Portable solar panels offer new freedom. They allow you to have a  power supply everywhere. Space-saving and very efficient, they increase your autonomy on vacation and during all your travels.

What are portable solar panels?

Portable solar panels are miniature photovoltaic panels that convert the sun’s energy into electricity. They can power a charger or a portable battery. Lightweight and designed to be used everywhere, they allow you to  charge all electronic devices  : smartphone, camera, tablet, GPS, laptop, camera. With a panel measuring 32 x 17 cm and only 3 mm thick, you will be able to supply electricity to all your small devices such as smartphones or sports cameras. A 6W panel can produce 1500 to 3300 mAh per day.

Portable solar panels are suitable for all outdoor leisure activities: skiing, hiking or the beach. If you travel by motorhome, by boat or if you go trekking, you will considerably increase your energy autonomy.

The panel provides electricity directly or  stores it in a miniature battery . This is external for high-power panels or integrated inside a module for  extra-flat flexible panels . It is then possible to use the stored energy on cloudy days or even at night.

Portable solar panels offer efficiencies of 10% to 23%. Charging times are almost identical to those of the original chargers. If the panel is used live, one hour of charging provides 10 minutes of communication with a mobile phone.

Large models can be folded to save space. An unfolded panel of 47 x 21 cm takes up only 21 x 13.5 cm when folded. Reinforced eyelets make attachment easier. The weight of solar panels varies from 150 g to 2.5 kg. Smaller models have a USB connection.

More powerful panels offer a 12V or 18V output. High-end models are particularly efficient because they have most often been designed for military use. They are therefore suitable for intensive use, even in extreme conditions.

Two main types of portable solar panels

There are two types of portable solar panels:

single-layer panels: 

 There are two subtypes; monocrystalline silicon models and so-called amorphous models. Monocrystalline panels are the least expensive. Amorphous silicon panels are lighter and stronger but cost 20 to 30% more. The efficiency of amorphous silicon panels is lower (around 10%) but they can be used over a wider time range.

thin-layer flexible panels:

  These so-called second or third generation panels are made up of several layers. They have excellent performance and remain effective even when the light is reduced. Several materials can be used for their design: 

• amorphous silicon;
• and CIGS ;
• with CdTe;
• organic polymers. 

Flexible solar panels are thin and light. They can fit anywhere. The multifunction panels  allow you to recharge external batteries but also a laptop.

Main advantages and disadvantages

Solar chargers are   very useful for all outdoor trips. Batteries have a limited useful life, so it can be very useful to have a backup electrical source when you spend several hours or several days without access to a fixed electrical installation.

The main advantages of portable solar panels are: 

• their practicality  : they are light, compact;
• their effectiveness  : they are resistant and waterproof
• and their hardiness  : they can withstand temperatures from -40° to +60°.

Besides their many advantages, portable solar panels do have some disadvantages:

Sometimes limited compatibility: you must ensure before purchasing that the portable panel is compatible with the devices to be recharged.

As mobile devices need a constant power supply to properly recharge their battery, it is advisable to use a buffer battery when the weather is cloudy,

Some high-power batteries require the use of a voltage regulator or solar booster to regulate the charge and protect the system.

Mobile solar panels are more expensive per 100 watt peak than regular solar panels. 

For these reasons, it is recommended that you consider mobile solar panels if you want to use them in a place where there is no electricity grid. In that case, it is an excellent sustainable alternative to provide yourself with electricity. Do you want to use solar power at home? Then traditional solar panels are more efficient. 

FAQs:

How does a portable solar battery work?

Solar panels generate direct electric current (DC), which is subsequently directed to the solar battery. The battery consists of reversible electrochemical accumulators, making it rechargeable. Subsequently, the energy extracted from the battery passes through the inverter.

What are the three types of solar panels?

There are three distinct types of solar panels, each with its own unique characteristics and energy production methods. These include thermal panels, photovoltaic panels, and hybrid models.

Which portable solar panel to choose?

Here are the top 4 solar kits of 2024:

Beem On 460 W solar station: priced at 629 euros.

EcoFlow PowerStream 800 W solar station: available for 1,011 euros.

