Portable Solar Panels

Portable solar panels (like those made by Goal 0) can be used to power electronic devices anywhere there is some sunlight. Portable solar panels generally fold up for storage and transport, collapsing in on themselves to create a sort of briefcase, which protects the solar cells inside. Portable solar panels need only be opened and placed in the sunniest location available to begin harnessing solar power. Portable solar panels can directly power your devices through either a USB or 12V DC connection. Portable solar panels can also be connected to a portable battery (or deep cycle battery) to charge it up for use when the sun goes down. 

The best portable solar panels are lightweight and compact, fold in such a way so as to protect the solar panels from damage, have multiple outgoing power connection types, and have loops for hanging. 

We recommend using a portable solar panel in conjunction with a portable battery. Using the solar panel to charge the portable battery insures a reserve power source for times when the weather isn't cooperating and your access to the sun is limited or cut off entirely. 

Emergency Solar Power Kits

Solar power kits are a popular option for emergency preparedness as well as outdoor adventuring and camping. Solar power kits combine a portable solar panel with a battery in a modular kit. By pairing solar power panels with a small, portable battery you can harness the sun's energy for use at a later time when the sun is down or overcast skies don't allow for effective solar panel use. 

The portable solar panels are connected to the portable battery and then placed in a sunny location to catch the suns rays. As the solar panels capture the energy from the sun they transfer it to the portable battery for storage. The solar panels themselves can be used not only to charge the portable battery but also to directly power your devices such as a portable lighting, cell phone, laptop computer, radio, camera, or even medical equipment like a CPAP machine. Likewise, the charged battery can also be used to power these devices when the sun is unavailable.