Your Complete Solar Panel Guide
Introduction
For those of you who are looking for a good Solar panels guide, this is for you. We have created this guide to offer those of you who are considering the use of solar power a complete overview. In this guide you will find everything you should know about investing in solar power.
Our expert team has researched the different portable solar panels out there and graded them so that we present you with the best choices. We want you to have all of the most important information that you need to make the right purchase decision.
What is Solar Power?
As you read through this solar panels guide, we want you to have a full understanding of exactly what solar power is, and for this reason, we are going to cover the question “what is solar power?” in the very beginning.
Long story short, solar power is the ability to take the energy from the sun and convert it into energy that can power your home (or at least some appliances in your home). The sunlight can be directly harnessed as thermal energy, or it can be gathered by using photovoltaic cells in transparent photovoltaic glass and solar panels.
Solar panels can be used in order to provide electricity to both residential and commercial buildings. They can also be used to produce power for aerating ponds, electrifying fences, or pumping water.
How Long Would Solar Panels Last?
We understand, you don’t want to spend a whole lot of money on something that is only going to last for a couple of years. With solar panels, you’re in luck, because they can last anywhere from 25 to 40 years, sometimes even more.
This doesn’t mean those roof top solar panels are going to stop generating electricity after two decades, but it’s pretty safe to say you’re going to get more than a few years of life out of them.
How to Properly Manage Your Solar Energy System
In order to ensure you get the most years out of the best solar panels for home, you will need to maintain them. In this section of the guide, we’re going to teach you how to properly manage your solar energy system.
- Turning Your Solar System on or off
Managing your solar PV system isn’t rocket science. In fact, this is something that can be done by following only a couple of steps. Part of managing it involves turning it off when you’re not using it. Turning the Solar PV system on or off is simple.
Turning the System on:
Step One: Go to your main meter panel
Step Two: Locate the breaker that is labeled “Solar” on it
Step Three: Turn the solar breaker to the “On” position
Step four: Find the A/C Disconnect Panel
Step Five: Switch the A/C Disconnect level to the on/upward position
Turning the System off:
Follow the same steps we just gave you for turning the solar panel system on, except reverse the instructions. For example, when you’re turning the solar panel system off, you will want to push the switch down, which is the off position.
Maintaining the Top Solar Panels
Normally, managing a solar PV system isn’t going to require a whole lot of maintenance on your behalf part as they are very durable. The system doesn’t have any moving parts for you to worry about and most of all, these systems are built to last, regardless of the environmental condition.
While the systems are amazingly durable, you should still check your solar energy generation on a monthly basis in order to make sure you’re not left with a major bill. Most maintenance that should be done will involve cleaning.
When you have the best solar system for home use, we recommend cleaning the panels at least once a year (twice a year is better). You can use a cleaning mixture and a garden hose. The cleaning mixture can be comprised of common household items.
Our recommended cleaning mixture:
2-Parts Water
1-Part Vinegar
We recommend cleaning the solar panels during the early morning hours while they are nice and cool.
Do Solar Panels Work on Rainy Days?
This is a common question that deserves an answer. While solar panels are most efficient during those sunny days for obvious reasons (you know, direct sunlight from the sun), this doesn’t mean you can’t generate power on those rainy or cloudy days.
You see, the solar cells on the solar panels are being powered by lights, not by heat. In fact, high heat can cause your system to not work as well. The highest efficiency solar panels on the market today go through intensive testing in order to make sure they run effectively and efficiently. In order for a solar panel to truly be UL certified, the tests include:
Thermal Cycling – Induces stress with both low and high temperature. During these tests, mechanical instability and cell cracks are being tests. Solar panel simulation involves 200 cycles of high heat to low (from 185 Fahrenheit to -40 Fahrenheit).
Damp Heat Tests – This test is performed by inducing stress from high humidity at high temperatures. The tests are looking for discoloration, connector issues, and corrosion.
Humidity Freeze – During this test, both high humidity and thermal cycling are combined. This test is testing for mechanical instability, cell cracks, and delamination.
These reliability tests are done in order to determine if the solar panels are going to survive for a long period of time in their respective applications. For example, if it’s a Solar PV system in a state like California, the thermal cycling test will provide a peace of mind that the panels are going to continue to work and provide energy without failure.
When you’re looking for a solar panel system, make sure they are UL certified.
The Best types of Solar Panels to Buy
Best of the Cheapest Solar Panels – Dokio 160W Portable Solar Panel
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The Dokio 160W is one of the best portable solar panels available. It is foldable and capable of provide a whopping 160 watts of power. Who is this solar panel best for? This solar panel is best for someone who is looking for solar panels that will not break the bank.
This is a lightweight folding solar panel that only weighs nine pounds. For this reason, it is easy to carry around and is one of the best solar panels for camping trips. You can position it in the sun by leaning it against a vehicle, tent, tree, or any other steady surface – take note that it does not include a kickstand.
