The Top 8 Questions Every Homeowner Should Ask Before Going Solar

Looking for solar energy experts to answer some of the following questions:

  1. What’s the most important thing for a homeowner to consider when choosing a solar panel
    installation company?
  2. What is the single most important thing homeowners should know about installing solar
    panels?
  3. What does the solar installation process look like?
  4. What is the average cost of adding a solar panel project in the United States?
  5. Can solar panels eliminate your electricity bills?
  6. Are solar panels worth it?
  7. Which brands of solar panels are best?
  8. Do you recommend installing solar energy storage systems? Why or why not?

And anything else you may think is helpful to homeowners considering purchasing solar panels? More than ever homeowners are more interested in installing solar panels in their homes in order to reduce their electricity bills. But most don’t know what they don’t know. They don’t know what questions they should be asking to make sure that solar is the right choice for them.

Now more than ever, the national and state power grids have gotten weaker. Power outages are now far more common. Some areas face at least one blackout per month on average whereas some are getting them about once every season. Either way, the rate of blackouts is only increasing.

Homeowners want to reduce their electricity bills as well as have power if the local power goes out. There are easy ways to do it, but here are the questions they need to ask first.

1. What’s the most important thing for a homeowner to consider when choosing a solar panel installation company?

Choosing a solar company is more complicated than most people think. Most of the time, a solar sales rep will go to a homeowner’s front door, speak with the owner, and then choose to get solar panels or not. The majority of the time, homeowners are approached by door-to-door reps instead of looking around at companies on their own.

Or if the homeowner looks around on their own there are either very few companies doing installations locally, or there are so many it’s impossible to choose.

The number one thing to ask the solar company is if they are the actual company doing the installation or if they use a contractor to do the installation. Oftentimes, solar companies are only there to get sales, and then they contract out the installation to the lowest bidder. If the solar company is using contractors to do the installation, stay away from that company.

If a solar company hires out the installation it doesn’t necessarily mean that the quality will be poor or that the homeowner won’t get the result they’re looking for. But it does mean that it will likely be at least 6 months until their system gets installed. Sometimes people wait over a year.

The other main issue is if there is an issue with the system, the contractor has to come back to work on it but they are doing more installations and likely do not have the time. That means to get what could be a simple fix done, you could wait over a month or two before someone can come to check it out. They may not even get around to fixing it on that trip, but just diagnose it.

Solar companies that have their own installation team are much faster at getting the project installed and operating sooner. Also, if there is an issue with the system, they are generally much faster at having a technician go out to the house to get it looked at and fixed.

2. What is the single most important thing homeowners should know about installing solar panels?

The single most important thing homeowners need to know about before installing solar panels is that it is a process. It takes a lot of time. Because the vast majority of solar panel installations are on rooftops, there are procedures and permits that must be obtained to proceed.

Not only that, but a detailed analysis of the average power usage within the house needs to be checked to ensure that the proper amount of solar panels is installed. There is a big difference between the house that uses 30 kilowatt-hours of power each day versus the house that uses 100 kilowatt-hours per day. It may not be feasible to offset 100kwh of power usage per day with the roof space and environment.

There is an average of 6 solar peak hours per day in central and southern states in the USA. In order to completely offset the electricity bill, the solar panels must produce a 24hrs worth of power in those 6 hours. If a house uses 100kwh per day, that means the solar panels installed on the roof need to have a total wattage of at least 16.7kw. That is an extremely large system that will take up a lot of space. And if there isn’t that much space on the roof that is facing south, then it’s not possible to offset the entire electricity bill unless the solar panels can be ground mounted facing south with that many watts of solar cells.

It’s not as simple as some people think. Many people see solar panels on the roof of a house and automatically think that the house no longer has to pay for electricity. But that may not be the case. It takes time to analyze all of the data, make the system the proper size, get funding, get permits, get the parts, then finally install the equipment, and lastly waiting for an inspection from the electrical company in order to start saving money.

The average household solar system takes 6 months from the first day of signing papers to getting the inspection done. That means that some people are lucky to get it done in 3 months, and others wait over 12 months before it’s done.

3. What does the solar installation process look like?

The solar installation process varies a little bit from house to house but generally, there are certain things that always happen.

First, the solar sales rep and the homeowner have to determine how many watts of solar panels they will need in order to meet the homeowner’s needs. The homeowner may want to offset their bill, or completely cover it. They may want to reduce their bill by 50% or 100%. In some cases, homeowners want to make a lot more than what they need in order to sell the extra power back to the power company for a small earning or credit.

Second, the solar sales rep will typically do some form of soft credit check in order to find out what kind of financing the homeowner is capable of getting. A small solar installation can easily be at least $30,000 depending on the region. Typically the loans are anywhere from 7 to 35 years in length and try to have the lowest rates possible as long as the homeowner’s credit is good. The homeowner is essentially trading an electricity bill that is guaranteed to increase in price per kilowatt-hour over time. But if they get in on a fixed-rate loan, their price will never go up. That’s the main trade-off. Once they’ve decided on a loan they will begin the process of getting the funding which usually takes a minimum of one month.

Third, the installation of the solar panels will be analyzed and decided on by a solar array tech. They will take measurements of the roof or ground to determine how many solar panels will fit it the designated space and figure out the configuration of the solar panels. Since most roofs are not empty or perfectly free of objects or angle changes, it can be tricky to figure out where solar panels will go.

Fourth, once all of the paperwork has gone through and financing is established, the solar company will either portion out the equipment and solar panels from their warehouse for the installation, or they will let the contractor figure it out on their own. At this stage, they are getting close to doing the installation and are doing an inventory check to make sure they have all the pieces in stock and ready for the installation.

Fifth, the installation team arrives and can generally install the entire system in 1 to 3 days depending on its complexity of it. This will include installing aluminum rails and legs onto the roof or ground in order to attach the solar panels to them. They will usually install microinverters where each solar panel will go to increase the output of each solar panel. Then the solar panels get installed on the rails above each microinverter. Cables will be run to an inverter that is typically mounted in the garage, mud room, or some inconspicuous location. As well a grounding wire will be attached to every solar panel and connected to a ground rod to increase the safety of the system. All the proper connections will be made but it won’t be turned on until the inspection is completed.

Sixth, the electrical company will send a technician to inspect the entire installation and make sure it is up to code. If it is, they will give the “thumbs up” to turn on the system and start reducing or eliminating the electricity bill.

4. What is the average cost of adding a solar panel project in the United States?

The average cost of having solar panels added to a house varies quite a bit. It completely depends on how much the homeowner wants to do and can get financing for. It is not uncommon for an average solar panel installation to range between $60,000 and $90,000.

Just recently a solar rep gave a complete quote to have a solar installation put in on a house that was for an 8,000w inverter, 10,000wh of battery backup, and 8,000w of solar panels. The grand total for the entire system was $72,000. After upfront incentives, the total would be $69,000. The average American household uses 30kwh of power per day. This means this particular household would have about 8 hours of battery backup but would be able to have no electricity bill. However, the monthly loan payment was equal to or higher than their average electricity bill.

Would it really make sense for them to do it? Only the homeowner can truly answer that, but in my opinion, no. They wouldn’t be saving any money until the electricity company increased the electricity rate. And the loan was for 30 years.

As a comparison, another homeowner wanted to go completely off-grid. They wanted to have enough battery backup power and solar panels to never need the electrical company. In their household, they used an average of 105kwh per day. That means they needed a 15,000w inverter at the minimum, at least 100kwh of battery capacity, and at least 25kw of solar panels. A system like that easily costs over $250,000 to have a local solar company install it. Is being off-grid really worth much? Again, only the homeowner can say for themselves, but in my opinion, no.

Where it makes a lot of sense for people to go solar is where electricity costs are very high. They need enough roof space facing south and live in a fairly sunny region. In those cases, it’s quite easy to completely eliminate the electricity bill. But even still, without a battery backup installed, there will be no electricity in the home if the grid power is down. So it only serves to save on electricity if there is no battery backup.

5. Can solar panels eliminate your electricity bills?

Solar panels can absolutely eliminate the electricity bill. It simply needs to be sized properly. It’s best to take at minimum that lasts 12 months of electricity bills and check the monthly power usage. Then build the solar array based on the month with the highest electrical usage. This will help ensure that when more power is needed, the solar panels are gathering enough to completely power everything easily. Then in the months when less energy is used, the electrical company will either give a check for the value of the extra energy provided that they sold to other households, or a credit to offset your house’s electricity bill. Learn more about net metering here.

6. Are solar panels worth it?

Generally speaking, solar panels are worth it. But not every house works great for solar. Houses in the northern states will have a lot more difficulty making enough power from their solar panels because the northern states face more cloudy days than the southern states. The closer to the equator, the better the weather for solar panels, generally. That means if you’re in a northern state you’ll want to over-size the solar system to account for cloudy weather. It’s not uncommon for poor weather to be around for 2 weeks or more where the sun hardly shines. As long as you can get enough sun exposure, and you’re not paying more than you’re currently paying, then it’s worth it.

