What are Solar Panels Used For?

Solar panels are a modern solution for getting energy from the sun. They are compact, easy to use and environmentally friendly. But why are they needed, in what cases do they really help and what are their advantages? Let's figure it out.

Application of solar panels

Charging gadgets without sockets

Imagine that you went hiking or somehow ended up in a place where there is no electricity. What to do if your phone is dead? This is where solar panels come to the rescue. Just unfold, connect - and that's it, the smartphone works again. The same applies to flashlights, navigators, power banks - all these gadgets can be recharged directly from the sun.

Energy without a grid

Modern man's comfort is inextricably linked with electricity. And solar panels can provide this comfort in the absence of a power grid. For example, when setting up a tent camp. In a private house, solar panels can also be useful. A couple of small panels can support the operability of a gas heating boiler and prevent the house from freezing if the electricity is suddenly cut off in the cold. And large systems based on solar panels allow you to do without grid electricity at all.

Pro Tip: Expert solar panel installation Myrtle Beach SC. Save on energy bills with professional and efficient solar solutions. Contact us today for a free quote!

Advantages of solar panels

• A solar panel is not the only way to provide yourself with electricity when you are away from civilization. At the very least, there are also gasoline generators and power banks . Why are solar panels better?

• They are easy to carry. Compact solar panels are really convenient. They are light and compact. Folding panels look like a flat suitcase when folded.

A solar panel can be easily carried in your hands or attached to a backpack. You definitely can't drag a generator on a hike (and not to mention a supply of gasoline for it), but panels are easy. A good power bank is also a good option at first glance - it is also light, compact, and does not depend on the sun. But if it runs out of power, it will be just dead weight until the nearest outlet.

• They are easy to use. Figure out the generator, fill it with gasoline, add oil. And here everything is simple: take out the panels, lay them out in the sun, connect the wire - and you're done. No additional hassle.

• High temperature range. Solar panels work at any temperature. Starting a frozen generator in freezing weather is not an easy task. With solar panels, there will be no such problems.

• They are suitable for almost everything. Phone dead? Need to plug in a laptop? Gadgets for camping? Many solar panels are equipped with USB ports and can power most modern gadgets. And some models even support fast charging.

• They are eco-friendly. A generator on a camping trip? The smell of gasoline, smoke, and loud noise are definitely not what people go out into nature for. Solar panels are silent and do not pollute the air. Even if you are traveling by car, you will be much more comfortable resting in parking lots without the noise of the engine and the smell of exhaust gases.

Disadvantages of solar panels

• High price. Solar panels are not cheap, especially high-quality ones. But that's not the worst of it. What's worse is that, despite their high price, they provide relatively little power. A 100-watt solar panel costs about the same as a 1-kW generator.

• Dependence on the sun. If it is cloudy outside or you are in the shade, the panels work worse or stop giving out charge at all. And in general, they give out 100% of power only in direct midday sunlight. In the presence of haze, fog or dust raised by the wind, the power of the panels drops to 50-70%. The same happens in the evening and morning hours. And, of course, the panels are useless at night.

• Difficulty in organizing a continuous guaranteed power supply. Since the output power of a solar panel depends on the weather, it can only be used in its pure form to recharge gadget batteries. Devices without their own battery, connected to the panel, will sometimes work, sometimes not work. Problems will also arise when trying to connect devices designed for a 230V network. To get an electrical network "like in a socket", you need additional equipment - batteries and an inverter. These are additional costs, and not small ones either.

• Low power. Compact solar panels are not for powerful consumers. Household appliances will not work from them. For such things, large systems are needed.

When solar panels really save the day

On a hike

Even the most compact generator weighs several kilograms - and that's not counting the minimum supply of gasoline. So on a long hike, there are simply no alternatives to solar panels if you plan to use at least some gadgets. Yes, you can prepare a supply of batteries and accumulators for the entire duration of the hike, but what if something goes wrong? In this case, only solar panels will allow you to stay in touch.

Pro Tip: Professional solar installation consultation Florence SC. Get expert advice and tailored solutions for your energy needs. Call us today to schedule!

Living far from civilization

There are plenty of places in the vast expanses of Russia that are far from civilization and its benefits. Even in the European part of Russia there are plenty of settlements where the power grid is not connected. Not to mention the vast expanses of Siberia and the Far East. In addition, many fishermen and hunters in the Urals, Siberia and the Far East acquire small farmsteads — temporary residences somewhere in the taiga or on the shore of a lake. Usually, electricity in such places is provided by a generator — they are cheaper and more powerful. But if the generator suddenly breaks down, solar panels will help you stay connected to civilization.

Conclusion

Solar panels help when hiking, traveling, at the dacha, and even during power outages. Yes, they are not ideal: they depend on the sun, are not cheap, and will not replace a full-fledged power grid. But their simplicity, mobility, and environmental friendliness make them an excellent choice for tourists, fishermen, and hunters. If you need to always stay in touch even in the most remote corners of the globe, solar panels will definitely come in handy!