Solar panels are becoming more popular. They are used not only as an additional source of electricity but often as the main one, for example, when arranging a country house.
This is facilitated by the ease of use and quite a good aesthetic appearance. Besides, they are completely eco-friendly structures that do not require spending on natural resources: the sun is free.
It’s no secret that tourism uses more and more electronic devices designed to improve the safety and comfort of the hike. And all these devices need power, especially when they are used intensively. That is why the right choice of high-quality solar panels will make the rest of every tourist much more comfortable. If you prefer more traditional ways to get a power source, you can use a portable generator.
Best Portable Solar Panels for Camping Under $400
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Today we will figure out how to ensure the smooth operation of the electronics taken on a hike. We present to your attention the rating of the best power stations working from solar energy, showing the most high-quality models. The material is based on both product characteristics and reviews from customers who have already tried them.
1. Renogy Monocrystalline Foldable Solar Suitcase
Not only does it come with a protective casing, with a firm handle for safe transportation, and latches, which help, prevent it from breaking, but it also has an adjustable, anticorrosive aluminum stand. This stand allows it to be placed on any surface and secures stability. This solar panel even has pre-drilled holes, so there is no need to drill them yourself.
The solar panel is compatible with lithium, flooded and gel sealed batteries. It is paired with a 20A built-in solar charge controller, which displays operating information and data on an LCD, to protect the panel from overcharging and reduce fire risk.
The solar panel can be used on RV, trailer, boat, etc., because of the negative-ground charge controller, which allows compatibility with any vehicle you want. It is safe to use as the low-voltage system avoids electrical shock hazards.
2. Jackery SolarSaga Portable Solar Generator
Protection from mechanical damage is an absolute plus of the solar battery. Pay attention to the materials that make up the solar panel. With high-quality manufacturing, all solar cells must be laminated in plastic. An important criterion for selecting a solar battery is power. This is what this model definitely has.
Although you should buy the external battery separately, we want to pay attention to the advantages of such a purchase. There is a reserve of energy in case of a deterioration of weather conditions; the safety of gadgets increases as the devices can be damaged or lost when directly connected to the solar battery.
The external battery allows the tourist to be more mobile at the bivouac, and not sit in the sun being “tied” by a cable to the solar battery. Finally, it provides more efficient storage of energy.
A good package must include an additional adapter or a pair of cords for a particular type of equipment. So does this item.
Moreover, there are two types of USB ports for you to be able to charge multiple small devices at the same time. With this panel, you will definitely not be left without the means of communication and taking photos and videos with your friends!
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3. Rockpals SP003 Foldable Solar Panel Charger
The great plus is that the charging current of USB ports is supervised and automatically regulated according to the sunlight level. The manufacturer is proud of an Oxford cloth, which makes this device waterproof. But remember to keep the junction box dry!
Keep in mind that the efficiency of the battery directly depends on the solar activity in the region where the hiking route runs. It, in turn, depends on the geographical location of the area and the time of year. Moreover, in winter, the efficiency of its work will be much lower than in the summer months.
In addition, for the most efficient use of the solar battery, it will need uniform lighting and, if possible, correct orientation relative to the sun. It is not always possible to meet all the conditions listed in the campaigns.
Best Portable Solar Panels for Camping Under $150
4. PAXCESS Portable Solar Panel
What can force you to purchase such a device? For example, the need to work remotely, in a place without a stable power supply. Keep in touch with the office and answer emails while on a secluded wild beach.
Besides, an emergency power supply is required for communication and navigation in an emergency (when the storage battery fails and the devices used are discharged).
One of the main criteria for the efficiency of converting solar energy into electricity is the efficiency of the panel. The higher it is, the better the performance of the module. This item can make about 23% of solar power into free energy.
It is a three-part structure based on panels. The elements are connected to each other by means of rotary loops that allow you to fold the panel in half. Since the size of the current source when folded is comparable to the size of a diplomat, you can take it with you on a hike or to the country.
The manufacturer has provided both stationary and temporary installation. With the help of special support, you can adjust the angle of inclination, providing devices with electricity up to 60 watts.
5. TISHI HERY Portable Solar
In such a situation, with the active use of several devices and gadgets at once, the weight of the stock of batteries and “power banks” can significantly exceed the weight of one powerful solar panel that works with one external battery.
This includes working in basic mountaineering camps, long cycling and water expeditions, and long hiking trails in remote parts of the world.
What is special about this unit is the possibility to prevent your devices from overcharging and overloading. For that purpose, it does not require a solar charge controller. Nevertheless, this model includes a few accessories, which make it suitable for almost all types of generators and gadgets.
Modules with the Grade A (high-grade) designation must not have any defects. Therefore, if the seller claims this level of quality, then if a minor defect is detected, you can open a dispute.
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Best Portable Solar Panels for Camping Under $100
6. CHAFON Portable Solar Charger
Right, you will get CHAFON solar panel! It is wonderful outdoor camping gear as depending on your needs, you can put this model in a well-lit place due to its sturdy support or attach it to your caravan.
