Portable Solar Panels vs. Traditional Solar Panels – Which One is Right for You?

 

Did you know that you may tailor the size and portability of your solar power system to meet your specific requirements? We examine the differences between traditional and portable solar panels, and discuss the specific circumstances in which each is most beneficial.

The Fundamentals of Portable and Fixed Solar Panels

The term ‘fixed’ or ‘traditional’ solar panels refers to solar panels that are permanently installed in one place, such as a tracker system, ground mount, or roof, and use the sun's energy to create power. Inverters take this energy and make it useable.

Portable solar panels, as the name suggests, perform the same basic function as their larger counterparts but on a smaller scale. Due to their compact size and lack of need for an inverter, users can generate power anywhere they happen to be. Many outdoor products, from RV roofs to tent walls, now feature lightweight solar panels.

How Are Portable And Traditional Solar Panels Similar To Each Other?

Both traditional and portable solar panels have their unique benefits, but there are also certain similarities. For instance, the primary requirements for energy production by either panel are identical.

Here are the key similarities between fixed and portable solar panels:

1) Both Utilize Natural Sunlight

Light from the sun is made up of photons, and both traditional and portable can use this process to generate power.

Also, regardless of the type of solar panel system you use, you must minimize shade in order to maximize energy from the sun.

2) Both Need to be Placed in an Optimal Direction

As the greatest energy is generated when sunlight strikes a surface at a perpendicular angle, proper solar panel orientation is crucial. This means that optimal orientation and tilt maximize energy production. Panels in the United States should be oriented so that the sun shines directly on them from the south.

Before installing permanent solar panels, a reputable solar contractor will survey your home to determine the best orientation and placement for your panels.

3) Both Require Proper Cabling

Installing solar panels with proper cable management reduces maintenance time, boosts safety, and increases system lifespan. These systems are better protected from the elements and animal damage when the electrical wiring and main conduit are concealed.

 Even if you have a portable solar panel system, you will need to set it up the right way each time you shift its location. In other words, the panel will have to be rewired each time it is repositioned.  

4) The System Efficiency Depends Upon the Cell Type

Most photovoltaic cells are either mono-crystalline or polycrystalline, depending on the manufacturer. When comparing the efficiency of different cell types, mono-crystalline cells (cut from a single silicon source) outperform polycrystalline cells (composed of different silicon kinds).

For the same amount of sunlight and temperature, mono-crystalline cells can increase energy production by 20–40%. Although both portable and stationary solar panels are available in polycrystalline and mono-crystalline varieties, the latter have surpassed the former as the industry standard due to their higher efficiency.

How Are Portable and Traditional Solar Panels Different from Each Other?

Surface area and ROI are the main areas where fixed panels differ from portable panels. Because more solar cells can be fitted onto a greater area, the wattage output of a panel increases as the panel's overall surface area does.

The reduced power output from portable solar panels is a direct result of their smaller size, but it is also essential for portability.

1) Traditional Solar Panels Produce Higher Energy

There is a higher energy yield from permanently installed solar panels owing to their larger size. Therefore, stationary solar panels are better suited to powering entire homes or larger operations, whereas portable solar panels are typically used to provide electricity for campsites or small operations.

Keep in mind that the solar panel size is directly proportional to the energy production when figuring out the wattage you can obtain out of solar panels. That's because bigger solar panels can fit more photovoltaic cells, which means more energy production. Larger solar panels used in a fixed installation produce more power.

Also, unless you specifically make sure of this, portable solar panels may not make the best use of peak sunshine hours because they aren't permanently installed in the optimal position.

Of course, it is important to remember that traditional solar panels have a significantly higher up-front cost.

2) Portable Solar Panels Offer Greater Versatility

 

Fixed solar panels can only be permanently attached. Portable panels, on the other hand, can accompany you wherever you go. Some portable panels are even foldable and can thus be carried inside a backpack or attached to the side of one.

This means that portable solar panels have significantly more use cases. For instance, you can use portable solar panels for homes, campsites, boats, patios, play areas, and even greenhouses.

So, if you will be using a solar panel away from your house or RV, you should go for a portable one.

3) Portable Panels Are Simpler to Use

Usually, all you need to do to use a portable solar panel is plug it into a socket and switch it on. There is almost no installation required, and you can even connect multiple portable panels to each other without any complications.

On the other hand, fixed panels have a hefty installation process that generally requires professional assistance. Naturally, this increases the amount of effort, time, and money you have to put in before getting a fixed solar panel up and running.

For the most part, portable solar panels are ready for use as soon as they are purchased – something that cannot be said about their traditional, fixed counterparts.

4) Fixed Panels Attract Rebates and Refunds

In order to promote their use, many states in the US offer tax rebates and refunds to homes and individuals utilizing solar panels.

However, these incentives generally do not apply to portable panels since they are not seen as a big enough or long-term investment by the government.

Consider Your Needs Before Making a Solar Panel Decision

As you can see, there are pros and cons to both types of solar panels. While traditional solar panels may produce more energy, they may not be affordable or otherwise feasible for a lot of people. Portable solar panels, despite their lower power output, are considerably less expensive and more versatile.

If you are looking for a portable solar panel and wish to explore your options, we invite you to check out our wide range of options.