On such hot summer days, which coincide with the schedule of power outages, you can remain energy independent with the help of solar panels. In our region, where solar activity is high only from April to October, this type of renewable energy has not yet gained much popularity. However, in difficult times for the energy sector — solar panels can be a nice bonus for charging gadgets or even providing full energy for your home or business. In this review, we will look at different types of solar panels and compare their advantages and disadvantages.
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Solar panels are divided into several types, according to the scope of application, they can be portable (small in size, often with a folding structure), as well as stationary (large modules used for whole house systems).
Depending on the production technology and materials, there are three main types:
The difference between them lies in the materials — monocrystalline, as the name implies, is made of a single silicon crystal. This is the most expensive solution with the highest efficiency and longest service life. It is important that this type, due to its high efficiency, saves space for installation, so it is suitable for private homes. If you see black or deep dark blue panels on the roof, these are monocrystalline panels.
Polycrystalline panels can be recognized by their blue surface color. These panels are cheaper, but also require a larger area to achieve the same power output as monocrystalline panels. They are the best choice for those who are not limited by space, for example, who can install panels on the roof or in the adjacent area. These panels are also suitable for commercial applications.
Thin-film panels are a thin layer of silicon that can be easily installed on a variety of surfaces (car roof, frame, supports). This is the least efficient type of panel, the main advantage of which is its flexible design and ability to work in low light.
Purchasing a stationary system for autonomous power supply of a home or business is a long-term story. It will take at least 10 years for such a system to pay off its cost, and the installation itself requires professional intervention (because the panels do not work on their own, but require an inverter, controller, and batteries). To implement such a solution, you should contact specialists to calculate the cost/ payback of the project and take into account that the system can provide full autonomy only during the sunny period.
Portable panels are easier, especially if we need to charge small gadgets.
For example, to power a smartphone (15 W) and a work laptop (60 W), you need a portable solar panel with a capacity of about 100 W. For a more powerful device with a 150 W unit (for example, a gaming laptop), it is better to take a panel with a power reserve of 165-180 W. Portable solar stations are available as stand-alone models with ports for charging. There are those designed to work in conjunction with charging stations.
If you are a happy owner of an EcoFlow charging station, you can add a branded panel to the system and enjoy sunny days a little more. Before buying, check the characteristics of the station model to choose the right solar panel power. The 160 W variant is an average solution; the manufacturer’s range includes 100 W, 220 W, and 400 W versions.
Using the MC4 to XT60 cable (which is often included), you can turn your EcoFlow into a fully autonomous thing that doesn’t even need the lights on to restore its energy supply.
This particular model is not flexible, but has a foldable design. It fits easily into a carrying case that also doubles as a stand so that the device receives light at the right angle. The dimensions are not small, as the device weighs 7 kg, so it will not fit on every balcony, but is more suitable for tourism and camping.
This is a single-crystal panel, so it has a high efficiency (21-22%), and its waterproof design allows it to be used in various outdoor conditions (operating temperature from -20 °C to +85 °C).
Price EcoFlow 160W Solar Panel starts at UAH 11 thousand and goes up to UAH 21 thousand.
Analog of the previous panel BLUETTI PV200— is also a monocrystalline battery with an efficiency of up to 23.4%. With a higher capacity, this model can be found at a similar price — from 12,899 to 24,999 UAH.
On the other hand BLUETTI PV200 has a durable ETFE coating and IP65 protection, so it is well suited for hiking, camping, and will definitely withstand being on the balcony. The panel has a stand to capture the required light angle and is compatible with most generators with MC4 connectors (BLUETTI EB55, BLUETTI AC200P, BLUETTI AC200MAX, BLUETTI AC300 + B300, BLUETTI EP500PRO).
The design is easy to fold, but the device weighs 7.3 kg in total, so it will be quite difficult to place the panel in a very limited space. But the smaller model BLUETTI PV120 still weighs almost 6 kg, so you can’t choose two small ones to save space.
The basic version of the panel from 2E — an affordable model that has one of the smallest dimensions. It weighs a little more than 4 kg, its dimensions are 505×370 mm when folded, and 1700×370 mm when unfolded. This panel fits perfectly on a balcony and has a mount for placement and transportation on a backpack. It is also a good option for use in the field.
This model has a wide range of ports for charging a laptop or station, smartphone, and other small electronics. The advantage is the presence of a 45W USB-C port with PD protocol support and Fast Charging function. The panel is monocrystalline, with an efficiency of 21-23%.
Price 2E 2E-PSP0031 varies from UAH 4,571 to UAH 7,109.
Analog of the previous model CHOETECH SC008— a portable solution with a power of 120 W. It is also designed to charge mobile devices, for which it is equipped with two USB type A and one type C outputs, allowing you to charge two gadgets at the same time, and connects to laptops or charging stations via the DC output.
The panel has a compact and foldable design and weighs only 4.5 kg. Thanks to the handle on the transport case, it is convenient for both carrying and storage.
The price of such a panel varies from 7 to 12 thousand hryvnias.
With a power output of 100 W, this monocrystalline panel is also ideal for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. With a weight of less than 5 kg, it is easy to transport, fits in tight spaces, and the design with stands helps to catch the right angle to capture sunlight.
This small and portable solution will power gadgets, a laptop, flashlight or charging station in the absence of electricity. The interfaces include a pair of USB ports (type A and type C) and a DC output. Price Jackery Solar Saga 100W varies from UAH 9,297 to 20 thousand.
As mentioned earlier, when choosing stationary systems, it is worth contacting specialists. After all, in addition to providing energy to your own home, you can make money on solar panels by «supplying» excess power to the grid. The main thing to remember is that such a project is long-term, so you should choose panels with a long service life (20-25 years). For a successful investment, you need to check the warranty terms and conditions and buy devices from certified manufacturers.
With portable devices, you shouldn’t rely on reviews alone, but contact sellers who can provide warranties and certificates. For domestic use, consider the location of the panel, as its efficiency is directly affected by the amount and angle of sunlight. During the day, change the position of the panel so that it does not remain in the shade and continues to work at maximum power.
