CAMPING SOLAR PANELS

All About Camping Solar Panels for Camping: Your Complete Buying Guide

You go camping to get away from all the hustle and bustle of the city. We all need to escape and enjoy nature at some stage, right? But luckily that doesn’t mean you need to leave all your luxuries of the modern world behind. The idea of solar panels has been around ever since 1839 thanks to Edmond Becquerel. Now solar power energy is gaining traction more than ever before.

It’s popular even in modern cities, specifically because it’s a sustainable energy source. Over the years manufacturers have started converting it into many kits to make it easily accessible to the public. So why not take one with when you go camping next time?

Why Do You Need Camping Solar Power?

This is the more nature-friendly option to power your camping gear. If you’re a camper you must care for the outdoors. Won’t it be ideal if everyone can align their camping methods with environmentally friendly guidelines? With a solar generator for camping, you have an easy option to power appliances and tech gadgets.

This can make camp life a bit easier, help provides entertainment and creates a fun atmosphere. Imagine camping with your favorite music in the background. Even if you don’t use much technology you’ll need power at some stage:

• Cooking food
• Powering your RV
• Charging flashlight batteries
• Powering up your smartphone to make sure you can contact someone in the case of an emergency

For some of these uses, many campers opt to use gas, generators or open fires. Unfortunately, this comes with problems:

• A fire is a safety hazard and you can cause a forest fire if you’re not careful.
• Any smoke or the consumption of fuel will pollute the air.
• Many power generators make a lot of noise. You—and those camping around you—won’t appreciate this when you’re trying to enjoy the beauty of nature.

Solar camping is a nature and user-friendly alternative.

What Can Motorhome Solar Panels Do For You?

Yes, you can use your home’s appliances when you go camping. But why not consider camping appliances too? These are more relevant to camping environments as they’re usually smaller in design and also require less power. You’ll also find units that draw 12V DC power. With these, you don’t always need an inverter when using your solar power. Simply plug them into the battery directly. The most popular items include:

• Solar powered camping lights
• Solar power charger for your phone
• Caravan solar panels produce electricity for the battery.

You may want to develop your camping solar power kit over time as you realize what you need. Determine what you can use without running out of power by the end of the day. Then add an additional feature if your setup can handle it. If your system is efficient enough you can consider moving beyond basic appliances and enjoy:

• Camping solar can give more working hours on the portable cooler.
• You can make solar panels run camping fridge and freezer units.
• You can run your entire RV off large solar panels. Then you don’t need a generator or power from the camping area. This is ideal if you go to remote areas where you don’t want the noise of a generator.

What are the benefits of caravan solar?

If you have a caravan solar panels that produce enough power for all the appliances you can simply enjoy, right? But what if you get stormy weather that limits its effectiveness? Because you can’t control all factors when you’re out camping it’s best to use solar power energy conservatively. Firstly you shouldn’t use it for items that draw a lot of power unless they’re really necessary. Heaters and toasters require excessive amounts of energy to keep them off the grid as much as possible. You should also teach all your camping companions a few healthy habits:

• Switch off lights whenever they’re not necessary. If you’re done checking on the food, rather turn the light off until someone goes to the kitchen again.
• If you’re using an electric kettle, only boil enough water for everyone instead of filling the kettle to the top. It will take longer to heat up and waste your precious power.
• Only use energy conserving lights such as LEDs instead of halogen lights.
• Look for camping optimized items that have lower Voltage ratings.

How do Camping Solar Panels Work? If you’re considering a camping solar panel DIY option it can seem quite daunting. Let help you understand exactly how these kits work.

How to set up camping solar panels with inverter

When you’re doing your solar panel setup for camping you start by positioning your panels. The ideal place for them is in direct sunlight. Find an area where you can easily turn and angle them as the position of the sun changes throughout the day. You’ll be chasing the sun all day but the effort will give you the greatest amount of power.

You connect the solar panel to your battery with the converter. This channels the power to where it’s stored without hurting the battery. Handy tip: You can charge your batteries to full capacity before you link it up to your solar panel system. This helps you test whether they work well. You also don’t have to wait at the campsite until your batteries are charged.

