How to Build Solar Generators for Camping Newbies
As more of us find ourselves stuck in the monotony of urban life, we often find ourselves wishing we could get back to nature. Fresh air, open spaces, room to think and unwind. One of the absolute best ways of doing just that is by camping! It allows you the freedom to experience nature and the great outdoors in ways you simply wouldn't otherwise be able to.
Taking yourself "off-grid" for a few days can be wonderful for your mental health and a great way to spend time with the family (or without them)!
Camping Basics and Camping Equipment
Camping is incredibly accessible for everyone, the barrier of entry is very low which is part of what makes it such a great way to spend your time.
However, there are a few things you will undoubtedly need if you are going to have a good time:
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Food & Drinks
- Cookware
- Bug spray & Medical supplies
- Power Generator
You could argue that technically you don't need all of those items, but you will certainly prefer them. While camping is a great way to feel connected to nature it's also not the coziest of places so a few creature comforts are recommended (if you can call bug spray a creature comfort)!
All the above items are self-explanatory, however, the two most important are the sleeping bag and a power generator. Solar generators for camping would help you power your devices when you’re off-grid.
Having access to power on your campsite isn't just a matter of comfort, it's a matter of safety. Being able to charge your gadgets means you ensure you can call for help, check GPS, or check the football scores. All important!
What is a Solar Power Generator and How Does it Work
A solar power generator is the most reliable source of power for your gadgets and phone when you're in the great outdoors. No other renewable power source could generate as much power while remaining so portable.
Solar generators harness the energy from the sun, store it in a battery, and transfer the power to your devices or phone.
Solar panels like the Jackery SolarSaga create a power bank that can store enough power for all of your devices ensuring you have access to power even when the sun isn't shining.
Simply set up the solar panels and connect them to a battery and get on with your day. Contrary to popular belief solar panels do still work even if it's cloudy overhear, and they are even rain resistant. This means you can essentially set them up and forget about them feeling secure in the fact your power needs are met.
Pro Tip: Check out our previous article to know more about solar generator.
Best Camping Portable Power Stations with Jackery
Jackery Explorer Portable Power Station 3000 Pro
Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro Portable Power Station is the ultimate power solution for off-grid camping and RV trips. With the ability to charge 99% of your outdoor appliances and utilize clean, renewable solar energy, you will never have to fret about running out of power on your outdoor excursions with this Jackery power station. The smart app control feature makes it even more efficient and user-friendly for all outdoor enthusiasts.
Jackery Explorer Portable Power Station 1500 Pro
If you're more of a tent or car camper, the Jackery Explorer 1500 Pro Portable Power Station is the power station for you. It's incredibly durable, long-lasting, and can charge up to eight devices simultaneously. And with a weight of just 37.4 lbs, it's known to be 20% lighter than other similar products on the market. Plus, with its simple press button, you can charge up to 95% of commonly used appliances.
Jackery Explorer Portable Power Station 500
For those who love spending their day at the beach enjoying camping or fishing, Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station is the ideal power solution. It's portable, lightweight, and can power small appliances like electric blankets, travel mugs, smartphones, cameras, blenders, laptops, and even CPAP machines. With Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station, you don't have to worry about charging your appliances on the go.
Jackery Explorer Portable Power Station 300
Jackery Explorer 300 Portable Power Station is ideal for short or backup camping trips. It's compact and lightweight in design, so you can carry it wherever you go. Thanks to the professional MPPT technology, it provides faster solar recharge rates. Instead of dealing with spilled diesel and toxic fumes, Jackery Explorer 300 enables you to power outdoor appliances using clean and green solar energy.
How to build Solar Power Generators in Camp
Building your own solar power generator in your camp isn't difficult so long as you know what you are doing.
Solar panels from Jackery, for example, have clear and concise instructions as well as simple-to-use components to ensure that setting up your power supply at the beginning of the trip is stress-free.
Leaving you time to complete the always stressful task of putting up the tent. But, at least you'll have the power to ask Google for help!
Setting up your solar generator does require some forethought on your part. You need to ensure you pick a suitable location to place your panels to maximize sun exposure and to minimize exposure to other elements.
Placing your panels under a tree, for example, is therefore usually not a good idea. Additionally placing your panels on a hilltop may be a mistake depending on how windy conditions are.
Usually, your tent will be in a flat open area, it also happens to make a good windbreak for your solar panels. Luckily, Jackery solar panels are incredibly sturdy so if you use your common sense you won't go wrong.
Although solar panels are waterproof your devices are not! If you are connecting your phone, tablet, or other electronic gadgets to your power supply you must still be wary of your devices getting water damaged. Again, common sense is all you need to protect your devices.
Advantages of Using Solar Panels and Solar Power Generators
There are a huge array of advantages to using solar power generators over other conventional power supplies. They are the most cost-effective and the most environmentally friendly option on the market. As well as being the most reliable!
Solar power is completely renewable, so long as we have the sun we have access to power. Alternatives such as gasoline or diesel generators have horrible effects on the environment and are loud and unpleasant to be around.
Solar power is by far the superior choice for the environmentally-minded camper. Which is something we should all be! If you're in the woods you should leave it how you found it, which was without spilled diesel and toxic fumes.
Solar power is also the most reliable power source. So long as you have some sunlight you will have access to power. It doesn't matter if you are going camping for a weekend or a month, you can't run out of sunlight as you would other power sources.
This also makes it the most cost-effective, once you've purchased your solar panels and battery you're set. You won't need to constantly purchase more fuel to run your generators. It's well worth the cost of buying a set of solar panels in the long run.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article has shown you how easy camping can be without having to give up some creature comforts like the ability to use your phone! Having a reliable power supply that's easy to set up, reliable, and good for the environment is the very definition of a win-win. Anyone can set up a Jackery solar generator and ensure that they, and their family, will have all of the power supply needs met. Even in the middle of nowhere!
Whether you're a first-time camper or a seasoned outdoorsman there will be great tips and tricks for you to discover as well as some great deals and discounts.
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