When building a solar system, you’re able to customize the size and the mobility to fit your needs. Fixed solar panels and portable solar panels each have unique benefits for different lifestyles, and we explore the distinction between these two unique panel types and when each type is the most useful.
The Basics of Fixed and Portable Solar Panels
Fixed solar panels, also known as fixed solar photovoltaics or fixed PV panels, are mounted panels on a roof, ground mount, or tracker system, and generate electricity by capturing the sun’s rays. Inverters convert this power into usable energy. Portable solar panels, also known as portable photovoltaics or portable PV panels, generally serve the same function but on a micro-level. These systems do not require an inverter, and their small size allows users to produce energy on the go. Portable solar panels can be found on top of RVs, camping tents, and even on hiking gear.
What Are the Similarities Between Fixed and Portable PV?
Though fixed solar panels and portable solar panels offer specific advantages, they share several key characteristics. For example, both kinds of panels require the same main conditions to produce energy:
- Natural sunlight: Sunlight radiates photons, and both portable and fixed solar panels convert the sunlight’s photons to electricity. It’s important to limit shading for peak solar production.
- Best direction all year long: The orientation of solar panels is critical because the most power is produced when sunlight hits the surface at a perpendicular angle. Proper direction and tilt, therefore, yield maximum energy output. In the US, the best direction for panels to face is southward. With fixed solar panels, a trusted solar installer will examine your property to optimize your roof and location, so there’s no need to worry about panel placement.
- Proper cabling: Correct wire management eases maintenance, increases safety, and extends the longevity of solar systems. Hiding the main conduit and electrical wiring protects systems from harsh weather conditions and prevents animals from eating away at the wires. When you have portable solar, you must set them up each time you reposition them. You’re therefore responsible for rewiring the panels during each installation. With fixed solar, wiring is solely the responsibility of the installer.
- Quality panel type: Photovoltaic cells, depending on the manufacturer, are largely either monocrystalline or polycrystalline. Monocrystalline cells, which are cut from a single source of silicon, are more efficient than polycrystalline cells, which are made up of multiple silicon types. If the weather conditions and solar angles are equal, monocrystalline cells can produce 20-percent to 40-percent more energy. Though portable solar panels and fixed solar panels come in either polycrystalline or monocrystalline, monocrystalline panels have become the most popular choice because of their superior efficacy.
What Are the Differences Between Fixed and Portable PV?
The major features where fixed panels contrast with portable panels are their surface area and their return on investment. A panel’s total area impacts its ability to generate electricity because a larger surface area allows more solar cells, which can produce more wattage. For mobility purposes, portable solar panels are smaller in size, which means they create less energy than fixed systems.
Cost & Return on Investment of Different Solar Panels
While the price per watt of fixed solar panels and portable solar panels are similar, dependent largely upon the quality of material, the necessary quantity of these panels leads to their difference in system cost.
For example, a couple of mini panels on a camping tent or RV would cost significantly less than installing panels on the roof of a huge mall because of the differences in system size and energy requirements. However, the larger the usable surface for a solar system, the higher the energy yield. Though the installation of fixed panels on the roof of a building may initially cost more, a larger, fixed solar project will produce more energy. For this reason, fixed solar saves more money in the long run and generates a significant return on investment.
Additionally, fixed solar systems are eligible for financial incentives, but portable systems are not. The Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is a federal incentive for solar systems installed on residential (under Section 25D) and commercial (under Section 48) properties. Through the ITC, you’ll get 30% of the total cost of a fixed solar installation back from the government. You’ll also earn a 15% state tax credit, worth up to $1,000.
Next, if you have fixed solar panels, you can participate in the Net Metering program. This system allows you to accumulate credit for your utility bills when you generate more solar than you need. Ideally, between March and October, when there’s the most direct sunlight, you want to overproduce energy and then utilize those credits in the winter months when production is lower.
In addition, Massachusetts reimburses fixed solar owners with the REC Program. REC is a performance-based program that compensates you for every kilowatt-hour of energy that you produce.
Panel Wattage and Energy Output
As mentioned, portable solar panels are much smaller than fixed solar panels. With a smaller panel comes fewer solar cells and interconnections to produce energy. Because of variables such as this one, portable panels produce far less energy than larger, fixed panels. It’s important to know ahead of time how you plan on utilizing your solar energy, as many electronics might not be very compatible with portable solar.
1 Portable Solar Charger Backpack (15 Watts) could run:
- Nightlight (1 watts/hour)
- Amazon Echo (3 watts/hour)
- Smartphone charger (6 watts/hour)
- 10 watt LED bulb (10 watts/hour)
- Tablet charger (12 watts/hour)
- Electric shaver (15 watts/hour)
- DVD player (15 watts/hour)
1 Portable Solar Panel (150 Watts) could run:
- Laptop (65 watts/hour)
- Sewing machine (75 watts/hour)
- Xbox One (75 watts/hour)
- Curling iron (85 watts/hour)
- 50 inch LED TV (90 watts/hour)
5 Fixed Solar Panels (1500 Watts) could run:
- Refrigerator (250 watts/hour)
- Desktop computer (300 watts/hour)
- Blender (400 watts/hour)
- Garbage disposal (450 watts/hour)
- Washing machine (500 watts/hour)
- Dishwasher (700 watts/hour)
- Space heater (750 watts/hour)
- Coffee maker (800 watts/hour)
- Electric stove (1000 watts/hour)
- Microwave oven (1200 watts/hour)
25 Fixed Solar Panels (7500 Watts) could run:
- Average-sized home (4000 watts/hour)
- Energy sent back to the grid via net metering (3500 watts/hour)
50 Fixed Solar Panels (15000 Watts) could run:
- Electric vehicle chargers (7500 watts/hour)
- Average-sized home (4000 watts/hour)
- Energy sent back to the grid via net metering (3500 watts/hour)
Which Type Will You Choose?
Solar panels are a good idea whether they’re fixed to your property or portable. The best option depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you appreciate the flexibility of portable solar and only need to charge smaller electronics, then portable solar panels are a great fit for you. If investing in a product that will cut electricity costs and increase property value is important to you, then fixed solar, on your roof or in your backyard, is the way to go. Either way, you’re saving money and taking care of the planet at the same time.
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