Most of us would have a hard time living without our devices, even when enjoying the outdoors. Whether you’re going on a quick hike or camping deep in the woods, who wouldn’t want to keep their phone charged so they can take photos or make important calls in case of an emergency?
The good news is that this is entirely possible, even if you’re miles away from the nearest power outlet. A solar generator (essentially a portable power source connected to a solar panel) can charge your devices and soak up excess energy from the sun.
“Ultimately, this is a convenient on-the-go power source that enables life on the go, whether it’s camping, off-grid or an extended vacation,” said Shawn Budiak, vice president and division merchandising manager for Batteries Plus.
Here’s what you need to know about how to utilize a solar generator for your next camping trip.
Solar power and camping
If you haven’t heard of portable power supplies, they are large batteries that you can carry around and use to power your electronic devices. These portable batteries are considered “solar generators” when combined with a portable solar panel, which can power your power station and keep it running.
This can be used in many ways when camping. You can also connect and charge your phone or power up your laptop if you’re working remotely from the forest. Alternatively, you can connect an LED light to brighten up your camp or an oscillating fan to keep bugs away.
“You get not only comfort, but also peace of mind depending on where you camp,” Budiak said.
Choose the best solar generator for your camping needs
The best solar generator for you will depend entirely on what you specifically want to get out of it. Here are some technical specs to help you decide:
battery capacity
The range of batteries is quite wide, and solar generators can deliver from around 300 watt-hours to over 1,500 watt-hours.
For example, 300Wh would be enough to charge a phone about 25 times, run a fan for a few hours, or power LED lights for a few days, says Boudiak. Above 600Wh, these capacities increase accordingly, but the generator becomes larger and heavier.
“It just becomes a portability issue,” Budiak said. He recommends thinking about what you really want to use it for and getting the right amount of power without carrying around extra weight.
solar power generation capacity
There are many options here as well. 100 watt solar panels are very common, but some are up to 300 watts. “The great thing is there are so many options these days,” Budiak said.
However, there is still a trade-off between power and portability. Larger panels improve the generator’s performance, but are bulkier. Under perfect conditions with the sun at its peak, a 100-watt panel will take about three hours to fully charge a 300-Wh generator, Budiak said.
Remember, you won’t get 3 hours of perfect sunlight every day unless you manage your solar charging timing really carefully. So, in most cases, expect that the panel may take some time to charge the power plant.
output
Battery capacity isn’t the only thing you need to consider: there’s also the power output, and larger batteries tend to have more power, but with some limitations. You’ll also need enough power, especially at start-up, if you want to run energy-hungry appliances.
For example, if you plug in a coffee maker, it will initially produce a 1,200 watt surge at start-up, but drop to 500 watts while it’s running. In that case, despite the brief startup surge, the operating wattage is low enough that a 600 watt solar generator might be able to handle the device.
Budiac recommends considering the types of devices you’ll connect to your generator. Make sure the model you purchase has enough power to handle the power consumption from these electronic devices. Also consider the type of output port you need. For example, a combination of a USB outlet and a standard his A/C outlet.
charging speed
During peak times, your solar panels might be able to charge your generator in about the same time as a wall outlet, Budiak says. But most of the time, you’re not lucky enough to be able to charge your panels during peak sunlight. In that case, “it’s always faster to charge from a wall outlet,” Budiak says.
Also keep in mind that you may not always drain your generator battery to zero. So, if you only need to charge from 60% to 100%, it will take less time to charge.
longevity
How long will the battery last? “Lifespan is determined by how you use it and how often you use it,” Budiak says.
Many solar generators come with a two-year warranty, but they usually last much longer than that. If you use it intermittently, such as when camping, and keep it fully charged while in storage, it can last more than five years, Budiac says.
weight
You probably already understand that these things can get heavy. Be careful not to buy too much battery capacity. This makes the solar power generation device unnecessarily heavy.
Smaller models can weigh around 10 pounds, while larger models can weigh more than 40 pounds, according to Budiac, so consider whether you can (or want to) carry that weight while camping.
How much does a solar generator cost?
Budiak said portable power plants typically cost about $1 per watt-hour. So, for example, a 300Wh generator could cost around $300. Higher wattage models may be slightly less expensive. Expect to pay a few hundred dollars more for portable solar panels.
FAQ
How long does it take to charge a solar generator?
It depends on the power plant and the size of the solar panels. Most portable solar panels are around 100 watts. At peak times, it takes about 6 hours to charge a 600Wh generator.
How do I maintain my solar power system?
You can extend the life of your battery by fully charging it between uses. Also, make sure to store it in a dry place, neither too cold nor too hot.