7. Which brands of solar panels are best?

There are many brands of solar panels available. Some of the most recognized high-quality cells are SunPower, Panasonic, REC, Q Cell, Silfab, Trina, Jinko, Canadian Solar, and AXITEC. This doesn’t mean that if the solar panels are not from one of these companies they are of poor quality. These companies simply have a long track record of making high-quality cells. Other brands may be just as good but not have been around as long and are creating the exact same solar panel with the same cells.

Regardless of the brand, it is best to stay away from polycrystalline (blue) solar cells. They are older technology and work fine but the amount of watts produced per square inch is much less than monocrystalline cells. Monocrystalline (black) cells are much more efficient and so they need fewer square inches to make the same amount of power as polycrystalline. Also, monocrystalline cells will produce more energy in poor weather conditions.

8. Do you recommend installing solar energy storage systems? Why or why not?

I highly recommend installing solar energy storage systems with solar panel installation. This means adding batteries to have as backup power. Most people do not understand that if you have solar panels on the roof of your house and no battery that when the grid power is out, you will not have power either. The reason for this is, is because when solar panels on your roof are making energy, they will likely make more than the house needs to use. The excess energy gets sent through the power lines back to the electrical company substation and then sent to another house for them to use it.

If there’s a power outage, usually there will be power line workers, and linemen, working to fix whatever caused the power outage. Since there is no electricity moving between the substation and your house, as well as all of the other houses without power, he cannot get electrocuted. But if your solar panels are sending energy through the lines back to the substation, and he starts working on that line, it can easily have enough energy to electrocute or kill the lineman. That is why if the grid is down, and you don’t have batteries, you don’t have power either.

Having batteries added to your solar panel array will mean that any excess power will go to your batteries, and not back to the grid. You must have a different kind of inverter installed which is called a “hybrid inverter.” This ensures that you still get to use power from your batteries when the power is out. It makes it possible for solar panels to recharge their batteries. And makes sure that no excess energy is going into the power lines to shock anyone working during the power outage.

Most people believe that since they have solar panels, they will automatically have power in their house when the power is out. That is only the case if you get batteries as well.

One option most people do not consider is a solar generator backup system like what is found at PoweredPortableSolar.com. The reason these are so great is they are generally much less than $30,000. They can have enough battery capacity to run all of the essential devices and appliances in a house for blackouts and emergencies. And they can recharge with solar panels
in a single day while still running that equipment. If someone is not entirely concerned about their electricity bill but wants backup power that only takes the push of a button to get, then backup solar generators and power stations are great options.

Conclusion

Getting solar panels installed on a house is an incredible idea and a wonderful benefit to many people’s budgets and lifestyles. But, most people don’t know what they don’t know. That is why they need to look at these top 8 questions every homeowner should ask before going solar.

After going through these questions, you understand that the process can take a very long time, it can absolutely reduce their electricity bill, and they may want to get a backup battery to go with their system. The best way to learn more about portable solar panels is by contacting Powered Portable Solar today.

Continue ReadingThe Top 8 Questions Every Homeowner Should Ask Before Going Solar

How Long Do Portable Solar Panels Last?

Portable solar panels are very appealing because they are lightweight, easy to set up, and in theory work very well. The #1 reason people prefer portable solar panels over conventional solar panels is that they don’t have to worry about installing solar panels permanently to a roof, ground mount, or to any other fixture. It is a very daunting task to install solar panels on a house, on an RV, or in an off-grid location.

For this reason, most people prefer to set up solar panels for a solar back-ups power system like a solar generator or power station. But what is the portable solar panel lifespan? Will they be damaged by rain, snow, hail, or hot sunny days? What is the best type of portable solar panel to use? What are the different types of portable solar panels? All of that will be answered here.

Long Lasting Components

solar panel system with monocrystalline solar panels

What makes conventional solar panels so great is that they last for decades while producing more than 80% of their original output. They are great because they use tempered glass which does not scratch or wears down quickly. They have an aluminum frame that doesn’t rust or degrade easily. The solar cells last a long time because they are able to dissipate heat by having air gaps behind the solar panels and have nothing on the back of the solar panel cells that will retain heat.

Portable solar panels generally do not use tempered glass, or aluminum frames, or have nothing on the back of them. Usually, portable solar panels use a special plastic coating, either PET or ETFE, that goes on top of the solar cells. The cells and plastic coating at laid on top of a plastic backing that is heat resistant. Then that will usually be sewn into some form of fabric case where the solar panel can be folded up, or in some cases rolled up for easy transportation.

There are some portable solar panels that are like traditional solar panels with tempered glass, aluminum frames, and no thick backing that would hold excess heat.

The major difference is how long the components last. Tempered glass and aluminum do not break down easily. But the fabric and clear plastic exposed to the sun can break down much faster.

As an example, look at the road and off-road vehicles. Cars use tempered glass for their windshields and side windows. They use them because when in an accident the glass tends to shatter in place and not cut people as much as other glass. The tempered glass is very scratch resistant and doesn’t discolor over time. However, you can see in many off-road vehicles such as side-by-sides and ATVs that use plastic windows, they break after just a couple of years. That or get so easily scratched that they become difficult to see through over time. They tend to discolor and turn yellow after continual exposure to the sun.

The same applies to solar panels. Glass will last much longer than plastic. The fabric that is used to hold lightweight solar panels in place also breaks down usually within 1 year of constant use. It gets extremely faded, and fragile, and is prone to ripping.

PET vs ETFE

solar system with thin film solar panels

If the portable solar panels are not the conventional style with a tempered glass front and aluminum frame, it’s very important to know which type of plastic is covering the cells. PET and ETFE are the most common plastics that cover solar cells on portable solar panels.

PET is a very common clear plastic used for a variety of applications. Including water bottles, food containers, household cleaner bottles, and much more. The plastic has flexibility, is wear-resistant, and is non-toxic. It can be easily molded and used in a variety of ways which is why it is so common. But the items that use PET generally are not designed to be left in the sun for a long time. Otherwise, they begin to turn a yellow color and become brittle over time.

The same applies to portable solar panels that are coated with PET plastic on top of the solar cells. Since solar panels are designed to be used outside in the heat and sun for long periods of time, they break down very fast. Generally, in less than 1 year PET can become completely brittle, discolored, and unusable. The big advantage of using PET on solar panels is that it is extremely affordable. Hence, affordable portable solar panels will oftentimes be covered with PET. They are only designed to be used on an “as needed” basis. Only for a few days at a time when camping, when there’s a power outage, or for charging small batteries. When used for long periods of time, they will become useless after one year.

monocrystalline panels and polycrystalline panels extend solar panel lifespan and energy outputETFE on the other hand has all the same good aspects of PET but it doesn’t break down nearly as fast. ETFE is still very flexible, mouldable, and transparent, but can easily last up to 5 years before seeing any discoloring. Technically it’s able to last about 20 years before major discoloring is visible. It doesn’t break down easily in the sun which is why any portable solar panel that doesn’t have tempered glass, should have ETFE.

There are two major downfalls to ETFE though. When folding on the same spot many times it will eventually begin to separate or delaminate from the solar cells. This is a major problem since the higher-quality portable solar panels will use ETFE. But since they’re portable and usually fold in half or in an accordion style, the ETFE eventually splits away from the cells and can cause a total failure of the solar panel if water gets in the opening.

The second issue is that it doesn’t fold and move easily when it’s cold. The ETFE coating needs to ideally be above 75 degrees Fahrenheit in order to unfold and be used easily. That generally is not a problem if the solar panel is already set out since the sun tends to warm up the solar panels quite a bit. But it is a major problem if it’s used in a cold environment because then the solar panels won’t even stay open by themselves to get warmed up by the sun and become pliable. It will be required to use something to hold the solar panel open until it is warm enough to hold itself in place. This is the biggest problem if someone is by themselves trying to open a large folding solar panel and place a rock or stake in one corner to hold it in place. It’s quite the balancing act.

There are 3 main types of portable solar panels.

solar energy system with solar panel batteries and portable panels

  1. Rigid frame portable solar panels are typically two 50w or 100w solar panels hinged together to make a portable solar panel. It’s just two normal panels put together but is more portable because it’s easier to move two at once since they have a carry handle on them. The upside to using this kind of portable solar panel is that it is long-lasting, very durable against poor weather, components don’t degrade, and tend to be more affordable than lightweight portable solar panels. The downside is that they weigh 4x more than flexible or blanket solar panels and do not stack easily in trunk space.
  2. Flexible solar panels have two different kinds of solar panels within their own category. One is a very flexible solar panel that can be rolled up and unrolled easily. They are designed to be flexible and roll up for easy portability. The other kind is flexible only because they do not have a rigid aluminum frame around them. The plastic backing piece behind the cells gives all of the rigidity to the solar panel and cells. The first type of flexible solar panel will not damage the cells by being handled roughly. The second type of flexible solar panel is very prone to having the solar cells crack. Once a cell is cracked, it is permanently damaged. It will still capture solar power and work but at a diminished rate. Both types of flexible solar panels cost more than rigid frame panels because there is a lot more work that goes into manufacturing them.
  3. Blanket solar panels are the most expensive but by far have the biggest cool factor. They are similar to flexible solar panels in the sense that they can be folded, rolled, and abused without getting damage to the cells. But that also means that they have nothing on the back of them to give them rigidity. The secret to getting the best solar output per cell is to have an evenly flat surface that is 90 degrees from the sun. Since blanket solar panels tend to be very flimsy and foldable, it is hard to get a high watt-per-cell output. But they have the unique ability to sustain great damage and continue to work without any issues. Even to the point of being shot with bullets. These are sometimes used in the military where an enemy may try to destroy power production by shooting their solar panels. With other solar panels, even one bullet going through them would render them useless. But with blanket solar panels they can take dozens of shots and still work well. Blanket solar panels will often times cost 10x as much as a rigid frame panel.