Note that many new batteries won’t be fully charged when you get them so don’t assume they’re ready to use. Testing camping solar panels and all other components are vital before you leave for your camping trip. Ensure a stress-free time.

Place your batteries in a watertight container at all times. It also makes them easier to carry around the campsite during setup as they can be quite heavy. If you use multiple batteries you need to connect them in parallel.

Use jumpers you can make from 2 AWG cable. Here you need to consider the size of your inverter to determine which cable to use. A large inverter such as a 2400W inverter may require you to use larger cables in your jumpers.

Now you need to make sure the power in the battery can easily be used for the appliances you have. This is especially important if you plan on using regular 120V items instead of 12V gear. An inverter is your connection between the battery and your appliances.

Cables running from the converter and to the inverter will have to run into your battery container. Note that you should leave these components turned off and disconnected during the setup stage.

Camping Solar Panel Types

What are They Made Of?

You have a selection of camping solar panel types to pick from. Each one is advantageous for certain circumstances: By material:

• Monocrystalline panels: it’s also called in MONO as thort name. If you’re camping in the woods or where you know rain is imminent this is a worthwhile investment. You want quality camping solar panels giving you the most power from the smallest surface. This should also work in low light conditions. These are made of high purity silicone and they’re also very durable.
• Polycrystalline units: These are blue in color and they’re made by melting silicone fragments together. They’re less efficient than monocrystalline panels so you’ll need larger units to get the same amount of power. However, they’re still dynamic and more budget friendly.

Above are just a material difference, if power same, no big difference, MONO is nicer.

• Thin film amorphous Solar panels: This isn’t the most efficient option. However, the benefit here is that it’s safe to bend these panels. This is why foldable and rolled panels have become realities as we’ll discuss below. These units are also very light compared to others so this is your ideal option for portable camping solar panels.
• Thin film CIGS Solar panels: Higher efficiency than amorphous, developed better and better, the next generation solar panels.

Power of camping solar panels: 7-21watt solar panel for camping is used for mobile and another small device at 5V input, to charge power bank and higher power battery, you will need the 50watt-200watt portable solar panel.

Above material, a solar panel can all make different types of foldable solar panels, but different weights. Because solar panels can be bent and rolled up means there’s no reason to settle for only a large central solar panel system.

You can place solar panels wherever you’ll need power such as in your backpack.  Lower efficiency means you need more space to get higher power.LINK Solar is the second choice to get Uni-solar level grade Amorphous solar panels.

Which camping solar panel for the motorhome is the best?

Above we’ve discussed a range of facts you need to consider before purchasing your motorhome solar panels. It’s not a question of what’s the best for camping, but actually what’s best for you. What’s your need? Lighter weight? high efficiency, high quality, or under budgets. Price level as follows: Poly Solar Panel

Always trust well known, established brands. portable solar panels for caravans be sure you can claim on your warranty. later on instead of realizing the company doesn’t exist anymore. You need cover for repairs and replacement for at least two years. You also don’t want your system to deteriorate in performance over time.

A good sign is if your brand guarantees your kit will produce 80% or more of its rated wattage for two more decades. When you talk to vendors you can ask about how the panels are graded.

This refers to the quality of the photovoltaic cells. When quality cells are used in manufacturing your panel they will produce more power than lower quality products. Your best option is monocrystalline panels that are of high quality and long lifespan, but it’s very heavy.

One alternative to this is multi RV solar panels technology found in products of many Japanese brands. Here you have a combination of monocrystalline and polycrystalline units. This design leads to a larger surface area so your output will be higher. Apart from different types of panels, these are also used in different designs on campervan solar panel kit.

