Tent, sleeping bag, torch—these have long been the top three essentials for any camping trip. However, there’s now a new kid on the block: the humble portable solar panel.
Technological advances and greater environmental awareness have propelled portable solar panels to the forefront of our psyche. Solar power for camping goes together like love and marriage or salt and pepper. It’s become an integral part of modern-day life in the wilderness over a relatively short time.
Read on to discover all the benefits of portable power and why MaxWatt solar panels outshine those of their competitors.
What is a Portable Solar Panel and How Does It Work?
In a nutshell, portable solar panels harness the sun’s energy and turn it into electricity that you can use wherever you happen to be.
When the sunlight shines onto your portable solar panel, energy from its rays gets absorbed by the panel’s photovoltaic (PV) cells. This energy makes electrical charges that react to an internal electrical field within the cell, resulting in direct current (DC) electricity flow.
An inverter converts this DC electricity to alternating current (AC). AC is the kind of electrical current we use for most everyday appliances.
Top Reasons Every Camper Should Invest in a Portable Solar Panel
There is no question that we have become more dependent on a whole host of appliances that need an electrical supply. More compact and affordable devices and useful digital technology play into our reliance on electrical accessories.
Portable solar panels have opened the door to a new “any time, any place” reality, bringing these benefits:
Uninterrupted Power for Essential Devices
Love or loathe them, our smartphones have, to an extent, become an extension of our very being. “My whole life is on my phone” has become a familiar refrain, especially when we experience that sense of panic the moment a phone disappears from view.
The fact is that we rely on our phones for vital tasks, including:
- Staying connected with loved ones or for work
- Navigation using GPS to find our way from A to B
- Photography to record precious moments or useful information
- Alerting the emergency services
Solar panels can keep our phones fully charged and run a range of other small appliances, from mini-fridges to coffee makers, fans and sophisticated camera gear. MaxWatt solar panels are your go-to solution for running all these devices because of their generous power output and versatility.
Reliability in Remote Locations
The much sought-after off-grid experience no longer excludes powering your devices. Portable solar panels make working in remote, rural areas possible. They will also allow you to camp more comfortably. You’ll still be able to cook, turn on the lights and brew your favourite blend of coffee using your favourite electrical appliances in the wilderness.
SOS and Emergency Backup Power
It’s no exaggeration to suggest that portable solar panels can save lives. By staying connected, you can check weather forecasts and take appropriate action to change your plans when necessary in order to avoid dangerous conditions.
By keeping GPS devices charged, you’ll mitigate the risk of getting lost and be able to contact the emergency services in the event of an accident or sudden illness. And, even if you’re staying on a camping site that offers power from the grid, you’ll be able to stay connected in the event of any unforeseen power outages.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Camping
Solar panels align with a “Leave No Trace” philosophy. They provide a source of clean, renewable energy that boosts our eco-friendly credentials. Using solar panels reduces our carbon footprint because there are no fossil fuels involved.
Added to this, MaxWatt’s solar panels have a design that will withstand most extreme weather conditions. Durable and splash-proof, they are IP65 water-resistant, lightweight and easy to transport. Being foldable makes them an ideal choice for campers travelling with limited space. And they’re easy to set up, so you can spend more time enjoying the great outdoors than installing a more complex power supply.
How to Choose the Ideal Portable Solar Panel for Your Camping Needs
The first part of your plan should be to work out your energy consumption needs. Make a list of the devices and appliances you intend to use. Smaller solar panels may be sufficient if you only plan to charge a phone or tablet, for instance. You may need something bigger if you intend to use multiple accessories simultaneously.
You should choose a portable solar panel design that is robust enough to handle the kinds of outdoor conditions you’re likely to encounter. For example, there may be a significant drop in temperature at night or dusty environments to cope with. Always conduct thorough research by checking out the finer details of any of the products you may have an eye on.
You should also ensure you can fold or roll up your portable solar panels quickly and carry them without too much difficulty. Solar power for camping should be hassle-free, so go for a respected brand like MaxWatt with a well-thought-through design.
MaxWatt’s Commitment to Quality and Innovation
MaxWatt portable solar panels have incorporated cutting-edge technology into their design. Their dedication to innovation capitalises on high-efficiency solar cells and lightweight materials, placing emphasis on ease of use.
MaxWatt also offers an unbeatable level of high-quality customer service alongside comprehensive warranties. It is proud to provide a commitment to ensuring an excellent solar power camping experience for all its customers.
Alongside its popular portable solar panels, MaxWatt offers a range of other useful products that can enhance the camping experience. These include power stations and portable off-grid generators. These larger devices complement portable solar panels, offering an extra level of camping power solutions.
Check out the range of MaxWatt products online, and don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any questions or suggestions for further portable power products you’d like to see added to the MaxWatt family.
Tags: camping, portable power, portable solar panels