Portable solar panels commonly referred to as a foldable solar panel have become increasingly popular for off-grid power solutions, offering portability and efficiency for various applications. While there are a variety of options available, this article is specific to the 200W.
The 200W folding solar panel is a high-quality, waterproof, and lightweight solution designed to provide free power for charging 12V or 24V batteries. Ideal for use in vehicles and boats such as motorhomes, caravans, campers, narrow boats, and yachts, it also suits any system with a 12V or 24V battery bank. Additionally, it's excellent for portable power stations or portable battery banks that allow a direct connection of a solar panel.
What a 200W portable solar panel can be used for:
The 200W foldable solar panel is a versatile power source suitable for various off-grid applications, including camping, boating, and emergency home use. Its portability and efficiency make it ideal for charging batteries and powering small to medium-sized devices. Here's how it can be utilized:
Charging Batteries:
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12V Battery: Under the best sunlight conditions, a 200W solar panel can fully charge a 50Ah 12V battery around 5 to 6 hours.
Powering Small Appliances:
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LED Lighting: LED bulbs consume approximately 6-8W. A 200W panel can power multiple LED lights for extended periods, making it suitable for using at campsites.
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Laptops and Phones: Charging a laptop (45W) or a smartphone (5W) is easily achievable. Generally, laptop can run for about 16 hours, and a smartphone can be charged multiple times.
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Portable Fans: A small fan consuming 40W can operate for several hours, providing comfort when the weather is warm.
Running Medium Appliances:
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Mini Refrigerator: An energy-efficient mini-fridge requiring around 70W can run for approximately 8.5 hours, keeping perishables cool during trips.
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Television: A 32-inch LED TV consuming about 30W can be powered for around 4 hours.
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Coffee Maker: A coffee maker using 800W can brew coffee in about 3 minutes, consuming approximately 40Wh per use.
Well suited for:
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Camping: Ideal for powering lights, charging devices, and running small appliances, enhancing the camping experience without reliance on grid power.
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Boating: Suitable for charging marine batteries, running navigation systems, and powering small onboard appliances, ensuring comfort and safety on the water.
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Emergency Home Use: Provides backup power for essential devices during outages, such as lighting, communication devices, and small kitchen appliances.
Considerations:
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Energy Management: While a 200W panel is versatile, it's essential to manage energy consumption, especially when powering multiple devices simultaneously.
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Battery Storage: Incorporating a battery storage system allows for energy use during non-sunny periods, enhancing reliability.
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Sunlight Exposure: Optimal performance depends on adequate sunlight; positioning the panel to maximize sun exposure is crucial.
Key Features
High Efficiency: The panel comprises two 100W mono-crystalline solar panels, totaling 200W. These panels utilize innovative zero-busbar solar cells, which offer significantly higher efficiency and power density compared to standard solar cells.
Durability: Constructed with an embedded sheet of anodised aluminium fully encapsulated within the solar panels, they offer added strength and resilience. The surface is made of strong ETFE material, which has a longer service life compared to standard lightweight solar panels, making them extremely hard-wearing and less prone to cracking, delamination, and corrosion.
Portability: Weighing a mere 7.38 kg, the panel is easily transportable using the ergonomically designed inbuilt handles and protective case. Its foldable design allows for convenient storage when not in use.
Weather Resistance: The panel is 100% waterproof, making it suitable for all weather conditions.
What's included with a 200W foldable solar panel purchase:
- Adjustable Aluminium Folding Stand: This allows the user to to position the solar panels towards direct sunlight to maximize their output.
- 5m Battery Extension Cable: Provides flexibility in connecting the panel to your battery system.
- Connection Cables: Included are four cables with different terminal ends, such as crocodile clips and bare-ended wires, to connect the panel to your choice of solar charge controller or portable power station.
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Protective Storage Case: A sturdy case made with a layer of protective foam to prevent accidental damage to the solar panel during transport or storage.
Please note that this particular portable solar panel does not include a solar charge controller.
Versatility and Applications
As mentioned, this folding solar panel is supplied without a solar charge controller, offering the flexibility to choose the controller best suited to your application. You can use your existing solar charge controller with this panel, or pair it with one of your choosing, or use it with a device that has an in-built charge regulator, such as certain portable power stations or battery banks.
Reasons that a solar charge controller are not included are:
Flexibility: Excluding the controller allows users to choose a controller that best fits their specific application or to use an existing controller.
Cost: Kits without controllers are generally less expensive, appealing to budget-conscious users or those who already possess a suitable controller.
Customization: Advanced users may prefer to select a controller with specific features, such as Bluetooth connectivity or compatibility with certain battery types.
The panel's design makes it an ideal solution for experiencing the benefits of solar power without the permanency of a mounted solar panel. It can be folded and stored away when not in use, making it perfect for temporary setups or situations where portability is essential.
Technical Specifications
- Peak Power: 200W
- Maximum Power Voltage: 18.2V
- Maximum Power Current: 10.99A
- Open Circuit Voltage: 21.5V
- Short Circuit Current: 11.65A
- Power Tolerance: ±5%
- Dimensions (Folded): 900 x 590 x 50 mm
- Weight: 7.38 kg
Placement
Placement at home: For temporary or movable solutions, place the panels in an open area with maximum sun exposure, adjusting the angle as needed.
Placement on a boat: Installing solar panels on boats is somewhat more challenging due to limited space and potential shading from masts and rigging. One needs to take into consideration the following options:
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Arches or Gantry Aft: Mounting panels on an aft arch or gantry allows for better exposure to sunlight and keeps them clear of deck operations.
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Bimini Tops or Hardtops: These structures provide a stable and elevated platform for panel installation, minimizing shading and maximizing sun exposure.
- Custom Frames: Building adjustable frames can help orient the panels optimally as the boat's position relative to the sun changes.
Safety first: Remember that placement on any location on a boat is a compromise, and the chosen spot should balance exposure, accessibility, and safety.
Warranty:
Workmanship Warranty is one year. This warranty covers defects in assembly, materials, and accessories such as connections, cables, diodes, and frames. Whereas the Performance Warranty is covered by the solar cell manufacturer.
As discussed the 200W portable solar panel or folding solar panel 200W combines efficiency, durability, and portability for various off-grid applications. Whether you're on the road, at sea, or setting up a temporary power station, this solar panel offers a reliable and convenient source of renewable energy.