If you’re a passionate backpacker, you know the thrill of discovering uncharted territories. You get to tune out the bustling world and dive into the serenity of the great outdoors. But you also want to stay connected with your people as you explore the world outside, right?

That’s why you need portable solar kits — your ultimate travel companion for harnessing the sun’s power and keeping your devices charged. These amazing compact systems have revolutionized how backpackers around the world solve their energy needs in rural locations.

In this guide, we’ll reveal the convenience and benefits of portable solar kits and what makes them so popular among backpackers. 

What Are Portable Solar Kits?

Now, before we dive into the nitty-gritty of portable solar kits, it’s important to find out how these devices are made and, consequently, what brands are the best and available for you in the market.

Understanding Portable Solar Kits and Their Components

Portable solar kits are meant to help people tap into the sun's endless power to fuel their electronic devices and, consequently, their adventures. 

They offer an environmentally-friendly, sustainable way to harness solar energy by converting sunlight into electricity. These kits let backpackers charge their devices, power essential equipment such as torches and GPS systems, and create a sense of self-sufficiency while they’re on the move.

Let’s look at some key components that make up a typical portable solar kit:

• Solar Panels: These are the heart and soul of your solar kit. They’re designed to absorb sunlight and convert it into usable electricity. Solar panels come in various sizes and technologies — Monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels are some of the more popular choices.

• Charge Controller: These act as the ‘manager’ of your battery and devices; the charge controller regulates the flow of electricity from the solar panels. It also ensures your battery has just the right amount of juice to prevent overcharging.

• Battery: The battery serves as your energy storage unit, allowing you to save excess power generated by the solar panels for later use. Constant sun exposure is never guaranteed while you’re on trekking expeditions, so a battery ensures you have power even when the sun isn’t out.

• Inverter: An inverter is a crucial component if you use AC-powered devices. It converts the DC (direct current) electricity stored in the battery into AC (alternating current) electricity, which most household appliances and electronics use.

Types and Sizes of Portable Solar Kits

The right type of portable solar kits relevant to backpackers are called “off-grid solar panels.” These portable solar panels can be further divided into three categories:

• Folding Solar Kits: These are incredibly popular among backpackers due to their portability and ease of use. Foldable solar kits typically consist of — you guessed it —  foldable solar panels that can be ‘opened’ to expose a larger surface area when it's time to charge your devices. They are lightweight, easily packed, and ideal for backpackers who want to save space in their backpacks.
• Rollable Solar Kits: Rollable monocrystalline solar panels are an excellent choice for those seeking even more flexibility — literally and metaphorically. They’re made with flexible and durable solar panels and can be rolled up for storage and transportation. They are highly impact-resistant, making them ideal for rugged terrains. 
• Portable Power Stations: These are worth considering if you prefer a comprehensive power solution with a built-in battery, inverter, and charge controller. These all-in-one systems offer convenience and versatility, allowing you to charge multiple devices simultaneously and even power small appliances. 

Portable Solar Kits: Power Needs and System Sizing

When you’re backpacking, you need to balance your power needs and the weight of your portable solar kit. You don’t want to carry a heavy system that will slow you down, but you also don’t want to run out of power when you need it most. 

To find the right balance, you need to estimate how much energy you’ll use on your trip and how much your portable solar kits can generate and store. You also need to consider factors such as the duration of your trip, the weather conditions, and the availability of sunlight. 

Determining Power Requirements

When it comes to backpacking, understanding your power requirements is crucial for a hassle-free and enjoyable trip. This involves taking considerations for your backpacking activities and the electronic devices you’ll use along the way.

Are you going to depend on your devices for communication, navigation, or safety purposes? Will you capture those serene shots with your camera or maybe rely on your GPS for trail guidance? 

Once you’ve identified the power-dependent aspects of your journey, you can determine the energy required to keep your devices functioning throughout the trip. 

Let’s look at how different activities compare in terms of power consumption.

• Low Power Consumption: Charging small devices such as phones, GPS, or cameras. Short hiking trips usually don’t demand too much power.
• Moderate Power Consumption: Powering electric utensils such as kettles, stoves, and microwaves. You can expect to use moderate power on trips where you plan on bringing kitchen appliances.
• High Power Consumption: Running large general appliances such as refrigerators, Air conditioners or electric heaters. If you’re planning a long camping trip or live in an RV (campervan), you can expect to have high power consumption.

Balancing Power Needs and Weight Restrictions

You should consider factors such as device usage duration, charging frequencies, and any additional power needs for camping stoves or lighting.

Having said that, weight restrictions also play a significant role in backpacking since every ounce matters. While you’re selecting a portable solar kit, balancing your power needs and keeping your gear lightweight is crucial.

