Solar Tables: Everything To Know About
Solar panels are everywhere these days. They are on rooftops, in backyards, and even on the space stations to generate clean energy.
But what if I told you that you can also use solar panels to meet your power needs while sitting at a table with other people? If this sounds crazy to you, you're not alone.
Because this is exactly what solar-powered tables are intended to do.
We will take a look at everything there is to know about solar tables, from what they are, how they work, and how you could build one yourself.
What are solar tables?
Solar tables are tabletop solar PV systems that harness the sun's energy while providing table functionality and a sleek, modern design. They allow us to generate our own clean energy while enjoying a meal outside or at an indoor event.
Before we delve into any further, I want to clarify a very important point.
The term “solar table” doesn't refer to a single type of setup, but to a variety of different installations that bring a table with PV cells together. But primarily, there are two different designs I want to specifically mention.
“SolarCity Tables” by jurvetson is licensed under CC BY 2.0
The first design is a table that has a surface that's embedded with solar cells. This is what most people understand when they hear the term “solar table”. We will refer to this design as a “tabletop solar system” through this article.
However, there is a second design also named “solar table” but it is quite different than the first one.
The second design is a regular table but it is shaded with solar panels. With this design, the solar panels are not integrated into the table but installed above it. What that means is the table itself is not generating electricity but rather the solar panels covering it.
Although the second design is not a truly solar table design it is still named a “solar table”.
Because the people sit around a table and benefit from solar energy. This type of design is very similar to a solar umbrella since the panels above the table function like an umbrella shading the people sitting underneath.
Today, we'll specifically look at tabletop solar designs to assist you in determining whether you should buy one, build your own, or not bother since it may not be worth it.
How do tabletop solar systems work?
Tabletop solar systems are tables with photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight into electricity.
The generated power is then stored in battery packs for later use when direct sunlight is unavailable. A tabletop solar system may be equipped with a lighting system, built-in devices, and other plug-in appliances through its USB ports.
Tabletop solar panels are intended to be used for tabletop purposes, but not as full replacements for traditional electricity sources like central power lines or large battery packs.
They are useful for providing extra power when people seated around a table need to charge their phones or use other low-power devices. Tabletop systems can be installed in any location, indoors or outdoors however they will work best in bright, direct sunlight.
They can be as small as a 1 square foot coffee table or as large as a conference room table depending on the design and the power needs of the users. Therefore, if I mention a specific feature like built-in speakers, it's not to say that all tabletop panels come with speakers but instead just to provide you an example of one specific feature.
Ideally, tabletop solar tables need direct sunlight to work efficiently. However, they will still be able to generate energy inside buildings where the only source of light is artificial lighting. They are like portable mini-solar power plants that require almost no installation and can be easily moved from one location to another.
Their size and weight make them very easy to carry around, ideal for camping or remote places where you don't have grid power.
What components does a tabletop solar system have?
Tabletop solar systems have nearly the same components as rooftop solar power systems. The actual size and capacity of the components may differ depending on the power requirements of each individual system.
If you buy a pre-manufactured solar table you may not see certain components immediately since it may be built inside the table. However, since we know how solar PV systems work we can easily figure out the components that are used in these systems.
Here are the components found in a tabletop solar system:
Solar Panels
All solar tables need solar panels or solar cells to generate electricity. This is the main component of your tabletop power system, as there will be no operational system without at least one.
However, as tabletop solar panels are not made to meet the energy needs of an entire house, the panels on a solar table system will likely be smaller than those on a rooftop system.
Solar PV technologies used in solar tables may differ from model to model. But the majority of the solar tables use monocrystalline or polycrystalline PV modules embedded under a tempered glass sheet.
The glass is very important to the solar panel, as it will let in light for energy production while protecting the panels from outdoor elements. If you plan to build your own DIY solar table you can use both monocrystalline or polycrystalline PV modules.
However, monocrystalline panels offer better energy efficiency than polycrystalline panels. What that means using monocrystalline panels your table will produce more energy for the same surface area.
That said monocrystalline panels are more expensive than polycrystalline panels.
Another factor you may want to consider, polycrystalline modules are blue-hued PV cells while monocrystalline modules are black. If you care much about the aesthetics of your table, this may be important for you.
The size of your panel will be based on your needs and the amount of energy you need to produce. If you build your own solar table you can also use several panels to produce more energy.
