Portable Solar Power System

A portable solar power system can help you get free energy from the sun wherever you are. Many people are considering solar energy in one form or another to meet some of their energy needs.

Use them to power your laptop computers, recharge your phone batteries or keep the lights on in an emergency. In fact, the more you know about portable solar power systems, the more you'll realize how handy they can be.

BEWARE: Silicon Solar Portable Solar Power System

Silicon Solar offers a portable system that is small enough to carry with you. The system comes complete with the solar panel, an inverter, a battery carrying case and a charge controller package. The solar panel folds up to a compact 6" x 14".

CUSTOMER ADVISORY: In reviewing this product, we found an avalanche of negative feedback on Silicon Solar. Based out of New York, this company has had huge issues with customer service and not coming through with orders.

During our research, we found a gardening Web site that offered quite a discussion about this company. Their users registered 3 positive, and 24 negative feedbacks.

This is not the only site with pervasive negative things to say about SiliconSolar.com

The Power Source 1800

The Power Source 1800 is another product that has received a ton of bad press. It costs nearly $2100.

We found one off-the-grid portable solar power discussion, in particular that made the case that it is possible to put together a system that is three times more powerful at about half the cost....just by what could be found on Ebay.

The links to Ebay are long-since expired, but I like the case that is made.

Be wary of the Power Source 1800

Solio

Solio is a portable solar power system that has a very good reputation!

Solio makes several different portable battery chargers that use solar power. You can charge your phone, PDA, GPS, camera, Mp3 player, and much more. Prices are very reasonable.

The Classic can be used with over 3200 different devices. Once you have the Classic charged, it can hold the energy for up to a year.

The Classic has 3 highly efficient solar cells, a multi function LED light/start button, a charging cable, and a long life internal lithium-ion battery. It is small enough to slip into a large pocket or briefcase.

The Solio Mono also works with over 3200 devices. This one is small enough to fit into your pocket. It comes with one highly efficient solar cell, a multi function LED light/start button, a slightly smaller lithium-ion battery, a charging cable input, and it has an impact resistant Lexan shell.

The Solio Rocsta has a built in carabiner so you can attach it to your belt loop, backpack or bike. Like the other Solio models, it works with over 3200 devices. It has the same capabilities and functions as the Mono, with the addition of the carabiner and a rugged Lexan shell to withstand an active lifestyle.