Mobile solar panels: quicky deployable without a fixed infrastructure or permit

Mobile solar panels form an excellent solution to many energy issues. The solar panels can be placed anywhere, since they can be used both in connection to the regular grid and in an independent smart grid setup. As such these panels are ideal for isolated locations. The Dutch government currently uses mobile solar panels for street lighting, traffic systems and signposts, among other things. In addition, they are currently experimenting with the implementation of solar panels into roads.

Entrepreneurs can benefit greatly from mobile solar panels as well. Since the panels are available in various sizes with various capacities it’s possible to set up a suitable solar installation for any situation. Depending on the energy demand a combination of solar panels, batteries and gensets can be put together to deliver reliable energy whenever needed.

The smallest installations generate enough energy to charge a mobile phone, medium installations can power CCTV, and the larger installations can (partially) take over the energy supply of a genset. Another important benefit of using solar energy is that it allow quiet and emission free operation, which makes solar installations ideal for construction, events, smart grids, business parks and more.

The difference between regular and mobile solar panels

The choice between regular and mobile solar panels largely depends on the situation in which they will be used. Both have their benefits and disadvantages. When the sun doesn’t shine another energy source must be available. Regular solar panels are usually connected to the grid because of this. If they generate more energy than is required, the leftover energy will be disposed of through the grid. It’s also possible to connect regular solar panels to a genset.

Mobile solar panels are often used in areas where a grid connection is either impossible or difficult to establish. The solution is to connect the panels to a battery and a genset instead. When the sun shines the solar panels provide the required power. When the solar panels cannot provide enough, the battery will take over. Only when the battery is empty does the genset come into the picture, which is then used to charge the battery.

Solar panels generate direct current. This often needs to be converted first, which can easily be done through the regular grid, but when a connection cannot be established there are alternative methods available. Bredenoord developed power electronics capable of handling this process off grid. Combined with a genset and possibly a battery it’s possible to set up a full off grid installation.

Working sustainably with solar energy

The use of transportable solar panels instead of diesel gensets or regular electricity contributes to reducing CO₂ emission and reducing the depletion of fossil fuels. Bredenoord finds this an important cause and contributes to it by offering a variety of rental energy solutions using solar energy: the Mini-SunBox and the Mobile Solar Plant. The Mini-SunBox generates around 7.5 kWh per day and is therefore well-suited for powering security cameras, lighting, cash registers at events, and other installations with low energy demand.

When the energy demand is higher, the Mobile Solar Plant can be of use. The total system delivers 58kW individual yield, which can be constantly monitored online. The Mobile Solar Plant can replace gensets when it’s sunny, thereby saving a large amount of diesel and reducing emission and nuisance.

A common objection to the use of solar energy is that the supply cannot be adjusted to the energy demand. Naturally Bredenoord offers various options in mobile energy storage, all of which allow easy and fast transportation. The big Smart Powerbank can step in whenever there’s not enough solar energy available. Another option is the ESaver, which ensures the energy is used as efficiently as possible. In addition to this, surplus solar energy can be saved for later use through the even bigger Big Battery Box, which is capable of storing up to 600 kWh of solar energy. Are you interested in learning more about the benefits of mobile solar panels for your project? Do not hesitate to call for more information or a free estimate.