There is another solar PV technology called “thin-film solar panels”. These panels are much thinner than crystalline panels which can be useful to fit in small surfaces like tabletops. They are also flexible and absorb more sunlight than crystalline panels.
However, when all other factors such as Voc, Vmp, temperature coefficient, and I-V curve fill factor are taken into account, they are not as energy efficient as crystalline panels.
Furthermore, thin-film modules are primarily made from tellurium, which is toxic and difficult to acquire, whereas crystalline silicon technology emits only minor amounts of carbon during the manufacturing process.
Yes, thin-film modules are cheaper, but they aren't worth it unless you have a limited budget or a very tight space to work with.
Crystalline panels are becoming more affordable as manufacturing processes improve. Thin-film panels, as a result, are not a worthwhile investment for use in solar tables.
In solar table designs, solar panels don't have to cover the entire surface area. There are solar table designs in which the solar panel covers a only portion of the table (such as the center).
You should be aware of the size of your table, how much of it to cover with panels, and how much energy it will produce.
Even if you don't build your own solar table and instead opt for a pre-made one, you should still want to take all of these factors into account.
Batteries
A battery is required if you want to store energy for later use or simply do not require it in real-time. Batteries are the second most important component of any solar power system because they allow your panels to store electricity for future use or when there is no sunlight available (cloudy days or nighttime).
There are numerous types of solar PV batteries on the market today. To determine which one is best for you, consider your energy requirements as well as your budget.
You can choose lead-acid batteries, as they are the most commonly used and most affordable option. However, they are also bulky and heavy.
Lithium-ion batteries are another option you can choose. They are lighter and more compact than lead-acid batteries, but also more expensive. If you have space constraints when building a solar table, you may want to pay more attention to the weight and size of your battery.
In most cases, there is no need to have a big battery if you are using solar panels for an occasional application such as camping. In this case, lead-acid batteries can be a good choice because they are affordable and durable.
If you have a bigger solar table and need to run larger appliances for longer periods of time, lithium-ion batteries are probably the way to go. They also provide higher power output than lead-acid cells. So keep this in mind when deciding between these two types of batteries.
Another advantage of lithium-ion batteries is that there is no lead or other hazardous materials used in their manufacture, making them the more environmentally friendly option.
When deciding between different types of batteries, consider the battery's storage capacity. The amount of storage space required will be determined by the amount of power required at any given time.
Obviously, the larger storage capacity battery is going to be heavier and larger than a smaller one. But you can always start with a relatively smaller battery and add more batteries later if your needs change.
Keep in mind that batteries are not a one-size-fits-all solution for portable power requirements. There will be an option available that is just right for your specific needs, depending on your requirements and how much money you want to spend on different types of batteries.
If you purchase a pre-manufactured solar table, you may have a built-in battery that is installed in your table, or the manufacturer leaves the option to install one separately to the consumer.
Some pre-manufactured solar tables are like black boxes and you won't be able to change or adjust anything with them. This is not a good option unless you don't have much expectation from your table or are not willing to make any adjustments to your system.
The advantage of purchasing a pre-manufactured solar table with integrated battery storage is that you avoid the hassle of purchasing one separately and figuring out what size or type of battery would be best for your specific device's energy requirement.
You should opt for solar table models that allow you to upgrade your table as your needs and budget change over time. As a result, avoid purchasing a solar table that includes a battery that cannot be removed or replaced later.
Furthermore, if possible, try to find out how much it will cost to replace the battery with something you prefer over time. If it is very high, consider purchasing a model that does not include a battery.
Always choose pre-manufactured solar tables that are built with a modular design in mind, allowing you to use your own battery and easily make other adjustments later on.
As a result, if you want more flexibility with your solar table, buying one without a battery is the best option. This way, you can buy batteries separately based on your needs and preferences.
Connecting an external battery to a solar is very simple when using a pre-manufactured model. Simply connect the two with the power cable, and you are all set to go.
There are very small batteries on the market that can be hung on the table frame within a case and are not visible from the outside. These batteries will also typically have USB ports that can be used in addition to the USB ports on your solar table.
Your ideal pre-made solar table should be compatible with any generator/ power bank device via DC cord.
Inverter
Solar PV systems generate direct current (DC) electricity, so you'll have to convert it into alternating current (AC) using an inverter. This way your devices will be able to use the energy coming from your solar panels as AC power is what they were designed for.
However, if you buy a pre-manufactured model you may not even see if your system has an inverter since it may be hidden somewhere inside. If you plan to build your own solar table, you'll need to install an inverter.