Camper solar kit Designs

Because it has become such a competitive market you can now find a range of solar panel merchandise ideal for camping. You simply pick what’s relevant to how you camp:

• Heavy duty kits are necessary if you know your gear will be handled quite roughly.
• Portable solar kits for camping won’t get damaged when you move them around a lot. They’re also light enough for you to carry to the sunniest areas of the campsite.
• Flexible solar panels for camping are designed to place in your backpack or store away easily. They won’t get damaged when you bend them.
• Foldable solar panels for camping are ideal if you’re going hiking. You can have a compact hiking solar charger unit for when you need to charge a phone or torch. Their portability and light weight mean you don’t need a larger backpack. You won’t even be weighed down by your gear.
• A campervan solar power kit will be permanently fixed to the exterior of your vehicle. Usually, the panels are placed on top of the roof. This gives them the most exposure and limits the chances of them being in the shade.

Because technology enables vendors to produce flexible and portable units you can pick from some very innovative products. What are your camping requirements? Have you considered how these products can make it easy to generate power?

• A portable solar blanket you can fold up and place in luggage or a backpack.
• A waterproof portable unit that folds up as small as 155mm x 220mm to easily fit into any luggage.

Camping Solar Powered Buying Guide: How to Pick the Right Solar Panel for You

Based on all this information, have you found the best camping solar panel kit for you yet? These questions will help you determine which camping solar panels for hire or for sale will be best.

You may easily find a seller on Google or Amazon, but it’s hard to know who is better right? all looks same.but price have the difference.

1. How urgent you need. If urgent, choose the closest shop and buy it.
2. What’s the most point you care about solar panels? Lightweight? long life run?
3. The rigid solar panel is no big difference, but a portable solar panel or flexible solar panel for camping have the quality issue from different suppliers.
4. Choose the most people who bought, so you won’t meet the big problem.
5. If you want the best quality and professional supplier, and find on google and verify from their website and feedback.

How Much Power Do You Need for camping solar charger?

Don’t arrive at your camping site and realize your camping solar panel output is too low for your requirements. That’s why you start your buying process with measuring how much power you’ll need.

Determine Your Required Camping Solar Panel Output

Make a list of all the devices you want to take along on your trip. Now calculate your average usage by multiplying the amps the devices will use per hour by the number of hours you plan on using them daily. You can now determine the amount of power you’ll need each day and even for the entire trip. Simply multiply your total daily usage by the number of days you’re going away. Now you need to find:

• A solar panel kit that will generate that power every day
• A battery which is big enough to store this

Camping Solar Panel Size Options and Quantity

Of course, you also have to settle on the size of your panels and how many you’ll require. In simple terms the larger your solar panel the more energy it will create. Of course, many factors listed in this article will also determine its efficacy. You’ll find different panel options on the market such as:

• A 5W or 10W camping solar panel output that’s capable of topping up batteries but not much else. Mainly for the small device or mobile phone charger
• 50W-80W panels that can charge 12V appliances, power up your SmartPhone and properly top up battery power
• 100W solar panels you’ll need if your camping involves watching TV or heating up some water for a shower.
• With 200 Watt solar panel camping becomes more luxurious. These systems can power RVs even if you have appliances running throughout the day.
• A 320W panel mostly for roof projects or power stations.

Of course, you don’t have to use a panel on its own. You link panels together to give you your desired results. The panel you pick will determine how many of those units will provide you with the necessary power your camping site needs. It’s important that you don’t overestimate your solar panels’ capabilities.

Remember, the power they can provide according to their ratings happens under pristine conditions. Determine which one or how many will work for you and then add another one or go even larger. If you get bad weather or if one panel gets damaged you’ll still get enough power for your campsite.

Determining what you need can become complicated. If you want to confirm your need you’ll find various camping solar panel size calculator services online. These quickly help you get an accurate answer.

Get the Right Battery

You also need the right battery to store your power and you determine your need in this way:

• Determine how many Watts you’ll need each day.
• How many days will you be camping without guaranteed bright sunlight? (e.g. if you expect bad weather).
• Multiply these numbers and then multiply by 2.
• Divide this by the number of Voltage you need such as 12.
• The answer is the Ah capacity your battery needs to be.

Remember your solar panels will take a while to generate a lot of power. Therefore you need enough electricity backed up to provide power throughout the day.

How Much Space Do You Have for Solar RV Roof?

