It seems like everyone is talking about the environment these days. In particular, everyone is worrying about climate change and the effects of industrialization on the planet. Many are looking for ways to reduce their ecological footprint and live more energy-efficient lives. One way to contribute is through green technology. That’s what led to the emergence of sustainably generated and ecological portable power banks.
These high-capacity, high-power banks store energy generated by the sun directly into usable electrical energy. Thanks to their sustainable energy sources, you’ll never be forced to worry about running out of power again since you always have the option of recharging. You’ll also be doing your bit to save the environment.
Let’s take a closer look at portable power banks and the energy they contain, shall we?
What Is A Power Bank?
Put simply, a power bank is a battery pack that you can carry around with you to charge up electronics devices that you use regularly. They are similar to wall warts but have large batteries that can store more energy. It would be best to think of them as portable solar panels since they generate energy directly from the sun. Of course, you should always avoid being in the direct sun since this can cause overheating and even fire. (Think about it, the sun is always hot and could easily cook you if you are not careful.)
These days, you’ll find many different types of power banks produced by various companies. They range from tiny devices that you can wear on your wrist to larger cases that can hold more than a hundred fifty milliampere-seconds of charge. Some even have multiple outputs so they can charge multiple devices simultaneously. (This makes charging up to five devices simultaneously a cinch.)
Why Are Solar Powered Power Banks Popular?
If you’re looking for an alternative, renewable energy source that has the potential to reduce your ecological footprint and let you travel further without worrying about fuel costs, you’ll find many solid reasons to choose solar powered power banks. It would be best to mention a few of these here.
- They reduce your carbon footprint by relying solely on sustainable energy
- They cut down on your fuel costs since they require no gasoline to operate
- They let you forget about power outages since you always have a backup energy source
- They let you be independent from the power grid since you are not connected to it
- They reduce your dependence on fossil fuels (petroleum and natural gas) which cause climate change
How Do They Work?
You may know that electricity isn’t always available in all parts of the world, especially in developing countries. It’s not easy to transport fuel to generate electricity on-the-fly whenever you need it. This is why many people turned to energy storage solutions such as these high-capacity, high-power banks.
These energy storage solutions help solve the problem by providing a constant source of electricity that you can rely upon whenever you need it. You won’t have random outages when you’re traveling or working in other countries since you can always charge up again when you get back to your home country. (This is even more important when traveling in developing countries where your devices may not operate on the electricity grid at all.)
Are They Safe To Use?
You’ll always want to make sure that you purchase a quality product from a reputable company since you’re going to be putting your trust in another person’s hands. Sadly, there are scammers out there who will try to trick you into thinking that their cheap products are in some way better than they are. (Don’t be fooled, the cheaper the product, the more likely it is that it has been manufactured cheaply and by less-than-scrupulous means.)
When you buy a solar powered power bank from a reputable company, you can rest assured that it was made using high-quality and environmentally-sound materials and processes. These companies have to adhere to demanding standards for product safety and sustainability.
How Many Watts Can They Generate?
This is one of the most important numbers to look at when considering a solar powered power bank since it determines how much electricity you can get out of it. You can find this value on a manufacturer’s website or by contacting the company directly.
Many solar powered power banks have this value stated plainly on their packaging, so you don’t have to go online to research it. Remember: bigger is not always better when it comes to increasing your output. (Some devices are designed to operate at a certain voltage, so if you go above this limit, you may damage your electronics.)
How Long Does It Take To Charge Up?
No one wants to wait an eternity for electronic devices to charge up, especially when you’re on the go.
Fortunately, solar powered power banks are designed to be as quick as possible to charge up. This is because you want to minimize the time you’re away from electronic devices (which can be dangerous if there’s no power available for long). These devices have a designated charging port for transferring the stored energy directly into your electronics as quickly as possible. Some have a solar panel on one end and a USB charging port on the other, making it easy for you to charge up even when you don’t have access to electrical outlets.
Because they’re charged by the sun, solar powered power banks are best used outdoors. (The majority of them are water-proof and have an IPX rating, which means they can be submerged in water for up to an hour and still operate without malfunction.) This is why many people choose to carry them in their backpacks or travel bags when they’re traveling. When you’re not using them, store them in a cool, dry location. These devices are highly sensitive to extreme temperatures and can be damaged or destroyed by exposure to the elements or extreme heat.
Are There Any Differences Among The Models?
Not really, among the top-notch and reputable companies that make solar powered power banks, there aren’t any major differences in the way they work. While some do come with additional features that are worth having, these aren’t essential for most people. (Think about it, not every device needs a flashlight, but it’s usually good to have one.)
It’s always best to purchase multiple power banks and store them in a convenient place in case one gets damaged or lost. This way, you can prepare for the worse and ensure that your electronics are always charged when you need them. Even better, it’s also good to have multiple banks stored in different locations so if one stops working, you have another to fall back on. (No one likes to be in a predicament where they’re without power and don’t know what to do.)
In the grand scheme of things, there aren’t really that many differences among the top-notch solar powered power banks. They are built using the same general materials and the same general design. (The only real differences are in the software that’s pre-installed and the cosmetic stuff like the case.) While it’s true that more expensive models generally have better materials and craftsmanship, only the best hardware will make your electronics work at their best.
What Are The Best Models?
If you’re looking for a way to generate your own energy and reduce your dependence on foreign oil, it would be best to go with a model made by a reputable company. The chances are that they will have the resources to develop products that are built to last and ensure that your electronic devices receive the correct voltage (since this can vary from country to country and depending on the type of equipment you have). In other words, you’re supporting a company you can feel good about buying from.
For the best user experience, look for a solar powered power bank with a dedicated charging port. This way, you won’t have to futz with the various plugs and wires that come with different electronic devices. (Who wants to keep messing with these when you could be using the power bank?)
When it comes to a portable power bank, bigger isn’t always better. It depends on what you need it for. If you need to store a large amount of energy for long durations, look for a smaller model. Alternatively, if you need something that’s going to be used frequently, look for a larger version. Ultimately, it’s all about what you need and what you’re willing to pay for.