With advancements in the efficiency of solar equipment and Green technology, solar panels are becoming not just smaller and more portable, but more practical than ever especially off-grid and camping. With new appliances and devices that are powered by Solar energy it is possible to live outdoors more comfortably and for longer periods of time. What is some solar-powered equipment that can operate in the outdoors and makes it possible for Camping Solar?
Solar Equipment used in Camping:
- Off-Grid Washer Machines that can run from energy produced from Solar to DC Batteries to AC Diverter
- Solar All-Terrain Scooters-powered directly from a small Generator or Solar Panel
- Solar Ovens that convert Sun energy to heat -cooking food saving propane & electric
Solar Power Camping appliances and gear are a way to add a few lightweight luxuries to your camping experience. By adding basic conveniences you are not breaking the rules, you are simply making for a better experience a better adventure without the need for electrical power or carbon fuels.
Off-Grid Washing Machine
Camping today is not what it used to be. Especially Tent Camping where all you need is some Solar power and you can get just about anything you want or need to be done even Off-Grid. The Off-Grid Washing Machines that normally may have been located at an upscale Campsite now can be located anywhere you need them to be as long as you have running water you can have clean clothes.
Today’s portable washers are tiny yes, but use minimal volts which equates to using minimal wattage that won’t draw too much power from your Solar Battery Bank. In the video, you can see that a guy is washing his own clothes which should prove how easy it is to operate.
The pure 12 volt DC Solar Power from your Panels to your Batteries easily diverts to AC power that will run the Camping Washer from the Diverter of your Solar System. Technically like the man in this video says you are running off Solar Energy. The newer types of Portable Washers come with a Spin Cycle that happens in a separate compartment. They will draw about 300 watts using both cycles at the same time. They are perfect for Off-Grid, RV, or even Tent Campsites because of their tiny size. They are compact and great if you have limited space and power. Don’t forget the cost it’s super low for what it does.
Easy to operate the machine, simply put in your load of clothes, fill with water, set the timer, and start washing/spinning, the washer and spinner can run at the same time; Separate time controller for the washer and spinner, maximum 15 mins for washer and 5 mins for the spin cycle. They also come in different load capacities. Take a look at this one on Amazon COSTWAY Mini Washing Machine with Spin Dryer, Electric Compact Laundry Machines Portable Durable Design Washer Energy Saving, Rotary Controller(Blue)
Solar Scooters
Getting around the campsite has never been easier. The Panels are the same kind of used Backpacks for Hikers and won’t hold a charge only deliver it. This folding and portable panel is designed exclusively for charging Xiaomi M365, M365 PRO, and Ninebot ES1 ES2 and ES4 electric scooters. It is also valid for scooters that have the same connector model for recharging. Attention, the solar panel is only a power source and does not regulate in any way the battery recharge
Recharge only from 0% to 80%. Disconnect manually over 80% battery charged The solar panel is also equipped with a USB port for charging a smartphone. This product does not incorporate any type of internal battery and only works outdoors on sunny days. Maximum efficiency is achieved by positioning the panel with solar cells perpendicular to sunlight. The panel would be onboard much like the Backpack Solar Panels that Hikers are using.
With the Razor E325 Durable Adult & Teen Ride-On 24V Motorized High-Torque Power Electric Scooter,
The ride begins where the pavement ends. Beefed up to withstand tough terrain, the RX200 features off-road tires, disc brakes, and a new gear ratio for high-torque trail riding, making it off-road ready right out of the gate. With the trailblazing new RX200, the ride begins where the pavement ends. Beefed up to withstand tough terrain, the RX200 features off-road tires, a disc brake, and a new gear ratio for high-torque trail riding, making it off-road ready right out of the gate.
Rip up the trails at speeds up to 12 mph (19 km). Features: chain-driven motor with new gear ratio for high-torque trail use, rear sprocket drive-train with freewheel for coasting with a run time of up to 40 minutes of continuous use.
