Camping is an activity that many people around the world enjoy. It provides them with a chance to escape from their busy lives and enjoy nature. To improve your time at camp and have access to electricity so you can use your favourite creature comforts you need some quality solar panels.
Solar panels are a great way to enjoy your camping experience without worrying about your battery levels running out. Solar panels come in so many shapes, sizes and styles so that you can easily find one that suits your needs. Before purchasing a Solar panel you must have a basic understanding so you can best select one that suits your camping needs. This article will walk through the different types of solar panels plus the necessary solar accessories.

Fixed solar panels are extremely efficient and powerful. They can be mounted to the roof of your car or the top of your roof top tent. They’re perfect for providing enough electricity to top up your 12 volt system. As long as the suns out a fixed solar panel can generate power anywhere, whether it’s in the bush or on the beach.  Fixed solar panels are great because they are super easy to set up. Fixed solar panels are popular among caravan campers as they have ample roof space to permanently install them. Fixed solar panels once installed can then be forgotten about so they are therefore super easy to transport.

 In the past, solar panels were only available in large sizes that required a lot of space to be installed on car roofs or caravans . However, this problem has been solved with the introduction of portable solar panels. Coming in so many different sizes and shapes Portable solar panels can be easily folded up for storage and transportation purposes. Portable Solar panels are becoming more popular with the rise of outdoor activities. You can now always have your portable solar panels in the sun whilst your vehicle sits in the shade. Portable Solar panels are a great way to power your devices while you’re camping. They also are light enough that it won’t drastically increase your gear load. Portable solar panels are also compact and portable, so they don’t take up much space in the back of your vehicle. You’ll never run out of power with a portable solar panel.

If you truly want an even more portable solar panel, then a portable solar blanket is the choice for you.
A portable solar blanket unlike a traditional fixed solar panel or even a portable solar panel is a semi soft construction. This means it has the ability to be folded and thus creates and extremely portable design. Not only is the portable solar blanket foldable it’s also extremely light weight. So again it is design with ultimate portability in mind. The better models of portable solar blankets even come with a handy carry bag.

A solar regulator is a device that helps to regulate the flow of electricity from solar panels to your batteries. It does this by either blocking or bypassing energy from the panel to your appliances when necessary. The size of the solar regulator is a critical component in the functionality and performance of your solar power system. The size you choose will depend on how you plan to use it. A solar regulator is a great way to safe guard your expensive 12 volt setup. Not only that but a solar regulator also allows you to get the most from your solar panels. A solar regulator will adjust the output to suit the battery with minimal power loss by first taking in the entire amount of power from the solar panel at the highest voltage.

A Solar Extension Lead is a device that can be used to extend the reach of a solar panel. This can be used when hooking up your 12 volt setup using a fixed solar panel. However traditionally a Solar Extension Lead is used when using a portable solar panel. Essentially a Solar Extension Lead works just like a normal Extension Lead and extends the reach of your solar panel. A 10m Solar Extension Lead is a perfect combo for your portable solar. With 10 meter reach a Solar Extension Lead allows you to easily park in the cool shade but place your portable solar in the hot sun. This certainly comes in handy at busy camp sites when you don’t quite get the spot you want. Plus with the 10m Solar Extension Lead you can effortlessly reposition your portable solar panel throughout the day ensuring its always getting the most sun possible. Look for a Heavy-duty solar extension lead designed specifically for solar that way you’ll get the most power out put from your solar panel. Solar extension leads made specifically for solar should feature an insulation coating that is heat, flame and water resistant. Plus to ensure it’s ready to handle those blistering hot days in the great outdoors the Solar extension lead should also be UV and abrasion resistant too. To ensure a weatherproof and solid electrical connection into your portable solar panel or even your battery box look for a Solar extension lead with Anderson-compatible quick connect plug featured at both ends.

In conclusion, solar panels are a great way to improve your time at camp. Solar panels are truly the best way to enjoy your camping experience without worrying about your batter levels running out. A good solar panel and a quality 12 volt setup will allow you to bring all your electrical creature comforts to camp. With so many solar panels styles and accessories to choose from thanks to this guide I hope you’ll certainly find a setup that best suits your camping needs.