Learn more about flexible vs rigid frame solar panels.

Conclusion, Portable Solar Panels Have Advantages

Portable solar panels have their place and advantages. But generally, they will break down, cost more, and produce less power per cell than rigid-framed traditional solar panels. It is obviously much easier for someone to get into solar if the solar panels cost less. In this case, paying more for flexible panels doesn’t mean it’s a higher quality or longer lasting. In truth, using flexible portable solar panels will cost more upfront and cost much more in the long run as solar panels need to be replaced over time if they are in constant use.

The best way to use a portable solar panel is only when necessary. Contact Powered Portable Solar today to get started.

Continue ReadingHow Long Do Portable Solar Panels Last?

Can Everything Be Ran on Portable Solar Powered Generators?

With the significant move towards electric vehicles, renewable energy, and a green lifestyle, it begs the question, “can everything be run on solar power?” The sun irradiates so much power that it could truly provide enough energy to run everything, as long as we can capture enough of that energy that is constantly hitting us.

The short answer is, yes, we can run everything on solar power. But multiple parts of that answer have to be explored to make it work. The different parts consist of having enough solar panels to capture the necessary energy and using that energy via solar generators. Storing the energy properly to be used when solar panels aren’t enough. And having the expandability over time since our power needs are only growing. The primary issues that most solar generators can address include needing power at night, having power when there is poor weather, and dealing with geographical limits.

Power Everything, It’s Possible

Elon Musk, who is arguably one of the brightest people when it comes to electricity and renewable energy, said that it is absolutely possible to power the entire United States with solar panels and batteries. According to Elon, “If you wanted to power the entire United States with solar panels; it would take a fairly small corner of Nevada, Texas, Utah… you only need about 100 miles by 100 miles of solar panels… And then the batteries you need to store that energy to make sure you have 24/7 power, is one mile by one mile. ”Elon said we’d need 10,000

solar power generator at portable power station

square miles of solar panels to power the entire United States. The average household uses 30kwh of energy per day or every 24 hours. There are currently about 123,600,000 households in the USA. That means the entire USA uses 3.7 billion kWh of power per day at home. This does not account for business, industrial, or any other kind of power besides home power.

On average, it’s possible to make about 2,227.5kwh per day from one acre of solar panels. Since 640 acres fit into one square mile, that means it’s possible to make 1,425,600kwh of energy per day per square mile. With 10,000 square miles of solar panels, it’d be possible to make about 14.26 billion kWh of power per day. That should be enough to power not just all the households in the USA but also all of the businesses and industrial power as well.

But people and businesses don’t operate only when the sun is out. And that is why Elon Musk explained we would need batteries in order to store the energy so it can be used on demand. During the day we’d be able to recharge the batteries completely as well as run our entire grid directly from the solar panels.

Where to Put the Solar Plants?

Many would say it’s important to diversify solar power plants. This makes sense because when poor weather comes through it is very rare that it hits the entire United States all at once evenly. Generally, if an extremely large storm is hitting the east coast, the west coast does not have a storm.

It would make a lot of sense that major parts of the grid be split up to be powered by separate solar power plants. This way if a storm is covering a solar farm it doesn’t wipe out energy for the entire US. This would be good because then individual solar power farms can grow to meet the needs of their region or section of the grid.

portable solar panels convert sunlight to ac power

But then again, certain areas get poor weather more commonly than others. For example, Arizona is the sunniest state in the entire USA. It is very common that when either the west coast or east coast has major storms, Arizona has bright sunshine. It is rare that Arizona has long cloudy and stormy days. In this regard, it would make a lot more sense to put solar panel power plants in Arizona because it is affected far less often by poor weather. This would mean that when other major parts of the country are affected by bad weather, they do not lose their power from solar panels because the solar panels are in a safe sunny area of the country.

New Mexico, Nevada, and Texas are the other top solar states due to how much sunlight they get. All four states have vast areas of land that are uninhabited and rarely have cloudy weather. By splitting the 10,000 square miles of solar power production between those four states, theoretically, it’d be very possible to never run out of power. Since it would be extremely rare that storms and poor weather would affect those areas all at the same time.

This means it makes a lot of sense to not have one major 100-mile by 100-mile solar power plant but rather have them relatively close in one region of the United States. Those states where the solar panels could go are also very rarely hit with major natural disasters. Many other states that are considered to be very sunny have natural disasters like tornadoes, flooding, hurricanes, wildfires, and earthquakes.

If 10,000 square miles of solar panels capture more than enough energy to run the entire USA then it would be wise to split it up into four 2,500 square mile solar power plants which would mean we would very likely never be without power even if one area is affected by poor weather.

Can Solar Power Meet The Growing Power Demands

portable power stations for solar power generatorsOne thing that is certain is that the United States is only consuming more power every year. Whether it’s because people are using more A/C in the summer, need more heat in the winter, because there are more electric vehicles on the roads daily, or cryptocurrency mining is becoming more popular. Regardless, the US needs the ability to continually grow its power production from year to year.

By having four major solar power farms it should be very possible to continually add more solar panels and solar components to each plant.

The power demands will change greatly over time and by region. Many states such as California are moving completely to using zero-combustion engines. Whether it is for cars, backup generators, or even dirt bikes, they are moving to have zero combustion engines anywhere. Which means they will need incredible amounts of solar panels and batteries to sustain that.

It’s a major problem since they’ve only just begun their move towards electric vehicles and motors only, and they already have major blackouts and brownouts commonly happening. They plan to use only renewable energy but can’t even sustain their current renewable energy demands. The infrastructure needs to be put in place to sustain that goal.

Don’t Wait for Them to Do it For You

The biggest flaw in this design is that people are unwilling to make enough of their own power to sustain themselves. People can do this now and be 100% self-sufficient for their own power needs and not depend on anyone else, the government or the grid to catch up with their own power needs.

To install 10,000 square miles of solar panels, power the entire United States, and never run out of power would cost tens of trillions of dollars. The solar panels alone would cost approximately 4 trillion dollars. The racks to hold the solar panels are roughly another 4 trillion dollars. The batteries are about 12 trillion dollars. Then all of the wiring and components to make it all work another 2 trillion dollars or more. Just that equals about 22 trillion dollars to do that. There’s no way that the US government can make that happen anytime soon without taxing every spare penny from people to the point of no one having enough money to put that money away for savings.

This is why it’s so important for people to get their own solar. For the average household that uses 30kwh of power per day, it can cost as low as $31,000 to go completely off the grid. That would be with 60kwh of battery capacity, 12,000w of solar panels, large enough inverters to run all possible power needs, and would last 20 years before needing to be upgraded. This is only possible if you’re capable of installing this on your own.

The big downside to all of this is that solar companies charge an arm and leg to accomplish that goal because they have to pay for their overhead, licensing, bonds, and operations. It is very expensive to run a solar company. This means a system like the one listed above would easily cost about $150,000 or more.

This is where the sweet spot comes in with solar-powered generators that work as backup power options for people’s homes. For about $20,000 it’s possible to have enough solar panels, battery, and inverter power to run all essential household devices and appliances during blackouts. If the goal is to simply make life easier when the power is out then a backup solar generator may be the perfect solution (a portable solar generator will also work).

There are no scary or tricky DIY electrical connections, no chance of hurting yourself, and no chance of shorting out equipment or causing fires. These units are pre-made. You plug them together and have an electrician install a control panel and when the power goes out your backup system begins running everything for you. When the grid power comes back on, it automatically switches back over to grid power and recharges the backup system.

how much power portable solar power generators and gas generators generate

Conclusion

It is 100% absolutely possible to power everything with solar power. The concept is quite straightforward. We have the land and good climate in multiple states for it. Financing is very difficult to do but that system would last a couple of decades before we saw significant inefficiencies in it. It could cost 22 trillion dollars to install it, but if we did that over a 10-year period, that is only 2.2 trillion dollars.

And regardless of which side of the political aisle you agree with, both sides of the aisle could stop spending more than 2.2 trillion dollars a year on things we don’t need and fund this quite easily. There would be enough jobs in the new solar power plants to provide jobs for everyone else who would lose their jobs from oil and gas.

But why wait for someone else to make this happen? Take control, and own your electricity outright. That’s the fastest solution and cheapest solution in the long run. It’s even possible to have electric vehicles with a home solar system and very likely never run out of power.

The best way to learn more about portable solar panels is by contacting Powered Portable Solar today.

Continue ReadingCan Everything Be Ran on Portable Solar Powered Generators?

Advantages of Using a Titan Solar Generator

Solar Generators Are a Clean & Efficient Source of Energy

solar panels provide continuous power output through lithium ion battery capacityThe sun is a renewable energy source, and the cost of recharging the generator is free. This makes solar generators—like the Titan solar generator—a great way to offset your energy consumption at home or the office.