It can charge your phone fast with the charger combined QC3.0 charging port, incorporated smart IC chip, and safe low-voltage system. Moreover, the length of the cord is a meter and a half that allows putting it in the sunniest places.
The seller provides a one-year warranty and polite customer service. Although people are not often applying to them as there are almost no troubles with this item.
This solar crystal module shows good performance in all parameters. It has fairly high efficiency for its price, long service life, and you can find any power. It should be noted that at low temperatures, some panels may change their characteristics.
7. Beaudens Solar Panel Charger
Beaudens series modules are subjected to control testing, which consists of two stages-before and after they are ETFE Laminated. Loads of battery points pass special technical quality control.
The increased performance of the model is characterized by the possibility of stable power generation even at low solar flux intensity. The advantages of the module include high resistance to negative factors that occur when working in high temperatures.
The package includes four stainless hooks for you to adjust the battery to your backpack. It can be used in extreme weather conditions as it is not afraid of liquids, fire, and dust and is easy to clean. Finally, technology has reached the point where the output voltage is displayed on the LED display when charging.
Another advantage of this panel is the increased conversion rate (up to 24% in comparison with 23% of the rest). With a low intensity of sunlight, the module produces more electricity than its similar standard counterparts do. The manufacturer offers a two-year hassle-free warranty and friendly responsive service.
8. Nekteck Portable Solar Panel Charger
Although this battery is not of the highest capacity (21W), more than a thousand users find it extremely useful during camping. It is an Amazon choice with a 4.5 out of 5 average ratings. Still, it can not accumulate energy, so you will need a power bank to store power or connect it to your device directly to charge.
The solar cells on the back are covered with a tough waterproof nylon cloth, which protects them from external influences. They are rigid, but cannot be easily broken.
As we have already noted, the lighting conditions that fall to the share of tourists are often far from ideal. The solar panel often works “on the go” while attached to a backpack or kayak deck, and the light level is constantly changing due to the movement of the sun, weather conditions, and the constant change of light and shadow.
In this situation, the solar battery most often produces a current that is much weaker than what is stated in the technical documentation.
As a result, many devices, mainly smartphones, and tablets, simply refuse to charge from such a power source. Therefore, solar panels are most effective when working in tandem with universal external batteries, which “collect” absolutely all the energy that is issued by solar modules.
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9. IXNINE Solar Power Bank
At last, we smoothly came to the last item on our list. Just imagine, this baby is twelve times cheaper than the first model, but it can also help you during the trip. The solar battery is made of high-quality components and is the most budget model among its analogs. IXNINE series batteries are made from monocrystalline solar cells.
When assembling the module, modern diodes are used, which ensures long-term (up to nine days) and uninterrupted operation.
The device is designed to meet special standards for electrical safety, and a serial fuse will protect the module from short-circuit.
The design of the frame is based on the principle of providing the greatest rigidity, and the use of modern materials significantly facilitates the battery. It weighs almost half a kilo, and when folded, has the same dimensions as iPhone 11!
The model is equipped with four foldable solar panels, with a power of 6 watts. When there are no clouds, they can convert the solar energy with the speed of 1.2A. It is five times faster than regular ones.
It supports charging two devices with a maximum of 2.1A. Besides, this item is multifunctional thanks to its built-in flashlights. There are three modes to make a dark way easier to go through bright, flickering, and SOS-signal in case you failed.
FAQ for portable solar panels for camping buyers
1. What is the working principle of the panel?
A solar cell consists of solar cells that convert light energy into electricity. On this basis, they are divided into two types, comprising:
- a crystalline solar cell is a semiconductor that is formed on the plane silicon, the efficiency of 8-14%, fragile (requires additional protection), but durable;
- the amorphous solar cell is a film of silicon and other elements deposited on a special substrate, for example on metallic foil, the efficiency of 6-8%, is resistant to damage. Stationary batteries are made using crystalline silicon, and portable batteries are made from amorphous silicon.
2. How do I know which battery is right for me?
Before you start deciding which model to buy, we offer to answer a number of questions. How many consumer devices will be taken on the trip? Which energy sources are used in – batteries or accumulators?
What is the accumulator capacity? How intensively will the device be used during the campaign and how long will its charge last? We hope these questions will help you to make up your mind.
3. Do I really need a portable solar panel? Maybe it’s easier to take a power bank or other charging devices?
Sufficiently powerful solar panels that can effectively collect charge during daylight hours, increase the weight of your backpack by almost half a kilo or more. To this, you need to add the weight of the buffer “power bank”, and this is an additional 250-350 grams.
Therefore, if the trip does not differ in duration and a high degree of autonomy, it is not planned to use a large number of electricity consumers, and their charge is spent sparingly — the need for a solar panel simply disappears. However, if that is not your case, you certainly need a solar panel!