Solar powerpack for camping etc

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VSS

VSS

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Generally I avoid taking any electrical equipment when I go camping, as doing so would defeat one of the principal attractions of camping, but for a prolonged period in the field, using an electronic device for data collection, what solar set up would folks recommend for battery charging and possibly running some ancillary equipment such as lighting?
Not wanting to spend too much.
 
Way world is and without trying to sound too "prepper" im thinking of a power bank and big solar panel then can double for house in power cuts etc

Watching with interest
 
For long term usage I use a 300 watt panel, connected to two 12v 100a leisure batteries, via a controller. In partial shade, these will power a small caravan. I've never tried more than a few days, but for longer, I would imagine you need full light. Mine get several weeks between being used.
 
I bought an Anker Solix 1000w battery and the extension 1000w battery from CostCo to run my fridge, freezer and stall lights on a marker stall. In 8hrs of use, I never came close to empty one of them! To that I've now added a 400w foldable set of Anker Solar panels. I took just the base unit to an overnight fallow shoot in Sussex last month and despite powering a diesel heater through the night and various lights, chargers, etc it dropped to only 98%. Doing the same next weekend 🤗
Great kit :thumb:


The deal I got isn't currently up but worth watching. These are their current offerings:

 
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Looking at the same sort of thing Jackery/Bluetti/Ecoflow + solar panel for charging devices but also enough for an electric two ring hot plate/cooker and fridge/coolbox. The ultimate camping luxury would be some form of heated shower....
 
This lad YouTube is good..... explains that the propriety panels you get from the power bank manufacturers are
1.expensive altho plug n play
2. Can buy way cheaper panels saving tens of not 100 or pounds

he shows how to check if panels are compatible spec wise open circuit voltage and amps
and explains how to choose correct cabling
Paul

 
We use this one from Amazonk, 90 quid ,recommended by some kind gents off Sd .
100w through a controller as previously stated controller has usb charging points on it and wire feeds too.
 

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I also built a system around some Ebay Dokio panels and an Ecoworth LiFePO battery.
Works a treat to keep an electric coolbox cool!
Triffid
 
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If its just USBs (phone and laptop) I would consider one of the 12v car battery jumper packs, because it can start a vehicle aswell. I have got vehicles going from mowers to tractors with it, plus protect your vehicle's battery from surges and jumper cables. They charge from a cigarette lighter socket (charged by the engine or solar). Mine is getting old now so doesn't hold its charge more than a week and only has 12v output which I adapt to USB, but the newer ones have loads of USB ports.

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muddy42 said:
If its just USBs (phone and laptop) I would consider one of the 12v car battery jumper packs, because it can start a vehicle aswell. I have jump started vehicles from mowers to tractors with it. They charge from a cigarette lighter socket (charged by the engine or solar). Mine is getting old now so doesn't hold its charge more than a week and only has 12v output which I adapt to USB, but the newr ones have loads of USB ports.

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I doubt that would work for 5 weeks of use, hence why I'm looking at solar options.
 
Things moved on from those big bricks
They can fit in your hand now
 

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GBR66 said:
Looking at the same sort of thing Jackery/Bluetti/Ecoflow + solar panel for charging devices but also enough for an electric two ring hot plate/cooker and fridge/coolbox. The ultimate camping luxury would be some form of heated shower....
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I would have thought anything like a hotplate or shower would rinse a battery in no time. You'd be looking at a massive draw from a shower of at least 7kw. They need to be run off gas.
Fridges, TV, etc would be ideal but nothing involving lots of heat.
 
Will the chippy said:
I would have thought anything like a hotplate or shower would rinse a battery in no time. You'd be looking at a massive draw from a shower of at least 7kw. They need to be run off gas.
Fridges, TV, etc would be ideal but nothing involving lots of heat.
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I won't be running cooking appliances, hot water, fridge or TV.
All I need to be able to do is the following:
- Recharge hand-held electrical equipment used for data capture.
- Power a laptop (may not be essential).
- Recharge mobile phone.
- Lighting.
- Power a 12-volt coolbox.
 
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