What is Foldable Solar Panel? How Does Foldable Solar Panel Work?

Foldable Solar Panels

What is Foldable Solar Panel? Just as the name suggests, this is a solar panel that uses solar cells to convert solar energy into electrical energy, and it can be folded. Solar energy is a non-polluting and inexhaustible source of energy, therefore, in the face of the pollution and shortage of petrochemical energy, how to use solar energy sources effectively has become the focus of attention, and foldable solar panels are becoming more and more popular nowadays.

Why we make it folding? Everyone knows that most of the existing solar panels are coming with the fixed-planar structures, we usually install them out of doors or on the roof of the house. After installing the solar panels, they are basically fixed in position and cannot be disassembled, especially in the case of severe weather or relocating, the solar panels cannot be recycled in time, because it easily damages the solar panels and causes huge economic losses. So for the convenience of use, there are many foldable solar panels that are used in different applications on the market.

How to choose the right power Foldable Solar Panels?

Let us try to choose a solar panel to power a 6 watt device for 5 hours a day, we first do a math that the 6W device will consume 5 x 6 = 30 watts each day, so the solar panel will need to produce 30 watts per day. Let’s assume six hours of sunlight so the solar panel needs to generate 5W per hour, consider the loss of the solar power, so a 6 watt solar panel will do the job. There are many devices and many watts to choose from, here are some best sellers on the market.

200 Watt Foldable Solar Panel

The power of this solar panel is 200W, unfolded size is very large, it looks like a blanket, but it can be put into the backpack after folded.

Military Foldable Solar Panel

100 Watt foldable Solar Panel

From the personal aspect, the 100W solar panel is the most practical and suitable for most devices, it is good enough for outdoor use. It comes with dual outputs and it is also the best seller on the market.

60 Watt Foldable Solar Panel

With a 60W power, it can charge most of the 12v lithium and lead acid batteries, such as laptops, tablets, lights, etc.

Solar Phone Charger
Solar Phone Charger

5 Watt Foldable Solar Panel Charger

This is a very small solar panel, usually it comes with USB 5V output to charge the SMALL devices that voltage less than 4v, such as the Android smartphones, USB lamps, flashlights, etc. But 5V solar charger is not good for iPhone devices.

300 Watt Foldable Solar Panel

300W is too large but it is good to have it as a part of solar systems for home use. It is suitable for TV, Small Air Conditioner, Refrigerator, Electric Cooker, etc.

How to choose the right voltage Portable Foldable Solar Panels?

To select a solar panel to power a 3.7v mobile phone, first of all, you need to know the battery specifications of your mobile phone, the usual mobile phone voltage is 3.6v-4v so we choose the 5V output to charge this mobile phone, in the same way, we use 18v solar panels to charge a 12v battery. For larger solar panels, you need a solar regulator or solar controller to control the current, or it will cause damage to your battery, the solar regulator will ensure the battery is not overcharged all you need is the sun to produce clean and free solar energy.

Foldable Solar Panel 12V

12 Volt solar panel is good for charging 6-9V devices, such as Lamps, LED Lights, etc.

18 Volt Foldable Solar Panel

18v solar panel is good for charging 12v lithium and lead-acid battery, such as laptops, tablets, etc.

5v Foldable Solar Panel

5 Volt solar panel is good for charging the device voltage less than 5v, such as smartphones, USB fans, flashlights, etc.

What is the Best Foldable Solar Panel for your application?

The best foldable solar panel must have the right power and right voltage that suitable for your application, voltages, and power are the most important features. For example, you cannot use a 5 watt 5 volt solar panel to charge 12v 10Ah battery. There are some applications as below:

Military Foldable Solar Panel

Hovall has some military solar panels for Germany and Japan Army, it must be durable, lightweight and military color. These foldable solar panels are the ultimate portable folding solar panels for performance and mobility.

Foldable Solar Panels

Foldable Solar Panel for Camping, Hiking, Fishing, etc.

The best stuff for camping, hiking, and fishing, you can use the solar panels to run all electric devices without battery or electricity power.

Top 3 Foldable solar panel reviews

1, 42 W Folding Solar Panel

This Hovall 42 Watt folding solar panel is a plug and play charger that comes with all in one design, it has USB5V and DC 18V outputs and can compatible with all devices such as the cellphones, Laptops, tablets, TVs, Fans, etc. Fast charging intelligent technology. Easy to use and carry. It made from waterproof fabrics and high efficiency of 23.7% Solar cells, Ultra-thin and Ultra-light, durable.

Specifications:

  • Solar Cell: 23.7% efficiency solar cells
  • Working Power: 42 Watt
  • Output: DC 18V 2.4A and USB 5V 2A
  • Unfolded Dimensions: 35.5 x 11.8 x 0.12 inch
  • Folded Dimensions: 13 x 11.8 x 0.6 inch
  • Net Weight: 29.5 Oz
  • Package Include: 42 Watt folding solar panel x 1pc, Suction Cups x 4pcs, Alligator Clip x 1pc

2, 100W Folding Solar Panel

This 100W foldable solar panel is the most popular monocrystalline foldable solar panel, it has the high efficiency of 23.7% solar cell, it is a very good device for hiking, camping, fishing, etc. Dual Outputs and overcharge protection.

Specifications:

  • Maximum Power: 100 Watt
  • Working Temperature: -4 ~ 158 ℉
  • Outputs: DC18 V 5.6A & USB5V 2.1A
  • Unfolded Dimensions: 60 x 35.5 x 0.12 inch
  • Foldable Dimensions: 17.5 x 11.8 x 1.58 inch
  • Net Weight: 78 Oz
  • Package: 100W Foldable Solar Panel x 1pc, Alligator Clip x 1pc, Car Mounted Charger x 1pc.

3, 20W Folding Solar Panel

Features:

  • Charge smart and fast.
  • Design to be Carry Around
  • Renewable energy source anywhere whenever.
  • The paper thickness design makes it perfect for outdoor use, such as trekking, traveling, fishing, camping, etc..
  • Tied of packing bags of batteries on your backpack? Bored with the heavy external battery which needs the recharge in advance? Absolutely unfold a Hovall solar panel and feature peace of mind for enjoying the clean and unlimited energy from the direct daylight.
  • A smart chip inside will routinely detect the quickest feasible currency for your device and the monocrystalline solar panel will provide up to twenty-five percent high conversion efficiency to achieve fast speed charging. What’s more, you could charge 2 cell phones on the identical time through two USB ports.

Specifications:

  • Optimum Working Power: 20 Watt
  • Outputs: USB 5V 2A & DC 12V 1.7A
  • Unfolded Dimensions: 21.7 x 10.24 x 0.12 inch
  • Folded Dimensions: 10.24 x 6.3 x 1.38 inch
  • Net Weight: 28.2 Oz
  • Package Include: 20W Foldable Solar Charger x 1pc, Suction Cups x 8pcs

If you have any questions or anything concerns about this article or our products, please feel free to contact us at info@hovall.com

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