You can connect these panels to most power stations, but if you’re trying to power up a battery, alligator clips and a solar controller are included. This solar panel is water-resistant, but the exterior is made of nylon, so we do not recommend leaving it outside when you’re not using it.
Best Solar Panels for Camping – EcoFlow 110W Solar Panel
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This solar panel is best for those who are in need of a solar panel while camping. The EcoFlow 110W Solar Panel is lightweight (it only weighs 14 pounds), durable, and powerful enough to be able to charge your portable speakers, cameras, lights, and any other camping gadgets you may need.
As one of the best portable solar panels camping, it is available in a couple of sizes. You can choose between 110 watts or 160 watts. The system includes an MC4 cable connector as well as a convenient carry case.
This solar panel has a waterproof rating of IP67, which means it can withstand Mother Nature much better than its competitors. The EcoFlow solar panel consists of four folding panels.
Most Efficient Solar Panels for Charging Phones – SunJack 15-Watt Foldable ETFE Monocrystalline Solar Panel Charger
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For those of you who are just looking to recharge your phone, tablet, or any other small gadget, the SunJack 15-Watt solar panel charger is a great buy. This is a great option that is cost-efficient, powerful, and compact.
The SunJack solar panel only weighs 1.3 pounds and is the size of a tablet device. It has three interconnected, foldable panels that are stain-proof, shockproof, and water-resistant. This panel has a protective coating that does a great job at maximum energy conversion of the sun.
It has built-in smart technology that helps identify the type or device it is charging, which helps avoid overheating. You can charge your devices directly from the sun by using USB power, but the panels work best and will give you the most consistent charge when you use it in combination with a portable power bank.
Best Solar Panels 2021 – 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Off Grid Portable Solar Panel by Renogy
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For those of you who are looking for a great portable panel that is perfect for “van life” and recharging boat or RV batteries, look no further than the Renogy folding 100-watt panel. This is one of the best solar panels for RV use.
The Renogy panel is designed to be able to withstand the harsh elements. This panel measures 40 inches long x 27 inches wide (when it is open). Even in cloudy or low-light areas, the panel is extremely efficient. With this unit, you will receive a corrosion-resistant aluminum stand as well as a protective case that is complete with latches and handles.
You can purchase this panel with or without the solar controller and you can combine it with a power station, which will provide you with a full off-grid package. This panel is lightweight as it weighs in at a little under 27 pounds.
The Benefits of Using Solar Power
When talking about renewable energy, solar energy has become a popular topic, and there is a reason behind this. For years, solar energy has become extremely beneficial to both residential and commercial buildings throughout the world. Not only is solar energy environmentally friendly, but it can also help you save money on that electric bill.
Here are only a handful of reasons why someone would want to choose solar power from the best solar companies over a traditional source of power:
Remote Power -If you live in a remote area, it may be impossible to run power lines to your house. This is where solar power systems come in handy – you can use them to get power even when the power company isn’t able to run a power line.
Renewable Energy – The sun provides an endless source of energy. The sun’s rays are stored for energy over and over again, and it doesn’t deplete the source.
Save Money on Electric Bills – Solar power doesn’t cost as much as what you would pay the utility company every month. When you use solar energy to power your home, you can slice your electric bill in half (or even more).
Improve Property Value – When you have a home that is complete with solar systems, you may be able to sell it for over 4% more than you would sell it without solar energy. When you have a home that has solar energy, you can tack on an additional $14,400 to the price.
What You Should Look for When Buying a Portable Solar Panel
In this section of the guide, we’re going to tell you exactly what you should look for when you’re shopping for a portable solar panel:
Durability – Since this is a portable solar panel, chances are, you plan on taking the panel with you during your traveling adventures. As you will be moving around a lot, you want something that is sturdy, compact, lightweight and weather resistant.
While shopping for this device, take the type of traveling you plan on doing into consideration. For example, if you’re hiking, then you will be carrying gear in your backpack and you will want a light solar panel. Protected glass, rust-resistant materials, reinforced parts, and heavy-duty latches are important to the longevity of the panel.
Power Output – Of course you need to consider exactly what you will be charging so that you can make sure you get one with the right power output. If you plan on charging smaller devices, such as phones or tablets, this can be done on a 15-watt panel. If you plan on charging larger devices like a cooler, then you will need a larger panel.
Size and Weight – Depending on the storage space you have available when you’re not using the panel and how you’re traveling, the weight and size of the solar panel are two important factors. Many of the portable panels are light in weight and foldable, making them easy to carry. Some even come with their very own carrying cases.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – your most comprehensive solar panels guide. We hope this guide has helped you determine which portable solar panel you should purchase. Most of the portable solar panels on the market are weather or water-resistant, and while they should not be submerged under the water, you can leave them outside and it’s not going to destroy them if it does rain.
However, this doesn’t mean you should leave the portable panel outside permanently. Before you make your purchase, check with the manufacturer in order to ensure the panel is going to be suitable for you and your needs.