How Many Panels Do You Need *hint: One Might Not Be Enough
I often get the question if having one solar panel with a high-capacity power generator is enough.
After all, a 1000 or 2000-watt solar power generator with a beefy battery can take care of most of your appliances. This is true, but that solar generator needs charging.
And how many hours of sunlight a day can you ideally get?
Pair a 100W panel with a 1000Wh solar generator and itll take 10 hours to charge up and thats in ideal conditions. You simply dont have that time.
Now imagine having two or three appliances plugged in at the same time.
Ideally, your panels combined wattage should be enough to charge your solar generator from 0-100 in a couple of hours.
So, is it going to be 5x100W panels or 3x200W, its up to you.
Bigblue 3 Usb Ports 28w Solar Charger
Available Wattage: 28 | Weight: 1.31 lbs | Dimensions: 33.1 × 11.1 × 0.2 in
When youre camping you want to make sure to have everything you need without your load being too heavy. With the BigBlue 3 USB Ports 28W Solar Charger, thats never a problem. As one of the best camping solar panels, the water-resistant charger has three USB charging ports with a 5V/4.8A maximum. Its able to convert 21.5 23.5% of solar power into free energy. It measures 11.1 x 6.3 x 1.3 when folded, weighs about 1.3 pounds, and can easily fit in your hiking daypack. For safety purposes the charger has protection against short circuiting, over voltage, over current, and overcharging. When buying a solar panel for camping, dont overlook the BigBlue 3 USB Ports 28W Solar Charger.
Best Budget: Dokio 160w Portable Foldable Solar Panel
Despite providing an impressive 160 watts of power, the Dokio Portable Monocrystalline Controller is a surprisingly affordable option for those shopping for panels on a budget. The folding panel is lightweight and easy to carry but must be positioned in the sun by leaning it against a tent, car, or another sturdy surface .
The panels can be connected directly to most power stations, but if youre powering up a battery, alligator clips and a solar controller are included. Although water-resistant, the exterior is made of nylon and should not be left outside when not in use.
Read Also: Tent Camping Near Anaheim Ca
Renogy 100 Watt Eclipse Monocrystalline Solar Panel Best For Cloudy Weathers
Wattage: 100W | Panel Type: Monocrystalline | Foldable: Yes | Weight: 19.4 lbs
This Renogy 100 Watt Eclipse solar panels are very similar to the Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline solar panels in terms of specs.
However, Eclipse offers something extraordinary this is perhaps the best solar panel working in the low light conditions. Also, the panels are German-made, we all know the reliability of the German engineering.
As it comes with a suitcase, I found it extremely portable. These solar panels made my camping trips hella easy!The inclusion of charge controller and the alligator clips is something that I dont see from many brands.
Kudos to Renogy.
The only downside that I can think of is the weight 19.4 lbs for a 100W panel is something to think about.
- Only 100 watts of solar power
Why Do I Like It?
This is solar panel for low light conditions, in my opinion. These panels served me well during the gloomy rainy four days of camping last summer.
Acopower 120w Portable Camping Solar Panel
Key Features:
Another popular brand among campers is Acopower. A company that, as Renogy, is completely involved in the market to provide portable power for camping with foldable solar panels, power stations, and solar kits.
In this occasion, the brand offers a 120W portable and foldable solar panel kit that has a lightweight and compact design. As one of the best solar power kits for camping, the product uses monocrystalline cells from the most efficient and remarkable brand of the industry with a performance that increases the conversion of efficiency up to an amazing 25%.
The solar charger and all of its components are contained inside a suitcase that weighs 8.4 lbs. When we compare this weight to a solar panel with a similar power output module , we will notice a big difference between both options. There is also the possibility to choose other available sizes such as 50W, 70W and 105 W.
Moreover, there is also a 10 A LCD Charge Controller included with two 5V USB ports and MC4 connector cables to safely charge an external battery at 12V.
Since it is all pre-wired and ready for connection, you would only need less than 10 seconds to mount the solar panels and connect them to your car battery, a marine boat battery, or another 12V lead-acid battery type such as AGM, flooded, sealed or GEL.
Don’t Miss: State Parks In Idaho With Camping
Wattage Charging Ports And Accessories
When choosing the best portable solar panels for camping, the output capacity in watts is always a primary concern. Will you need the panel for charging cell phones, a laptop, or the battery for your RV? The number of devices and their energy consumption will determine your best choice.
If you only want to keep your smartphone charged, then a smaller solar panel that supplies at least 5 watts will be needed. If you want to charge your laptop, you’ll need a minimum of 45 watts and probably more like 90 watts. Thus, you might want to invest in a solar panel with more than enough wattage. Keep in mind the output will depend largely on the weather and amount of sunshine at any given time.
Depending on the devices you plan to charge, you’ll need to buy additional accessories. For example, you may need an AC-to-DC inverter for laptops as well as a battery or portable power station to store the energy from the solar panel.
