Camping Solar Panels: What to Know Before Buying
Many people choose camping or caravanning to relieve stress and enjoy life. However, travelers often face the inconvenience of lacking access to modern electronic devices, as they cannot rely on traditional power sources like wall outlets.
But now, a reliable and powerful outdoor power solution has changed the game: portable camping solar panels. With camping solar panels, you can easily keep your devices charged. If you want to select a solar panel for camping, keep reading, and find out the right one for you.
What Are Camping Solar Panels?
Camping solar panels are designed for outdoor activities, such as camping, hiking, and caravanning. Compared with traditional solar panels, they are more lightweight and portable so that users can easily take them outdoors. Some portable camping solar panels also feature a foldable design to enhance their portability.
How To Choose Solar Panels For Camping?
Power Output
When choosing portable solar panels for camping, power output is the most important factor. The higher the power output wattage, the higher the electricity the solar panels can produce. To make sure you don't run out of charge during your camping trips, we recommend choosing a solar panel with a bigger power output.
Size and Weight
Most campers have limited space to transport or set up a solar panel system. So choosing a foldable solar panel is an ideal option as it will not take up much of your space. You may also consider a mini solar panel if your energy requirements are low.
Camping Duration
If you only camp occasionally for one night, a compact solar panel and portable power station will suffice. Frequent campers or full-time RVers will likely require more power output and storage to provide electricity for a broader range of appliances to power life's necessities.
Durability and Waterproof
When solar panel chargers for camping work, they are exposed outdoors long time. So, look for panels with high-quality materials so that they can work performances in any weather conditions.
Compatibility with Camping Electronic Devices
Select a solar panel with multiple outlets, and ensure the panel is compatible with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, GPS units, and portable power stations.
Best Solar Panels for Camping Recommendations
Aferiy 65w Mini Portable Folding Solar Panels
- Best for solo short camping trip
- Rated Power: 65W
- Cell Typer: Monocrystalline Silicon
- Cell Efficiency: 23%
- Lamination: MWT
- Waterproof Rating: IP65
- Voltage At Max Power(Vmp): 13.2V
- Current At Max Power(Imp): 4.9A
- Dimensions (Unfolded): 915*545 mm / 35.8*21.5 Inch
- Dimensions (Folded): 370*545 mm / 14.6*21.5 Inch
- Net Weight: 1.8 kg / 4.0 LB
- Operating Temperature: 14-140°F (-10-60℃)
- Best Working Temperature: 77°F (25℃)
- Warranty: 3 Years
- Package List: 65 watts solar panel, user manual, male to male DC cable
When you're adventuring outside, a fast-charging portable solar panel is key. The Aferiy 65W mini portable folding solar panels quickly charge all your devices in a small, reliable package. This 65W portable solar panel isn't particularly expensive and works with reasonable speed, charging all your devices quickly. It has a high conversion rate, so this panel charges well under sunny skies and on overcast days. Each of the Aferiy AF-S65 panels generates up to 4.9 amps, which is an exceptional amount of charging capacity for any USB device. It's also lightweight and hangs up easily, making it a solid choice for quick juice-ups on the go. The mini solar panel folds down to the size of a notebook, so it is lightweight and smaller. But it unfolds into two panels to capture an impressive amount of sunlight for its relatively small size.
Aferiy 100w Portable Folding Solar Panel
- Best for solo weekend camping
- Rated Power: 100W
- Cell Typer: Monocrystalline Silicon
- Cell Efficiency: 23%
- Lamination: MWT
- Waterproof Rating: IP65
- Voltage At Max Power(Vmp): 19.8V
- Current At Max Power(Imp): 5.05A
- Dimensions (Unfolded): 545*1320 mm / 21.4*51.9 Inch
- Dimensions (Folded): 545*370 mm / 21.4*14.6 Inch
- Net Weight: 2.5 kg / 5.5 LB
- Operating Temperature: 14-140°F (-10-60℃)
- Best Working Temperature: 77°F (25℃)
- Warranty: 3 Years
- Package List: 100 watts solar panel, user manual, anderson MC4 connectors
The 100W portable solar panel for camping is the best value around. This model costs significantly less than pretty much every other panel we tested. But that's where the differences stop because this performs almost as well as the more expensive large solar panels. It's lightweight and portable with a carry handle and foldable, ultra-portable design. It has fold-out legs, so you can point it directly at the sun to maximize low-angled morning and afternoon light. It comes with a variety of adapters that make it compatible with most power stations from any brand, eliminating the need to purchase additional cables or adapters.
