Installing solar panels on your roof or RV is one way you can make your lifestyle more eco-friendly while getting the same amount of energy you need each day.
When it comes to getting panels for your home or vehicle, there are two primary choices available: fixed or portable. Both come with pros and cons, so deciding which option is best for you depends on a few key factors.
Below are some of the biggest differences when it comes to fixed and portable solar panels and why one option might better suit your needs.
1. Portability
The most significant difference between portable and fixed solar panels is portability or lack thereof. Installing fixed panels is excellent for your home or if you do not need to set them up in different places. Portability is helpful if you frequently camp or travel.
You can use essential portable solar panels on your own without the need for a company to install them on the rooftop of your home, RV, or in your garden. You just pack them up and move them between your vehicle and your home at any time.
2. Placement Options
Once fixed panels are installed on the spot, you can’t move them without having a company redo the installation. This can be costly and defeats the purpose of committing to one site. Fixed or mounted panels require drilled holes and cables that can be a bit of an eyesore if they’re for your RV.
Have the option to set them up outside your RV or in your garden, then put them away when they’re unnecessary and adjust the placement as needed. This can give you more control over your environment.
3. Charging Abilities
If you’re getting solar panels for your RV, one of the biggest benefits of choosing portable over roof-mounted is being able to charge them more easily.
Parking is no longer an issue with portable panels. You can park in the shade or in a spot that gives you the best view without the sun without forfeiting the crucial charging time. When it comes to fixed panels, they can only charge where the sun is out without the obstruction of clouds. This allows you to increase its charging power by finding the optimal angle each time you park.
Also read: How to Choose a Great Solar Panel Installation Company
4. Cost
Investing in portable panels is an excellent option if you don’t think you’ll be using a lot of solar energy or want to charge multiple power sources. Portable options can be more costly upfront, with a price comparable to a roof-mounted option depending on the size.
You can save some money because you’re opting out of the installation requirement, but the per-watt cost for a portable kit can be higher than the cost for a roof-mounted kit.
5. Commitment
If you’re not ready to commit to fixed solar panels, portable panels are an easy way to test the process to see if it’s right for you. You can start harnessing the sun’s power without spending a large sum of money on an installation.
If you start with a portable kit, then decide you want to commit to fixed panels, you can still keep your starter kit as an additional energy source for an extra charge or emergencies.
Becoming a Solar-Powered Household
Turning to solar energy is a great way to lower your emissions and save money on energy bills. These two reasons alone make a good argument for making the switch. But before you invest in new panels, use this guide to consider if the fixed or portable option better suits your energy needs in the long run.
