A Helpful Guide To Buying And Using Portable Solar Panels For Camping

Camping can be a fantastic way to go out with co-workers, family members, and friends. It lets you get in touch with nature and explore the great outdoors. Camping is also an effective way to enhance peace of mind, exercise more, reduce stress, and build better relationships. That goes a long way in promoting your overall health.   

Preparation is the key to any outdoor adventure, and camping isn't an exception. The right equipment and tools can make a big difference in your overall experience. A portable solar panel is one of the most important pieces of equipment to bring for camping.  

An Overview Of Portable Solar Panels  

Portable solar panels are small-sized solar panels that can be carried easily from one location to another. They're also easy to install and can be used anywhere. And just like traditional solar panels, they convert sunlight into energy for lighting, charging gadgets, and powering machines. 

You might think solar panels are one of the recent human inventions, but that isn't the case. The first solar panel was invented in the 1880s by American inventor Charles Fitts, but it wasn't portable. Because of technological advancements, today, you can find portable solar panels everywhere.   

There are several benefits to investing in portable solar panels for your camping. One of them is that they're versatile, and you can use them for various purposes, including charging laptops and phones, lighting, and running appliances like portable fridges and electric cookers.   

It can also help you protect the environment in your own little way. One of the big issues with most other energy sources is that they need to be more environmentally friendly since they require fossils and chemicals to work. On the other hand, solar panels don't require any fossils or chemicals to function. So, when you use them for camping, you won't cause any harm to the environment.   

Another great benefit of portable solar panels is that they're cost-effective. They provide free energy from the sun, so you won't be worried about paying electricity bills. And because they require lower maintenance than other traditional energy sources, you'll save lots of money in the long run.   

How To Choose The Right Solar Panels For Your Camping Needs  

There are numerous kinds of solar panels on the market. So, identifying the right one for your camping needs can be overwhelming. And if you aren't careful, you can end up selecting something that won't serve you efficiently.   

How can you ensure you find the right solar panels for camping? You can apply the following tips.   

1. Select Solar Panels With Durable Construction  

One of the most important considerations when shopping for portable solar panels for camping is the durability of their construction. Durable equipment will likely last for an extended period, so you won't have to return to the store soon to shop for new ones. This enables you to save lots of money in the long run.   

Some portable solar panels on the market have poor construction. Therefore, they can easily break if handled incorrectly. Make sure you select portable solar panels made of durable materials to protect them against damage.   

2. Consider The Portability Features 

Although there are several types of solar panels, some don't have portability features. So, it might be challenging to transport them to your campsite. The best solar panels should come with features that make it easier to move them. For example, they must be lightweight, so you can transport them more easily. Other important features include retractable handles and foldable designs.   

3. Check Their Weight 

A crucial element when selecting solar panels for your camping is their weight. If they're lightweight, it'll be easier for you to move them. Therefore, select equipment you can easily add to your carry-on luggage and carry around easily.   

However, weight shouldn't be the only important consideration when shopping for solar panels. Since weight and energy output are directly correlated, if you want high-output portable solar panels to charge your mobile devices and power your cooking appliances and lighting, you can choose heavier solar panels than those designed for a one-day camping trip.  

4. Choose Solar Panels With A Warranty 

When shopping, you must check whether your preferred portable solar panels have a warranty. This is a written promise from the manufacturer agreeing to replace or repair your solar panels if they get damaged or don’t work as designed.  

If the portable solar panels you purchased fail, you'll be forced to return to the supplier for new ones. But that will cost you extra money. However, with a warranty, you can rest assured that the manufacturer or vendor will take care of everything. They'll repair or replace the faulty solar panels without asking for an extra payment.  

As such, you'll save money and have peace of mind. However, you must adhere to the warranty terms to benefit from it.   

5. Find Portable Solar Panels With High Battery Storage Capacity 

When shopping for portable solar panels for camping, you also need to check their battery storage capacity. That's an important element to consider, especially if you want to establish a system that can generate all the power you need.  

Moreover, consider the type of batteries that come with portable solar panels. The right type should be of high quality to last long. They should also be able to store more power to ensure they don't require to be charged more often.   

6. Read Online Reviews 

It'd be a good idea to read online reviews before you pay for your preferred portable solar panels. Doing so offers you an overview of the equipment from customers who have bought them. As such, you will be able to make your choice more easily.  

You'll find two kinds of reviews about any portable solar panels—positive and negative.  

A positive review may be an indication of a quality product. A negative review may be a reflection of low-quality solar panels and poor customer service. Invest in ones with verified positive feedback.   

7. Take Your Budget Into Consideration 

The various available portable solar panels have different pricing. Some are expensive, while others are reasonably priced. Go for ones that accommodate your budget.  

However, you shouldn't compromise other factors for a low price. For instance, some low-priced portable solar panels are of poor quality and might not last long. At the same time, some vendors may attach high prices to their portable solar panels to make customers believe they're of good quality, which isn't true. Research to ensure you buy only high-quality solar panels at reasonable prices.   

8. Purchase Portable Solar Panels From A Reputable Supplier 

Another essential step when shopping for portable panels for camping is to check the manufacturer's or seller's reputation. This is important since not all retailers on the market are reputable, and some operate without proper licensing, which also means that their products haven’t been inspected by the government.  

Therefore, make sure you purchase from a company with an operating license or permit from the state that allows them to manufacture and sell portable solar panels.   

Additionally, it'd be good to partner with a supplier with expertise in the industry. That's important, especially since technology is crucial to the business world. So, a company with many years in the market likely uses the best technology to produce quality portable solar panels. 

Using Portable Solar Panels For Camping  

After selecting the right portable solar panel, it's time to set it up.   

- Find Other Components  

Apart from the portable solar panels and battery, you'll require other components to build a complete system. These are inverters and solar regulators or charge controllers. An inverter is a device that changes direct current or sunlight into alternating current. And a solar regulator is basically a current regulator to prevent batteries from overheating.   

Some portable solar panels come with all the necessary components. However, some don't come with them. In such a case, you'll have to shop for them separately.   

- Choose The Right Site 

Finding the right site for your portable solar panels is an important element to the success of your trip. If you're going with a vehicle or motorhome, you can mount your solar panels onto its exterior.  

But if you don't have your own vehicle, consider setting up your solar panels on the ground or elsewhere. However, you must ensure that they get direct sunlight, and that way, they can absorb maximum sunlight to ensure you generate enough energy for your camping needs.   

- Construct The Battery Housing 

You'll need a battery housing to protect it from risks. The housing will also help maintain room temperature to ensure the batteries function properly. If you go with the DIY process, you can use locally available materials to build a housing for the batteries. And if you hire an expert, they'll come with the right materials for the task.   

- Install The Panels 

Once everything is in order, you can now consider installing your solar panels. However, portable solar panels don't require complicated installation, and you only need to place them where they can absorb sunlight. From there, you can power your system and enjoy free power when camping.   

Takeaway 

One of the essentials you need to add to your camping checklist is portable solar panels. They'll help convert sunlight into energy you can use to charge your devices and run appliances. However, it is a must to invest in high-quality portable solar panels. To help you, you can adopt the tips in this article to find the right panels for your camping needs.