For more technical considerations, see the video below:
How Much Do Rv Solar Panels Cost
How much you spend on solar panels for your RV depends on what you need from your solar system. If you use a lot of electricity, youll need to purchase more equipment, which will raise the overall price of your RV solar system.
You can find RV solar panel kits for as little as $100 or upwards of $1,000. It really depends on your energy needs. When youre just starting out, you can get an RV solar panel starter kit between $200 and $500.
Kits in this range will usually include a charge controller, solar cables, and one or two solar panels, which is a great jumping off point when youre first getting into solar. But, youll probably still need a generator to supplement your usage. Once you gauge how the solar panels are working for you, you may need to buy more panels.
Don’t Miss: Rv Camping Near Coos Bay Oregon
How To Make Your Portable Solar Panel Squeaky Clean
These days solar panels are coated with a self-cleaning layer that helps them shed dust and debris. Always remember dirt, sap, and dust deposits reduce the efficiency of your portable solar panel.
However, especially after longer use, youll have to deal with bird droppings and tree sap, which calls for your intervention:
Step 1
Use fresh water to remove dust deposits, leaves and other matter that didnt stick. Dont try to use pressure washers as you can damage the panel. Also try not to use any kind of scrubber. Just let it soak.
Step 2
Once youve removed dust and dirt, make a mixture of warm water and neutral soap. Apply the mixture and scrub gently with a soft sponge. If needed use denatured alcohol for more persistent stains.
Step 3
When your solar panel is sparkling clean and dry, apply a coat of plastic protectorate, like Plexus or Plastic Cleaner.
Paxcess Rv Solar Panel
- More powerful option, upgraded
- Corrosion-resistant aluminum frame
- No XT60 or MC4 connector included
A more upgraded version, the PAXCESS solar panel has more power because of its improved 120W portable solar panels for RVs. You can count on its impressive efficiency conversion rating of up to 23% so you can maximize the free energy coming from the sun and convert this power into clean energy. This makes it a must-have when you are off-grid and when you are out conquering the outdoor life. You can also rely on this during emergencies and power outages. You can enjoy uninterrupted power and do what you need to do.
This solar panel comes with connectors of different sizes, including USB QC and Type C outputs that allow the charging time to be twice as fast as other panels. If you want speedy charging for your tablets, smartphones, power banks, and other electrical devices, this is your solution.
Bring this with you anywhere because it is 100% handy and foldable. It comes with a kickstand, and you can adjust the stands accordingly so you can get up to 25% more solar energy than when laid flat. Suppose you are a current proud owner of the PAXCESS Rockman 200W or 300W solar generator. In that case, you can quickly recharge it with this solar panel. The frame of the panel is made of aluminum that is lightweight and corrosion-resistant.
You will be delighted with the PAXCESS solar panel. It has consistent and stable performance with a kind of quality that will last you a long time.
You May Like: Can You Bring A Gun Camping In California
Bluetti Pv200 200w Solar Best Overall
Wattage: 200W | Panel Type: Monocrystalline | Foldable: Yes | Weight: 16.1 lbs.
Bluetti has forced me to become a fanboy thanks to the their Bluetti AC200P solar generator.
While I was looking some dependable solar panels for my AC200P, the obvious choice was these PV200 200W solar panels.
I wanted higher wattage from my portable solar panels as I needed 2400Wh of juice for my generator. And, Bluetti PV200 200W solar panels didnt disappoint me.
With 4 of these 200W panels, I can fully charge my Bluetti AC200 power station in less than 3 hours. And thats about 2400Wh of capacity.
Initially, I wanted to go for SP200 but they were out of stock. With a high conversion rate and anti-scratch ETFE coating, these portable solar panels let me charge my power station even in less-than-ideal weather conditions.
Thanks to their waterproof rating, now I dont have to worry about a sudden shower of rain.
- Slightly heavy
Why Do I Like It?
These portable solar panels have four adjustable kickstands so I can easily set them on uneven ground. Also, Bluetti has a very strong market recognition. All credit goes to their superior products with top-shelf build quality.
Goertek Portable Solar Charger
Available Wattage: 2 | Weight: 1.18 lbs | Dimensions: 7 x 3.8 x 1.1 in
The best solar chargers for backpacking offer versatility in a lightweight package to make sure you never end up without your electronics powered up. The GoerTek Portable Solar Charger has a built-in 25,000mAh Li-polymer battery. It can be charged via solar power or with a 5V/2A adapter . It allows you to charge three devices at a time so you can make sure your phone, tablet, and camera or drone are always ready to go. This charger has 36 built-in LED lights with three lighting modes plus charging indicators . In addition to the power bank and the manual, a carabiner and USB cable are also included. This charger is IPX6 waterproof rated, measures 7 x 3.8 x 1.1, and weighs 1.18 pounds. The GoerTek Portable Solar Charger is the perfect option for your future backpacking trips.
Recommended Reading: Mineral Wells State Park Camping
How Do You Use Portable Solar Panels
Portable solar panels can be used to recharge devices directly or to charge batteries or solar generators. Some panels can be connected directly to phones or small devices for charging when the sun is out . However, direct sun charging can be inconsistent. Its best to use a solar panel to capture energy and store it in some kind of battery , and then connect devices to thatparticularly with stronger panels.
