I realize my blog focuses on alternative energy options for the home, but I wanted to take an entry to discuss some options when you’re looking for power on the go.  As solar energy technologies (and thin-film in particular) continue to improve at a dramatic rate, the solar energy products available to consumers have increased accordingly. If there are other products you’d like to see shared in this blog, please contact me and I’ll see what I can do!

Juice Bags ($199-$349)

Juice Bag ES100 Backpack by Reware

Juice Bags (by Reware) are a line of various bags with thin-film solar cells sewn into the sides. These are truly for those who need power on the go! Juice Bags offer 6.3 Watts of power, which will charge most small devices within 2-4 hours, using a standard car charger-style female socket. They have many styles to choose from, including beach totes (which they started with in 2007) to backpacks and messenger bags. They recently released the Profolio, which is a laptop bag aimed at the business professional. It is important to note that this technology is not capable of charging laptops, but Reware promises they have a solution for laptops and other large devices in the works!

The thin-film solar panel can be removed and used separately for those days you’re lounging at the park or at the beach (or you have a sunny windowsill).

PowerPockets (6.5W – $149.95, 12W – $275)

Another product offered by Reware is the PowerPocket. This is simply a foldable version of the thin-film solar panel (where smaller solar panels are linked together). This version has the advantage of increased portability, as well as the option of getting twice the power (12 Watts). I highly recommend keeping one of these in your emergency kits at home and in the car. This way, you’ll know that you (and your loved ones) can always be in contact in the case of a severe emergency.

Need Something That Will Charge Your Laptop?

For those of you who treasure their laptop and consider powering their laptop a primary concern, there is an option. GoGreenSolar.com offers the Voltaic Generator (I know, it sounds menacing, but it’s just a laptop bag with a solid (non-flexible) solar panel built into the side. This system generates up to a whopping 15 Watts of power and stores enough power in its internal battery to completely charge one laptop. The price tag for this technology?  $499.99.

GoGreenSolar.com Solar Backup Generator

Portable Backup Power for your Home or RV

GoGreenSolar.com offers a great Solar Electric Backup Generator Kit for those looking to power their campouts or for emergency power for their home. For just over $1000, you receive an 80W solar panel, 1500W battery with a dual outlet AC panel and a charge controller to make sure you don’t overcharge your battery. The battery can be charged from a standard outlet or from your vehicle as well. This system will power an 18-cubic foot refrigerator for 4 hours or a desktop computer and monitor for 2 hours on a single charge.

At 47″, it’s not something you’ll be strapping on your back (especially with the 60 lb battery!!), but for those looking for backup power for their home or RV, it’s a great choice!

For the DIY Guys and Gals

I’ve mentioned this in a prior blog, but most DIY solar panel kits (which typically offer instructions for creating solar panels for under $200) are for building 100W solar panels (similar to the one included in the backup kit above). With the appropriate battery setup (whether portable or stationary), you can power your home or RV as much as your batteries and the sun will allow!

Final Thoughts. In the world of portable solar power, there are several options to consider. For those who want power on the go, there are several options to meet your needs, whether you want to recharge your cell phone while tanning, keep your beers cold on your camping trip or powering your refrigerator during a power outage.

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Categories: Solar Panels

Tags: earth4energy, gogreensolar, juice bags, portable power, portable solar panels, portable solar power, powerpockets, reware, Solar Panels, solar power