Get a Charge Out of Portable Solar Power

Voltaic Backpacks allow you to get a charge out of portable solar power

Back to school shopping time!  One item that should be on the list for any student that is “plugged in” to their electronic devices is a portable solar power charger.

Think about it – we spend a lot of time and energy recharging our cell phones, computers, mP3 players, GPS devices, etc.  But you can save energy and money by going with a portable solar charging device instead.  The time that it takes you to wait for the bus, walk across campus, or bicycle around town, your electronics could get a charge while portable solar power devices are exposed to UV light.

Here’s how it works.

Portable solar power uses thin film solar technology.  Lightweight, flexible solar panels may be incorporated into the design of a backpack, handbag, a “solar strap,” or simply on a mat that can be rolled out onto the ground.  As sunlight hits the solar panels, electricity is generated.  A number of ports allow you to plug in various devices to recharge on the go.

Whether you are commuting, shopping or studying outdoors, use the power of the sun to keep your electronics charged up.  A full charge usually can be accomplished in just a few hours.

Portable solar power is also perfect for people who enjoy hiking, camping, hunting or fishing!  You can go with roll-out solar panels, or a solar strap.

Fold-out solar panels

These consumer applications of portable solar power are convenient and cool, but there are also more heavy-duty options for people in the construction industry, the military, boaters and RV owners.

Beyond solar backpacks you can think portable solar power in many other situations:

• Recreational Vehicles (RVs) – instead of looking for a place to plug-in over night, or using a gas-powered generator, keep your appliances running with easy to install solar panel kits (usually $200 or less)
• Boating – Same idea as for RVs! You’re already outdoors… keep the GPS and cell phone charged up with portable solar
• Camping – Some solar chargers include multiple ports so you can plug in a camera, phone, mP3 player and also charge up a flashlight, if necessary!
• Construction sites – saws, lights, etc. can be powered up without the need for extension cords with some of the more heavy duty – but still portable – solar charging devices.

The market for solar powered devices is growing almost as fast as our appetite for electronic gadgets!

Why not get a charge out of portable solar power this school year?