Best For Camping: Ecoflow 110w Solar Panel
When bringing a solar panel on camping trips, youll want to look for something lightweight, durable, and powerful enough to charge your cameras, portable speakers, lights, and other camping gadgets. The Eco Flow Portable Solar Panel has two different sizes: 110 watt or 160 watts with a high conversion efficiency of up to 22 percent. It also includes an MC4 cable connector and carry case.
If your camping trip takes you across rivers or kayaking across lakes, the panel has an IP67 waterproof rating, so it can hold up to Mother Nature better than many of its competitors. The unit consists of four folding panels and weighs around 14 pounds.
If you primarily need to recharge phones or small gadgets, the SunJack 15 Watt Foldable ETFE Solar Panel is a cost-efficient option thats both compact and powerful. When not in use, the Sunjack is the size of a computer tablet and weighs just 1.3 pounds. The three interconnected, foldable panels are weather-resistant, shockproof, and stain-proof.
Its protective coating helps maximum energy conversion of the sun, while built-in smart technology identifies the type of device to avoid overheating. Although you can charge directly from the sun , the panels work best when used in combination with a portable power bank.
Don’t Miss: Tom Johnson Camping Center Concord
Cost Of Portable Solar Panels For Camping
The cost of solar panels for camping depends on many factors, especially wattage. For example, you may find pocket solar panels below 10W for less than $40, but you can expect to pay over $100 for a larger panel with an output over 30W. Things like durability and sunlight conversion efficiency also affect the price of portable solar panels.
Additionally, there are larger systems available, and prices increase accordingly. For example, if youre looking for a 1,500-watt power station with its own solar panels for recharging, the price can exceed $2,000. This may sound expensive, but it can be well worth it if youre using solar panels for RV camping or need a reliable long-term setup.
What Size Of 400 Watt Solar Panel Do I Need
The exact size of a 400 watt solar panel depends on the manufacturer and the model. In general, 400 Watt solar panels have 144 half-cut solar cells with measurements similar to 72 cell solar panels. Of course, the number of cells in a module reflects on the 400W solar panel price. The dimensions of an average 400 Watt solar panel are about 79 X 39 X 1.4. The 400 watt solar panel size and power output ratio make it a good option for solar installations with space constraints. The solar panels we currently offer weigh between 48 and 50 lbs.
Don’t Miss: Camping Near Cherokee National Forest
Buyers Guide: Best Solar Panels For Camping
Solar energy systems for homes and businesses have become very popular in many parts of the world. However, there are also solar panels for camping and other off-grid situations, which can be taken on trips and used virtually anywhere the sun shines. This is much easier than traveling with a heavy diesel generator, which can run out of fuel when youre in the middle of nature.
In this article, we will review the best solar panels for camping in 2021 based on a detailed comparison of technical specifications, costs, durability and more.
Suaoki 80w Camping Solar Panel
Key Features:
Another giant Chinese company created in the Silicon Valley of the East is Shenzhen. The Suoaki offers some of the best camping gadgets in the market.
In this case, the Suoaki 80W portable solar panel is a very interesting and foldable product with remarkable features. One of them is the high efficiency of the module with a 60W output at 20% efficiency. Moreover, the portable power source has a 5V USB port and an 18V DC dual output to keep your USB devices completely charged. More than a simple foldable solar panel, the product also includes SAE and DC cables for energy storage devices. There is also a car charger that can be used in cases where your battery runs out.
Also, when folded, the solar panel looks like a normal briefcase that is easy to transport and put in your RV, tent or car.
My favorite feature of the Suoaki solar charger is that it has a built-in smart TIR-C technology that is developed for the USB port. This technology identifies the current of the equipment and speeds up the charging process of the device while providing overcharge, overcurrent and overload protection. Moreover, the briefcase includes a 10-IN-1 connector that allows you to get connected to any laptop.
You May Like: Camping In New Mexico In November
Best Portable Solar Panels
- For use with flooded, gel, and AGM style lead-acid batteries
- The regulator prevents RV battery overcharging
- No digital display so you cannot tell what mode charger is in, what amperage it’s sending to the battery bank or any other information about battery or charge condition.
- Green LED light that indicates the charge controller is powered up and functioning
- No user-adjustable settings
How To Choose Solar Panels For Camping
You have noticed that you need additional power for your camping trips, and you have realized that solar panels are the best choice to achieve this.
Having solar power camping gear is one of the best ways to ensure that your batteries wont run out of power when you are enjoying your vacations in a remote location. However, with so many brands, models, and possibilities, it might be hard to select the right solar panel for you.
First, you need to select the type of solar panel that best suits your needs. To evaluate this aspect, ask yourself these questions: How frequently you go camping? Are you an occasional or regular camper? Are you a nomad? Are you low on budget? What would you use the solar panels for?
For instance, there are three types of camping solar panels.
Don’t Miss: San Luis Obispo County Parks Camping