A 160-Watt solar panel typically includes A-class solar cells that are incredibly powerful. They are best for charging batteries when it comes to outdoor camping, boating, tents, or any other kind of small to medium-sized generators.
With people and organizations around the globe now switching to solar energy and solar chargers, the need for understanding the power capacity of different solar panels increases.
Solar panels are available in different wattage, apparent through their weight and shape. The amount of wattage decides the output that the solar panel can provide to run our devices and machinery.
Let’s learn about 160-Watt Solar Panels and what can a 160-Watt solar panel run:
How Much Output Can a 160-watt Solar Panel Yield?
A singular 160-Watt solar panel carries an MC4 output. This universal output allows the 160-Watt solar panel to generate at least 700 Wh of energy on a daily basis.
In order to store this produced energy, you can use a solar generator or substitute this with 12V lead-acid batteries with a proper charge controller. With 19% efficiency, this conserved energy can be easily used to charge or power your devices whenever you need it.
What Does A 160-Watt Solar Panel Look Like?
A basic 160-Watt solar panel will be approximately 150 cm tall, 67 cm wide, and at least 3.5 cm thick. They are rectangular and can weigh around 10-10.5 kgs. It just seems like a window-like rectangular shape with rims both inside and outside to a plain eye.
What Can a 160-Watt Solar Panel Run?
Let’s take a look at what type of devices or machinery can 160-watt solar panel support:
Various USB Devices
A 160-watt solar panel is perfect for running almost all kinds of USB-powered devices such as USB fans and USB lamps. This also means that it can charge USB-run devices such as small speakers, humidifiers, nightlights, blue tooth earphones, and power banks.
Phone Charging
Regardless of where you might be, a 160-watt solar panel can easily give you enough juice to charge your phones and tablets. If keeping your small devices charged and running is the only thing you’re worried about, then a 160-watt solar panel will help you travel to places where you do not have to be dependent on electrical outlets.
Laptop, Printers & Computer-Related Accessories
Similar to handheld phones and tablets, a 160-watt solar panel can also support your computer and other productivity tools for you to get your work done. This includes printers, scanners, etc. If you are a wildlife/travel/camping blogger who likes to edit and post nature content on the go, then a 160-watt solar panel is the ideal choice as far as your work is concerned.
Wireless Network Routers
With a 160-watt solar panel, you can easily support wireless internet network routers to enjoy smooth running internet wherever you are (well, as long as there is coverage!)
TV, DVD Player & Other Entertainment Devices
A 160-watt solar panel has all your basic entertainment needs covered. You can easily run a TV and a DVD player on it without any hassle. With good streaming internet, you can access all your favorite streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and Apple TV.
Small Kitchen Appliances & Coffee Makers
A 500-watt coffee maker or a 700-watt Vitamix are appliances that you can easily run on a singular 160-watt solar panel. This can help you prepare your meals and beverages without drawing any energy from your electricity reserves. Not only does a solar panel save energy, but it is also cost-effective in terms of minimizing utility bills.
This particular wattage of solar panels is also enough for mini-fridges because they do not take as much power as large refrigerators. If you are camping on the go, then a 160-watt solar panel can help you live in luxury with access to most small motor kitchen appliances. You no longer have to survive on packaged foods or warm drinks on your trips!
LED & Other Decorative Lights
You don’t have to worry about increasing your electricity bills for using decorative lighting around the holidays or even just for fun. 160-watt solar panels can easily take the weight of led lights and decorative lighting that you may put up on your roof or around the house.
Moreover, if you are camping in an area with no electricity, you can use the power from your 160-watt solar panel to run LED lamps and lighting to brighten up your space.
What Can’t You Run on a Single 160-Watt Solar Panel?
A few appliances that a 16-watt solar panel will not be able to support, such as microwaves, air conditioners, electric kettles, toasters, etc. Basically, any appliance or device with a large power-draining motor will not be a wise option for a 160-watt solar panel.
Is a 160-Watt Solar Panel Waterproof?
Yes, a 160-Watt solar panel has a waterproof junction box attached to the backside, which makes it last in rain and high-moisture situations. At the same time, the solar panel is protected within a durable aluminum frame and a thick safety glass which makes it weatherproof.
A solar panel’s weatherproof and waterproof qualities make it ideal for mounting it on roofs of houses, buildings, buses, RVs, etc., to help it catch direct sunlight.
Our Final Thoughts
Well, the answer to the question of what can a 160-Watt solar panel run is pretty simple. It can be a great investment for supplying power to low-wattage devices and can be an excellent source for charging most of your devices.
A 160-watt solar panel is perfect for camping, RVs, and even for your homes, depending on what you’re trying to do with the energy you conserve. However, if at any point in time you feel that a 160-watt solar panel is not enough for you, you can always double it up to 320-watts to suit your needs.
