Solar Kits
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Refrigerator
New Member
Panels and Chargers: Brunton - Lanterns, Solar Power, Headlamps, Binoculars, Scopes, Compasses
this is what i use on extended trips....12 volt solar array
this is what i use on extended trips....12 volt solar array
Walking Man
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Refrigerator-Does the solar panel last more than one season? I don't have much experience with them and the only thing I know about them is the experience I've had with the solar walkway lights we buy every year.
Refrigerator
New Member
Well I hope so...I have had mine for 5 years now...works like it did first time.
savvyninja
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Wow Refrigerator. 5 years? It's hard to believe that anything built nowadays is built that well. Personally, I've seen a lot of gadgets, such as a solar powered radio, but frankly, have always been skeptical about how well they charge. Hopefully, skeptics like me will eventually be converted as these kinds of technologies become more affordable and widespread.
Refrigerator
New Member
Refrigerator
New Member
yea the only time I use my solar array is for extended trips and then I weight out the extra batteries to the weight of the array...
First of all for guidance about the solar panel and solar panel kits. My recommendation is don't miss the camping refrigerator along with these Panels and Chargers: Brunton - Lanterns, Solar Power, Headlamps, Binoculars, Scopes, and Compasses in VR.
Happy Joe
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Over the years I have used multiple various sized solar setup;
I don't recommend kits as they are normally overpriced and over rated.
Beware most solar panel outputs are vastly over rated (by 12 times for the last smallish (25 watt; advertised) ones that I tried from amazon).
Don't expect too much from solar; the panels often require baby sitting to keep them out of the shade and pointed directly at the sun.
For my typical weekend camping use I would recommend a minimum of a 35 Amp Hour 12 volt battery., but you will have to be pretty rigorous in your energy management/use. The 35 AH would power a smallish compressor type portable fridge for a day.
For a couple of days no solar is required by me just the battery (fully charged at home before the trip). and an very small (80 watt) efficient inverter with USB port. .. its enough to charge the Bluetooth speaker and run a light intermittently.
Since the 35 AH died (after 8 years or so of use) I have substituted a 12 V 50 AH LiFePo4 (lithium phosphate) (half the weight; more than twice the power.)
For running a portable refrigerator: 100 watts of solar panel charging a 100 amp hour battery is generally recommended,
Enjoy!
I don't recommend kits as they are normally overpriced and over rated.
Beware most solar panel outputs are vastly over rated (by 12 times for the last smallish (25 watt; advertised) ones that I tried from amazon).
Don't expect too much from solar; the panels often require baby sitting to keep them out of the shade and pointed directly at the sun.
For my typical weekend camping use I would recommend a minimum of a 35 Amp Hour 12 volt battery., but you will have to be pretty rigorous in your energy management/use. The 35 AH would power a smallish compressor type portable fridge for a day.
For a couple of days no solar is required by me just the battery (fully charged at home before the trip). and an very small (80 watt) efficient inverter with USB port. .. its enough to charge the Bluetooth speaker and run a light intermittently.
Since the 35 AH died (after 8 years or so of use) I have substituted a 12 V 50 AH LiFePo4 (lithium phosphate) (half the weight; more than twice the power.)
For running a portable refrigerator: 100 watts of solar panel charging a 100 amp hour battery is generally recommended,
Enjoy!
All solar panel charger packs incorporate a solar panel charger or boards, a charge regulator, links, and mounting equipment. Assuming you want to add energy capacity to your solar panel power framework, you'll have to buy batteries independently, which is important for any individual who needs to utilize solar panel ability to go off-network. but I will prefer you should buy flexible solar panels kits instead of simple ones. This is more useful for all.
Northern Dancer
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The original discussion was back in 2011. The reality is the technology has advanced significantly.
I use limited solar power at base camp - but when I'm tripping...it just isn't worth my effort [at this time].
I use limited solar power at base camp - but when I'm tripping...it just isn't worth my effort [at this time].
ppine
Forester
Find a book to help you design a system. Solar panels, wiring, controller, fuse blocks, battery connections, batteries. Then there are connections to be made a few specialized tools. You will save plenty of money by building your own system.
Now I am about to buy some lithium batteries which will greatly improve everything.
Now I am about to buy some lithium batteries which will greatly improve everything.
Happy Joe
Apprenntice Geezer
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I went to lithium (iron phosphate) some time ago and it is one of the better things that I have done for camping
Enjoy!
neboscott
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I use bougerv 200W CIGS solar panels with my camping setup to charge up my external battery. I can lay it down on my roof, and it's much stealthier than traditional solar panel setups. And I can lean it up against the car to increase output, when I don't need the stealth. And it's so light, it's easy to move around.
ppine
Forester
I am taking out the lithium batteries for the first time actually this week. Still working on setting up the Renogy DC/DC charger to take advantage of my 220 amp truck alternator. Currently I have 200 watts of solar but will add more in the future. Two 100 aH batteries.
ppine
Forester
The lithium battery exceeded all expectations. For a three day trip in cold weather I had energy to spare, without even using solar panels. We ran lights, radio, a little furnace time, propane refir, water pump. Frost on Thurs morning at 7,200 feet. Great trip in the trailer.