Also features, a twist-grip throttle and new hand-operated, rear disc brake, a lightweight steel frame and fork, riser-style handlebars, soft rubber grips, triple bolt clamp, and full deck grip tape, heavy-duty alloy wheels with 60 PSI on/off-road tires, and a retractable kickstand. Powered by a 24V (two 12V) sealed lead acid, rechargeable battery system, battery charger included.
Why stay at the campsite when you can be discovering new places within the distance recommended. That means off trails paths to find secret areas around a lake where you couldn’t normally get to on foot. carry a full charge generator like the Jackery that is lightweight and easy to carry on the move or a portable Solar Panel that can charge your bike’s battery system.
Solar Oven Designs
Solar Ovens today not only save energy on electric and propane gas but lots of Campers are finding that the more you cook on a Solar Oven the better the food can taste. Better tasting food and free energy from the Sun what could be better than that.
The Solar Oven will even cook out in the snow during the Wintertime as long as there is sun you can cook with a Solar Oven. Because there is no escape of moisture from cooking in a Solar Oven whatever you cook won’t ever burn and stays moist. So no matter what you cook it won’t ever burn it will keep the flavors in and taste better than cooking it in a conventional gas grille or electric oven in your RV or Camper. Everything but fry and deep fry.
Solavore Sport Solar Oven (Box Oven)
These types of cookers cook slowly, much like an electric slow cooker. In general, they can cook anything that can be simmered in a slow cooker; roasted in the oven; cooked in the microwave; or cooked on the stovetop (except for frying.) Gets up to 300 degrees and uses a plastic lid. It has reflectors that are used in lower sunlight that redirect the UV rays down into the heat trap in the stove.
The inside of the Solavore Sports Solar Oven is made of black metal that will heat very fast. According to Solar Cooker International, Solar box Ovens at moderate temperatures and often can accommodate multiple pots. Because the center cavity of the oven is usually larger than the heat trap found in the panel cooker, the box oven can hold a larger cooking pot. Because the center cavity of the oven is well insulated, it can reach higher temperatures than a panel cooker. Temperatures reach between 250° F (121°C) – 400°F(204°C).
Parabolic Solar Cookers
Parabolic Solar Ovens are shaped like parabolic satellite dishes. The Dishes are covered with shiny reflective material. When the Sunlight is directed into the stove it is reflective back up to a 
central focal point. A cooking vessel is placed above the reflective surface of the focal point. The concentrated UV rays reach extremely high temperatures of 500°F ( 260°C) – 700°F (371°C) that are capable of frying, and grilling. Because of the Parabolic Solar Stove’s ability to reach higher temperatures. parabolic cookers can fry, grill, and even pop popcorn.
Gosun Solar Cooker
Made from a large evacuated glass tube, surrounded by shiny reflector panels, the glass tube can reach temperatures of 550°F (290°C) or greater. The cooker gets hot enough to cook meat, bread, vegetables, and dessert. The Tube type of Solar Ovens do well under cloudy skies and are becoming very popular these days. Facing the Evacuated Ovens towards the Sun, inside the is a Vacumn Tube that’s made of Bora Silicate Glass that will absorb sunlight and turns it into heat.
The tube of glass is a great insulator and there are reflectors on the Stove that capture even more of the Energies Sun and direct it towards the Tube. The external temperature reaches a very high capacity. While the outside stays cool to the touch. Take a look at one of the most popular ones on Amazon called GOSUN Sports Pro Pack, Portable Solar Oven Ultimate Sport Bundle Package | Off-Grid Camping Kitchen With Solar Cooker Camp Stove & Camping Cookware Accessories Package | Fastest Outdoor Oven Sun Grill
My son is presently hiking the Appalachian Trail by himself although I am tracking him by Google maps and Shelters which hikers use as markers for safety reasons. When we were preparing him for the trip he had 3 or 4 Solar Sources of energy including a Backpack Solar Powered System that was charging some of his devices.
For a long hike like this, about 360 miles, weight was a huge consideration. His Solar devices for this Hiking trip are small and lightweight but are a definite advantage to staying on the trail and finishing.
He wasn’t taking any of these Solar Power Camping devices, but for us normal campers they can add so much more enjoyment to us less adventurous folk by making the experience so much easier and convenient.
JimGalloway Author/Editor
