Camping, caravanning, or that short trip to the beach, just got that much easier. If you need power (and all of us will at some time) then there are multiple options to choose from. Advancements in solar tech are happening by the day, and panels, mats, and blankets have become more efficient, produce more power, and have a reduced footprint. Most of them are light enough to be portable and used whenever and wherever needed. This also means that they are quick and easy to set up, so you can enjoy the scenery with the snags sizzling away, and beer cooling in the fridge.
Portable Solar- What are the Options?
No matter where you go, having a reliable and consistent source of electricity is based on a deep-cycle solar battery that will be in the right capacity to power all your appliances and devices. How you charge that battery is all up to you. Solar panels come in different designs and formats, from fixed panels on vehicle rooftops to small folding panels that are set up in an instant, or solar panel mats and blankets that you can use just about anywhere you like. There are pros and cons to each type. Let’s take a closer look.
Fixed Solar Panels
Fixed panels are just that. They stay put on the top of your motorhome, caravan, camper, or 4WD. The charge comes in while you’re driving, or when the vehicle is parked. They’re often bigger than portable solutions, need the extra hardware in installation, and are used for bigger solar setups, with several panels feeding power into one or more deep-cycle batteries. The output they provide is deemed fit to run more demanding appliances, like air-cons or microwaves, and the luxuries you’d expect on longer trips. The downsides are that output is limited to where you park your vehicle, and they work best in direct sunlight. And this we know isn’t always possible.
Folding Solar Panels
Hard-frame folding panels were the common-sense alternative to fixed panels introduced a while back. They offered the advantages of optimal placement to get the most out of them. The first variants consisted of two banks of solar cells, hinged in the middle, and this allowed them to be folded in half. The aluminium frame, thick glass up front, and particularly high weight (of 25 kilos or more) made them a bit difficult to move around. Newer variants are substantially lighter, way more flexible, and don’t surrender on the output front. The initial problems of storage and the space they take up might be an issue if you need and want to pack light.
Flexible Solar Panels
These are the missing link between fixed panels and portable solar blankets and mats. Newer tech has made thin-film panels a reality, with solar cells being printed into flexible metals, fabrics, or glass. The advantage of these panels is that they can be used on any surface, flexing up to 30 degrees, so can accommodate uneven contours on vehicle roofs, on boats, or on any surface you deem fit. They’re also extremely light. Being relatively new, and extremely thin though has its downsides. They’re not durable in inclement weather, like strong wind or heavy rain, usually have a lower output than fixed panels and mats of the same size, and the cost is prohibitive for most campers on a budget.
Solar Blankets
Solar blankets came out a few years ago, and have made camping accessible to more people. They consist of smaller banks of solar cells, arranged in different configurations (3 by 4, and 2 by 5 are more common), have high-quality coatings that add a level of durability, and are stitched into a fabric outer. The advantages are low weight, high flexibility, and easy transport, as well as being able to be used in different weather and settings. Blankets are also inexpensive and readily available. The downsides are difficulty in placement for optimal energy efficiency. But for most uses, powering portable devices or smaller devices for the short weekend getaway, they’re more than up to the task.
Solar Mats
Mats are the newer solar solution, solving many of the shortcomings of the products mentioned above. Like blankets, solar panel mats are lightweight (hovering around 10 kilos for variants in higher output), portable, flexible, and inexpensive. They consist of more durable canvas outers coupled with a custom coating to bear the brunt of heavy downpours, hail, or impact. Highly-efficient A-grade monocrystalline cells are arranged into a row of 3 or 4 banks, with output in each mat ranging between 150 and 250 Watts. This puts them on par with high-output, fixed panels used in homes and supplies enough power for most camping uses. The benefit over ordinary blankets is that solar panel mats come with leg supports placed under each solar bank. These help in two ways. They provide for optimal angles in power absorption, and increase stability. Mats are easy and quick to set up and most brands supply neat carry cases to protect your investment when not in use.
Mats and blankets can be bought as is, or more often packaged with everything you need to generate power. This includes inbuilt or separate solar regulators for quick, safe, and efficient charging and Anderson plugs to connect the panels to the battery, and separate leads to connect devices and appliances. Go for packaged deals if you’re a first-time buyer, or need additional power that will complement your existing solar setup.