Beem Energy 420 W solar station: starting from 699 euros.

Sunology Play 405 W solar station: starting from 749 euros.

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In many advertising brochures, the devices are promoted as a healthier alternative to traditional frying. Is it pure marketing or is this way of frying really healthier?  So lets discover the health benefits air fryers, from reducing unhealthy fats in fried foods to offering versatile cooking options with minimal oil.

Understanding the Mechanics And Health Benefits of Air Fryers

An air fryer is actually a small, mini convection oven. This works by circulating hot air through the oven. It’s actually a combination of a fan and a grill. Thanks to the smart construction of this oven, you can achieve almost the same result as with a fat-based fryer. The food ultimately contains 80% less fat, but still becomes crispy and brown.

Unveiling the Maillard Effect in Air Fryers

The brown and crispy structure is because sugars and proteins change under the influence of heat. Scents and flavors are then released that are impossible for many to resist. For example, think of freshly baked bread or a piece of tender meat. Coffee, chocolate, peanut butter and beer also owe their taste to the Maillard reaction. The effect was discovered in 1912 by the French physician and chemist Louis Camille Maillard.

Assessing the Risk of Acrylamide Formation

When food becomes too hot or heated for too long, the Maillard effect can take hold. Acrylamide can then be formed. The World Health Organization (WHO) calls the substance ‘possibly carcinogenic.  There are indeed studies that find a link between acrylamide and an increased risk of kidney, uterine and ovarian cancer. According to one study, air fryers produce 90% less acrylamide than traditional oil-based fryers.

Identifying Other Harmful Substances in Fried Foods

Other substances can also be formed in food during prolonged heating. The barbecue is especially notorious because substances such as aldehydes, heterocyclic amines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons can be formed. The food then turns black and is actually charring. Fortunately, you can see this clearly with the naked eye. These substances are very unhealthy.

Examining the Impact on Glycemic Index

According to a study, the sugars in fries from the air fryer are less broken down than from the deep fryer, which means they score lower on the glycemic index. This means that blood sugar rises less quickly and less insulin needs to be produced.

Analyzing the Reduction in Fat Consumption

For frying with an air fryer you only need one or two spoons of oil at a time. This is much less than normal. The true advantage lies in the fact that you can now always use fresh oil of the best quality. When you use oil in a normal deep fryer, regularly replacing the fat is an expensive hobby. Actually, that should be the case, because fats oxidize quickly (especially vegetable oil). As an alternative, you can fry in heat-stable coconut oil, but this can also produce harmful substances after just a few fryings. That’s why I’m in favor of fresh oil.

Investigating the Effect of Oxidation

An Egyptian research institute took a closer look at the differences in deep frying and air frying. It soon became clear that the fats from the air fryer suffered less from oxidation than from frying. The peroxide value, an important oxidation marker, was much lower.

Debating the Overall Healthiness of Frying

Other scientists saw that the quality of the fatty acids present decreased when frying fish in the air fryer. That makes sense, because omega 3 and 6 fatty acids do not like heat. Cholesterol can also oxidize due to the heat. The researchers discovered that adding herbs such as parsley and chives significantly reduced cholesterol oxidation. Yet another reason to add spices to your meals while cooking!

Versatility of Air Fryers: Exploring Healthy Cooking Options

Although frying in the air fryer is healthier than frying, it just depends on what you prepare in it. If you still make flames, croquettes or cheese soufflés, you won’t get much out of it. Fortunately, the air fryer offers many other options. You can of course make homemade fries, but also roasted almonds, fried eggs, beet burgers, cakes, oatmeal apple cake, too many to mention. 

Addressing Concerns About Air Fryer Safety

Below par

According to the consumer association, half of the air fryers are not good. Some are even dangerous. There are air fryers that get so hot on the outside that burns are inevitable. The cheap types of vague brands are especially a risk.

Teflon

Unfortunately, almost all deep fryers have a thick layer of Teflon. Especially those from Philips. Teflon fumes can cause birds to die acutely, so this is certainly not healthy. So you have to look for an air fryer with a ceramic layer. They turned out to be happy!