You also need to think of the practical aspect of transporting your solar panels to the campsite. Try and find solar panel options that will serve you well in multiple scenarios. If you want a lot of power it’s ideal to have large units fixed to the roof of your vehicle.

Measure precisely so you don’t hamper a sunroof or damage your RV, car or caravan when attaching the panels. Another option is portable panels but thinks in which situation you’ll need them.

If you know you’ll be hiking most of the time you need a unique solution. You need a device you can use at the campsite and while you’re hiking. Consider folding solar panels that you can place in your backpack and therefore transports easily.

If you simply travel with you car-not an RV-you need an ultra portable kit that fits into your vehicle. Limited space may can’t get enough power, but if you use portable solar panels for camping. You will get enough power.

Look for These Features camping solar.

To ensure you take home the best option possible, you should look for these characteristics when you read reviews or compare camping solar panel products:

• Quality: There are a few things you should discuss with the salesperson concerning the item’s quality such as:
  • Determine how it performs in ideal conditions by looking at the STC rating
  • How well will it perform when the irradiance is very low?
  • What’s the warranty?
  • You should also consider the age of the item. Old stock and old models will malfunction quicker than other, newer products.
• Customization: Is it possible to customize the unit to suit your unique setup?
• Lightweight: Are the panels light enough especially if they’re portable units? This is vital if you’re going to move them around during the day. It’s less important if you’ll use units that are fixed to your vehicle.
• Durability: Are they made of durable frameworks and substances so they’ll survive the rough handling around the campsite?
• Ocean readiness: If you’re camping near the sea your panels will need higher salt and ammonia resistance. This rating should be displayed on panels so look for it when you shop.
• Safety: Any system that incorporates electricity must adhere to the highest security regulations. Look for IEC 61730 safety standards displayed on the products.
• Weather-safe: An IEC 61215 rating will prove your panel can handle most weather conditions without breaking or malfunctioning. Weather can also include snow and storms. If you know you’ll be camping in cold conditions you should look for the robust frame load. If your kit is appropriate for these conditions it won’t get damaged when snow piles on top.
• Outdoor compliant: Ensure the equipment you use is up to environmental standards which means it’s appropriate for outdoor use. This is ISO 14001 compliance.
• Connectivity: No matter the type of solar panel make sure you can easily connect it to your system. Does it have the proper outputs for the setup you’re planning? Some small units may have fixtures such as a USB so you can directly charge your smartphone. This is ideal to take on hikes in your backpack as you won’t be taking a battery or inverter with. In other scenarios, you may want to link it with a car charger. Larger units need to be connected to your converter. Make sure you purchase user-friendly products. If it’s ready to use you won’t spend money on more equipment later on.
• Integration: The fewer components you need to set up the better, right? Some portable units have integrated batteries so you don’t have any additional wires that can get damaged or get lost. The panel and battery fit together perfectly which also makes it easier to pack & transport.

Your Budget for Camping Solar Panels

Take your time before buying your solar panels. Get the best option in terms of quality, but also price. If you don’t camp often you may want to consider camping solar panels for hire. Why pay a lot of money if they’re going to be in storage most of the year? If you do want to purchase your own you can buy camping solar panels online.

The benefit is that you don’t have to settle for what your local store has. Find exactly what you need and have it delivered to your door. Another option to ensure you get cheap solar panels for camping is to consider wholesale solar panels.

This makes sense as camping and caravan club solar panels. All the members can buy their solar kits together to ensure everyone gets theirs at more affordable prices. A rigid solar panel is the first choice, but it is heavy.

The flexible solar panel is a higher cost, but have cheaper sellers, be careful about it, because lifespan is not long, and the supplier does not give more warranty. And other higher grades based on your budgets, and you will get the most valuable item with the money you paid.

Where to Place Your Camping Solar Panels

The most important thing when planning your camping solar kit layout is to optimize energy conversion. While direct sunlight isn’t a requirement it does make your system more dynamic. Here’s your first priority: Find a place and position that give access to the most sunlight possible.