Aferiy 200w Portable Folding Solar Panel
- Best for solo long-term camping / motorhome life, and family weekend camping
- Rated Power: 200W
- Cell Typer: Monocrystalline Silicon
- Cell Efficiency: 23%
- Lamination: MWT
- Waterproof Rating: IP65
- Voltage At Max Power(Vmp): 19.8V
- Current At Max Power(Imp): 10.1A
- Dimensions (Unfolded): 545*2300 mm / 21.7*90.5 Inch
- Dimensions (Folded): 530*550 mm / 21.7*20.1 Inch
- Net Weight: 4.5 kg / 9.9 LB
- Operating Temperature: 14-140°F (-10-60℃)
- Best Working Temperature: 77°F (25℃)
- Warranty: 3 Years
- Package List: 200 watts solar panel, user manual, anderson MC4 connectors
The 200W portable solar panel is a high-quality and primarily practical camping solar panel. This lightweight panel is more affordable than most 100-watt solar panels and also performs as well as the best of them. If it's a sunny day, this panel charges your devices quickly, and it works well on cloudy days as well. When it's time to pack up camp, the Aferiy AF-S200 quickly folds flat and weighs just over 10 pounds. With the adjustable set-up angles and magnetic pads, the foldable module can be set up flexibly and folded up rapidly.
With a USB-A, USB-C, and a DC output, you can plug this directly into your solar power station or power any of your devices straight from the panel. The DC charging cable is hardwired into the panel and stowed into a zipper pocket along with the USB charging ports. This folding solar panel for camping impressed us in every way, making it an excellent addition to any off-grid solar setup.
Maximize Your Camping Solar Panels
Estimating Your Energy Needs
The best way to determine this is by adding up the wattage of all the things you need to power off your camping solar panels. So, for instance, if you need to charge 3 mobiles that each draw 4 watts and 3 camping lamps that draw 10 watts, your total draw if you have to charge them all during the day will be 42 watts. Add 20% to that and you're looking at a 50-watt set of camping solar panels. However, if you need to power these devices, plus a camping fridge and an electric fan, you'll probably need at least 300 watts worth of panels. On the other hand, if you want to power something like a camping fridge, you'll probably need a 120-watt solar panel or a 160-watt panel.
Choose a Bigger One Then Your Needs
You won't ever want to run out of charge during camping, so we'd recommend aiming for a system that produces 20% more energy than you need to draw. It is important for that campsite where don't have the most reliable supply of sunshine. With a bigger power output wattage, you can still have an adequate power supply to charge your devices even on a cloud day.
Pair with a Portable Power Station
When shopping around for camping solar panels, keep in mind that you will probably also need a battery solution.
As we know, most solar panels only produce electricity or have limited capacity. In addition, the power output is affected by sunlight level. Unless you just want to charge one or two mobile phones, camping solar panels won't get you very far. To generate and store more power, you will also need a portable power station battery.
Portable power stations offer a compact, plug-and-play solar power storage solution. If you combine a set of camping solar panels with a portable power station, you'll have an efficient solar generator that you can use anywhere.
Adjusting Panel’s Angle and Position
Place solar panels in an open area and adjust the solar panels to an angle that can maximize the collection of sunlight. With this, you can ensure they generate maximum power to keep your devices charged up.
Maintain Panels Regularly
Inspect and clean the panels regularly, and make sure they can have great performances.
Using Energy-Efficient Appliances
When power output is limited, we should make full use of it. So we can look for appliances that are designed to be energy-efficient, such as energy-efficient LED lights, and camping cookware.
Conclusion
You're likely familiar with the challenges of relying on limited and distant power sources. Nowadays, camping solar panels can keep your devices and appliances powered by converting solar energy. They're designed to be lightweight and easy to set up, making them ideal for camping, motorhome life, or exploring areas with limited outlets.
Browse our range of portable solar power panels today and pick up a camping solar panel for your trip next time.
