The Lifespan of Portable Solar Modules for Camping
Life expectancy of portable solar modules is one of the fundamental pieces of information for campers who use this renewable source of energy. Portable solar energy offers many advantages, and due to the slow pace of wear and tear or degradation of these modules, people can rely upon them when they plan their trips. Because the wear and tear dynamics depend on multiple factors that are specifically related to the module, users should be aware of the average lifespan of such modules.
Factors Determining Lifespan
Quality of material – the lifespan of a portable solar module significantly depends on the type and quality of materials that have been used to create the panel. Monocrystalline silicon cells and other similar materials attached to robust frames have a much longer life.
Environmental conditions – various environmental factors, such as temperature fluctuation, humidity, and UV exposure, can influence the speed of a portable solar module’s wear and tear . However, users can avoid such influences by maintaining the modules in better conditions.
Frequency of use – when the modules are used frequently and stay in use for prolonged periods of time, they are more likely to degrade faster. When people use these modules occasionally, they can last a decade or more.
Range
As a rule, for regular portable solar modules created specifically for camping purposes, their lifespan fluctuates between 5 and 15 years. However, the actual lifespan can be much shorter or longer than that.
Case Study
One of the popular portable solar module, Goal Zero Solo and Nomad 7, has received positive feedback mostly due to the high-quality products the company makes. Furthermore, they are made with efficient monocrystalline technology and a built-in junction box and also feature a weather-resistant build to increase lifetime.
Maintenance
In order to ensure that the portable solar module lasts as long as it can, users can rely on the following maintenance practices:
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Regular cleaning of the surface of the modules to avoid shading and improve sunlight absorption. Panels can be cleaned with a soft cloth and a mild cleaning agent.
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Storage in a suitable location to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and to achieve a proper setup of the equipment.
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Inspection for damage to notice the necessity of repair or replacement in time.
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Avoidance of overcharging of batteries as this might affect their health and the lifespan of solar panels .
Environmental Factors Affecting Service Life
Climate Conditions
The climate a portable solar panel is exposed to greatly affects its life. High temperature, cold, and moisture can all take a toll on a solar panel. For example, in extremely hot environments, the solar panel’s cells cope with hot temperatures above the solar panels 100°F range, and as a result, can lead to a faster degradation rate of solar panels, which is a very dangerous situation in desert environments. In addition, in cold places where temperatures reach and even drop below freezing, the materials used to make the solar cells expand and contract, and in the long run, this could lead to cracking and delamination of the solar cell . Accordingly, they are more likely to have shorter life durability .
Usage Frequency and Intensity
Continuous use of solar may also affect its durability. The campaigning activities vary from one boy scout or girl guide to another. Some continuous unfold tall the solar panel to acquire enough solar power to serve during their camping. As a result, some may tend to have shorter durability during their camping. Others camp several times, and thus solely unfold the solar panel a few times; for this case, solar panels tend to have longer durability. In addition, some campers use solar to charge every electronic device they have in their possession; with such campers, the solar is more likely to have shorter life spans compared to those who leave their solar charging with no use for the solar. For example, with constant use of the solar to charge and run every fast and device, the solar of a specific camper is folding may render it unusable in three years. On the other hand, the solar of the other camper, who uses it for lighting purposes only, is more likely to be usable for twice as long, that is, six years.
Quality of materials
Low quality of silicon and glass used to make the solar panel may also lead to a short lifespan. Most high-quality portable solar panels are more likely to last longer since the materials used to manufacturer them are of good quality. The substandard materials used to manufacturer contrary to other solar are made using low quality silicon and glass; for only to degrade within no time. For example, solar featuring high solar cells and an aluminum frame fill is going to serve for long compared to the plastic foldable solar from some local manufacturers.
Effect of Maintenance Strategies on Service Life
If you do not have a regular plan for cleaning portable solar panels, putting a cleaning one in place can enhance their lifetime. The process of cleaning limits the dust, dirt, and debris that accumulate on their surfaces. By doing so, they retain the required optimal conditions, ensuring long service. For instance, although cleaning can be done after varied durations, during monthly cleaning, the flat brush, and mild detergent will prevent efficiency from ranging from 21% to 25% .
Having the Panels in a Safe Place
It is important for solar users to ensure that mobile panels are set up in the right place. When they are not in use or are being transported, their place will impact more on their long durability. If users wrap them when they are not in use, safe enough from water and moisture, they will last longer. For example, where and how they are kept will determine how fast the ultraviolet rays will degrade them. If they place these important resources in a cool place, the sun will not reach them since during peak periods, they will have put them to use in power production.
Having Preventive Measures
You must also be your own “guard” in terms of care and maintenance that prevents damage. It requires a number of measures, which if adopted early and on time, will trigger knowledge of how a shorter period of damage will go through. For instance, during inspection, if you find a bolt or a pole not firmly fixed, tighten it with necessary tools . It is in such cases that damage will not occur even before the specialist who will see it in the quarter of the year comes.
Early Signs of Component Aging and Preventive Measures
Discoloration or Fading
Discoloration or fading of the solar panel surface may indicate that the panel is getting old of failing . This may appear in the form of a faded black color or white or light-colored streaks. To address this issue, harsh brush or harsh detergent should be avoided during the regular cleaning of the solar panel. In addition, a protective coating designed for solar panel may mitigate or reduce the effect of the UV light on the solar panel.
decreased power output
decreased power output in solar panel is relative to the amount of power that could have been produced when the unit was new. It is evidence that the panel is aging and may result from a variety of factors, solar cell damage, soiling, or electrical problems. to mitigate this problem, a multimeter or a portable solar panel analyzer should be used monthly to detect problems associated with the solar panel. In addition, removing and tightening the connections to ensure the solar panel’s power output is not restricted is an effective mitigation measure.
delamination, cracks
delamination of solar panel arises due to a severe environmental condition and is evidence of structural aging to the solar panel . Cracks appear as relatively fine or large marks on the panel . Missing or damaged solar panel decreases can be repaired or replaced, thinking of another solution closer to routine. In addition, epoxy can be used to smoothen the crack on the solar panel.
hotspots
hotspots or an increase in the resistance to the flow of electricity when the solar panel is in use is evidence of component aging and potentially failing. To address this solar panel, the roof-mounted array should be inspected using the available infrared thermography equipment. A solar panel untouched by soiling dust, powder , should be checked to identify the flow of electricity in the solar panel and other cells becoming warming up. The mitigation measures to prevent central heating and cooling of the solar panel include checking of the hardware to ensure the cells are not aged differently.
Corrosion, rusting
Panel frames and mounting hardware are likely to be corroded or rusted, as the metal used may degrade in the presence of air underneath the panel. To resolve this issue, corrosion-resistant or corrosion hard structures should be used for the frame and mounting hardware. In addition, a sealant or a protective coating may use on the solar panel. Regular maintenance and inspection may be necessary to identify the signs of rust early on.
