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100-Watt Solar Panel: Affordable and Effective for Outdoors and Emergencies

Our homes and commercial spaces heavily depend on a consistent electric power supply. Without this supply, we will be disconnected from our essential devices for our day-to-day activities. The best solution is a sustainable, affordable, and effective backup power supply, such as a solar panel system. 

Solar panels are one of the most popular renewable energy resources today. According to the IEA, solar PV power capacity is expected to surpass that of coal by 2027, becoming the largest source of power in the world.[1] Those new to solar panel systems may want to start somewhere small and affordable, so the solar panel 100-watt is a good choice. This basic solar panel system with a solar generator can power up your essential devices without breaking the bank. 

You can use these solar panels in case of an emergency or when you are facing a sudden power breakdown. Moreover, they are not limited to home use and are equally popular among remote users and travelers!

What is a 100 Watts Solar Panel?

Solar power has grown in popularity, with an increasing number of people using 100-watt solar panel systems to make their lives easier. But before you begin, you will want to know how these solar panels work: 

  • How Do They Work?

Like all solar panels, the 100-watt solar panel will convert captured sunlight into electric current. Solar panels do so through the use of photovoltaic (PV) panels. These panels are usually made of silicon or similar semiconductor layers installed within a metal frame with a glass casing. 

To generate an electric current, you need an electric field. The silicon slices are given a positive and negative charge on opposite ends to create an electric field. When light rays hit the material, the photons (packets of light energy) will knock out electrons from the cells and set them in motion. The electrons will then follow the electric field, creating a flow of electricity. 

 

This electricity is usually in the form of DC power, which is stored inside a solar inverter or solar generator. This will not only store the power for later use but can also convert it into an AC used to run home appliances. Under optimal conditions, the solar panel should produce 100 watts of electricity in one hour. 

  • Connect Them with Your Solar Generator System

If you want extra juice, you can consider connecting your solar panels to a solar generator system. With a power station, a solar panel of 100 watts can only power up a limited number of smaller devices. If you want to power up larger devices such as refrigerators, heaters, or pressure cookers, you may want to use a solar generator. 

A solar generator system can be considered a power station that combines portable solar panels and inverters to capture, store and convert solar power. This power is stored for future use. The best part of using a solar generator is that some providers allow you to expand its power capacity by connecting further solar panels and battery packs. 

Benefits of 100-Watt Solar Panels

There are several obvious benefits of starting with a smaller 100-watt solar panel before you upgrade to larger, heavier variants. 

  • Affordability and Cost Savings

The most obvious advantage is that they are affordable. Not all residential homes or commercial systems need large panels on their roof to meet their energy needs. Not to mention a quick jump to solar will result in hefty upfront costs that not all can afford. The best approach is, to begin with a more modest model, such as a 100-watt solar panel. 

The average cost for solar panels varies, depending on the make and model. A 100-watt solar panel will cost you just around $100 to $300. Adding a solar generator and battery pack to the mix could support more equipment, but they’ll be comparatively more affordable than a full-blown residential solar system. 

  • Versatility and Scalability

A 100-watt solar panel is versatile, portable, and scalable thanks to its small size and lightweight design. You can utilize them in various settings, whether at home or on the road. Most 100-watt solar panels should be able to power up laptops, smartphones, electric fans, LED lamps, fluorescent lights, Wi-Fi routers, desk printers, and other small devices. 

Additionally, these solar panels are scalable. You can build up your power capacity by adding new solar panels and battery packs (for storing power). Most homeowners will start from small to test the 100-watt solar panel’s capabilities and then add solar panels to adjust according to their complete power needs. Moreover, if you don’t have enough space to install complete solar panel systems, you will prefer the smaller 100-watt varieties. 

  • Environmental Benefits

Solar panels are a renewable form of power. They rely on the sun’s energy which is virtually infinite and available in all corners of the globe. At the same time, solar panels produce minimal to no greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional forms of power, such as fossil fuels. These greenhouse gasses have disastrous effects on the Earth’s climate, leading to an increase in the average global temperature. 

Beyond this, traditional electricity production is known to waste thousands of liters of water each year. The US energy system demands 58 trillion gallons of water annually, of which 3.5 trillion gallons are freshwater.[2] This water is used to produce, transport, process, and convert energy. With solar panels, you do not require any water for energy production, therefore protecting our finite freshwater reserves. 

So, switching to a 100-watt solar panel system will not only allow you to reduce your carbon footprint and promote sustainability practices but will benefit the environment in several ways. 

  • Energy Independence

Another major reason you should consider getting a 100-watt solar panel is its energy independence. It means being capable of producing and storing your own energy without having to rely on your electric grid’s supply. The grid’s power supply isn’t error-free. Most households experience some form of power outage, on average, at least twice a year.[3] With a solar panel backup, you won’t have to worry about such outages. 

With energy independence, there comes a reduction in your overall utility bills. Users connected to the grid are subject to utility rate increases yearly. With a solar panel system, you no longer have to pay for the power you use or worry about such price hikes. You can also choose to alternate between your grid and solar power supply whenever it is feasible to cut down on electricity costs. 