This often means you should place it at an angle rather than flat on the ground. Modern camping gear makes this easier by fixing flexible solar panels to various surfaces:

• Use a camping tent with solar panels on the roof or door
• Position the camping trailer solar panels in the sun by moving the trailer to different spots during the day.
• A motorhome solar system and solar panels for caravan roofs position the panels higher up. This means there’s less chance of other items blocking the sun from them. However, the challenge with this setup is that you’ll have to park your RV in the sun all the time. This will make it difficult to keep it cool inside. This is still a smart setup if you’re camping during the cold months of the year.

When solar panels are fixed to these objects there’s also less chance of them getting damaged or stepped on. They’re out of the way so you have fewer hazards around camp.

If you can’t find these products at a store you can also make them yourself. You can fit foldable or other solar panels to your existing gear.

Fixed Panels vs Portable Panels

An important aspect to consider when planning your setup is the solar panels’ angles to the sun. It’s convenient to place your panels on your RV or trailer, but they will lie flat all the time.

Without angling them they can produce up to 20% less power compared to the same sized panels placed at an optimum angle to the sun’s rays. If you’re going to invest in portable solar panels be prepared to do some work.

You need to reposition them throughout the day to get optimum power relayed to your battery. As mentioned above some solar panels are flexible. This means you can place these portable units on almost any surface and you can angle them for optimum results.

Why not use backpacks with solar panels? You can charge your phone while hiking or make sure your flashlight never runs out.

How to Optimize Your Solar Panels for Camping

The power on offer during daytime is endless, right? However, your solar panels can only process a certain amount of that energy. You need to align your usage with how much of this power you can convert and store.

You need to make the most of your stored energy and prevent running out of power in the middle of the night. This means you must focus on using electricity wisely. Start with the tips already mentioned above.

Apart from looking after your solar panels and having good habits you also need to consider the battery. Batteries have limited recharge cycles so you’ll need to replace them at some stage.

However, how you use them determines whether they give out earlier than expected. Try your best not to run a battery completely empty before recharging it.

Leaving it discharged for extended periods can also damage it. You may want to use and charge the battery around the house in between camping trips.

Cool Solar Gadgets for Camping

With an expanding market you now also have access to many gadgets that will make your camping experience better. These are usually energy efficient so they won’t drain your battery:

• A solar camping fan: This isn’t simply to keep cool while inside the RV. It can help dry clothing items if you got caught in the rain.
• Torches: Some of these have their own solar panels so you don’t even have to use your regular power source. Simply leave the torch in the sun by day and it will be ready to use at night. You’ll also find torches that can generate power via solar panels as well as hand cranks. This gives you torchlight even if you ran out of solar power. At least you don’t have to crank it all the time. Just keep the battery charged!
• Solar showers: A very simple device can give you a luxuriously hot shower thanks to solar power. All you need is a high enough branch to hook this on. Remember to leave it in the sun during the day, filled with water. The water will heat up from the sun and the solar power enhances the effect.

These gadgets are either solar powered themselves or can easily hook up to your solar power system. This turns a camping trip into a much more luxurious time in the wilderness.

FAQ of Camping Portable Solar Panels

Is a camping solar system waterproof?

It makes sense that camping solar panels should be waterproof right? If it starts raining you shouldn’t be forced to remove the RV solar panels from the roof. Some suppliers design used with fabric sewing, that type is not waterproof, but LINK SOLAR portable solar panels for camping is waterproof.

For this reason, the market developed waterproof units. They often have IP65 or higher ratings. Rain can pour down and they won’t break or malfunction.

Where to buy?

With a growing market, you’ll find these devices and kits become more readily available. However, it’s still a niche item compared to some other power options such as camping generators.

You’ll find solar panels online and at stores. However, you’ll find the widest range of options when sourcing them from a specialized vendor.

Do you want to install your setup to benefit your unique habits and requirements? Then consider vendors who provide customized services.

You can pick the size and number of panels you need without spending money on items you won’t use in the end. And consider LINK SOLAR customize or standard solar products.

How much and how long will a charged battery operate?

