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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A mouse is an essential computer accessory that allows you to work with optimal comfort on a computer. There are several types of computer mice, including standard wired models suitable for everyone and more advanced models meeting specific needs. In today’s stores, you can find wireless mice, modular mice with additional buttons for gamers, multi-sensor mice or even USB mice for laptops. Faced with this multitude of choices, it becomes difficult to choose your computer mouse. This article reveals some tips for making the right choice.

What are the different types of computer mice depending on their connection method?

• Wired mice: wired mice with a USB sensor available plug into the computer’s motherboard via a USB port. You can also connect a wired mouse via a PS2 serial port. This is the case with old mechanical wired mice which have a more or less high number of DPI or sensors.
• Wireless infrared mice: unlike wired mice, they use the radio or available infrared waves to send signals to the computer. This type of non-wired mouse costs more than the classic models available. They have a better DPI or sensor.
• Wireless Bluetooth mice: unlike wired mice, these non-wired mice sense the available support on which they are placed to create an interaction with the sensor screen. This type of mouse is easier to use and particularly reliable. They have a higher DPI or sensor.
• Wireless Wifi mice: these non-wired mice do not work like wired mice, but like any wireless device. They send data to the available computer via WiFi signals or radio frequency (RF). Their DPI or sensor is also high.

What is a computer mouse?

In computing, the word “mouse” does not refer to rats or other types of rodents. It designates a control device with variable DPI, invented by the American engineer Douglas Carl Engelbart for computers (PC or laptop). It is held in the palm of the hand to navigate correctly on a computer screen. Depending on its DPI level, it is mainly used to point, select or click on elements displayed on the screen. It is available in several shapes, colors and sizes, including highly sophisticated models that offer great comfort of use on a computer.

How to choose a computer mouse?

• Types of mouse available with or without buttons: mechanical which works with a ball as a sensor, optical which works via an LED light as a sensor, laser which works with a laser sensor.
• Size: a mouse must correspond to the size of its user’s hand to offer optimal comfort of use with the buttons. The size of a mouse with or without buttons is usually indicated by exact measurements or S/M/L type indicators.
• The type of connection available: wired or wired for more secure use in professional premises or wireless for optimal use at home or on the move, with or without buttons.
• The available brand: certain brands of mice with available buttons are more appreciated for their reliability and durability, others for their aesthetics even without buttons and still others with or without available buttons for the notoriety of the manufacturer on the market.
• The available price: certain mouse models with or without available buttons are more expensive than others.

How to connect mouse devices to a computer?

Connecting a Bluetooth mouse to a Windows computer

• Activate your black non-wired Bluetooth or USB optical mouse.
• Hold down the pairing button under the mouse until the light starts flashing.
• A notification appears on the screen to indicate that the mouse is available. Choose “Connect” and wait while the computer completes the configuration.
• If the notification is not available on the screen, go to the “Start” menu, then choose “Settings”. In “Devices”, select “Bluetooth and other devices”. Then, select “Add a Bluetooth or other device”, choose “Bluetooth”, then “Bluetooth Mouse”, and finally click “Done”.
• The LED indicator on the mouse stops flashing once your optical mouse is paired with the sensor. It also remains available until you turn off your mouse with the ON/OFF buttons.

Connect a mouse to a wireless receiver

• Plug in the receiver of your non-wired optical mouse: insert it into one of the USB ports on your computer.
• Check if the batteries available in the mouse are inserted properly.
• Turn on the USB optical mouse: using the buttons on the bottom of the mouse or with the On/Off switch on the side.
• Press the pairing button: The pairing buttons are either between the two main buttons of the USB mouse or on the side.
• Test the connection: if the cursor on the screen moves, the optical mouse is connected to the web sensor. Otherwise, turn your mouse off and turn it back on again.

Connect a Bluetooth Mouse to a Mac

• Turn on the non-wired USB or Bluetooth mouse.
• Click on the Apple menu icon: it is located at the top left of the screen for right-handed people.
• Choose “System Preferences”: You’ll find this option at the top of the drop-down menu.
• Choose “Bluetooth”: it’s the blue icon which is topped by a white Bluetooth symbol.
• Click on “Activate Bluetooth”: this option is on the left of the window.
• Press the available mouse pairing button.
• The name of the available USB mouse is displayed on the screen. Click “Pair”.

FAQs

What are the two types of wireless mice?

There are 2 types of wireless mice :

• Infrared mice: work using a small infrared receiver connected to the computer.
• Bluetooth mice: also work using a small receiver to connect to the computer.

What is the difference between a mechanical mouse and optical mouse?

Unlike optical or laser mice that use sensors to track movement, a mechanical mouse relies on a small ball on its underside. When the mouse moves, its ball rotates, and the internal mechanisms convert this movement into movement of the cursor on the screen.

What are the 3 types of mice?

There are different types of mice :

• Mechanical mouse: mouse that works with a ball. The ball transmits mouse movements to the computer. …
• Optical mouse: mouse movements are analyzed by an LED.
• Laser mouse: mouse movements are transmitted using a laser.

What is the best mouse for gaming?

The Logitech G502 is the best value for money wireless gaming mouse. Impossible to ignore the Logitech G502. The Swiss manufacturer is refining its range of gaming mice with a wireless model equipped with Lightspeed technology.

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