Portable Solar Panels For Camping Reviews

Questions To Ask Potential Solar Panel Companies:

• How long have you been in the business?
• Can you provide me with references?
• How do you charge, and what does that include?
• What do your services include?
• When can this job get done?
• What happens when the cost exceeds the budget? What about changes to materials or labor pricing?
• What will I need to provide?
• Are there any important considerations or concerns you foresee with this project?
• Do you have state certification?
• Will you come to my home for a free onsite consultation?
• Are you able to repair an older system?
• Can you provide me with a layout to see where the panels will go and what they will look like?
• Can you give me any information on Ontario solar rebate programs?

Find solar energy contractors and solar panel installation companies in Richmond Hill, ON on Houzz.Software for Solar Energy Dealers

Tips For Getting The Most Out Of A Solar Charger

We know, we know, we know, youve seen the pictures of solar chargers strapped to the front of backpacks, like theyre actually charging your devices while youre on the move. Thats the ideal, right? But its not necessarily the reality.

For a solar charger to produce optimal power while hiking, youd have to be hiking primarily northbound in the northern hemisphere and primarily southbound in the southern hemisphere all day, in direct sunlight, and without any shadows from trees or clouds. Youll meet these conditions in desert or snowfield hiking.

Youd also want to shift them east to west across your pack with the suns movement or find a trail that slowly moves from west to east to orient the panels throughout the day properly. Then you might also have to keep your back arched at a certain angle to maintain the best angle orientation throughout the day.

Bottom line youre not going to get a lot of solar power from a solar charger while carrying your solar panel on your pack . However, during the daytime in camp, theyre great. You can lay them on the ground, and theyll produce energy, but angling them to the sun without movement will net you far more energy.

Why Choose A Solar Generator Over Other Choices

A portable solar charger is a lightweight and more compact means of electricity generation compared with other means of mobile energy generation. This is advantageous when on the trail and in remote locations because carrying multiple batteries and other means of electricity generation quickly becomes cumbersome as you add more energy storage to your pack. After all, no one wants to carry a gas generator and gas on their backs into the woods to provide power for all of their electronic devices. And while weve seen some portable wind and micro-hydro turbine generators, like the WaterLily Turbine, theyre also cumbersome, if not heavy.

Solar chargers, combined with a power bank or backup battery pack particularly those that can accommodate through charging are the best, lightest way to charge your electronic equipment. While most adventurers are looking primarily for a portable phone charger, solar chargers can power GoPros, cameras, ebooks, tablets, GPS units, headlamps, laptops, bluetooth speakers, camera batteries, SteriPens, bike or boat lamps, sonar devices, and more when youre out for multiple days or weeks in the backcountry. They work for camping, boating, climbing, bikepacking, mountaineering, and other activities.

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What Are Camping Solar Panels

Camping solar panels are devices with the ability to convert sunlight into electricity. They generate light-electricity and so they are also referred to as photovoltaics. You might be a keen camper. Otherwise, you might be just starting. In both these cases, you need the right equipment to generate power from the sun. This is what a solar panel can do for you. This is particularly important when you plan to travel with your family for an extended period. This equipment will help if you plan to camp in a place without an on-grid power supply. It is suitable for solar generators which are different from normal portable fuel generators, such as dual fuel generators, gas-powered generators, and portable propane generators.

It does not mean that you should get solar panels only when you visit places without any electricity. Even when you visit a fully-electrified place to camp, these panels will help. You can keep your smart devices like mobile phones, tablets, and other devices charged directly from these panels. As they are compact in size and foldable, you can just fold them and place them in your vehicle. Once you visit the camp spot, you can unfold the panels and can place them in an area, where they can get the utmost light energy from the sun. Now, with this knowledge, you might be interested in learning how do they work? Here are some details:

Best Camping Solar Panels Reviews And Buying Guide

• Home Appliances

Keeping their auxiliary batteries charged with the help of camping solar panels is something that camping enthusiasts have been doing for years. Apart from bringing down the impact on the environment, solar energy that the panels generate will help with saving money as well. They help with power generation to recharge your smart devices and even some small appliances in your camping van. You can do this even when you are spending days in a place without an on-grid power supply and use it as a RV solar generator.

