Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Portable Solar Power: Now You Can Take it With You

By Tony Goggin

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 why solar energy will drive us into the future.

Most portable solar power devices use photovoltaic cells. Solar photovoltaic cells produce electricity when they are exposed to light. They usually consist of panels that contain two layers of different materials. When light hits these two layers, one of the layers becomes positively charged and the other becomes negatively charged. This produces an electric current. You can then use this electricity to charge or run your electronic devices such as cameras, laptops, cell phones, lights, MP3 players, PDAs and many other items.

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.

Portable solar devices can pack a lot of power in a green, environmentally friendly package.

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.

Electronic devices are a part of everyday living, so why not take them with you? Portable solar energy is becoming less bulky and more affordable so that consumers can have a reliable source of electricity at any time and in any place. - 15437

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