Powering Outdoor Adventures and Emergency Preparedness

Solar panel systems are a great choice to keep your essentials powered up during outdoor adventures and prepare you for emergencies. 

  • Camping, Hiking, and RV Trips

100-watt solar panel systems have a conveniently compact, portable design that makes them incredibly easy to carry and set up. These portable solar panels have become popular for camping, hiking, and RV power needs. Whether outside or settling in for the night, a solar panel-based power supply will supply you with enough power to keep your essentials powered without additional costs. 

These solar panels are easy to set up and maintain, making them a great trip add-on. They will further operate without any noise, as is the case with traditional electric generators. You can sleep soundly during your trip without dealing with the noise of machinery in the background. Finally, solar panels are also extremely environmentally friendly, making them a better choice on your end. 

  • Emergencies, Power Outages, and Natural Disasters

Power outages can be the result of several reasons. There could be a fault in the national grid life, a natural disaster, poor weather conditions, or even faulty electrical wiring at home. No one is completely secure from an impending power outage. Of course, the impact of power outrages is also unpredictable. Your ongoing activities may be interrupted midway, but all you can do is pray. It will not only waste your time but also make you live in anxiety. 

This is why savvy homeowners will ensure they have a secondary power supply, such as a 100-watt solar panel. In the case of an emergency or a power outage, you can simply switch to the solar panel power supply and keep running your essentials. A 100-watt solar panel will supply enough power to run your lighting and communication devices. 

Jackery’s Solar Generator Solutions: Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

Several solar power solutions are available in the market, including a wide variety of 100-watt solar panel systems. Of course, these solar panels on their own can bring benefits. Moreover, you need a reliable storage device with them to store your solar power for future use. The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus model, a state-of-the-art solar generator, is recommended. 

1. Expansive Power Capacity

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus features an expansive 2 kWh power capacity. The best part about this solar generator is that it is expandable. You can add more solar panels and battery packs to boost its capacity to 24 kWh – this is more than enough to power up your small or larger appliances in an emergency or when you are on the road. 

2. Long-Lasting Battery

Beyond its excellent power capacity, it is constructed using a long-lasting LiFePO4 battery, capable of delivering over 4000 charge cycles while sustaining a battery level of 70%! This means your solar generator will have an estimated 10-year lifespan, even with daily use. 

3. Solar Efficiency

This solar generator carries a solar efficiency of up to 25%, whereas the average solar panel efficiency is just around 15%-20%.[4] At the same time, these solar panels generate up to 50% more power in low-light conditions than conventional solar panels.

 4. Multiple Charging Modes

This solar generator can be recharged using your solar panels, an AC, or a car adapter. It is optional for scenarios where you are experiencing poor weather or need to recharge during the night. 

5. Eco-Friendly

This Jackery solar generator has received TÜV carbon-neutral certification confirming its commitment to decarburization. It further releases no toxic waste or fumes and conveniently operates at only 30 dB.

6. 5-Year Warranty

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus offers customers a 3-year and extended 2-year warranty if they purchase the generator from Jackery’s official website. 

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus: Ideal for Off-Grid and Remote Living 

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus offers brilliant charging capabilities, perfect for off-grid and remote living. If you plan to go off-grid, the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is a great power source. Since you can build up on its power and storage capacity, you can power all your essentials, large and small devices. In particular, you can use it to power your portable air conditioner, electric pressure cooker, microwave, kettles, coffee makers, drones, smartphones, laptops, refrigerators, and other home devices or devices for outside activities.

At the same time, having a portable solar generator is a great idea if you are planning to move somewhere remote or are hosting a remote business such as a remote farm, remote excavation sites, or construction areas. It allows you to get through your day-to-day activities without fear of power loss. 

About Jackery

Jackery is one of the most recognized manufacturers of solar-powered energy solutions. Established in California in 2012, Jackery has quickly established itself as a pioneer of the solar generator industry with over 295 patents around the globe. The brand is also the manufacturer of the world’s first outdoor portable power stations and the world’s first portable solar panels, just two years apart! Jackery’s solar panels and solar generators are allowing individuals worldwide to realize energy efficiency, energy independence and be mindful of their carbon footprint! The solar generators made by Jackery are encouraging more people to enjoy outside activities and call on people to protect the Earth. 

Reference
  1. Solar PV still dominates renewable energy capacity additions. Available at: https://www.iea.org/energy-system/renewables/solar-pv (Accessed: 8 August 2023)
  2. The U.S. energy system uses a lot of water — but exactly how much? Available at: https://news.usc.edu/148541/energy-consumption-requires-a-lot-of-water-but-just-how-much/  (Accessed: 8 August 2023)
  3. New Data Reveals 84% of Americans are Concerned About Growing Power Outages. Available at: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-data-reveals-84-of-americans-are-concerned-about-growing-power-outages-301634021.html (Accessed: 8 August 2023)
  4. How Efficient Solar Panels Are in the UK? Available at: https://www.greenmatch.co.uk/blog/2014/11/how-efficient-are-solar-panels  (Accessed: 8 August 2023)