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portable packages:




There's a wide variety of portable solar packages on the market. These are usually compact designs that have
3-9 small panels that fold accordion-style and fasten shut, with a carrying handle, making them look like a
tiny briefcase. The outer layer usually has a zipper pocket for carrying accessory cables and adapters, and
the USB ports and direct-DC output from the panel are usually inside the pocket as well. Many (but not all)
of these sets include direct-panel DC access, which makes them suitable for hooking to an external controller
for charging batteries.

Most users will just use them to directly charge their phones, or to charge up their USB power bank for later
phone charging. The pocket is usually a good place to stow the phone or power bank while charging, to protect
it from direct sun exposure as it sits on charge.

Due to the small size of the individual panels (and the wasted area of the borders of each page) these don't
produce very much power, but are usually better than nothing. Some of the larger sets that have large panel
counts (like the 9 panel variety) can produce 30 watts or more, suitable for fast-charging. The more common
smaller sets of 2-4 panels shouldn't be expected to produce much more than 10-15 watts, and will take quite
awhile to charge up your device. Using the panels to charge a battery bank while you use your phone, and then
charging your phone from the bank when its more convenient is usually the best use of your time.

As is often the case with solar, most sets have inflated or outlandish wattage claims. It's best to judge the
output based on the area of the panels, rather than to trust their claimed production. 85 sq cm (13 sq in)
will produce about 1 watt. DO NOT connect the DC output directly to a battery - use a small solar controller.

The 300w kit from Dokio below has a controller rated less than 300w and uses smallish wires, so you will want
to do a little modification to it. Unfortunately, the panels are all in parallel so you need 30 amps at 18v.
The Renogy Wanderer controller works well with this portable solar package.



battery banks


Renogy Wanderer Li (in 1 low power controllers)


small flexible panels


solar wallets



last updated 02/15/2025 at 21:39:23 by make_www_index.command version 2025.02.14.A