Solar generators are easy to install and maintain. They are typically designed to be weatherproof, and many modern models come with built-in battery packs that can be recharged via direct sunlight. This makes them an excellent choice for emergencies and a reliable energy source during outages or power cuts.

Solar generators are also maintenance-free and require no additional fuel or resources. The generator will continuously produce energy if it receives direct sunlight. They are also much quieter than traditional generators and have very low emissions.

Finally, solar generators are a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and do your part to protect the environment. With solar energy being a renewable resource, there is no need to worry about running out of fuel or resources. Additionally, solar generators are much more efficient than traditional generators, resulting in more energy produced per unit of energy consumed.

Is A Solar Generator Right For You?

car with point zero energy solar panel connected to a versatile portable solar generatorSolar generators are popular and reliable power sources, offering numerous features and benefits. These generators are designed to provide an easy, efficient, and continuous power supply, making them ideal for anyone who needs to stay connected and powered up. The Titan generator is an excellent choice whether you’re camping, working outdoors, or want to keep your lights on during a power outage.

The Titan solar generator is known for its reliable and durable build, making it an excellent option for a high-quality system. In addition, it is designed with a powerful engine capable of providing up to 10,000 watts of power, making it suitable for powering up various things. It also runs on gasoline or diesel fuel, allowing users to choose the energy best suited for their needs.

The Titan generator is also known for its high-efficiency design. It is equipped with a smart control system that adjusts the fuel consumption to meet the demand, resulting in cost and energy savings. Furthermore, the generator features an advanced alternator that helps distribute solar power evenly, maximizing its performance and efficiency.

No other product has the fantastic and efficient features that Titan offers. You can enjoy your Titan system every time with the assurance of having it charged. This means you can use it 24 hours a day if you correctly measure your power input and output.

The Titan generator is excellent for reliable, efficient, and cost-effective power. It is designed with intelligent features that make it suitable for various applications and easy to operate. So whether you’re looking for a power source for your home, office, or outdoor activities, the Titan generator is a great choice.

What Can the Titan Solar Generator Power?

battery and power module on comparable solar generators with solar panel wires to ac wall chargerFor those looking for a reliable and efficient energy source when camping or off-grid, the Titan Solar Generator is a great choice. With 1500 watts of solar energy, it provides enough power to run various appliances and devices.

This generator can power all electronics, from fridges and freezers to water pumps, vacuum cleaners, power tools, and more. One of the most impressive uses is running a small air conditioner during the day to keep cool.

In addition, it’s possible to add a second battery to the generator to take advantage of even more power. This way, you can be sure of a reliable and consistent energy source, no matter the circumstances.

Overall, the Titan Solar Generator is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an efficient and reliable power source when camping, off-grid, or during a power outage. With enough power to run a range of appliances and devices, it’s the perfect choice for anyone who needs a reliable energy source.

Conclusion

Solar energy is a clean and green energy source that is renewable and non-maintenance, making it one of the most appealing energy sources available. Solar energy is not dependent on other energy sources, making it a more reliable power source. Additionally, it is much safer than other forms of power, such as nuclear energy, as there is no risk of radiation or other forms of contamination. Solar energy is also more cost-effective than other energy sources, as it does not require ongoing costs for maintenance or fuel. These advantages make solar energy an attractive option for powering homes and businesses.

Contact Powered Portable Solar today to learn more about Titan and other solar generators, and to get started on the path to sustainable, off-the-grid living.

Continue ReadingAdvantages of Using a Titan Solar Generator

What Factors Should Be Considered Before Purchasing a Portable Solar Panel?

There are many factors that should be considered before purchasing a portable solar panel. Those factors include but are not limited to: what location are the portable solar panels going to be placed? How long of a solar cable is needed? What time of year will the portable solar be used the most? Will it be year-round permanent use? Do they need to be portable or can they be traditional frames? How many portable solar panels are needed? And so on.

Major Factors to Consider

best portable solar panels with jackery solar panel

The most common factor to consider before buying portable solar panels is what is the main goal of the solar panel. Is it to recharge a car battery? To keep an RV battery topped off during the winter? Recharge a backup solar generator system for a house? There are countless reasons to get a portable solar panel.

The reason the overall goal needs to be established first is that it will often answer many of the questions and factors that need to be considered before buying solar panels. For example, if the overall goal is to have a way to recharge a car battery remotely in case the battery dies, then only one 100w or 200w foldable solar panel is necessary to recharge that battery. But if the main goal is to recharge a solar generator that is running 2 fridges, 2 freezers, lights, fans, wifi, TV, chargers, and a CPAP machine, then the solar generator will need 10 or more portable panels.

By answering that it’s easy to know how many are needed, where they will be used, and how often they’ll be used. Either one, or ten, or however many. In the case of linking many together, it is important to find out how many portable solar panels can be connected together directly to each other and how many need to be broken into different groups. This is important because all solar panels have to use a solar charge controller in order to convert the solar power they make from the sun into usable energy for a battery.

If ten solar panels are necessary for a solar generator then likely they will need to be split into two groups of five panels using a 2 to 1 PV (photo-voltaic) connector. This allows the voltage that the solar panels make to stay within a safe range for the solar charge controller.

Minor Factors to Consider

best portable solar panel system with portable power stations for maximum power output

Often times a 200w folding solar panel is a better option than a 100w folding solar panel. And just as likely, a 400w folding solar panel may be a better option than a 200w folding solar panel. But in the end, four 100w foldable solar panels will produce the same amount of portable solar power as a single 400w portable solar panel. It then comes down to personal preference, body strength, and available storage space in the vehicle on which a portable solar panel is chosen.

Many people prefer to have a single 400w portable folding solar panel because they can move 400 watts worth of power at once. Especially if they have to walk 100 feet or any long distance to where the solar panels need to be, they don’t want to take that trip multiple times if they don’t have to. But others, may not physically be able to carry the 40lb 400w folding solar panel 100ft easily and therefore want two 200w portable solar panels. It simply comes down to personal choice.

The only thing to consider when choosing the wattage of the solar panel is how many volts and amps each solar panel produces. Volts x Amps = Watts. Four 100w portable solar panels will make 400w but it may do it by being at 80 volts and 5 amps. Whereas a single 400w solar panel may make 400w of power by using 28 volts and 14.28 amps. The voltage and amperage combinations never end.

The reason this needs to be considered is that all solar charge controllers have a voltage and amperage range that they work in. Many of them will work from 11-150v and up to 15a. But others will only work from 30-90v and 10a. This means if you have one 200w solar panel that only makes 20v, it won’t work with a 30v-90v solar charge controller because it’s not making enough voltage. On the other side, if four 400w portable solar panels are connected together and are making 160v, that will exceed the 150v range of the 11-150v solar charge controller and will either cause it to shut down, or possibly catch on fire. Both are bad, but the fire is much worse.

It’s not that big of a deal which portable solar panel is chosen, it’s just important to be aware of the volts and amps that the solar panels will make and what the voltage and amperage charge parameters are on the solar charge controller.

Is It Necessary?

most portable solar panels with solar chargers and solar panel jackery

Sometimes, it’s simply best to ask “is it necessary?” Does it have to be portable? Could the same task be accomplished by using traditional framed 100w or 200w solar panels? Framed solar panels get a bad reputation for not being portable. But a single 100w solar panel only weighs about 13lbs, is not very large, but is very affordable and easy to stow away. Traditional frame solar panels are designed to last over 20 years of non-stop use in the sun and still be 80% or more usable after 20 years. Portable solar panels are often only intended for up to 5 years of constant use which means they’ll need to be replaced more often.

Conclusion

Portable solar panels from Powered Portable Solar cans serve in many ways. They can fit most of the same needs as traditional frame solar panels but are often easier to move around and set up. They may cost a bit more than framed solar panels but it’s hard to put a price on convenience. If you need portable solar panels that you’ll be moving from location to location then portable solar panels will work better than framed solar panels in many cases.

Continue ReadingWhat Factors Should Be Considered Before Purchasing a Portable Solar Panel?

What Are the Uses & Advantages of Portable Solar Panels?

Portable solar panels serve many uses and there are plenty of advantages to them over traditional solar panels. Whether portable power is needed tailgating, at an off-grid cabin, jump-starting a car, keeping RV batteries topped off, or when there are blackouts at home and need to recharge a solar generator or power station. 

Where & When to Use Portable Solar Panels

renewable energy in most portable solar panels provide portable solar power via monocrystalline panels

Recreation Vehicle

Portable panels can be used nearly anywhere. The #1 most common application for them is with a solar generator or RV. Many times the RV is powered by a portable solar generator or power station and needs to be recharged remotely. Boondocking with RVs has become very popular in the last couple of years and people do not like to pay $30 to $100+ per night to stay at RV parks. 

Most people will opt to stay on BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land where they can stay for free for up to two weeks. Often times campgrounds, national forest land, and even Wal-Marts are also used for boondocking. There is generally no access to fresh water which is the only downside. But that doesn’t mean they can’t go get water at any time from an RV station or gas station that has RV services. 

This can help people save thousands of dollars when traveling with their RV. By having the portable solar panels it gives them the option to place the panels directly out front of their doorstep, or if the RV is parked in the shade due to the heat, they can easily run a solar cable to the portable solar panels farther away. The solar panels can be in the sun even 100ft away and they can be recharging their batteries and know they have all of the power they need. 

