Hey everyone! I'm new to solar power and have been researching various brands of portable solar panels. I own two 200W panels, but they're honestly too heavy and cumbersome for camping and hiking. I'm looking for something lighter and more user-friendly for outdoor use. How do you go about selecting a solar panel for camping trips? Any suggestions for lighter or beginner-friendly options would be really appreciated!
1 Answer
Choosing the right solar panel really hinges on what devices you need to charge and the type of outdoor activities you're planning. If you're into backpacking and hiking, a lightweight solution like a small USB battery pack might be better. Those usually have enough juice to last a few days. For something like camping, you might prefer a lightweight folding panel in the 100-200W range, as it's a lot easier to manage than a standard rigid panel.
That's a great point! I'm thinking of a scenario where I'll drive to a campsite for a few days and then head out for a 4-5 day hike. I feel like power banks alone might not cut it, so a portable solar panel would be ideal. But honestly, I get a bit lost with the wattage numbers from different brands. How do you assess their practicality?