How long your battery will last before you need to charge it again is determined by:

• The size of the battery in terms of how much power it stores
• The capacity of the battery expressed in Ah
• What the power is used for and therefore how much of the power is used at what rate

The current output of the solar panel, example its 10A output, the battery is 100AH, which mean it needs 100AH/10A=10H, 10hours charging.

If you need to know what type of battery you’ll need you to need to determine your average usage. Then purchase a battery that will suffice according to your habits around camp.

How much power does a solar panel produce in a day?

There are many factors that determine how much power your camping solar panels will generate each day. This includes:

• How many panels you have
• How much direct sunlight you can ensure will fall on the panels
• What the weather conditions are like because clouds will affect overall efficacy
• The type of panel you use in terms of size and power

An interesting fact is that the details of your trip will also determine how much power you can generate. Did you know you can increase efficacy by traveling to certain locations? Different parts of the country will have different effects on your panels. Let’s look at an example.

No, you don’t really need summer heat for your panels to work. However, you’ll see varying results when you compare data from camping at different times of the year. The photons in daylight determine how much energy your panels have access to.

During certain months such as winter when it tends to be darker outside your panels will work efficiently but there simply won’t be as much power available to draw from the surrounding environment.

For this reason, you must always remember that the ratings stated on your solar panels only apply to optimum conditions. It’s shown as an STC rating referring to how it performed under standard test conditions.

Do you need the sun for solar panels?

For optimum results, you do need the sun when using your solar panels. However, contrary to common belief it’s not the sun’s light that’s transformed into electric power.

It’s actually the energy in daylight. Therefore you can use the solar panels at any time during the day even if the sun is behind clouds. However, they won’t work at night at all.

Clouds during daytime will affect how dynamic your panels work and how quickly they generate power. However, the clouds won’t prevent the conversion process completely.

Do solar panels work in the shade?

Because you’re using daylight and not necessarily sunlight a solar panel can generate power even in the shade. Of course, the results will be less effective compared to putting it in direct contact with the sun-rays.

Recharging by placing the panels in the shade will take much longer compared to when you put panels in sunny spots. Ideally, you should ideally park your RV in the sun, rather than shade if your panels are fixed on the roof.

You also have to guard against shade created by tall trees or mountains in the area. Make sure you place the panels in such a way that they get the greatest amount of direct sunlight for the longest period of time possible.

Easy access to the sun should be a priority when you scout the grounds for the best camping spot.

Does it work on a rainy day?

The comments above should help you understand that you can even charge your batteries on a rainy day. As long as there’s some daylight the solar panels will convert the energy.

However, you’ll just have to be more patient or conserve energy. The results can be 10% – 25% of what you usually get from charging the batteries in sunny weather.

Does it work well in the winter?

Temperature doesn’t play a huge role in the solar power process. As long as the winter days aren’t dark you’ll still see your solar power work effectively.

However, you may actually see a reduction in productivity on, particularly hot days in summer. When temperatures start going higher than 25°C you may lose 0.3% of productivity for every degree the temperature rises.

Therefore you won’t necessarily get more out of your panels on very hot days. This doesn’t really apply to amorphous thin film panels which is another reason to consider them for your next trip.

What Other Options Do You Have?

Of course, solar power camping gear and kits weren’t always available. What did people use a few years ago? Should you invest in one of these systems if you already have a traditional system?

Solar Panels vs Generator Camping

A popular option has always been to take a generator when camping. In a comparison of solar panels vs generators camping, you’ll find pros and cons on both ends of the argument.

There are even some similarities. Both options require substantial capital investments before you can start using them. Apart from that, however, you need to contend with these facts if you consider using a generator:

• You’ll have to do regular maintenance on the generator to ensure it keeps functioning. This includes cleaning and testing as is necessary with your vehicle’s engine.
• Not all camping spots allow the use of generators. They can be extremely loud and they emit gasses which the campers around you won’t like.
• You must take enough fuel with otherwise your generator will be useless. The fuel and the emissions also have odors you don’t really want during your time in nature.
• A generator can take up space so you can’t travel very light. Some units are quite heavy to transport.

