Portable/mini solar panels

[tripp]

That sounds about right.

[icarus]

We live off grid for much of the year, and I build and install PV systems for a living. My Apples draw ~ 60 watts when fully discharged, ~30 just to run.

When you do a calc about how many watts of panel you need for any given task, you have to consider charge efficiencies, hours of (good) sun versus how much run time (load), how long you are willing to go without plugging in etc.

We use ~ 500 watt hours of power per day for all purposes. We generate that with 200 watts of panel, and get about 6 hours of good sun on the panels per day.

I suggest that you visit the following site if you are really serious about PV solar: Solar Electric Discussion Forum - Powered by vBulletin

Icarus

PS The retail cost of panels alone are ~$5/watt. As you get into smaller, portable panel systems, they get pricier. Watch out for cheap e-bay type systems.

[Froley1]

i carry a very small but expensive--and very nicely designed folding panel for my cellphone as possible backup power in my messenger bag---which seems to work well although i've never used it when the phone is completely depleted-----new mexico's sunshine helps---i purchased one of the roll up panels off ebay for my laptops---just in case--------but have never used it as of yet....
regards
Froley

[ScubaGypsy]

I purchased the 25 W Sun Catcher Expedition 4 years ago. This unit is pricey but nice in that it folds up and is truly portable, has a DC female outlet and features single crystalline solar cells. I'm thinking of wiring my Prius with the 12 Vdc outlet always on so that I can place this on my dashboard and charge my start-up battery when I leave my car at the airport for extended time as I've had problems in the past.