Having the option to get quality coffee that addresses everybody’s issues can be somewhat interesting.

Important points to consider when selecting your coffee maker for RV or camping

There are a ton of significant interesting points when looking for the best RV coffee maker. Such incorporates things like the measure of coffee it can make at one time, how much space it takes up, and if it can blend a hot cup to your taste. Most importantly, if you are out on your RV or camping, you might want to consider if it is possible to get your coffee maker powered up.

The Cuisinart DCC-450BK 4-Cup Coffeemaker is one great example of an RV or camping coffee maker. It has been carefully designed, with coated steel. The Cuisinart DCC-450BK is the best overall Compact RV coffee maker for the money if you want a long-lasting, well-designed RV coffee maker with a minimal countertop footprint.

Power requirement

Generally, the average running wattage used for a typical coffee maker is around 1100watts. The average wattage, once it is running, is 0Watts. Such means that unlike microwaves and RV air conditioners, a coffee maker has a consistent power consumption from initial power usage to finish.

A good example is the; Yeti 3000X Portable Power Station-2982Wh Portable Lithium Battery Emergency Power Station. It is capable of powering a typical RV coffee maker. The Yeti 3000X has an output wattage of 2000watts and weighs 78 lbs. 

Seven distinctive yield ports let you power the scope of devices such as; smartphones, workstations, coolers, clinical gadgets, coffee makers, blenders, and power tools. 2 USB-A, 18W USB-C, 60W USB-C PD, 6mm, 12V, 12V Power Port, 120V AC Inverter.

9. CAN A SMART TV BE POWERED BY A PORTABLE SOLAR PANEL

By going on an outing in your RV these days, you can already take a break from your daily routine, spend time with your friends and family, see new places, and appreciate new stuff. In any case, there’s no need to isolate yourself from the rest of the planet. Bring the best TV for RV use so you can watch the news and your favorite TV shows at any event.

Smart-TVs interface connects directly to the web, allowing you to stream your number one shows from a scope of applications. All in all, you’ll have the option to watch content from Netflix, HULU, HBO Max, and 100’s more, without associating outside devices to your TV. A few models even permit you to mess around, check web-based media, etc.

Overall, you’ll be able to stream content from Netflix, HULU, HBO Max, and a slew of other services without having to connect any external gadgets to your TV. A few models also allow you to play around, look at online media, and so on.

Whatever the reason for wanting a Smart TV is, careful considerations should help to find the best model for your RV.
The amount of wattage smart TVs produces, and the kind of portable solar panel capable of powering the device are two factors to remember.

Watts utilization

A well-measured inverter will be beneficial to you. You must, though, go beyond and above the minimum requirements. A small flat-screen TV can need 120-200 watts to operate. A cylinder television consumes more power and can draw up to 300 watts. Around 120 watts is what a good level LCD can consume.

You can likewise pick this LED Widescreen HDTV offered by SuperSonic. What I like about this item is that you can see an astounding picture. It has an implicit DVD player, and it’s ideal for a camper trailer or an RV. This one likely finds a place with the best TV size for RV since it was little enough for the RV however large enough to be seen from both ends.

In general, if we were to go portable, then an ECO-Worthy 195W 12V Solar Panel is more than capable of driving your smart TV. This RV portable solar panel has a dimension of 58.3×26.3×1.4inches and weighs 29.2lbs.

The Eco-Worthy 195W 12V solar panel has high durability aspects. This portable solar panel lasts for decades due to its corrosion-resistant aluminum frame-which makes it perfect for RVs, outdoor activities, camping, etc.

Many high-tech TVs already consume half the energy of a standard TV. You only need one 100-watt solar panel (high efficiency) to fuel your TV viewing time with 60-80 watt TVs.

10. SUMMARY TABLE

The following table below provides a list of recommended portable solar panels, their specs along a few RV and camping electrical products they are capable of producing power for.

Name	Brand	Power	Dimension (inches)	Weight (KG)	Items to charge	Price
Goal Zero Nomad 50	Goal Zero	50Watts	17 x 53 x 1.5 inches	3.1KG	Laptop, Power banks, mini fridges, small electronic devices	$249.95
Titan Solar 100X	X-DORIA	100Watts	expands to 20.5 x 59.5 x 1 inch 20.5 x 15.5 x 2 inches folded	5.3KG	Mini fridges, Laptops, smartphones, bluetooth devices, tablets, lights, small mini devices.	$299.99
Renogy 30W Portable Foldable Solar Panel	RENOGY	30Watts	25.4 x 11.8 x 1.77 inches	1.1KG	Projectors, smartphones, tablets, handheld electronic gadgets.	$87.99
WindyNation 200 Watt (2pcs 100 Watt) Solar Panel Kit	WINDYNATION	200Watt	19 x 14 x 14 inches	25.9KG	RV air conditioners, Household appliances, batteries, cabins, boats, back ups and remote power use.	$998.83
ROCKPALS 100W Solar Panel, & 250Watt portable generator	ROCKPAL	100Watt	13.78 X 13.39 X 2.36 inches	37KG	Microwaves, smartphones and tablets(iPhone, iPad, Samsung Galaxy), laptops, GPS, digital cameras, etc. Outdoor adventures & backup.	$369.99
Yeti 3000X Portable Power Station, 2982Wh Portable Lithium Battery Emergency Power Station	GOAL ZERO	2000Watts	25 x 19 x 23 inches	35.4KG	Smartphones, laptops, refrigerators, medical devices, coffee makers, blenders, and power tools.	$3,199.95
Eco-Worthy 195W 12V solar panel Kit	ECO-WORTHY	195Watts	58.3×26.3×1.4inches	13.2KG	Electrical devices for RV, boat, sailboat, yacht, truck, cabin, camper ,tent , trailer, golf cart, TVs, etc	$219.00

Higher prices for portable solar devices, as for every other software commodity, imply higher quality.
You can get more optional features, such as higher performance panels or a more rugged shell if you are willing to pay more money upfront on a portable solar panel system. Spending the extra money on a high-quality product can be well worth it, particularly if you want to use it often.

Technically speaking, a portable solar panel can charge almost any electrical device, provided that the device to be charge has a much lower wattage compared to the solar panels to be used to power the appliances.

In general, a 100-Watt Portable Solar Panel can control up a few small electronic devices that incorporate smartphones, laptops, Bluetooth speakers, lights, PCs, and other small electrical appliances. Larger electrical devices like coffee makers, TVs, air conditioners, smart TVs, and others like these require more than one 100-Watt Solar Panels.