But a generator has its advantages such as that its efficacy isn’t determined by what the weather looks like. You can power it up at any time to charge your batteries. Therefore you don’t have to wait for the sun to come up or rain to dissipate.

Technology has also advanced which means these days you get quite compact units that still create high levels of energy. Generators are also more cost effective in many cases because this is such a popular market.

While solar panels are still mostly niche items generators are mass produced. This makes generators slightly more affordable than solar panel kits. Solar panels are somewhat weather dependent.

If you’re camping with many electrical devices or you need to power up an entire RV motorhome it may require more solar panels than you can fit on the roof.

Therefore solar camping equipment is your ideal answer if it suffices for your daily consumption and if you want to travel light. Of course, the many portable solar panel options make it possible to take your energy source in your backpack if you go hiking.

This you’ll never be able to do with a generator battery bank. Just a small solar panel for cell phone solar charging. Solar systems are also noiseless and won’t pollute the air.

If you’re looking for a camping option that won’t negatively affect your camping neighbors or the environment you must consider the solar way. As a bonus, you won’t have to carry any additional resources such as fuel.

Solar systems are also mostly low maintenance. There are no moving parts so wear and tear are kept to a minimum. Just be careful not to damage them. When you drive underneath tree branches with solar panels on top of your vehicle or RV you must consider the clearance on top.

Despite the fact that solar panel kits have restrictions many campers have been camping off the grid for years. It’s absolutely possible if you invest the time, do your research and find the ideal solution. We all camp differently and you need to pick the power source that makes sense for your unique scenario.

Using Your Car Instead of a Secondary Power Source

Another alternative is to simply start your vehicle and power the batteries up via the alternators. This is necessary if your campsite doesn’t provide any electrical points and you don’t want an additional expense of solar panels.

Of course, you have the benefit of no additional expenses but this can be quite bothersome and you’ll be adding great amounts of noise & pollution to the air.

If you need to save money this is an effective method. However solar panels are ideal if you want to stay environmentally friendly.

The Best of Both Camping Solar.

A popular alternative for many campers is to use a combination of these systems. This is especially helpful if you have large pieces of equipment you want to charge.

Most camping solar systems can’t cope with powering this on their own. Of course, this requires excessive investment but once you’re set up you’ll enjoy stress-free camping:

• Even in bad weather, you can draw power from the generator.
• Even a smaller solar system can serve to top up your battery. You don’t have to use your generator as much as usual.
• You can use your solar power as the basic energy source and keep your generator as a backup option for when the weather turns bad.
• With both systems, you run the risk of mechanical failures or damage. If you have both systems you can continue camping in style even if something goes wrong with one of them.
• When you have a generator too you can still park your RV with solar panels in the shade. Then simply use smaller, portable solar units to supplement your energy.
• You can power large devices without draining your power sources. You still limit your emissions compared to camping with a generator only.
• The generator can charge 240V items. This can be more power heavy items such as toasters that you don’t use all day or for long periods. Meanwhile, you use your solar panel kit for all 12V appliances.

If the camp areas you visit allow generators at all a combination system may be your most dynamic option. This especially works if you prefer camping in style with most modern appliances at your disposal. Once again it’s necessary to start your decision-making process by considering:

• Where you will camp and whether a generator will be allowed.
• What your daily consumption is. Determine whether a generator is necessary or whether a solar kit will suffice
• The location where you’ll camp. Determine whether the season with its expected weather conditions will provide enough sharp daylight to power up your battery via solar panels.

Based on all these facts you can pick a setup that works for you.

Conclusion

Are you ready for the new manner of camping? There’s no question that when we say we love the outdoors we should use methods that protect nature. With fewer emissions, solar panels are definitely the environmentally friendly way to go. Luckily you can benefit too.

Thanks to innovation, if you use modern units they can be extremely effective. This can make your camping more luxurious than ever before. That’s what happens when you use tech correctly: It benefits everyone involved.

If you still have questions or some handy advice for other campers, you can contact us. Let’s all make the most of what technology brings us.