Solar panels can be used to power various appliances within the vehicle, such as lights, refrigerators, and other small devices, even when the vehicle is not in motion. In contrast, a conventional car's energy needs are primarily for propulsion, a demand that is significantly higher and more challen Contact online >>
Solar panels can be used to power various appliances within the vehicle, such as lights, refrigerators, and other small devices, even when the vehicle is not in motion. In contrast, a conventional car''s energy needs are primarily for propulsion, a demand that is significantly higher and more challenging for solar power to meet entirely.
This article looks at 10 of the best off road solar panel choices the industry has to offer – along with an innovative propane-powered generator.
Choosing the right solar panels for your four-wheel drive can be a daunting process. Here''s everything you need to know about how they work and how many you''ll need.
Solar panel car roofs are a relatively new phenomenon that promise to use renewable energy to add some charge to the car''s batteries, but short of some absolutely miraculous new physics breakthrough, a fully solar-powered car will not be practical for the vast majority of people.
There are several electric cars with solar panels available today — some recharge the smaller 12-volt battery that runs your air conditioning, while others can top you up with a few miles of...
Thinking of outfitting your off-road rig with solar power? This article looks at 10 of the best off road solar panel choices the industry has to offer – along with an innovative propane-powered generator.
The sound wave that grew from across the salt pan was like a distant, enraged, metallic wasp. A wasp with gears, and gears so long that 5, 6, even 7 seconds separated each upshift. An impossibly high-pitched tone was reached before each new gear was grabbed. In the glare of the vast whiteness of the Bonneville Salt Flats, it''s through sound that you first experience the 200, 300 and, on special occasions, 400mph velocity of vehicles blistering past the spectator area.
In the past decade, powering fridge/freezers and a host of other electric devices (e.g., CPAP machines, drones) has become an expectation of off-road adventurers. Borrowing from the massive RV industry, along with off-shore sailing, today''s off-grid power generation options have seen dramatic gains. Instead of dealing with noisy, heavy gasoline generators, improvements in solar panels have meant savvy consumers can choose from many options.
That same 12v fridge that keeps your drinks cold and ice cream bars hard in Bonneville''s August heat (temp''s of 90+ in the shade) stands apart as the #1 power draw for a solar system. Today''s large fridges, like the SnoMaster Classic 56, need a properly sized solar system and battery bank to perform without pause.
Designing a system to power your adventures requires some basic calculations. In previous articles I outlined how to assess those power demands, and then to outline your system.
Choosing a solar panel, the heart of solar systems, is easier than ever thanks to the improved designs offered by leading manufacturers. To demonstrate that variety we contacted 11 brands whose products have gained a strong following in the overland and off-grid adventure travel markets, or which are bringing innovations to the scene. Each manufacturer discussed here offers a somewhat different approach to the market, and the models we reviewed each meet different needs. All of them are appropriate for vehicle-based applications, though some provide flexibility for use away from your rig, or are more easily shared between different vehicle platforms.
Ohio-based 4thD Solar is an engineer-led company that strives for the most robust overland power systems. Built around top-end Merlin panels, their systems allow portable or fixed mounting. The XP160 offers the prior in a tri-fold configuration, complete with fold out soft legs. For building its systems, 4thD uses premium 8 AWG marine grade UV-protected cabling, and employs Anderson SB50 Powerpole connectors. Its charge controllers are no less robust.
In fact, when you dig into the construction, specs and components the company employs, you notice they are building for durability over the long haul. Using redundancies from failure resistant cell wiring provided in the Merlin cells to other components'' protection from the elements, the company prides itself in offering real-world, candid power output claims. In fact, it may be the only solar brand in this market instigated by an outstanding product—Merlin FX series cells—and a need in the overland arena and resulting in building a company. The resulting systems are aimed towards those building out uncompromising overland platforms.
An interesting aside about 4thD is that its sister company is the N. American importer of Conqueror Off-road Trailers. These remarkably built, transformer-like "caravans" are the most impressive—that is complex and well-built—offered on our continent. 4thD is a logical pairing, therefore, as reliable electrical power is essential for the systems that come standard in Conqueror models. In fact, those same expectations are becoming ubiquitous among those who enjoy vehicle-based exploring. As a result, 4thD is rapidly gaining a committed customer following.
Full spectrum solar solutions, highest quality offerings in all components, emphasizing built-in solar power systems for overland vehicles.
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Out of Africa—South Africa to be specific—comes the leading overland solar brand of Flexopower. Like P3Solar, its tough, portable panels are utilized by national military forces, in this case in the continent''s vast backcountry. Started in 2005, its designs have evolved to avoid the bane of portable solar: micro cracks (that degrade hidden wiring connections) and low light performance.
The Mojave system allows daisy-chained panels. Hence the Mojave in the 240w configuration consists of a pair of 120w tri-fold flexible panels. Built for harsh African conditions, a sturdy set of 10m cables is included, allowing for the optimal arrangement: camp-in-shade/panels-in-sun. Tough and simple Anderson SB50 connectors link all system elements, including Flexopower''s solution for deep cycle batteries. Its Karoo Battery Box easily contains a 100Ah battery, has a built-in charge controller, and offers a voltage gauge and accessory power ports.
Regrettably, new U.S. tariffs on foreign solar products have, since 2019, made the N. American market a difficult prospect for Flexopower. As a result, the company is currently taking a more limited stance on serving 4×4 consumers on our continent.
Proven in military and civilian use in African, integrated high capacity solar/storage devices, top-tier solar cells.
Goal Zero was born out of a journey to support the people of Africa''s Democratic Republic of Congo. Founder Robert Workman, who I''ve interviewed about the brand''s mission, describes the role of solar power as one of democratizing life essentials such as lighting and access to electricity. The resulting Goal Zero product line makes sense as you consider that focus. From LED lights to a wide selection of battery banks, the company expands solar + battery products to include small portable items like the popular Lighthouse Mini.
For a full spectrum of portable solar products, it''s hard to beat Goal Zero for diversity and plug-n-play functionality. While coming at a premium price, its products are backed by excellent customer support. For the latest generation Nomad solar panels, its extra attention to features also stand out. From magnetic flap closure to handy accessory storage pockets, this largest folding solar panel from the Utah-based company is easy to use. At least once you have the right cables; its 6mm and 8mm plugs are by no means industry standards, and require (when available) costly cables if you wish to connect to other manufacturers'' components.
For many consumers, the Goal Zero family of products offers an ideal, simplified ecosystem of portable power products, taking the guesswork out of tapping into the sun''s rays. For those liking to mix-n-match, a bit more legwork is required.
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Extensive product line, tightly integrated systems, strong customer care, commitment to humanitarian aid.
Honda. Apple. What do they have in common with solar power? The answer, Jackery Power Outdoors. Co-founded in 2012 by a former battery engineer for Steve Jobs''s Cupertino giant, the brand offers power generation and storage products. Its Power Station line even drew the attention of Honda, which created a co-branding partnership with Jackery.
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