Everything You Need to Know About Solar Panels for Camping,If you plan on taking large solar panels on your next camping trip, you’ll need an excellent portable charger or power station to improve efficiency.
How do solar panels for camping work?
When you think of solar panels, you probably think of large rigid monocrystalline solar panels placed on your roof, which, of course, is not suitable for camping. Fortunately, there are now many types of solar panels that are lighter, more portable, and more durable enough to withstand long trips. Despite the more advanced technology, camping solar panels still work the same way as other solar panels. They absorb energy from the sun’s rays, transmit the energy to a solar inverter, and then output usable electricity to power your appliances, water heaters, phones, and cameras.
There are generally two types:
One is a flexible solar panel that is fixed directly to the roof of the RV, absorbing the energy of the sun’s rays, transmitting it to the solar inverter, and then to the lithium iron phosphate battery to charge the battery;
One is a portable solar panel that directly absorbs the energy of the sun’s rays and sends the electricity directly to the mobile device side through conversion or charging with the help of a portable energy storage device, which can adapt to the charging status of various mobile devices.
How to use solar panels for camping
While it’s great to relax in nature, sometimes you do need to recharge. Cell phones, GPS devices for geotagging, LED lanterns, electronic coolers, e-readers, cameras, outdoor mobile theaters, and even electric toothbrushes can all come in handy when you’re outdoors. Especially if you’re camping all day, taking a family road trip, or making the most of your RV. You can rely on portable energy storage, onboard batteries, or portable solar panels. Or you can learn how to use solar panels for camping so you can generate your own electricity wherever you go.
The first step in learning how to use solar panels for camping is to determine how much power you actually need.
Estimating the solar power you need for camping
First, you must estimate your energy usage to ensure that the portable power station and kit you invest in is suitable for your power needs. Consider all the appliances or devices you expect to use during your trip. Then, you can do some quick and easy calculations to estimate your energy consumption in kilowatt-hours.
The number of off-grid solar panels you need in Germany or the UK depends on many factors, including your energy consumption, location, and the size of your solar panels.
To get a rough estimate, you can use the following formula described in some reports:
(Number of solar panels) = (Daily energy consumption) / (Daily sunshine hours) / (Solar panel efficiency)
For example, if your daily energy consumption is 20 kWh, you have 4 hours of direct sunlight, and the solar panels you use have an efficiency of 20%, the calculation is:
20 kWh / 4 hours / 0.20 = 20 solar panels
So with the above specifications, 20 solar panels are required.
Choose your solar panels
Here are the main components required for a fully functional solar power system:
Solar panels
Solar cells
Inverter
The portable energy storage comes with all the necessary components in a plug-and-play kit. You just need to place the portable solar panels and start using them.
If you decide to go the DIY route, you will need to determine the number and size of the PV modules and the capacity and compatibility of all other required components in the kit.
Your operational power needs calculation will help you estimate the size of solar panels and batteries you will need
Installing solar panels
You have to decide whether to go for a permanent installation with rigid and flexible solar panels, or a completely portable solar panel installation. Or you can go for a combination of permanent and portable, it doesn’t really matter as it depends on your power needs, and permanent installations are usually only suitable for caravan/van camping and home installations.
Many solar panels designed for permanent installation come with a frame or hook for easy installation. Usually, installing the PV modules requires little to no manual skills.
If you are considering a caravan installation, Sungold flexible solar panels may be your best choice. You can even use an online calculator to determine the type of system you need based on vehicle size, power consumption, etc.
Portable solar panels require no installation, just place them on the ground or anywhere they can get direct sunlight.
Advantages of using solar panels for camping
Advantages
Noise reduction
Good for the environment, green and eco-friendly
Get power anytime, anywhere, and become a more independent, self-sufficient camper
More freedom to camp in more locations
Portable solar panels for campers
Today, there are a variety of solar solutions on the market that are designed specifically for camping. For example, our range of camping solar panels are all foldable for easy portability.
Foldable solar panels are made from monocrystalline or Sunpower solar cells. These types of panels are very light and compact. These aren’t the only advantages of solar panels designed for camping due to their unique design. Our solar panels come with a folding stand that allows you to easily position them at the perfect angle to catch the sun’s rays.
Once folded, our camping solar panels take up almost no space in your car. If you have to hike to your campsite, you can easily take them with you.
In addition, our camping solar panels are compatible with most portable energy storage and MC4 connectors. You don’t have to struggle with connecting batteries and inverters, just plug the panels into your solar generator and you have a complete solar camping equipment.
Of course, if you’re considering using more mobile devices at the same time, consider the Hi-Power Portable Solar Kit which is compatible with 1-2kwh storage and is perfect for;
When you’re done dismantling your campsite, disassembling the system is just as easy. Simply unplug the module, fold it up and store it in your car.
Portable RV Solar
Another consideration is that your equipment needs to be parked in the sun for the system to work effectively. Portable solar panels solve this problem – you can rest in the shade while your solar panel provides power to people a few meters away in full sun. There is a slightly increased risk of theft and it takes a few minutes to set up each time you arrive at a new campsite, but for some people, this is a small price to pay. In short: Portable solar panels are generally more efficient if set up correctly, but fixed solar panels will put more power into your system.
Conclusion
Choosing the right solar panel for your solar camping equipment can seem difficult. There are a ton of solar panels on the market, and choosing the right one can mean the difference between having your equipment last a long time, or leaving you out of power and out of pocket. With the information we’ve provided, we hope you’ll be able to decide which camping solar panel is best for you. Whether you’re camping in a pre-country campsite or camping in the wilderness off the grid, having the right solar camping equipment can make or break your experience.
