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It's still the summer here in Australia and you know what that means—more fun under the sun! The season to go camping, or to get on our boats and surfboards is coming, and it won’t hurt to get yourself ready, right?
If you are planning to go off-grid this summer, it’s important to have a reliable power source in tow! And, what is a better source than the star (literally) of the season—the sun?
In this article, we will show you how you can go on a worry-free boating trip with the help of your marine solar panels and chargers!
By definition, portable solar panels are smaller solar panels that are easy to install and can be carried anywhere. Like normal solar panels, they soak up sunlight and convert it into electricity. Portable solar panels are commonly used by boaters who will have no access to shore power for days, weeks, or even months.
These panels are divided into smaller photovoltaic cells that are made up of thin layers of silicon. They are able to produce energy by releasing photons once the rays of the sun hit the panels. These photons then create electric fields between the layers of silicon in each cell.
The metallic strips attached to the panels are what direct the electric field to the batteries and power stations that need charging.
Portable solar panels usually come with solar chargers that regulate power output. They gather energy from the solar panels and store it in batteries, inverters, or power stations until it is needed.
Brands such as Bluetti and Victron carry some of the most-loved solar panels and solar chargers in Australia.
Portability is a given—you can bring your compact solar panels anywhere you need to. They can be folded and fit into backpacks easily, and most of them are also water-resistant. Bring them on your boat, on hikes, or on off-road camping trips, transporting them would be the least of your worries.
However, there is more to these natural chargers than their movability. In this section, we will finally show you the reasons why you should get a portable solar panel.
Portable solar panels are versatile. Because of their nature, portable solar panels can adapt to various uses and situations. For example, some portable solar panels can be used as fixed sources of power, while some can be mobile.
Fixed solar panels are usually attached above a vehicle or the roof of a house. However, these are usually several panels attached together with the aid of batteries or other components that will turn them into a reliable power source.
It is worth noting, however, that most portable solar panels are designed for those on the go. These models are more applicable for mobile use than fixed. Portable solar panels are able to power or charge equipment like smartphones, lights, WiFi routers, and more.
In a boat, a portable solar panel, with the help of solar chargers can power up batteries or power stations that are used to operate electronics like marine water heaters, galley ranges, etc.
They are made of high-quality solar cells. Portable solar panels like the Bluetti PV120 are made up of monocrystalline solar cells. These solar cells are more efficient than polycrystalline solar cells since they are cut from a single source of silicon.
As a result of the use of single-crystal silicon, electrons move about freely within the panels, thus providing more energy to the devices being charged.
Portable solar panels with monocrystalline cells have an efficiency rate within the 15%-20% range. The Bluetti PV120, for instance, has up to 23.4% efficiency.
They are easy to install and set up. Unlike the full-sized solar panels used at home, portable solar panels are foldable and can stand through their panels. Some have kickstands that keep them stable on the ground.
Portable solar panels like the Bluetti SP350 have four kickstands and pre-drilled holes for easy mounting. These features eliminate the need for screws, attachments, or tools like drills. These kickstands are adjustable, making way for better solar absorption.
Portable Solar Panels are not complicated to maintain. Given that these solar panels are taken outdoors a lot, they can go through different types of weather and situations. But no worries—portable solar panels are easy to maintain.
Unlike fixed solar panels on the roof that would need climbing to clean, most portable solar panels for sale are cleaned using soft brushes, sponges, or even just wet cloth.
However, solar panels would differ in material and panel types. In that case, you can refer to different online guides for solar panel maintenance. You can also read the manufacturer’s manual that comes with your unit.
They provide renewable energy. As we have mentioned earlier in this article, portable solar panels gather power from the sun. And, we all know that the sun is a popular source of renewable energy.
Solar energy isn’t restricted to just one location. By using portable solar panels on your boating trip, you are sure to get renewable power wherever the sun shines.
Now that you have an idea about portable solar panels, how they work, and their advantages, let’s now look at some of the best units in the Australian market!
Ecoflow 400W Foldable Solar Panel
Price: $1599.00
We are starting this list strong with a portable solar panel from Ecoflow. With an amazing output, the Ecoflow 400W Foldable Solar Panel is one of the most powerful portable solar panels in the Australian market.
The foldable solar panel is lightweight and easy to carry anywhere. It has a protective case that doubles as a kickstand able to adjust up to 90 degrees for better sunlight absorption.
Moreover, the Ecoflow 400W is made of monocrystalline silicon panels which result in a 22.4% conversion efficiency. It is also compatible with many power stations like the Ecoflow Delta Power Station with 1800 AC Output, and other generators.
Specifications:
Bluetti SP350 350W Foldable Solar Panel
Price: $1,299.00
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Next on the list is another powerful portable solar panel. The Bluetti SP350 350W Foldable Solar Panel is a favorite among boaters, campers, and even those who need a backup power source for their homes.
Just like the Ecoflow 400, the Bluetti SP350 contains monocrystalline silicon panels. They provide a sterling 23.5% conversion rate, which results in better performance in low-light conditions compared to similarly-rated polycrystalline panels.
In addition, the Bluetti SP350 350W Foldable Solar Panel is made of advanced laminated technology and long-lasting materials which make it durable and highly water-resistant.
The SP350 is compatible with most Bluetti power stations and provides a faster recharging speed than other smaller solar panels.
Baintech 120W Foldable Solar Blanket
Price: $699.00
The Baintech 120W Foldable Solar Blanket is quite different from the earlier units mentioned in this list. Unlike the others, it is a solar blanket that can be laid on your boat’s flooring or your RV’s roof.
It utilizes the Monocrystalline Sunpower solar cell technology and is able to power appliances like fridges, lights, marine water heaters, and other electric devices.
Ecoflow 160W Foldable Solar Panel
Price: $599.00
Another remarkable portable solar panel, the Ecoflow 160W Foldable Solar Panel delivers renewable energy wherever you go.
The foldable solar panel has a conversion efficiency rate ranging from 21-22%, and works the best paired with any Ecoflow power station.
The Ecoflow 160W has IP67 dust and water resistance, which makes it perfect for any boating trip. Its lightweight and compact one-piece design also make it an ideal portable power source for hiking and camping.
Specifications:
As you probably already know, there is a myriad of portable solar panels for sale in Australia, and all over the world. As a marine products distributor, it is our job at The Boating Emporium to make the search easier for you!
This is why we have made sure that we carry brands that aren’t just reputable, but also produce the best quality solar panels one can find.
Our partners from Bluetti, Ecoflow, and Baintech are like-mindedly committed to the same principle—provide reliable sources of power wherever you and your family and friends are. So whether it be at home or aboard your boat, you’ll be able to enjoy your time without having to worry about your devices and appliances running out of power.
If you are interested in our portable solar panels and other marine power products, don’t hesitate to visit our website at www.theboatingemporium.com.au!