How to choose the suitable solar panel for me？

1. Determine your power requirements

Calculate device power consumption: List the devices you need to charge (such as phones, tablets, laptops, lighting fixtures, cameras, etc.) and view their charging power (in watts or milliamps). For example, a mobile phone typically requires 10-20 watts, while a laptop may require over 60 watts.

Choose the appropriate panel power: Ensure that the power of the solar panel is at least equivalent to the total power consumption of your device. For example, if you need to charge a 15 watt phone and a 50 watt laptop, it is recommended to choose a panel with a power of 60 watts or more.

2. Choose the appropriate type

There are three main types of portable solar panels:

Flexible solar panel:

Advantages: Lightweight, durable, easy to carry, suitable for high-intensity outdoor activities such as hiking and camping.

Applicable scenarios: Suitable for users who need to move frequently or engage in long-term outdoor activities.

Material recommendation: Choose a flexible panel made of ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) material, as it has better weather resistance and UV resistance.

Foldable solar panels:

Advantages: Easy to store, small size, suitable for short trips or camping.

Applicable scenarios: Suitable for users who require portability and quick deployment.

Material recommendation: CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium Selenide) foldable panels have high efficiency and are suitable for scenarios that require efficient charging.

Portable solar backpack or portable panel:

Advantages: Integrated design, directly integrating solar panels into backpacks or handbags for easy portability.

Applicable scenarios: Suitable for daily commuting, short distance travel, or outdoor activities in the city.

3. Consider materials and efficiency

ETFE material: lightweight and durable, suitable for scenes that require frequent folding or bending.

CIGS material: efficient, lightweight, suitable for users who require high power output.

Double sided solar panels: Some high-end panels support double-sided power generation, which can capture more light at different angles and is suitable for scenes with limited lighting conditions.

4. Portability and weight

Portability: Choose designs that are easy to store, such as foldable, rollable, or backpack style.

Weight: Lightweight is key, especially when carrying or hiking for long periods of time. Generally speaking, flexible or foldable panels are lighter than traditional hard panels.

5. Compatibility and Interface

Charging interface: Ensure that the solar panel supports your device's charging interface (such as USB, Type-C, DC, etc.).

Battery compatibility: If you need to charge portable batteries or power banks, make sure the panel supports the corresponding input voltage and current.

6. Budget

Entry level (10-30 watts): Suitable for charging mobile phones and small devices, priced around 100-300 yuan.

Mid end (40-80 watts): suitable for charging tablets and small laptops, priced around 500-1000 yuan.

High end (over 100 watts): Suitable for charging large devices such as laptops and camera batteries, priced at over 1000 yuan.

7. Actual usage scenarios

Short distance travel: Choose a lightweight and portable low-power panel.

Long distance camping or hiking: Choose high-power, durable flexible or foldable panels.

Urban commuting: Choose a portable backpack or handheld panel for convenient charging anytime, anywhere.

summarize

When choosing portable solar panels, prioritize your device's power consumption, usage scenarios, and portability requirements. If high-power devices need to be charged, priority should be given to foldable or flexible panels made of CIGS material; If you need lightweight and portable, ETFE material flexible panels are a better choice. Combining budget and brand, choose the most suitable solar panel for you and enjoy the freedom and convenience of outdoor travel!