That’s why you should look for portable solar panels, compact battery systems, or foldable designs that offer a combination of power output and manageable weight while meeting your budget requirements. This way, you’ll be able to enjoy the convenience of a reliable power source while still keeping your backpacking load as light as possible.

Choosing the Right Portable Solar Kit for Your Backpacking Needs

It’s critical to identify all options when choosing the best portable solar kit. Always have an idea of what you want in terms of size, weight, and the features you expect it to have on your trip.

All the options won’t fit your budget and/or your requirements, so it’s important to note your ‘ideal portable solar kit’ features. After that, you can shortlist solar kits based on how closely they match your ideal requirements.

The factors above are absolute necessities, and you can’t compromise on the weight and size of the solar kit regardless of how amazing its charging or durability properties are. 

How To Set Up A Portable Solar Kit

When you leave for your backpacking adventures and set up a portable solar system, you have to keep a few key things in mind to ensure everything works fine and you can charge your devices efficiently.

Finding the Ideal Placement

Finding the perfect location for your portable solar kit is essential. You should look for areas with abundant sunlight and a clear sky view throughout the day. Open fields or mountaintops often make for ideal spots. 

You want to ensure that you’re utilizing the panels' maximum capacity, so by carefully placing your solar panels, you make the most of the sun's rays and maximize energy generation.

Finding the Ideal Angle

Depending on the time of year and where you are, adjusting the tilt of your solar panels can have a huge impact on their efficiency. Tilt your portable solar kits towards the sun at an optimal angle to improve sunlight absorption and increase the overall energy output. 

You can also experiment with different angles to find that sweet spot which offers the best exposure throughout the day.

Connecting Your Portable Solar Kit

Establishing a proper connection ensures your portable solar kits work properly. Start off by connecting the solar panels to the charge controller, which regulates the flow of electricity. 

Always ensure the connections are secure, without any loose wires or damage. Otherwise, you risk short-circuiting your connections and damaging your devices. After that, you can connect the charge controller to the battery, letting it store the energy the panels produce.

Connecting Your Devices

Now you can connect your devices and enjoy the power you’ve generated. Plug your devices into the battery, the inverter, or the charge controller, depending on their power type and rating. You can charge your smartphone, power a GPS device, or light up your campsite with your portable solar kit.

Caring for Your Portable Solar Kits: Do’s and Don’ts

Maintaining your portable solar kit is extremely important if you intend to use it for the long term. While these systems are quite durable on their own, improper care can lead to wear down and lapses in efficiency. 

If you develop a few healthy habits in maintaining your solar kit, you can ensure that it runs smoothly for a long period of time.

Cleaning And Maintenance

To make sure your portable solar system keeps working properly, give it some regular TLC. A good habit is to take some time daily to clean the solar panels with a soft cloth gently. Remember to use non-corrosive solutions to remove all specs of dirt and debris. 

Monitoring Battery Health

Keep an eye out for any signs of damage or loose connections. It's always good to catch those issues early to prevent any short circuit. You should always keep an eye on the battery's charge level and health; if it's not holding up well, you may want to consider issuing a replacement. 

Protecting Your Solar Kit From Weather Elements

Find shaded spots for your system and use protective covers or cases designed specifically for portable solar kits if the weather’s bad. While solar kits are meant to generate electricity through sun exposure, try not to leave your panels out in the heat when they’re not in use. 

By following these simple steps, you'll be able to get the most out of your portable solar system and keep it running smoothly for a long time to come.

What Are the Benefits of Portable Solar Systems for Backpackers?

This guide has demonstrated how portable solar systems are a must-have for backpackers — they’re reliable companions offering a range of benefits to your outdoor adventures. 

Money Saving

With a portable solar system, you can say goodbye to constantly buying and replacing batteries and instead tap into natural sources to keep your devices up and ready. 

Freedom to Move

Portable solar kits give you the freedom of being less reliant on traditional power sources. Finding electrical outlets or carrying generators can be challenging when you're deep in the wilderness, but with a portable solar system, you become much more self-sufficient.

Environmental Friendly

You can embrace environmentally conscious practices — especially if you’re doing it to reduce global warming. By utilizing clean and renewable solar energy, you reduce your carbon footprint while immersing yourself in the beauty of nature. 

Conclusion: Guide To Setting up a Portable Solar Kit 2023

We hope this guide has shown you all the advantages of portable solar kits and how they compare to more traditional forms of energy generators. Solar panel systems are a very reliable energy source for backpackers because they are portable, easy to use and have many benefits.

If you’re not sure yet, you can start with smaller solar charging kits, such as phone or handheld device chargers and see how they work for you.

You can also browse the products at Solar Paradise if you want to buy a solar kit for your adventures. We have a variety of items from small foldable solar panels to large portable power stations. If you have any questions, just contact us, and we’ll be happy to help you out!