What Can You Power with a 100W Portable Solar Panel in the UK?
Worried that cloudy weather in the UK will render solar panels useless? The 100-watt portable solar panel can provide reliable power even on cloudy days. Thanks to solar energy technology, you can charge devices, run small appliances, and connect all essentials even on cloudy days. Whether you are at home, going out for camping, working remotely, or preparing for emergencies.
Let's explore how much electricity a 100 W solar panel can actually provide in the UK.
Table of contents
How Do 100-Watt Solar Panels Work?
Portable solar panels use the photovoltaic effect to directly convert sunlight into electrical power. The entire process is efficient and clean because it doesn't involve any fuel or mechanical movement. The photovoltaic effect and its working principle must be understood to comprehend how solar panels operate.
Photovoltaic Effect
Several solar cells make up solar panels, typically made of silicon. When sunlight hits the solar panel, electrons are excited, and this creates an electric field. We call this the photoelectric effect.
Here's how do solar panels work.
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Photons from sunlight strike the surface of the solar panel, exciting electrons to move and form DC.
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The panel transmits the DC through an output line. Some panels have USB, DC ports.
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The current first enters the charge controller, which is used to stabilise the voltage, prevent over-charging or over-discharging, and protect the back-end device or battery.
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If connected to a portable energy storage power supply or battery pack, the electricity will be stored in it for later use.
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If the current is stable enough, it can directly power small electronic devices.
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If you need to power 220V/AC appliances, you need to convert DC to AC through an inverter.
Basic Components of Portable Solar Panels
A portable solar panel is usually composed of the following parts：
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Solar Panel: Core power generation unit.
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Battery Packs: Store excess electrical energy.
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MPPT: Charging controller. Protects the battery and enhances efficiency.
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Inverter: Converts DC to AC for use in household appliances.
How Much Electricity Can a 100-Watt Solar Panel Generate in the UK?
Here’s a simple way to figure out how much power a 100 watt portable solar panel can generate on an average day:
Multiply the rated power of the solar panel by the peak solar radiation of a certain day.
You can use this formula:
Power generation (watt-hours) = Rated power (watts) × peak sunshine duration
For instance, in the UK, summertime sunshine lasts for 4 hours on average. So, a 100W solar panel can store 400Wh of electricity per day (100W × 4 Hr).
The solar panel's generator capacity can be affected by the intensity of light and other elements, such as:
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Weather: Sunny days offer more sunlight than cloudy or rainy days.
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Season: Generally, in the summer, there are more sunny days. The duration and intensity of light exposure will also increase accordingly.
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Installation Angle: Depending on the direction of the sun during the day, a 30° or 50° tilt towards the south provides the longest sunlight period.
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Shade Blockage: Buildings or trees that provide shade can also make storage less effective.
What Can You Power with a 100W Solar Panel?
In the UK, a 100W solar panel can produce 400Wh of power per day, which is enough to charge a mobile phone 40 times! Let's see what else it can power.
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Device
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Power
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Approximate Runtime/Uses
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Smartphone
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5W
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30–50 Charges
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Camping LED
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5W
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60–80 Hours
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Laptop
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42W
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6-8 Charges
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Mini Fridge
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60W
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4-6 Hours
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Note: The run time specified above is average and is only when that particular device is used. Combined usage will reduce the time.
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Assuming appliances aren't constantly running, a 100W portable solar panel should be able to run a cellphone, a laptop, a mini fridge, and an LED camping light.
Overall, a 100W solar panel can power all small power appliances in daily life. Used with a portable power station, it can meet the needs of short-term trips or camping out.
Is a 100W Portable Solar Panel Enough?
A 100W portable solar panel is enough for light power requirements, for daily use, or short-term out activities, especially for multiple low-power electronic devices.
For camping enthusiasts or outdoor photographers, Anker SOLIX C1000 + 100W solar panel is an ideal choice. It can reserve up to 2,048Wh of power, which is enough for all-day use, even for high-powered devices.
A Perfect Power Supply for Your Home
A 100W solar panel has become one of the most commonly used solar panels in households. For outdoor workers and camping lovers, the high portability is fantastic. It can serve as an entry-level solar accessory to help you understand solar power generation. Combine it with portable power stations or integrate multiple solar panels to achieve whole-house solar power generation.
FAQs
How Much Does a 100W Solar Panel Cost?
A 100W solar panel should cost around £249. Please note that this price is without the kit. If you opt for a battery kit, the price will rise, typically between £600 and £1,300.
Can I Use a Solar Panel to Recharge Mobile Phones or Laptops Directly?
Yes. You can use the solar panel to directly recharge laptops or cell phones if it has a USB or DC output. However, it is recommended to use it in conjunction with a portable power station for enhanced stability.
Can I Combine 2 Solar Panels?
Yes. Definitely. A higher power generation system can be created by connecting two 100W solar panels in parallel or by combining several 100W solar panels with 200W solar panels.
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