Portable solar power devices can run or charge laptops, cameras, cell phones, batteries, lights, and other electronic equipment. Solar electricity should be a part of every emergency kit. They can prove to be a lifesaving tool in case of an accident or any other emergency where you could be cut off from the power grids, but have a need for electricity.
In this article, we'll explain how portable solar power works and how you can use it to your advantage.
Most portable solar power devices use solar photovoltaic cells which produce electricity when they are exposed to light. They usually consist of panels containing two layers of different materials. When exposed to sunshine or another light source, one of the layers becomes positively charged and the other becomes negatively charged. This produces an electric current. You can then use this solar electric power in whatever way you choose. You can charge your MP3 player or make a pot of coffee!
The strength of the sun and how long the solar power device is exposed will impact the amount of electricity a solar cell produces. A solar power cell generates electricity faster when the sun or other light sources are brighter and a device with larger solar panels will produce more electricity than one with smaller panels.
How do you know if one of these devices will work for you and your devices?
Some solar cells produce only enough current to power small electronic devices. When you are shopping for portable solar power, you will find that different devices have different "watts" ratings. To select the correct solar device, determine what watt rating you need. To find out how many watts you need, look at the output rating of the adapter. It should tell you how many watts the adapter generates. If it doesn't contain this information, then it should contain the ratings for amperes (amps) and volts. Remember that bigger solar panels usually supply more wattage and will power your devices more quickly.
Add-on batter packs can make these devices even more useful.
Some companies sell back-up batteries to go with your solar cell. These batteries can sometimes also be charged from a wall socket or from a car charge adapter. You may want to have a solar cell that you can use while you are hiking or traveling, such as a flexible panel that can be carried on your back. This way, you can charge your small equipment or a backup battery while you are busy enjoying yourself. Keep in mind that while a solar cell performs best in bright sunlight, your other equipment usually doesn't. Some solar cells come with a long cord so you can put your camera or laptop in the shade while they are charging.
Portable solar power can make life safer when you want to get away from it all.
As the technology of solar power advances, we can expect portable solar power devices to become smaller, lighter and cheaper. Still, they are already very convenient and can make traveling in remote locations much safer and more enjoyable.
Article Source: http://www.orbitaloc.com/
Got a thirst for climate-change topics or other science and technology news? Check out Science News Live where Tony Goggin is the editor of other scientific and Solar Power topics that may be quickly transforming your world.
Please Rate The Above Article From The Science Category
Article Title: Portable Solar Power: Being Green on the Go
Not yet Rated
Syndicate Science Related Articles Via RSS!
Subject to Orbitaloc.com's Publisher Terms of Service, you may reprint this
article on your own website, blog, and ezine. (English only) You may also syndicate
the article via Really Simple Syndication (RSS). It is free of charge.
Free Articles on Science and Other FREE Content Article Topics
The preceeding is an informative article from the Science category.
