PowerFilm - 4.5 Watt Roll-up Solar Panels

If you think of solar panels only as heavy boxes on rooftops, or spread in a field, you will be surprised to learn that solar panels can be rolled up and carried in a briefcase or backpack.

PowerFilm 4.5 watt roll-up solar panels, in white and black, are paper-thin. These durable, very flexible solar panels are made by Iowa Thin Film Technologies. While some quote the smallest at 4.5 watts of power, we found other websites averaging that to 5 watts.

PowerFilm solar panels are available in 3 sizes:

* 5 watts - 11.5 x 21 inches - weight: 0.6 pounds
* 10 watts - 11.5 x 38 inches - weight: 1 pound
* 20 watts - 12 x 73 inches - weight: 1.9 pounds

Flexible

Perhaps the biggest selling point of PowerFilm roll-up solar panels is that they are completely flexible. They can be rolled completely and inserted into a tube. They can be rolled and placed in a backpack. You can stretch these solar panels on the grass, or drape them over a tent or picnic table.

Strong

PowerFilm roll-up solar panels are strong and durable, too. You don’t have to worry about someone walking on them accidentally. If you get one wet in the rain, or while crossing a stream, simply dry it off.

Useful

You can use PowerFilm roll-up solar panels for a variety of applications. Recharge cell phones, cameras, and other rechargeable electronics. If you want to install one permanently on your tent or backpack, simply attach it with PVA glue. The roll-up solar panels are integrated with a fabric backing. You can use them on a boat, or at a remote campsite.

Roll-up solar panels can be used 3 easy ways:

1. Charge or run devices that use a vehicle’s 12V cigarette lighter.
2. Charge wireless electronics
3. Charge most Lithium, NiCad, and NiMH batteries.

PowerFilm roll-up solar panels can also be joined together with a daisy chain accessory, giving you increased current output (Amps).

Iowa Thin Film Technologies makes accessories for their PowerFilm, too. Power can be increased, or stored, with the right accessories.

Solar PowerPockets

The PowerFilm 4.5 watt roll-up solar panels’ “thin film” technology is used in other Portable Solar panels as well. While these products may not roll as the PowerFilm does, they are extremely lightweight, and easy to take wherever you go. You can, it is said, generate electricity anywhere, as long as you have sunshine.

The makers of the extremely versatile Juice Bag also offer PowerPockets. Small enough to keep in your car’s glove box. Or put it in your bike saddle bag. Keep a PowerPocket with your camping equipment. Use it to power cell phone, GPS, battery pack, or iPod anywhere there’s sunlight. Larger PowerPockets charge most micro-devices as fast as you could by plugging them into the wall electric outlet.

Juice Bags

For top convenience, “thin film” solar panel technology has been applied to backpacks, daypacks, and messenger bags. These Juice Bags have “thin film” on their backs, giving you ready access to solar panels, no matter where you go. Simply wear your Juice Bag, and you are ready to generate electricity.

We reviewed Juice Bags on this site. You can read our review by clicking here. Or click on the blue Juice Bags button at the top of this page, just under the header picture.