Charge Controller
A charge controller is also needed if you want to be able to control how much energy enters and leaves the batteries safely without damaging them. Otherwise, the batteries may be overcharged or undercharged causing them to lose their capacity and/or shorten their lifespan.
The charge controller will take care of this by preventing your batteries from getting charged above a certain voltage or stopping the energy flow when they are full, allowing them to slowly discharge until the next charging cycle begins.
USB Charging Ports
USB ports have become a very handy feature of our lives since most devices that we use on a daily basis are charged via USB.
Almost all solar tables will have USB ports to charge your devices from it. The more ports the table has, the more devices you will be able to charge at once! However, you can always buy a USB splitter to charge as many devices as you want at a time.
If your pre-manufactured solar table model doesn't come with USB ports, don't worry. Most external batteries will have USB ports that you can charge from. Just make sure that they are compatible with your devices!
You will also find many solar tables that have built-in lights, sound systems with Bluetooth or wireless connection capabilities to your devices.
Built-in Equipment
Speakers
If you like to listen to music or watch movies, then you may want to consider a model with built-in speakers or sound systems. Some manufacturers will provide a pre-installed sound system that you can either use or upgrade with your own preferred speaker setup.
Most built-in speakers will allow BlueTooth or wireless connection to your smartphone or tablet so that you can play music or audio files directly.
Yes, you can always bring your own speakers to place on the table but it will take up valuable space and may cause clutter if you’re not careful.
If you plan to install your own sound system on your own DIY solar table you will need drilling and running wires from the speakers to the battery which may not be feasible for certain table setups.
Laptop Fans
Laptops are great for portability and you may want to work with a laptop on your table. An in-built laptop cooling placed on top of the table surface may help to keep your laptop running cool.
If you have a large table that is at least for 12 people or more, you can reserve a point for placing your laptop on the table. You can also use this space for charging laptops if you’re not using it to work.
The only downside with this solution is that you will need additional wiring and can be a complicated installation process. Therefore, make sure you have a large enough table to accommodate the setup.
There are not many solar tables that come with in-built laptop fan functionality. However, you may want to consider it for your DIY solar table project if you just want to add an extra bit of functionality to your table.
What to look for purchasing a solar table?
If you are not willing to build your own solar table, you can also buy a ready-made one. There are many of them available in the market and they tend to be very efficient too.
Let's take a look at some of the key points to look out for when buying a solar table:
Design
There are so many different designs to choose from. You can pick one according to your convenience and preference. If you have a small area, you can choose a compact design. If you are buying to use in a large garden or patio, you can choose a bigger one.
There are foldable solar tables, with foldable tops and legs that you can take with you anywhere. These models can easily fit in a sedan's trunk and can be used for camping, picnics, or spending time at the beach.
Choose a table that has an adjustable height to find the perfect height to comfortably work on your laptop, or prepare a meal. It is even better if it allows you to angle the top in order to get the utmost benefit from sunlight when you are not using it.
There are some cool models with a built-in wireless charging pad, which makes it easy to connect your phone or tablet and starts the charging process without having to plug into the USB socket.
Some models will have tempered glass sheets on top, while others polycarbonate to protect the tabletop from impacts and scratches. There is no good or bad choice here, it is just a matter of personal preference and needs.
Available design options really depend on your taste and how much money you want to spend.
Also, solar tables don't have to be in a standard square or rectangular shape. There are also round and oval-shaped ones in the market. Selection is completely up to you.
Material
Solar tables are made out of different materials. I am not talking about the material of solar panels or inverters here. I am talking about the framing material that holds the panels in place and supports the table.
The most affordable framing material is plastic while the more expensive ones are usually aluminum or stainless steel. Again, your choice will depend on how much you can spend and what other materials are available in the market.
If you will have a DIY solar table then wood is always a good option as it will allow you to drill or screw easier than other materials. Even if you would use wood as your tabletop material, you can always have different materials for legs to support your table.
Doing your DIY solar table, if you choose aluminum or stainless steel as your tabletop material, you may still need to attach it to a wood plate in order to attach the necessary system components to it.
To attach a wood plate to a metal table frame you can use a combination of metal screws and epoxy adhesives. This way you ensure that your metal plate will stay in place even when vibrations or heat cycling may push it out of position over time.
