Even
though portable solar panels don’t do quite as much to save
the earth as solar panels that are used for homes do, they still are
very convenient for those who need to use them.
Unlike the larger versions, these items are much smaller and easier
to use. One of the conveniences of these kinds of panels is the fact
that they can charge just about any kind of battery-operated devices.
That means that regardless of if the device is lithium, NiCad or NiMH
it can be charged by the portable panels.
These are quite convenient because they weigh very little. As a matter
of fact, the smallest ones only weigh about one pound. This is particularly
convenient to hikers who must carry heavy backpacks anyway. Being
able to decrease the amount carried in any way is important for them.
However, the owner should not expect an awful lot of energy to be
produced from these items. The smallest types produce only about 4-and-a-half
watts of power. While this is enough to power up an electric razor,
radio or hair dryer, a person who wants to do something like keep
a refrigerator running for hours at a time may want to look into getting
a larger version.
Typically, a smaller charger can be purchased for somewhere between
$100 and $200. These portable solar panels can be quite convenient
for those situations where a little (or a lot) of extra energy is
needed.