With the best solar panels available in the market, it will be possible to generate a renewable and green source of electricity. With the solar generators for camping, you can spend your vacation right in your camper van without having to look for an electrified site to stay at. When you have a portable solar generator that is powered by a solar panel, you can go to any place without worrying about ways to power your appliances.

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How Much Power Do You Need

You might think how do I know the answer to this question. But, finding the answer to this question is easy. To know your exact power requirements, all you have to do is to add the power each of your appliances needs to operate. You can get to know this value right from your appliances. It is better to choose a solar panel that can produce more watts as compared to your actual requirement.

Best Portable Solar Panels For Camping In 2022

The best solar panels for camping are now incredibly affordable.

You can easily find a quality solar charger for recharging smartphones for under $50.

Or, you can go all out and spend several hundred on a top-of-the-line setup that pairs portable solar panels with a portable power station.

Today, Im going to break down all the different options.

Well start with my top recommendations for both solar chargers and solar panels in 2021 before moving onto a basic rundown of what makes these solar power devices tick.

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Compare To Similar Products

How Long Does It Take To Charge The Delta 2 With The 400w Solar Panel

In my tests, it took around 3.5 hours to charge the Delta 2 from 0-100% with the 400W panel. I started charging it around 10 am, and it was done charging before 2 pm.

This test was done in late September in Sweden, in better conditions it could be slightly faster, and in worse conditions possibly slower.

Please leave a comment down below if you have any questions.

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Advertised Numbers Dont Reflect Reality

Our testing shows that real-world performance almost never reaches what the companies claim. At best, you should use those numbers to understand relative differences between products. If you have specific numbers you need to hit, such as watts or amps, assume theres at least a 25-50% drop off from the marketing data.

Most USB chargers have names like RAVPower 16W, with the 16W label referring to the amount of power in watts. But manufacturer-provided power ratings are generated under highly artificial test conditions in order to promote the highest number possible.

Its better to use those advertised wattage numbers as a rough indication of general panel size and relative power performance e.g. a panel labeled 20W is probably a bit stronger and bigger than one labeled as 10W, even though neither panel will hit their advertised numbers.

Similarly, we found the amps coming out of a USB port almost never reached the rated maximum. For example, one panel that advertised 2.4 amps of USB output actually never got above 1.8.

Camping Solar Power Buying Advice

Before you buy a portable solar panel for camping, it`s important to first address the following points.

• Your Devices What types of devices do you hope to charge with solar power? Tablets and smartphones have much different power requirements than mini fridges, air conditioners, winter tent heaters, and other large appliances.

• Power Output The higher the number of watts, the more electricity the solar panel is capable of generating. Most portable models generate anywhere from 5 watts up to 40 watts. Power output correlates directly with the type and number of devices you wish to charge.

• Number ofUsers More users typically means more devices to charge. A larger solarcharger with a higher power output is ideal for multiple people that plan touse the same solar setup while camping.

• Style of Camping Camping, backpacking, and boondocking all require different types of portable solar power. A small, lightweight charger is ideal for backpacking while a robust, more powerful system is best for RV boondocking.

• Trip Duration A portable solar charger without a battery pack works for short backpacking trips but a higher watt model with a portable power station does wonders for longer camping trips.

• Camping Location Solar power for camping is ideal in wide-open locations, yet most panels dont work as well in shade, such as dense woodland. Make sure your devices will get enough sun by considering your preferred camping terrain before making a purchase.

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Sungoldpower 130w Solar Panel Suitcase

• User-friendly and simple installation
• Perfect for the outdoors

• The solar controller can be improved

Suitable and best for outdoor use, the SunGoldPower is the most reliable source of solar energy when you are out and in the middle of camping, hiking, cruising in your RV, and out of the comforts of your home.

I recommend its plug and play system where there is no required fuss just to get it started in generating energy. Even a novice can set it up by merely folding the panels and having its solar exterior face the sun, and it starts working. It comes with its exclusive legs letting it endure snowfall and even high winds. It is also waterproof, so anytime, anywhere, you can take it with you. Id say it is a perfect companion for your adventures.

