One way of being an eco-friendly camper is by opting to use alternative green and clean power sources for your camp such as solar power. This is because firstly solar power is a clean form of energy that is renewable and the best part of it all is that it’s free. Using an efficient portable solar system allows you to travel even to the most remote places without having to sacrifice your electric devices such as your fridge, mobile devices etc. In addition to that, you can also avoid paying a fee for a powered site. Solar power systems are noise free as well. So with that being said, lets see how you can set up solar power while you camp.
The Difference between Flexible, Fixed, Portable and Solar Blankets Solar Power Panels
Fixed solar power panels are great for RV owners. Since it’s fixed, you don’t have to set up or adjust anything once you reach your camping site. Note that your vehicle has to be in direct sunlight to get the most out of these panels, so the position at which they are installed matters.
Flexible panels are suited for campervans and caravans. These lightweight panels can bend up to 30 degrees therefore, having a curved rooftop would be ideal.
Portable solar power panels are great if you are an occasional camper looking for budget friendly solar panels. They are large enough to power appliances that are demanding in terms of power. They have adjustable legs hence they are easy to set up in an angle in order to get adequate sunlight.
Solar blankets will work for you if you are a frequent traveler plus space and weight matter to you. They can be on the expensive side but they will last you a lifetime. They are easy to set up and store away too. You can hang it on the side of your car to let it soak up the sun rays.
What are some of the best solar power camping kits?
There are different solar power kits in the market and choosing the right one for your travel is key. Solar technology has evolved over the years and hundreds of brands have come up with various options, sizes and prices. Let’s have a look at the different options.
Goal Zero Nomad 100
The Goal Zero Nomad is a portable, foldable and weatherproof solar power panel that would be perfect for your camping experience. Its packaging comes with attachment loops that you can use to hang it anywhere you would like it to be. At the back part of the package, it has a 8mm charging cable, USB A port and combiner cable port making it easy to charge your electrical devices with.
Renogy 400W Flexible kit
The Renogy Flexible solar power kit is specifically designed for RV owners needs. It has monocrystalline panels that perform well even in low light conditions with assistance from bypass diodes that hinder power drop from clouds. This kit also has corrosion resistant aluminum frames meaning that it can withstand harsh weather conditions making it last longer before replacing it. The Renogy 400W Flexible kit has a 30A PWM charge controller which is perfect for your RV.
ACOPower 120W Portable Kit
This kit would be a perfect option especially for those who are using solar power as their source of energy for the first time. The kit is portable and has a lightweight design. The kit is small but strong as it has SunPower monocrystalline cells boasting a conversion efficiency of up to 25%. The kit is already pre-wired hence it can be mounted in seconds. It is compatible with 12V AGM, flooded, sealed or GEL batteries
Suaoki 80W Solar Panel
The Suaoki 80W Solar Panel functions like a standard briefcase make it easy for you to carry it around without a hustle and it’s also quite lightweight making it the best companion for your travel. The power source has a 5V USB port and an 18V DC dual output to keep your USB devices completely charged. It also has a 10 in 1 connector that can charge most laptops therefore, you can get some work done if you need to or you can catch up on your favorite series.
Renogy 50 Watts Flexible Kit
This kit is flexible, waterproof and has a lightweight design that curves up to 248 degrees to blend in with your RV roof not to mention it’s also perfect for boats. It’s also cheaper than most kits. The kit is tested to withstand 2400Pa of wind and 5000Pa of snow. It is designed with transparent dots on the surface to gather sunlight and it uses the distributed dots to cause refraction which allows using the energy from the sun twice. The kit is corrosion resistant and comes with pre-drilled holes for grounding and mounting.
Conclusion
Solar Power Panels can charge smartphones, tablets, laptops, lanterns, fans, coolers, speakers etc. This is the perfect clean and green power source you could go for as a camper.