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Your portable solar panels guide for green camping

By Staff, AccuWeather

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Don’t let the drawbacks of camping stop you from enjoying it. Try these 5 Camping hacks to have a better camping experience.

With spring just around the corner, many outdoor enthusiasts are starting to map out all of their camping adventures for the season. Although camping is an excellent way to connect with Mother Nature, the activity also necessitates that you plan ahead and arrive at your campsite prepared with all of the essentials. One of the most popular modern camping accessories is a set of portable solar panels. These portable solar panels will help to power your campsite in a way that naturally complements the power of nature. Here are a few things that you need to know about how to use portable solar panels for camping.

portable solar panel camping

Photo by Pexels

Pexels

Why choose portable solar panels?

These types of portable solar panels allow you to immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of nature while still enjoying some of the modern comforts of home. Savvy campers understand the balance of feeling like you are getting away from it all while still feeling connected. With portable solar panels, you can sit outside at night by the campfire and stare at the stars but do so with the peace of mind of knowing that your cellphone is fully charged. Many portable solar panel kits also come standard with a waterproof cover. This ensures that the portable solar panels can be used in a myriad of weather conditions. Although there is a significant investment to purchase the solar panel kit, the panels cost nothing to operate. Once you own the solar power kit, you no longer have to spend money on fuel for a generator or access to electricity.

Why settle for a noisy generator that ruins the ambiance of enjoying the peacefulness of the great outdoors when you can choose a noise-free solar option? By harnessing the neverending power of the sun, you can charge up your entire camping vacation. Lastly, solar power is an environmentally-friendly way to harness the electricity that you need to enhance your overall camping experience.

camping in sunny forest

Photo by Scott Goodwill

Scott Goodwill

 How do portable solar panels work?

Portable solar panels are smaller and more compact versions of regular solar panels. These miniature solar panels are easy to install and are extremely portable. Like a regular solar panel, the technology works by converting the power of the sun into electricity or heat. A series of photovoltaic cells are made with layers of silicon. When the rays from the sun land on the panel, a channel sends the electric field to the battery or the grid for power. While there are varying sizes of solar panels available for consumer use, most portable solar panels will fit easily in a vehicle. Depending on their size and volt reading, most solar panels can provide up to a watt rating of 320. The user-intuitive set-up process makes it a breeze for anyone to set up and operate.

Stack - Solar Charger

This $14 solar-powered charger is an eco-friendly way to keep all your devices powered.

How to choose the right portable solar panels

Be sure to keep in mind that you do not need to limit your use of these portable solar panels to camping alone. If you plan on using the portable solar panels for any other purpose, it is important that you purchase the right type of product. It is clear that solar energy is here to stay, making these panels a good investment of your money. If you choose a fully portable solarpanel kit, you can count on a setup that will provide power for nearly all of your camping needs from tools to a portable stove to various electronics. You can also choose to add outdoor solar lights to strategically place around the campsite so that you can safely light your surroundings. This additional lighting will deliver added security.

people camping with gear

Photo by Daniel Nainggolan

Daniel Nainggolan

If the only thing that you want to charge is your cell phone, you don’t have to invest in portable solar panels. You can choose a specially designed solar-powered phone charger. This option will keep you connected to the outside world if you do not want to bring along the portable solar panels. With so many options in solar light, it is easy to find the best fit for your personal needs and travel preferences. For those needing help deciding what type of portable solar panelsto purchase, it is important to read through the product's solar panel guide so that you can ensure you have the right power output for your needs. This guide will provide invaluable information to help you to make an informed purchasing decision.

Regardless of if you are using portable solar power panels for your next camping trip, it is vital that you always check the weather before heading out on your outdoor adventure. In addition to your electricity needs, you need to know how to prepare for the other elements of camping that depend on the weather. Keeping informed of developing weather conditions will help you to have a safer and more comfortable camping experience.

Related:

Important tips for winter camping
6 of the most scenic winter drives in the US
The best hiking gear for cold weather
Great tips to stay warm when hiking in winter
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