As well during the winter when the RV is not being used, people will use a portable solar panel that can connect to their battery to keep it topped off all winter so the battery stays in good condition. This eliminates the issue of the battery draining itself, disinforming the cells inside, and needing to be replaced the next spring.

Solar Generator

monocrystalline solar panels typically provide reliability, portable solar panels unlike monocrystalline solar panels

Portable solar panels are often used with solar generators or power stations. Think of a solar generator like a gas generator in the sense that it provides portable power wherever it’s needed. It can do the same work as a gas generator but without all of the noise, oil changes, fumes, and maintenance. They are not actually “generators” but the term solar generator helps people understand their purpose and use. 

A solar generator can also be called a power station. Either way, they are effectively a combination of a battery, solar charger, and an inverter. This allows photons/light from the sun to be converted to battery power, then the battery power can be converted to run outlets to run appliances and devices. Solar generators are commonly used with RVs but also for emergency backup power for houses. 

Off-grid cabins use solar generators and even Vanlife vehicles use them for easy power. The main advantage of a solar generator is all of the wiring, programming, and installation is done. People don’t have to earn a DIY electrical degree to put it together and then wonder if it’s going to catch on fire because they didn’t understand how to put it together properly.

But since they do not use gasoline, they need solar panels to recharge the battery in order to continue running their appliances. Portable solar panels are the easiest option because they do not need to be professionally installed on the roof of a house, RV, or ground mounted by a solar team. Portable solar panels typically fold open, use a kick-stand leg to sit upright facing the sun, and then connect directly to the solar generator. Then as soon as the power outage, camping trip, or off-grid job is done, it can all be packed up easily and put away until it’s needed next.

Jump Starting Cars

Besides being able to keep RV batteries topped off and recharge solar generators, many portable solar panels are capable of jump-starting cars. Or at least recharging the car battery to the point it can start again.

It is not too uncommon for portable solar panels to have a solar charge controller built onto the back of them. A solar charge controller simply is a tiny computer that converts solar energy to usable energy. Most commonly they are used to recharge batteries. That includes car batteries. 

A portable solar panel with a jump start connector is a huge benefit to have when over-landing, off-grid, or camping remotely. For example, if you go on a 3-day camping trip but accidentally left the dome light on in your car, or the headlights on, the battery will be dead by the time you get back. If no one is around and there is no place to jump the car then the solar panel can recharge the battery to starting power level in just a couple of hours. It may not be an instant jump-start option, but it is an emergency backup option that is simple and easy. 

By laying the solar panel on the hood or roof of the vehicle, and connecting the alligator clamp cables to the battery, the sunlight will hit the solar panel and transfer solar power into the battery and help it start again. 

Portable Solar Panel Advantages

The number one advantage of a portable solar panel over a traditional frame solar panel is obviously the option of mobility. It can be easily stored, opened, and used nearly anywhere. As long as it’s in the sunlight, it’s going to produce energy. 

Portable solar panels are the most common compact, light enough to move by hand, and even come with a plethora of connector types to connect to various appliances, chargers, and devices. With some portable solar panels, it’s possible to recharge cell phones diremonocrystalline solar panels providing portable solar panel powerctly from them. Or many will come with alligator clips for charging batteries directly. And many of them can be connected together to make a large solar array for maximum power for solar generators and off-grid sites.

They come at a bit of a higher price than normal solar panels, but the price is often worth it. The ability to pack it into a car, RV, or truck space easily is a major option. The biggest bonus is that they typically have a leg or stand built into them so they can be propped up and aimed at the sun to produce more energy. It is not uncommon to get 50% more power production out of a solar panel that is properly propped up towards the sun, versus a solar panel laying flat on the ground. The more perpendicular the solar panel is to the sun, the better it will perform.

Another major benefit is that the solar panels stand on portable solar panels will keep your grass from dying. When portable solar panels are in the sun, they get very warm. Oftentimes, hot. If they are laying flat on the grass, then the grass will get burned and die. It can take months before new grass comes in or new grass seeds may have to be planted. 

Conclusion – Portable Solar Panels for Efficient, Renewable Solar Energy

For versatility, portable solar panels can be used in many ways. Powered Portable Solar tests solar panels regularly to find the highest quality and most powerful solar panels so everyone else doesn’t have to spend thousands of dollars finding out on their own. 

If you need to run an RV, power a backup solar generator, recharge batteries off-grid, or simply need portable power, then portable solar panels may be one of the best options.

Continue ReadingWhat Are the Uses & Advantages of Portable Solar Panels?

What Are Portable Solar Panels & How Do They Work?

One of the most common questions people ask when they start looking into solar is; what are solar panels, and how do they work? Solar panels seem like a magical sheet of dark-colored material that transforms light into energy. In reality, that’s not far from the truth.

In short, portable solar panels work by absorbing photons from the sun’s light, which displace electrons in the cells, and those electrons run along thin metal lines that go to a device called a solar charge controller which converts those electrons into storable energy in a battery. 

What Are Portable Solar Panels?

portable solar systems provide renewable energy

Portable panels are most often used with solar generators or power stations. They are not designed to be used for 20+ years constantly and are mounted on rooftops or ground mounts similar to what most people see with houses that have solar installed. They often have a protective case, stand legs on the back, and usually don’t have the ability to connect a lot of them together for maximum power. They are meant to give a bit of power in remote sites where grid power is not available. 

Portable solar panels come in varying wattages and sizes. They can vary quite a bit from the materials used, all the way to the wattage they produce. For example, there are portable solar panels that have hinges and handles built onto them but are essentially two small aluminum-framed typical solar panels. Two 100w solar panels that would normally be mounted on the roof of an RV or Van for solar power are hinged together. This makes a briefcase-style configuration that allows two solar panels to be combined together for easy portability. 

Another form of portable solar panel is essentially a solar panel without an aluminum frame and tempered glass front. The cells adhere to a special backing material that is usually a high-grade, rigid, UV-protected plastic of one sort or another. The polycrystalline or monocrystalline cells are permanently mounted to the plastic backing. Then a special ETFE plastic coating that is 100% transparent goes on top of the cells to protect them from water and damage. Then the entire solar panel will often have a padded carry case with a handle on it which makes it easy to move around and take places. 

Both types of these portable solar panels can be found at Powered Portable Solar. If you need help finding out which solar panel will work best for your situation you can always reach out to Powered Portable Solar’s contact page and get those questions answered. 

Portable solar panels are not always necessarily the best option for portable power. They may be more convenient because they are often times smaller than traditional framed solar panels, but they may not weigh less. For example, a 200w Briefcase solar panel on average weighs 35 lbs, but the typical Rigid 200 solar panel only weighs 24lbs. 11 lbs makes a big difference when you have to move five to ten of them for a camping trip. The only major advantage the portable solar panel would give in this case is that it has built-in legs to stand the solar panels up so they get better power production from the sun.

Another thing to consider is the price. Portable solar panels cost much more than framed solar panels simply due to the manufacturing process. There are a lot more processes that have to happen in order to make a portable solar panel. The plastic backing production, lamination with cells, lamination of the ETFE layer for protection, sewing or attaching the protective case, installing the stand system, and so on. 

With a traditional frame solar panel, a similar but thinner plastic backing is glued to the back of the cells, a sheet of tempered glass is laid over the cells, then an aluminum frame is formed around the glass and cells, and it’s done. It’s common to see portable solar panels cost around twice as much as a traditional frame. 

So the real question is, why do you need a portable solar panel system? Is it to save on weight? Is it to have a smaller size? Is it to have a stand built into it? As far as all of those questions go, portable solar panels usually weigh about the same or more. They can be more compact especially if they are folding, blanket, or briefcase style. And they usually have a stand built into them so they’re easy to set up. 

They cost twice as much and weigh more generally. So if those two reasons offset the other reasons then they’re a good investment. If there’s a way to have an affordable and easy-to-use stand for the traditional frame solar panel such as the Rigid 200 solar panel from Powered Portable Solar, then that is usually the best option. Because then you can get twice as much solar power for the same price, you can use a stand to put the solar panels upright, and as long as you have the space for the solar panel since it doesn’t fold down, then it’s a great option.

The answer to the question are portable solar panels worth investing in depends on the situation the solar panels need to be used in. 

How Do Solar Panels Work?

most portable solar panels worth

There are two types of solar cells. The first type is polycrystalline which is an older style, blue in color, and is most often used in houses where there is lots of space. The second type is monocrystalline which is usually dark blue or black in color, and is often used on houses as well but portable solar panels are almost always this type. Monocrystalline cells can produce much more energy per square inch than polycrystalline which is why they’re ideal for portable solar panels. 

Silicon, which is what sand is largely made of, is the main element used in making solar cells. It is basically melted and purified where it becomes a blue brittle flaky substance. Very similarly to how OSB sheets of plywood are formed, the silicon flakes are pressed and melted together to make the solar cell. They get the name polycrystalline because “poly” means many, and crystalline, meaning crystals, comes together to mean “many crystals.” That is why when you look at a polycrystalline cell you can see very different flakes together that are not uniform. 