The ceramic Multifry from DeLonghi and the actifry from Tefal are best. These also have many other advantages. You can make much more in it than in a normal air fryer.

Advanced Features in Modern Air Fryers

 The DeLonghi and Tefel have a scoop arm that allows vegetables to be stirred so that they are cooked evenly. You can also make a healthy oat-apple breakfast cake in it, for example. To see how your food is doing, with most air fryers you have to interrupt the process and open the device: the DeLonghi Multifry has a BPA-free viewing window, so you can see whether the food is ready to eat. This is why It is preferable. 

 Conclusion:

 Air fryers offer a promising solution for those seeking healthier cooking methods. By utilizing hot air circulation instead of oil immersion, air fryers can significantly reduce the amount of unhealthy fats in fried foods. Additionally, they provide a versatile cooking option, allowing for the preparation of various dishes with minimal oil, from homemade fries to baked goods. While concerns about certain health risks persist, proper usage and selection of high-quality air fryers can maximize their health benefits.

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By 2024, approximately 55% of businesses report using AI in some form, and this figure will only increase as business-facing AI tools grow and become more powerful. Commercial AI may be a foreign concept to you. But these 09 best free ai tools for business cover a wide range of AI applications in business,  each offering something that can help you save time or money.

Read on to explore the 09 best free AI tools for business and find the one that best suits your needs!

09 Best Free AI Tools for Business

ChatGPT

ChatGPT is the most powerful AI writing tool, and it is certainly the most popular AI tool at the moment. This is justified by exceptional writing output, with copies written at near-college levels.

Of course, the content generated is not always accurate. The tool has a habit of citing sources that don’t exist and hallucinating information that must be verified manually, and it works on datasets dating from 2021. But in terms of structuring content and proposing ideas, there is no better one.

Prices

• Free Tier – $0 per month
• ChatGPT Plus – $20 per month

Features

• High-level and professional writing tool
• Supports multiple languages
• Great for coding tips

Cons

• Working from a 2021 dataset
• Poor or no citations
• Sometimes refuses to generate content

Midjourney 

Write a description. Generate an image. This is Midjourney ‘s modus operandi and he does a great job creating images that can mimic certain styles. It’s a great tool for populating websites with unique images, although it’s not perfect.

Like many AI image generators, it has a tendency to mutilate hands, but that’s getting better. And if the generator doesn’t understand your prompts, you won’t even come close to the image you were trying to create.

Prices

• Basic plan – $10 per month
• Standard Plan – $30 per month
• Pro Plan – $60 per month
• Mega Plan – $120 per month

Features

• Generates exceptionally realistic images
• Four images per prompt
• Every image looks professional

Cons

• May struggle with more complex prompts
• Often spoils human hands

Jasper 

With four brand voice options, including the weird (but fun) pirate voice, Jasper does a great job writing in the tone your business needs. Its output is also solid, always sounding natural.

The tool is also fast, as Jasper positions itself as one of the best AI productivity tools for the sheer speed of its writing. Unfortunately, the lack of built-in fact-checking means you’ll need a copy editor to ensure everything it generates is accurate.

Prices

• Creator Tier – $49 per month
• Teams Level – $125 per month
• Business level – Variable pricing

Features

• Multiple branded voice options
• Generates a natural copy very quickly
• Great for brainstorming ideas

Cons

• Does not do any fact-checking
• May struggle with niche topics
• Modification almost always required

Descript 

Combine video editing, podcasting tools, and AI-generated (and editable) transcripts and you get Descript . Its editing tools, including simple multi-track audio editing and instant screen capture, are perfect for shooting videos. But its most notable feature is the tool that brought it to gaming: AI-generated transcripts.

Prices

• Free Tier – $0 per month
• Creator Tier – $12 per month
• Pro Level – $24 per month
• Enterprise Level – Variable Pricing

Features

• Great audio transcription tools
• Simple document-based video editing
• Integrated video hosting

Cons

• Confusing user interface
• Difficulties with non-native English speakers when transcribing

Grammarly 

In addition to offering one of the best free AI tools for basic grammar and spell checking, Grammarly offers a “Premium” tier that takes copy editing to a new level. He always checks spelling and grammar.

