# Using Portable Solar Panels to Improve Camping and Hiking Trips

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/08/using-portable-solar-panels-to-improve-camping-and-hiking-trips/
- Published: 2019-08-29T19:57:17-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

![Typical layout for recharging using portable solar products](https://i0.wp.com/
greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/image-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&quality
=52&ssl=1 "image-1 - The Green Living Guy")

Portable solar products are an eco-tech way for [camping](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/11/how-to-teach-your-children-about-green-living/)
or hiking. It has always been a great way to make a temporary escape. Especially
from routine lives. However, people cannot fully withdraw from the connections. 
Those established with their electronic devices. The need of charging those devices
when out in nature. It has become more and more prevalent. Adding to this is the
reliance on electrical energy. All for other needs such as refrigeration or lighting.
This leads us to the discussion of portable or off-grid power generation.

## Solar Panels for Camping and Hiking Needs

Staying connected to the grid becomes increasingly difficult. Especially when it
comes to outdoor adventures. Those that take you away from the comfort of your electrical
[grid](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/09/off-the-grid-alternative-housing-ideas-for-independent-living-2/).
The locations can usually stretch far beyond the available facilities. You know 
of motels, also gas stations, and others.

In such cases, the ultimate and free source of energy is the sun. It always proves
to be a reliable source if you are prepared with solar panels, preferably portable,
and compatible battery packs for night usage.

Modern adventures can demand the uninterrupted operation of everything. I mean from
mobile phones and laptops. Then to mini-refrigerators and other electronic appliances.
Portable solar panels are specially created for outdoor use. They have a stronger
build and compact, handy designs.

Solar panels should be selected. All depending on the required cumulative power.
That’s for the appliances and their duration of use. They also come in a variety
of power outputs ranging from 1W to 200W. The higher the power output, the more 
energy you can harness. However, with the increase in power output comes the increase
in dimensions and weight. All challenging the portability of the panels.

## **Selecting the Right Portable Solar Products**

As mentioned before, the perfect selection of solar panels is a delicate balance
between power rating and weight. You will also need batteries, the most recommended
being deep discharge batteries. Deep discharge batteries provide more charge capacity
in relatively smaller sizes.

The selection of panels and battery systems should be done in a way that they are
mutually compatible. For example, most or all batteries come with a 12V input. Panels,
on the other hand, can range from 14V to over 40 volts. A major benefit of buying
portable solar panels is that they come with a 14-22V output so as to suit the battery
voltage ratings.

Besides the technical compatibility, portable solar panels are desirable for the
added attention towards their strength and durability. Many panels come with stronger
frames and even reinforcements such as corner protection. Additionally, since they
are not supposed to be placed in a single location permanently, they can also come
with an integrated mounting system, such as a kickstand.

![Portable solar products](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/
2019/08/image-2.jpg?resize=150%2C150&quality=52&ssl=1 "image-2 - The Green Living
Guy")

To make frequent connecting and disconnecting easy and safe, unlike regular, non-
portable panels, portable ones can also come with their positive and negative terminals
modified into a single pin or a jack. This eliminates the possibility of incorrect
connections.

To improve the portability of such panels, they are usually constructed from higher
efficiency materials, such as monocrystalline cells instead of polycrystalline. 
In some cases, by using thin-film panels, the manufacturer can offer the unique 
feature of panel flexibility. Panels are able to roll or fold like mats. Unfortunately,
this may put a serious limit on efficiency because flexible thin-film technologies
are yet to reach high numbers of efficiency.

So with such a host of available features, it is easy to get confused. The key is
to identify your needs clearly and decide on features that you really need. For 
example, if walking long distances with your panel is one of the criteria, then 
the weight is a higher priority than ease of setup or aesthetics are.

When making a choice it’s always a good idea to look for a certain set of features.
These include relatively low weight, a sturdy frame, and portability features such
as easy plug pins, foldable stands, and panels. If you are comparing the costs of
different portable solar panels only, it can be an important criterion for selection,
as there can be a larger range of prices than you expect.

From a small number of very basic products just a few years ago, we have come to
an age of a large variety of portable [solar products](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/03/installation-of-solar-panels-on-home-can-increase-value-by-4-percent-during-resale/).
It may be overwhelming while making a choice. If you are unsure about which product
suits you best, take a look at the [portable solar panels](https://ecotality.com/best-portable-solar-panels/)
ecotality recently reviewed.

In conclusion, modern times require a blending of [outdoor adventures](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/03/5-preparation-tips-before-climbing-a-mountain-in-2022/)
with the use of technology for an enriching and memorable experience. Portable solar
panels are perfect in this aspect. With a growing market, it is often difficult 
to make an informed choice. The key is to gauge the consumption and other requirements
wisely and choose what fits your needs best.

![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641?
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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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