Monocrystalline solar cells are quite different. The silicon is heated and melted into a tight cylinder shape and extruded out of the press. Then, like cutting slices of bread, slices of the cell are cut off of the cylinder which gives a solar cell. Square shapes fit better together than circle shapes so the circled cell is then typically cut to make a square shape. Monocrystalline cells come from a single piece which is why they are called monocrystalline. “Mono” means once, and “crystalline,” meaning crystals, means it’s one crystal. 

Other elements are used in the manufacturing process. These different layers of elements have essentially what looks like a cellular structure of a chain link fence. At every junction, there is either a spot filled with a molecule or an open space. As photons from the sun hit the different layers of the cells, they will hit electrons that are at the junctions and cause them to jump to an open spot. There are thin metal lines that cover solar panels every few millimeters. As the photons push the electrons around, the electrons eventually hit one of the thin metal lines which then directs them to go to the wire on the back of the solar panel. This is constantly happening at the speed of light. 

By cables connected to the back of the solar panel that goes to a solar charge controller, the electrons will enter the charge controller and be converted from whatever voltage the solar panel is giving off and change to whatever voltage the battery uses. That is how the battery gets refilled full of usable electrons. Then an inverter is connected to the battery which converts battery voltage to wall outlet voltage so you can run a fridge, drill, lights, fans, or whatever needs to be run. Portable solar panels by themselves are not the full equation of getting power from the sun. That energy has to be captured by the sun, converted to battery power, then the battery power is converted to usable outlet power. Similar to filtering water from a river, the water has to go through a process to be safe to drink. In the same way, the electricity from the sun has to be adapted to be safe to use to run appliances. 

portable solar panel systems use portable solar panels for solar phone charges

Conclusion

Portable solar panels are a great option, but they come at a cost. As long as you’re aware of it upfront then you can make an informed decision on what you’d like to do for your scenario or situation. Be sure to reach out to Powered Portable Solar staff because there are many new innovations that can make life much easier and more affordable when doing these projects.

Solar panels use photons to charge electrons which are converted to usable, portable solar power. Simple, right? Probably not, but hopefully you have a better understanding of the process and how it all works.

Continue ReadingWhat Are Portable Solar Panels & How Do They Work?

Top 3 Reasons to Buy Portable Solar Panels and Why They’re Worth Investing In

There are many reasons why someone would want to buy portable solar panels. There are also some reasons why someone may not want to get a portable solar system.

portable solar panel kits, camper solar panels

The Top 3 Reasons To Buy Portable Solar Panels Are:

  1. One, they are easy to set up.
  2. Two, they pair very well with portable solar generators.
  3. Three, they are versatile.

The Top 3 Reasons Why Not To Buy Portable Solar Panels Are:

  1. One, they cost more than non-portable solar panels.
  2. Two, they have a shorter lifespan when compared to traditional solar panels.
  3. Three, they sometimes don’t work well in hot or cold climates.

Reasons To Get Portable Solar Panels

Portable solar panels come in varying sizes. Anywhere from 50w up to 400w with everything in between. The Powered Portable Solar website offers multiple options, such as a 200w folding briefcase portable solar panel, a 220w foldable solar pane, and a 400w heavy-duty folding solar panel.

foldable solar panel battery pack

The main advantage of the 200w folding briefcase panels is that they are essentially two Rigid 100w solar panels put together but include legs, a carry handle, and clasps to hold them together in one piece. Weighing around 35 lbs, it’s still reasonably easy to move around, sets up quickly, and works the same as having two high-quality Rigid 100w solar panels.

The 220w and 400w portable folding solar panels are also great options but are more like flexible solar panels than the rigid frame. These two solar panels do not have the classic aluminum frame and tempered glass front. Instead, they have a special ETFE coating on the solar panel cells to ensure they are not damaged and will last a long time. And there are no legs built into the frame of the folding solar panels because there is no frame. Instead, it utilizes its protective carrying case and carabiners to hold the solar panels upright at an angle to produce the most energy possible.

Because they fold up on themselves, have built-in stands, and are a manageable weight to move around, many people prefer them to traditional solar panels. This makes them very easy to set up and take down whenever necessary.

Since solar panels are very portable, they work very well with portable solar generators and power stations. For example, the Delta Pro solar generator is a heavy-duty solar generator with a built-in telescoping handle and roller wheels so it can be taken places. Many people use their RV, off-grid cabins, camping, or to back up their household essentials for blackouts.

People often do not want to have their solar panels outside because they do not need the extra energy all of the time. That is why portable solar panels are very handy with portable solar generators because they can be used when needed. If you’re out RVing and you have a solar generator to power everything, once you get to the destination, you can easily set up the RV solar panels in a few minutes and recharge the solar panel system daily via a solar charge controller. (Learn more about how much solar power is needed for an AV and what you can expect from portable solar panel kids.)

Because they are portable, they allow you to use them in many different situations. This means that your cost of getting them serves multiple purposes. Most people who buy solar put solar panels on their roofs and never get to use that power in any other way other than reducing their monthly electricity bill. Even with household solar panels installed, when the grid power goes out, those people still don’t have any power either because those solar panels only provide the ability to reduce their power bill and do nothing for them when the grid is down.

Having the best portable solar panels paired with a portable solar generator means that no matter where you need extra power, you can have it there.

Reasons To Avoid Portable Solar Panels

rooftop solar panels are efficient solar panels

Portable solar panels are not necessarily the absolute best choice, though. There are some drawbacks. The main one is that they can cost up to twice as much as a traditional solar panel.

For example, the Rigid 200 solar panel from Powered Portable Solar typically costs around $310 each. To have two of them for 400w of power is $620. The EcoFlow 400w folding solar panels are generally $1,199. Essentially, it’s twice the price, all for the convenience of being foldable and having a case that can be turned into a stand. The real question is, for $600 could you make or find a stand that works for the Rigid 200w solar panels to get the same outcome? The answer is yes. Most people lean their solar panels against their house, fence, or outdoor table or even get specific stands that are affordable and easy to use. Portable solar panels conveniently come at a high price.

Portable solar panels oftentimes have a shorter lifespan as well. In particular, the ones that do not have the aluminum frame and tempered glass front do not last as long. The ETFE coating on them is designed to last in direct sunlight for about 20 years, which is excellent. But it’s not meant to fold and unfold all of the time without cracking, peeling, or bubbling.

Because ETFE is a special UV-protected plastic, it works well staying in the sun. But it’s not meant to be moved over and over again, and it will eventually begin to de-laminate from the surface of the solar cells. This can lead to water intrusion onto the cells, dirt getting inside, causing less solar output, and it shouldn’t happen at the price tag it has.

The material the cells are placed on also does not perform well unless it’s very warm. If it’s cold, the plastic will be rigid and unyielding. That makes it impossible to open the solar panel to make power, defeating the whole purpose. Whereas the traditional rigid frame solar panels like the Rigid 200 perform at their best because it has no moving parts to wear out.

Suppose it’s a very hot summer day when using the folding solar panels. In that case, the plastic backing may be too warm and not support the solar cells, which will cause the different faces of the portable solar panel to be at different angles to the sun. This causes significant inefficiencies because for the solar panel cells to make the most power, they must all work together facing the same way the sun.

With the prices of portable solar panels being very high per watt, the material breaking down reasonably quickly, and the materials not working correctly in different climates, it may not be the best idea to go with portable solar panels.

Final Thoughts

Portable solar systems serve a purpose and do well in the right conditions. If you need 4,000w of portable solar power to back up all of the devices and appliances in your house, then setting up 20 foldable solar panels may be difficult. Sometimes, it’s much more accessible not to have folding solar panels and lean rigid frame solar panels against a wall or fence or even put them in the driveway where trv solar kits jackery solar panel, installing solar panelshey can get total sun exposure.

If you’re looking at getting portable panels for their ability to stand upright on their own, but would prefer to save 50% of the cost by getting traditional framed solar panels, then you’re in luck. At Powered Portable Solar, we are constantly working on innovating the newest technology and helping people with equipment that is high quality and fulfills its purpose.

If it’s not released already, we will soon have our unique portable stand system that will work with any solar panel. This means you can afford a rigid frame solar panel that lasts 10x longer than most portable solar panels and is easy to set up. And the best part is the unique stand system costs less per panel than making your DIY solar panel stand.

If you have more questions about the stand, portable solar panels, traditional solar panels, or solar generators/portable power stations, please get in touch with Powered Portable Solar. You’ll find all the help you need and significant savings.

Continue ReadingTop 3 Reasons to Buy Portable Solar Panels and Why They’re Worth Investing In

Why the Delta Max is the Perfect Middlecap Sized Solar Generator

There are so many different solar generators available now. Just a few years ago, there were only a handful. How is it possible to know which one to get? Luckily this solar generator comparison chart makes it a bit easier to see how different units compare to each other directly in their own category.

The Delta Max is the top unit for the Middlecap-sized solar generators. It’s not fair to compare a smaller generator to a much bigger one which is why there are these distinctions on which unit can do what and compare them to each other appropriately.

There are definitely some big competitors to the Delta Max such as the Bluetti AC200Max, the Inergy Flex 1500, and the Jackery Explorer 2000. But to be completely upfront, the Delta Max beats every one of these, and you’ll see why.