But it also checks your writing against the tone and audience you hope to reach, offering sentence restructuring suggestions so you create polished copy that’s free of common errors.

Prices

• Premium Annual Plan – $144
• Monthly Premium – $25 per user
• Business – Variable pricing

Features

• Great for checking basic spelling and grammar issues
• Suggests sentence rewrites for awkward passages
• Adapt suggestions based on tone and audience
• Supports US, UK, Canadian and Australian English

Cons

• Tends to get stuck making the same word replacement suggestions
• Only supports English
• Occasionally makes incorrect suggestions

Notion AI 

While it offers solid performance as a content generation tool, Notion AI really stands out when it comes to your meeting notes. It can analyze notes taken during a meeting, suggesting action steps you can implement within your company based on the content presented.

Its strength lies in simplification, making it perfect for creating summaries and simplifying complex writing.

Prices

• Free Tier – $0 per month
• Plus Tier – $10 per month
• Business Level – $18 per month
• Enterprise Level – Variable Pricing

Features

• Uses AI to summarize meeting notes and generate key takeaways and next steps.
• Practical content editing and simplification tools
• Can write an entire blog post
• Useful translation in over 13 major languages

Cons

• Has a steep learning curve
• Only has content-related commercial AI tools

AgentGPT 

Would you like to set up your own AI agent without needing to code? AgentGPT is the tool for you because it allows you to create AI agents based on your business needs using text prompts rather than complex programming.

The generated agents run from the GPT framework and do a great job of crawling the web for information based on your prompts.

Prices

• Free Tier – $0 per month
• Pro Level – $40 per month
• Enterprise Level – Variable Pricing

Features

• Create AI agents without any coding experience
• Generated agents follow the specific instructions you create
• With the “Pro” level, you can have up to 30 agents per day.

Cons

• Agents are tied to the GPT framework – which is not ideal if you don’t like GPT
• Customization so-so

Fireflies.ai 

Let’s say you just got off an hour-long recorded call. You don’t want to analyze that audio to get the best bits – it takes too long. Enter Fireflies.ai. The tool transcribes and summarizes your voice calls while also giving you the ability to search for the most relevant information.

Prices

• Free Tier – $0 per month
• Pro Level – $10 per month
• Business Tier – $19 per month
• Business – Variable pricing

Features

• Utilizes AI to transcribe and summarize business calls.
• Convenient search functions to find the most important parts of your calls
• Integrates with your Zoom calendar

Cons

• Transcription accuracy could be better
• Does not support video recordings

SaneBox

The biggest challenge in business email is simple: clutter. You receive so many emails that are completely useless beyond cluttering up your inbox. This ai tool provides a solution by sorting emails before they arrive, ensuring you only see what you need to see.

It does this by creating several folders where it sends your less important messages so that your inbox is free for business emails.

Prices

• Snack Level – $7 per month
• Lunch level – $12 per month
• Dinner Tier – $36 per month
• Aperitif Level – $0.07 per day

Features

• Automated creation and sorting of email folders
• Integrates with most major email clients
• You train the algorithm by dragging and dropping emails into folders as you go.

Cons

• Training can go wrong and cause you to miss important emails
• Tends to keep resending emails if recipient doesn’t respond

FAQs 

What are the best free ai tools for business?

Most of the tools on this list offer a free tier, which at least gives you the chance to experiment with the tool even if some features are limited. The free tier of HIX.AI is quite generous, giving you 3,000 words of GPT 3.5-generated content each month.

How can AI help businesses?

AI software tools can help your business in many ways. In this list alone, there are at least three tools that can assist you in generating and editing written content. Images aren’t a problem either, thanks to tools like Midjourney, and you’ll also find plenty of AI productivity tools that help sort your inbox or transcribe meeting notes.

What is the best AI tool?

The best artificial intelligence software options depend on your business needs. Some popular options include IBM Watson, Google Cloud AI Platform, Microsoft Azure AI, and Amazon Web Services .

What is the most efficient AI?

Midjourney has established itself as the best text-to-image (generative AI of images from text) with rendering quality that has long been unmatched.

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