Warranty
We don't even need to mention that the warranty is important and it will vary from one solar table to another. Most solar tables will come to a fixed warranty period that will be specified by the manufacturer.
However, sometimes manufacturers want to offer different warranty periods for different components of the solar table and you'll need to check this. Make sure you do read all the terms and conditions of a solar table warranty to understand what's covered.
Frequently asked questions about solar tables
How much energy do solar tables can generate?
Solar tables generally generate enough energy to charge your electronic devices such as cell phones, laptops, and so on. Smaller tables like 3 feet to 4 feet can generate around 120 Watt, However, there are larger solar tables that can generate up to 500 Watt depending on the size and used solar PV technology.
How much do solar tables cost?
A typical 3 feet to 4 solar table cost around $400, larger solar tables can easily cost over $2000 depending on the size, built quality, and included features.
Are solar tables waterproof?
Most solar tables are water-resistant rather than waterproof. They are intended for outdoor use and can withstand rain and water splashes. However, they should never be submerged in water under any circumstances.
Are solar tables shockproof?
Solar tables are made of tempered glass and the table surfaces will resist the impact of a small amount of shock. However, if you drop them on hard surfaces or an item that is heavy enough falls the glass can shatter. Other than that, a heavy impact may also affect the solar cells, battery, or internal components. Therefore, it is best to use them responsibly not exposing them to any type of shock or impact.
Do solar tables need to be cleaned?
It is important that the surface of your solar table be clean so it can absorb as much energy from the sun’s rays as possible. Therefore, you should regularly wipe the surface of your table with a damp cloth and mild detergent or soap.
You can also utilize cleaning products like Windex or vinegar if you want to maintain its shine. Don't hold your solar table under a water jet or hose because this may encourage water to seep inside the panel and damage its components.
Are solar tables scratch-resistant?
Most solar tables have a layer of tempered glass on the top surface to protect them from scratches and other damages.
That said, they may also have an anti-reflective coating to reduce the amount of glare that could require you to be more careful. So make sure to know what product the manufacturer recommends before placing an order.
How long do solar tables last?
Solar tables can last up to 20 years given that they are used within the levels of their specifications. There are different components inside a solar table and it is best to know how long they last so you can be knowledgeable about the solar panel itself.
The PV cells degrade over time, but this does not affect their ability to generate electricity unless there has been an impact or other type of damage done.
The internal components such as the battery should also have a life span that could last for more than a decade. However, provided that you use an external battery storage system the remaining components will work together to keep the unit going for a very long time.
Solar table frames are made of different materials including aluminum, steel, or plastic. It is best to look for one that has a frame made of aluminum since it is the sturdiest and most durable material while being light in weight.
Avoid solar table models that are made with plastic since these are known to break easily. The above life expectancy is made considering you have made proper research and bought a solar table that is of good quality.
This way, you can enjoy your time outside without worrying about needing to repair it. Finally, don't leave your solar table when it's cold and rainy outside.
Although it is a table, it is still an electronic product that is affected by temperature changes and potentially from heavy rain if exposed on a continuous basis. Never leave your solar table outside if there is a hurricane or high winds are expected.
The last thing you want is to come back from a trip and find your solar table in pieces. In other words, always have an eye on the forecast before leaving it outside for prolonged periods of time.
Do solar tables come with a warranty?
Solar tables are consumer electronic devices that are covered by the manufacturer's warranty. The length of the warranty may vary depending on the model and brand and the type of components included in its design.
Most solar table manufacturers offer warranties of 12 to 30 months depending on the brand you buy. However, it is best to check what warranty your product includes before buying.
Because some may only include coverage for defects in materials and workmanship while others will offer a no question asked warranty that covers all problems that may arise during usage.
Solar table manufacturers also love to offer different warranty periods for different components included in its design. For instance, the solar cells may have a warranty of up to 25 years while the other parts such as frames or legs only come with about one year of coverage.
This would make sense because most solar table manufacturers are not the manufacturers of all the components that are included in the design of their units.
They simply purchase their components and then assemble the solar tables using these components. Therefore, always ask about the warranty period, and what parts and components are covered under the warranty.
Do solar tables come with a battery pack?
Solar tables may or may not come with a battery pack depending on the product. Some models will have an in-built battery pack, some will require you to purchase a separate battery pack that is compatible with the product.
If the product manufacturer included a built-in battery make sure how long it will last and how you could replace it at the end of its life. If the product did not come with a battery, make sure that you know what kind of batteries are compatible with the table.