Click Here for Discounted Complete Delta Max Kits

Output Capability

Within the Middlecap category for solar generators, each one must be capable of continuously running at least 2,000 watts. The Delta Max beats that quite easily with its 2,400-watt pure sine wave inverter. Not only that but because it uses EcoFlow’s special X-Boost feature, it can run all the way up to 3,400 watts for heavy loads. No other solar generator on the market has an X-Boost feature like that besides EcoFlow products.

The Delta Max is extremely easy to use. Everything is plug and play so even the newest novice can’t break anything and will have all the confidence they need to use it. Once powered on, the AC power outlets can be turned on to run all the house-style outlets. There are six of them which makes it easy to have lots of things plugged in at once.

Running things like fridges, freezers, lights, fans, medical equipment, TV, WiFi and so much more is very easy. You can always use an extension cord and a power strip too if you need to plug lots of things in but the Delta Max can’t be close to those items.

It has all the necessary DC plugs as well such as a regulated cigarette lighter port, USB and USBC charging ports, and even 5525 barrel plugs for special equipment.

One of the nicest things is that the Delta Max is still very portable which makes it easy to run heavy equipment at remote locations. Just recently I had to use my Delta Max to run a powerful water pump to fill up a water tank and it ran the pump without a single hiccup.

Large loads aren’t really an issue for the Delta Max because it can peak its output all the way up to 5,000w which is even enough to handle tough equipment such as water pumps and even air conditioners at home or in an RV. But there is no TT30 RV plug on the Delta Max which some people dislike but it’s easy enough to get a dog-bone adapter to go from 15a to 30a plugs.

Battery Storage & Expansion

The Delta Max uses Lithium Ion battery cells which are powerful, long-lasting, and perfectly safe to use. Many people prefer the LiFePo4 batteries which last even longer but weigh much more. Using Lithium Ion cells was a purposeful decision in order to keep the Delta Max portable and usable for many different locations and scenarios. It has a 2,016wh battery inside the main unit along with the inverter, charge controller, and all the other electronics.

But one way that the Delta Max really takes it a notch above the rest is that it has super easy-to-use expandable batteries. The Delta Max Expansion Batteries are the same battery that is in the main unit but they don’t have the inverter and other electronics inside the case. It comes with a very simple to use the plug-and-play cable to connect the expansion battery to the main unit.

The Delta Max is so smart and easy to use that you don’t even have to balance the batteries to the same voltage before connecting them together. If the main unit is at 100% and the expansion battery is at 50%, you simply connect them together and the two units will communicate with each other in order to balance themselves out and keep regulated. This is a great feature that keeps things easier for everyone and makes the initial setup much faster too.

The Delta Max can add up to two expansion batteries for a total of over 6,000wh of battery capacity. For over 2 years I have personally run my off-grid cabin off of a 6,000wh Lithium Ion battery bank with my Titan solar generator. The Delta Max is in a different class from the Titan, the Titan is in a Heavycap class whereas the Delta Max is in the Middlecap class.

The bottom line is that the Delta Max easily expands to your needs. It’s always a beautiful thing to know that if you need to add more batteries, you can do that very easily and affordably. The Delta Max must use Delta Max expansion batteries, other batteries cannot be used. Some people dislike that feature but if other batteries could be used then it would require a lot more balancing the batteries and getting them to communicate with each other properly. Having specific batteries to match the Delta Max makes life just that much easier.

The Jackery 2000 and the HomePower 2 Plus units cannot use expansion batteries, you’re stuck with what you have with those units. The Bluetti AC200Max has expandable batteries and can expand to quite the battery capacity. However, many people have had repeated issues with their AC200Max units failing. Whether the screen stops working, the Bluetooth doesn’t work, or whatever other issue. The biggest issue with the Bluetti company is that their customer service is non-existent. It’s nearly impossible to get someone on the phone, their voicemail is always full, and they do not reply to emails.

EcoFlow on the other hand is always very quick to respond to emails, answer calls and cover any warranty stuff as described in their 3-year warranty. 3 years is a very long time to have that protection to make sure if anything ever goes wrong with it that you won’t pay a dime in getting it fixed. 3 years is the longest warranty on a unit like this on the market.

Click Here for Discounted Complete Delta Max Kits

Recharging

The EcoFlow Delta Max has a max solar input of 800w, a car charging input of about 120w, and a wall charging speed of 1800 watts. The wall charging is incredibly fast and one of the best features is that the charging cable, is just a cable. There’s no huge power adapter brick on the cable that’s hard to store or use. The super fast wall charging is built directly inside the Delta Max.

For most people who just need to run a fridge and freezer and small electronics, 800 watts of solar is plenty of solar to get the unit recharged in a day while still running that equipment. So for emergency backup power to run essential items, it definitely works very well.

One neat feature is that the Delta Max can charge from AC power (wall charging) and solar power at the exact same time. That means that if you had the wall charger going and the solar going at the same time, it can charge at a rate of about 2,600w which is insanely fast. This is a nice feature when using something like a gas generator as a backup for the Delta Max. If the weather is really bad for multiple days and you need to quickly recharge the Delta Max you can just recharge it using the wall charger off of a gas generator. This helps conserve a lot of gasoline and then you can supplement the batteries recharging with the solar panels too. No matter what the situation the Delta Max can recharge quickly.

Most people do not use the car charger but it is always nice to have that option. The most common way the car charger is used is for road trips. You can easily keep the Delta Max charging inside the car while it’s running something like a DC fridge or other equipment.

Best Use Case

The Delta Max is the perfect setup for Van-life vehicles. Because the Delta Max is lightweight, can recharge from a vehicle on the go, has zero off-gassing with bad chemicals, and can recharge quickly on solar, it’s a great fit for power on the go. Many people will put anywhere from 400 to 800 watts of solar on the roof of their van or vehicle and keep the Delta Max and the expansion batteries charged up all of the time without any issues.

The Delta Max can easily run a fridge, fans, lights, laptops, drones, small A/C units, and even blowers for heat inside the vehicle. And it’s compact as well which makes it easy to fit under a bed, inside a cabinet, or anywhere else there is some spare space.

The Delta Max is the best “entry-level” solar generator. It’s simple to use for emergency power, power on the go, or just to offset your electricity bill and run some vital equipment all of the time. Some people have the Delta Max 800 kit and run their fridge and freezer on it permanently. The big advantage is that they can save a bit of money every month on their bill, but most importantly is that if the power goes out, their fridge and freezer are already running on it. They never worry about being gone for long periods of time on trips or away for the day at work because they know their food is always protected by the Delta Max.

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Conclusion

The Delta Max is truly the perfect system if you’re just getting started on solar generators and don’t need a lot of power. If you just want to run a fridge all day and night during emergencies, it’s a perfect fit. If you just want to power your van while you’re traveling, it’s a perfect fit.

If you need to run an RV including the A/C unit or you have lots of equipment you need to run during an emergency, then you will want to step up to the next unit, the Delta Pro. The Delta Pro is one of my absolute favorite units ever made and can even make 240v power to run well pumps, dryers, welders and so much more. I use the Delta Pro to back up my entire home with 6,000w of inverter power and over 21,600wh of battery. I even have 4,800w of solar attached to it so during an emergency I have plenty of power for my family.

So you just need to know what your power needs are. If you need any help at all figuring out which system may be best for you, please contact us here and we are glad to help you with that.

But the bottom line is that the Delta Max is by far the best Middlecap solar generator on the market, and likely will be for a very long time.

Continue ReadingWhy the Delta Max is the Perfect Middlecap Sized Solar Generator

Hysolis MPS3K Solar Generator Review

Nearly no one has heard about the Hysolis MPS3K solar generator that has been on the market for quite a while. And even more, hardly anyone has had a solid review on the MPS3K. It is a direct competitor to what has been considered the reigning champion, the Titan. The other main competitors are the Bluetti AC300 and the EcoFlow Delta Pro solar generators.

How does the MPS3K compare to these other strong solar power stations? Does the Hysolis MPS3K have enough power and expandability to be able to run all essential equipment during a blackout or emergency? It definitely looks like it can, but let’s find out for sure.

It should be said upfront that this is definitely a very good unit and is extremely powerful. In many cases much more powerful than other solar generators. But that comes at a cost, and not a financial cost. It comes at a cost of convenience. Not only is it a heavy unit, but it is less user-friendly than other solar generators. For some people that is a good thing because they don’t like the bells and whistles of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, wireless apps, and firmware updates.

