portable solar panels camping

portable solar panels camping

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If you really enjoy camping and bushwalking and yet often still have need for power to add some comfort, whether just for light or to charge up the cell phone, there is a reasonably low cost and energy efficient Green solution. And if you enjoy making things, you can quite easily construct a portable solar power camping system yourself.

I enjoy the outdoors and have spent many periods of time camping away from the conveniences of civilisation. By using standard solar panels I have been able to power my notebook for 12 hours a day, run lighting as well as a few small appliances. The advantage is that I have been able to continue applying my time to my work projects whilst enjoying the beauty of the great outdoors.

My solar panel system is a 12 volt, 120 watt system using two solar panels connected in series to keep the individual panel weight at a comfortable level. For the portable solar power camping system I created a simple collapsible lightweight stand for each panel which was made out of strips of aluminium angle that I purchased from my local hardware store. The stand is 2 legs, a cross member and a diagonal to give it rigidity similar to collapsible tables. The stand is attached to the solar panel with hinges and some chain to stop it opening to far and sets the solar panel at about a 40 degree angle. To make the frames cost under $60 and it makes the panel quite stable even under windy conditions.

The solar array is cabled to a 12v regulator which is in turn connected to a 100amp deep cycle battery.

Metal framed devices can cause damage to the interior of cars etc so I made a simple covers from strong canvass to encase each panel. It protects my car as well as my solar rig. So if you find that part of the pleasure of camping is experiencing the peace and quiet, then you should look into the opportunities that a portable solar power camping system can provide.

So if you are interested in further information about the construction and use of solar panels and particularly - portable solar panels - then click here to find out more about the benefits and application of this emerging technology and be part of the green future.

Portable Solar Generator