Portable Solar Panels - Take it to the Trail

The price of solar panels has been coming down for some years now and as a result we are starting to see an array of portable solar panels.  These may be anything from panels made to charge a cell phone or laptop to or installed on top of an RV.  Either way there the applications with which we can use solar power are continuing to grow.  One of the best things about solar panels is their portability.  Now that we have managed to make them durable and packable enough to travel the sky is the limit.

One of the best solar innovations is the new flexible solar panels.  Making these solar panels involves spraying silicon onto a flexible surface and printing a pattern of solar arrays onto the silicon.  Different methods allow for more output and flexibility.  This innovation is making it possible to put solar panels on to nearly anything, including backpacks or tent roofs.  The panels can be incorporated into virtually anything.

Another common application of this particular type of technology is actually creating foldable solar panels that can be used to charge nearly any device or an external battery back and used later.  These panels are effective at charging but not usually at running devices directly.  Their ease of portability and the potential to make them basically any size desired makes them incredibly functional.

Some lines of clothing are even incorporating portable solar panels.  I am not sure if this will catch on and maintain traction but I am sure you can imagine the benefits to being able to charge a phone by plugging it into your pocket.  With all of the other possibilities for solar and the potential style side effects of adding solar to clothing it may be short lived.

There are several lines of backpacks and other out door gear that include portable solar panels.  This type of product allows you to take utilize technology on the trail away from external power sources.  Not everyone is going to embrace this additional element of being wired but some may find it necessary.  

Portable solar panels are also being used to power many outdoor devices and lighting products.  They collect sunlight all day and then are able to use that energy on demand or at night.  Garden lights, security lights, and gates are popular examples of this technology. 

Solar technology will continue to grow in popularity and efficiency.  It is exciting to see the tip of the iceberg at the moment and imagine what the future may hod for this fascinating technology.  With tax subsidies and motivated buyers there is sure to be incentive to produce innovative new solar products in the near future.  Keep your eyes open they are also starting to put together DIY solar panel kits at big box hardware stores.  Weather it be to power you entire home or office or just charge your phone on the trail, solar has an option for you.

Keep an eye on portable solar panel technology and watch as prices continue to fall and products improve.