When it comes to safety and security, these portable solar kits for RV will top the list. It provides overall protection from reverse current, overcharges, incorrect polarity, and even short protection. Thanks to its LCD, you have a visual display complete with the current data and information being processed.

When it comes to longevity, its aluminum parts are corrosion resistant, so you are guaranteed that even if you leave it outside exposed to the elements of human nature, it will still function at its best. It also has heavy-duty legs making it a durable purchase.

Best Budget: Dokio 160w Portable Foldable Solar Panel

Courtesy of ebay

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.

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Q: How Much Solar Power Do I Need For A Camper

A: It depends on what you need to charge. If you are backpacking and just need to charge a cell phone and smartwatch or GPS, you can probably get away with a 5- or 10-watt panel. If you are car camping at the KOA and want to power larger devices, youll probably want a 50- to 200-watt panel depending on how much electronic junk you bring.

Nekteck Portable Solar Panel Charger

Available Wattage: 21 | Weight: 1.13 lbs | Dimensions: 26.3 x 11.1 x 1.06 in

When it comes to the best portable solar chargers, The Nekteck Portable Solar Panel Charger will always make the list. This charger is made of three monocrystalline solar panels and can provide up to 3 amps. It has dual USB outputs along with technology to promote fast charging. At only 6.3 x 1.1 x 11.1 and 1.13 pounds, the charger likely weighs less than your camping tent and is a breeze to bring on all of your camping trips. The IPX4 waterproof rating means its resistant to both water and dust. With up to 24% solar conversion efficiency, youll love how quickly the Nekteck Portable Solar Panel Charger charges your devices while youre exploring the great outdoors.

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Portable Solar Panel Use Cases

The way you see yourself using your portable solar panels will help you make the right choice.

If youre an RV fan like me, the good news is that many great portable options are available these days. The right portable solar panel kit can meet your whole RV needs for electricity, including the kitchen appliances and the TV.

Youre looking to charge your phone and camera while camping?

Go for soft-lined foldable solar panels you can strap over your tent roof for the best exposure.

When it comes to boats, you can go either foldable or rigid frame. The most important is to choose a product with IP67 protection that can handle a few splashes and even a dip.

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Goal Zero Nomad 7 Plus

Bottom line: Everything we said above about the Nomad 14 Plus applies to the $80 Goal Zero Nomad 7 Plus, but even more so. For the price and weight, just about every other charger in this guide absolutely wrecks the Nomad 7.

One of The Prepareds testers even had this same model from a few years ago in their personal preps, and as a result of this review, theyre throwing it out.

We tested at a little over 0.5A current, which is the most we could get out of the Nomad 7 in the full Texas sun and still keep it stable. So this was a 2.6W panel under ideal conditions, placing it dead last in raw power output. Even when you account for the smaller size than the rest of the panels in this review, thats just not good enough.

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Q: What Size Solar Panel Is Good For Camping

The size solar panel that is best for camping depends on what you are trying to charge with it. If you are looking to charge a smartphone, then a smaller single panel is all youll need to get going. If you have multiple appliances or devices that you are looking to charge, then a triple or quadruple panel setup will work better.

Renogy 50 Watt 12 Volt Flexible Monocrystalline Solar Panel Best For Limited Space

Wattage: 50W | Panel Type: Monocrystalline | Foldable: No| Weight: 2.87 lbs

This might be an odd option on the list today a tiny 50W solar panel.

But hey, this list is all about portability, right?

The best part is that it’s even flexible!

Now, lets focus on why I loved these tiny beasts just like the Renogy Eclipse solar panels, these performed extremely well in the low-light conditions.

Plus, the 2.87 lbs. weight makes it so easy it to carry it around. You wouldnt even need a truck for them as they are less than 2 feet wide.

Pair it with something like Renogy Phoenix 300 and youre all set for a great camping trip!

Just keep in mind that this is only a 50W panel and only serve a specific niche.

• Only 50 watts of solar charging
• Not suitable for batteries/generators with high capacity

Why Do I Like It?

Compact, lightweight, flexible, and portable Renogy 50 Watt solar panels come with all the good things that I like about a portable solar panel.

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