Click Here for the Best Price on the Hysolis MPS3K

 

Comparison

So how does it compare directly to the other units on the market? It’s definitely top of the list. The MPS3K is up there with the Titan, Delta Pro, and AC300. Here is how they stack up against each other:

Inverter: MPS3K 3,000w | Titan 3,000w | Delta Pro 3,600w | AC300 3,000w

Base Battery Capacity: MPS3K 4,500wh | Titan 2,000wh | Delta Pro 3,600wh | AC300 3,072wh

Max Battery Expansion Capacity: MPS3K 27,000wh | Titan 270,000wh | Delta Pro 10,800wh | AC300 12,288wh

Base Solar Input: MPS3K 1,500w | Titan 2,000w | Delta Pro 1,600w | AC300 2,400w

Expanded Max Solar Input: MPS3K 3,900w | Titan 2,000w | Delta Pro 1,600w | AC300 3,000w

Customer Service: MPS3K, Very Good | Titan, Good | Delta Pro, Good | AC300, Very Poor

Base Price (Varies): MPS3K $3,595 | Titan $3,395 | Delta Pro $3,599 | AC300 $3,699

Price Per Unit Wattage: MPS3K $0.97 | Titan $1.51 | Delta Pro $1.42 | AC300 $1.84

The price of the MPS3K alone is amazing since you get nearly all the same main benefits of the other solar generators, but the MPS3K is below one dollar for the price per unit wattage. The price per unit wattage is a combination of comparing the inverter, battery, and solar input. Too often units are only measured against the battery, but that’s only one key feature of a solar generator which is why I compare them against those three features. For the features you get, it’s literally twice as good as the AC300.

In terms of how it compares to all of these other Heavycap units, it’s pretty much a winner in nearly every way. The 3,000w inverter is plenty strong. It doesn’t have the best maximum battery expandability but it’s extremely rare anyone ever has more than 10,000wh of battery. And it is unparalleled in solar input when expanded with extra batteries. And for that price, it’s basically unbeatable.

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Power Output

The Hysolis MPS3K has a powerful 3,000 pure sine wave inverter. It has been found by nearly all solar generator users that 3,000 watts of output power is plenty for most people’s needs. It will only do 120v power, it cannot connect to another MPS3K in order to make 240v power. That will be a feature of the Hysolis Apollo which will be the big brother to the MPS3K.

3,000w of output capacity is plenty to run fridges, freezers, portable/window A/C units, lights, fans, microwaves, toasters, coffee makers, TV, Wi-Fi, and much more. It has the same size inverter as the Titan solar generator which has proven to be a very powerful solar generator for years. The Bluetti AC300 also has the same inverter capacity. The only solar generator of the same class that has a larger inverter is the EcoFlow Delta Pro with an inverter output capacity of 3,600w. In my many years of using solar generators, 3,000w has always been enough for everything I need it to do, so it’s not a problem that it’s not the largest inverter in the industry for Heavycap power stations.

It can surge up to 6,000w for those large inductive loads that are often found with heavy-duty power tools such as chop saws, air compressors, and electric drills.

The Hysolis MPS3K has four 120v (Nema 5-15R) house-style outlets. It also has one RV plug (TT-30R) that is rated to output up to 25a continuously. It includes a 12v DC cigarette lighter plug as well as multiple USB charging ports.

Battery

The Hysolis MPS3K uses an extremely large battery pack made out of Lithium NMC batteries. It has a total internal battery capacity of 4,500wh which is the largest of any solar generator’s internal battery capacity currently on the market. Because it has a 4,500wh battery and the inverter is 3,000w it is literally impossible to drain this battery faster than a .67 C rate.

A .67 C rate means that even if the max output was being used on the Hysolis MPS3K it wouldn’t hurt the battery. It means the battery can never be drained really hard which greatly increases the life cycles to help it last longer. It easily has 2,000 life cycles even though it’s a Lithium NMC battery.

Typically, Lithium NMC batteries do not have great life cycles and that is one of their biggest drawbacks. But they are much lighter than LiFePo4 batteries which makes them more portable. LiFePo4 batteries are heavier than Lithium NMC but have many more life cycles. Since the MPS3Ks battery is so large, it can easily handle many years of non-stop use and not degrade as fast.

It is a 44v system which is basically the same as a 48v battery system which is considered to be the most efficient way to use batteries when converting to AC 120v power. It’s much easier to convert 44v power to 120v power than 12v power to 120v power. Most batteries on the market are made in 12v which means it takes a lot thicker cabling and much more work for the inverter to get 120v. Having a higher battery voltage means you have a higher inverter efficiency which leads to getting more power out of the battery than a lower voltage battery.

But that’s not even the best part! The MPS3K can easily add five more batteries of 4,500wh each. That means it can easily get up to 27,000wh of total battery capacity! That’s massive! In my experience, that is easily enough power to run emergency essential items such as a fridge, freezer, lights, fans, and other appliances/devices for 4+ days even without any solar panels connected.

To add the extra Hysolis MPS3K expansion batteries is as simple as making sure the batteries are within 3v of each other, turning off the breaker for the batteries, connecting the new batteries, connecting the communication wire, changing the connection toggles on each unit (as shown in the user manual), hold the reset buttons on each unit and then turn on the breakers. And just like that it’s easy to go from 4,500wh to 9,000wh or up to 27,000wh depending on how many batteries are added.

To put that into perspective, having 27,000wh of total battery capacity is nearly the same as having 13 additional Titan expansion batteries attached to a Titan ($18,135 in batteries). The Delta Pro can only expand up to 10,800wh of battery capacity ($5,398 in batteries) at its maximum for a single Delta Pro unit. Not even the Bluetti AC300 can expand as high as the Hysolis MPS3K. The AC300 can expand up to 12,288wh of maxed-out battery capacity ($6,297 in batteries) for a single AC300 unit. The MPS3K maxes out at 27,000wh whereas the Titan can expand to as many batteries as are needed. But from my experience, it is rare for most people to go above 10,000wh.

A Hysolis MPS3K expansion battery is only $2,860 per battery. For a total of $14,300 for five extra batteries, the system will have more storage capacity than any other competitor. This is incredible, less cost per watt-hour, and more capacity, that’s a true win/win.

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Charging

But it still gets better. The Hysolis MPS3k reviews as one of the very top-recommended units for 120v power because of how fast it can recharge from solar and wall charging. The standard wall charging speed is 1,000w which is quite fast. The only unit that has a faster wall charger is the Delta Pro at a max of 1,800w. All of the other solar generators have slow-wall chargers.

The big benefit to having a really fast wall charger is being able to fully recharge the system quickly off of a gas generator. I personally use a propane/gasoline generator as a backup to my solar generators. In the event of really bad weather or other issues where I cannot get a good charge from solar panels, I can recharge the system in under 5 hours from 0% to 100% using the wall charger. And because the battery is 4,500wh it won’t charge it too fast which would reduce the life cycle.

When it comes to solar charging it has an impressive 1,500w solar input through an MPPT charge controller. The charge parameter is 60-150v and 30a. Very similar to the Titan’s solar input of 35-145v and 30a. That means it’s extremely easy to over-panel the Hysolis MPS3K solar generator. It’s easy to connect as much as 2,000w or more in solar panels to the unit so that it is making full power earlier in the morning and later into the afternoon. That is the power over-paneling, it increases the number of solar peak hours in a day to more than 5 hours. This makes it much easier to get a full charge even when weather conditions are not very good.

But wait, there is more! Not only does the MPS3K have a 1,500w MPPT charge controller which is great on its own. But it’s possible to add up to 2,400w of solar panels to each expansion battery! This is unheard of at this level. The Bluetti AC300 batteries are able to add 200w of solar to each battery, but that doesn’t even come close to the 2,400w that can go into the MPS3K Expansion batteries.

That means that with one expansion battery the MPS3K can have a total of 3,900w going into it from solar. You can only add one additional MPPT charge controller because when you add multiple batteries you use those ports to expand. So once more batteries are added there’s only one extra port for another charge controller. The only requirement is to get the Hysolis MPPT charge controller for each battery. The Titan has had the largest solar input of any system for many years at 2,000w of solar input. That has now been very excessively beaten with the MPS3K’s capability to add more solar to each battery.

The Hysolis MPS3K has a great solar input on its own, not to mention adding more power to each expansion battery is incredible.

It also does have the ability to charge from a 12v DC outlet such as a cigarette lighter port but since those can only put out up to 120w maximum it is unlikely that anyone would want to recharge their MPS3K using a 12v DC outlet.

 

Pros

The Hysolis MPS3K inverter is plenty strong for everything it needs to do. The battery capacity is good on its own, but then still has the ability to add quite a bit of battery capacity. The solar input is incredible. 1,500w of solar input is plenty for this system cause then it can be charged in just 3 hours but adding even more solar with the extra batteries is a massive advantage that no other system on the market has.

Click Here for the Best Price on the Hysolis MPS3K

Cons

The setup and user experience are definitely the hardest parts of the MPS3K. It looks very basic, doesn’t have a ton of info to give out, and putting it together with extra batteries takes a close look at the user manual. When it’s been done once it all makes sense. But doing it the first time to set it up takes a little patience for sure.

It’s also very heavy, at 121lbs, this is a tough one to move around with just one person. It is 100% recommended to get the moving cart option with this unit because it will make life much easier to move it around.

Conclusion

The Hysolis MPS3K beats all of the other Heavycap-sized solar generators in most ways. It has a very strong inverter, massive battery expandability, a massive solar input capability, and an amazing price.

I don’t know that at this time it can be beaten. For so long the Titan was the king, is that still the case? It’s debatable, but pretty much yes it beats it! The MPS3K absolutely gives it a serious run for the money.

What I know for sure is that should be taken very seriously when looking at backup power. And before a blackout, hurricane, flood, fire, or any other major issue arises, you want this unit in the garage ready to go for all of your backup power needs. I would not wait until it’s too late to get this because we never know what the supply chain issues will bring next.

Continue ReadingHysolis MPS3K Solar Generator Review