Portable solar panels are the perfect power source for an outdoor adventure. But traditional options can be tough to lug around – especially if you’re trying to fit everything into a backpack.
That’s why more and more people are choosing to use foldable portable solar panels. If you’re also interested in these, then you’ve come to the right place.
This article will cover everything you need to know about these solar panels to help you determine both whether they’re right for your next camping trip and which product makes the most sense for your goals.
So, without further delay, let’s get into it.
- How to Choose the Best Foldable Solar Panels for Camping
- Things to Consider Before Camping with Portable Solar Panels
- The Best Portable Camping Solar Panels of 2023
- FAQs
- BougeRV Has the Perfect Foldable Solar Panels for Your Next Camping Adventure
How to Choose the Best Foldable Solar Panels for Camping
Before choosing a set of foldable solar panels, there are several things to think about.
Make sure that you consider each of the following factors to give yourself the best chance of making the best decision for your goals.
Know your energy goals
A good first step is to figure out just how much power you would like to generate with solar panels while camping.
Are you someone who just wants to be able to recharge your cell phone and laptop? Or are you looking for more substantial use, such as running a small refrigerator or air conditioner in your RV?
Your answer to questions like these will help you determine your wattage requirements. The more watts your solar panels are rated for, the more energy they will be able to generate for you.
Understand the size-to-power trade-off
You can find portable solar panels that are rated all the way up to 400 watts and beyond. But these must be very large and heavy to capture enough sun to generate that amount of power.
Most buyers don’t need the biggest and most powerful portable solar panels. But you might not want the smallest and least powerful, either.
That’s why it’s a good idea to start thinking about how you want to make this trade-off.
Often, a middle-of-the-road option is what gives you the best blend of power, portability, and price.
Make sure you confirm the compatibility
It’s also really important to think about what you plan on powering with the portable solar panels before you make the purchase.
The types of outlets and plugs that a set of portable solar panels offers can vary significantly from one product to another. You may want USB outlets, DC outlets, standard wall outlets, or something more specialized.
It’s also a good idea to count the number of outlets available on the solar panels because this is what will determine whether you’re able to charge multiple devices at once or not.
Choose a price point
Now you’re ready to start thinking about pricing. The cost of foldable solar panels can range from as low as $300 to as much as $2,000.
As we discussed earlier, you can pay more for higher energy generation capacity. Or, you can pay less for something that won’t power all of your devices at once but will give you enough energy to satisfy your basic needs.
BougeRV sells a 130 Watt Mono Portable Solar Panel that may be just what you’re looking for. It’s priced under $300 and is highly portable thanks to its foldability and weight of just 12 pounds.
Whatever price point you choose, it’s a good idea to be explicit about it before you go shopping so that you don’t overstep your budget.
Learn from online reviews
When it comes time to choose a brand and specific product, you can learn a lot from verified reviews left by customers who have already bought it.
Reviews will give you a non-biased look at where a product excels and where it falls flat. It could be the last bit of information that you need to make the perfect decision when purchasing your foldable solar panels for camping.
Things to Consider Before Camping with Portable Solar Panels
Are you ready to hit the open road and go camping with your foldable solar panels? If so, here are some things to think about before doing it.
Make sure to consider these factors before going to give yourself the best chance of having a successful, enjoyable camping trip.
The weather will determine how much power you generate
The big thing to know about solar panels, in general, is that you can only generate as much energy as the sun allows with them.
This doesn’t mean that you need perfect sunny weather to get any use out of your panels. You may still be able to generate some energy with a cloud cover. It just won’t be as much as you would get from the full-on sun.
This is something to plan for when you’re going camping. If you check the weather and see a cloudy forecast, it may be smarter to postpone the trip or else reconsider how much power you’re able to generate during it.
You won’t be able to store power without another device
Another important thing to know is that portable solar panels cannot store power for later use on their own. In other words, you can only use them to power your devices while they actively generate energy from the sun.
If you want to be able to store energy for later use when the sun isn’t out, then you need a portable power station to do so. These are like batteries that store any excess energy from the sun so that you can use it on demand.
Don’t leave your portable solar panels unattended in high-traffic areas
Finally, make sure that you’re not leaving your solar panels alien in a high-traffic area, as these are often a target for thieves.
The Best Portable Camping Solar Panels of 2023
There are a lot of great portable camping solar panels on the market in 2023. But we think you can’t go wrong with the BougeRV 130W Portable Solar Panel. Here’s why.
For starters, the panel is extremely lightweight – only weighing 10.36 pounds. It’s also foldable, which means you can place it directly inside large backpacks.
On top of that, the solar panel has a waterproof design. This makes it the ideal option for outdoor activities – regardless of the weather conditions. BougeRV also gives you a fantastic 25-year power output warranty, which is one of the best in the business.
The bottom line is that this is an affordable foldable solar panel for camping that’s an ideal fit for many types of adventurers. Whether you’re a backpacker wanting to charge your phone or you’re in an RV and want to power your air conditioner, this product from BougeRV has you covered.
FAQs
Are foldable solar panels waterproof?
This varies from product to product, so be sure to look at your label before using your panels in watery conditions.
It’s also important to note that being weather resistant is not the same thing as being weatherproof. Weather resistant panels may still break down in heavy rain.
How long do portable solar panels last?
A good set of portable solar panels can last as long as 25 years. But you’ll gradually lose some efficiency over time.
Can a foldable solar panel connect to a portable power generator?
Yes, these products are designed to be used in combination with a portable power generator for on-demand energy consumption on the go.
BougeRV Has the Perfect Foldable Solar Panels for Your Next Camping Adventure
No matter what kind of solar power solution you want for your next camping adventure, BougeRV has an affordable, durable product offering to help you meet your goals.
Take a look at our list of products to get a better sense of what your options are and how they can help you take your next camping trip to the next level.