Solar hiking blogs are a niche genre of online content that focus on using solar energy to power electronic devices while backpacking in remote areas. Solar hiking blogs typically feature reviews of portable solar panels, chargers, and batteries, as well as tips and tricks for optimizing solar performance in different environments and seasons. Solar hiking blogs also share personal stories and experiences of hiking with solar gear, such as challenges, benefits, and recommendations.
Why Read Solar Hiking Blogs?
If you are interested in solar energy, backpacking, or both, you might find solar hiking blogs informative and inspiring. Reading solar hiking blogs can help you learn more about the pros and cons of using solar power for backpacking, such as weight, cost, reliability, and environmental impact. You can also discover new products, brands, and models of solar equipment that suit your needs and preferences. Additionally, you can get insights and advice from experienced solar hikers who have tested their gear in various conditions and terrains.
How to Find Solar Hiking Blogs?
One way to find solar hiking blogs is to use a search engine such as Bing and type in keywords such as “solar hiking blogs”, “solar backpacking blogs”, or “solar panels for backpacking”. You can also use filters such as date, language, and region to narrow down your results. Another way to find solar hiking blogs is to browse through online platforms such as WordPress, Medium, or Blogger and look for categories or tags related to solar hiking. You can also follow social media accounts or hashtags of solar hikers who post links to their blogs.
Some Examples of Solar Hiking Blogs
To give you an idea of what solar hiking blogs look like, here are some examples of popular and reputable ones:
The Trek: This is a comprehensive website that covers all aspects of long-distance hiking, including gear reviews, trail guides, news, and stories. The Trek has a section dedicated to solar panels for backpacking, where you can find articles such as “Are Solar Panels Worth It For Backpacking?” and “The 4 Best Portable Solar Chargers of 2023”.
Thruhiker: This is a blog that documents the adventures of a solo hiker who has completed several major trails in the US, such as the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail. Thruhiker also writes about gear, skills, and planning for long-distance hiking. One of his posts is titled “Solar Power: Is It Suitable For Long Distance Backpacking”, where he discusses his experience with using a solar panel on the CDT.
SunJack: This is a brand that produces high-quality and durable solar panels, chargers, and batteries for outdoor use. SunJack also has a blog where they share tips and tricks for using solar power in various situations, such as camping, fishing, hunting, and emergency preparedness. Some of their blog posts are “How to Choose the Best Solar Panel for Backpacking” and “How to Maximize Your Solar Panel Efficiency”.
There has been a trend for some time with some of the more forward thinking solar manufactures going to larger solar panels. This is more of short lived fad, but rather an opportunity, especially for American based solar panel manufactures to capitalize on their unique advantage over Chinese panel manufactures which is less shipping costs.
Freight adds a substantial non-value added cost to the price of solar panels. Helios Solar Works has taken a giant step forward to utilize their central US location and gorilla marketing tactics. Really smart of some folks over at Helios. Why? I recently helped a homeowner put together a 30 panel system in Wisconsin where we started with the more common 245 watt panels. Trouble was we could not get all the power the homeowner wanted on the roof of his shop. By simply switching to 300 watt panels, we achieved his goal of 7 kW + and kept his cost more in line with his budget.
Fast forward just a few months. Helios has recently come out with their 9T6 400 watt series panels. Though this monster weighs in at a hefty 75 lbs, this 96 mono-crystalline cell beauty is a sight to see. Solar panel manufactures has long sought ways to cut down on the amount of space taken up over a solar cell which even so slightly restricts rays of the sun from being fully exposed. The more of the solar cell that is exposed, the higher the panels output. No question about it, high-performance large modules offer higher efficiency and lower installation costs because they cover with less labor and less roof racking needed.
Helios Solar Works is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They manufacture their solar panels using materials sourced from regional and U.S. suppliers whenever possible. Manufactured end-to-end in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (USA) using Helios Solar Works advanced, automated platform and a local workforce makes Helios and American sucess story they should be yelling about in Washington.
Brunton portable power along with Goal Zero leads the way. The leading manufacturers of camping equipment for today’s outdoor adventure, Brunton Outdoors is located in a new, state-of-the-art facility at the gateway to the Wind River Mountains in Riverton, Wyoming. Goal Zero has a modern state-of-the-art facility in beautiful Idaho. Brunton and Goal Zero portable power are well known for their innovation in camping. Discover a universe of outdoor portable solar panels with Goal Zero and Brunton.
Brunton and Goal Zero portable solar power panels continues to expand portable power devices and gadgets with the new restore charger hybrid Brunton portable power device which features solar panels and battery storage. The new Restore from Brunton power is a hybrid power device delivering power for USB-based items nearly anywhere and at any time. The Restore, big brother to the new Freedom charger, features two powerful polycrystalline portable power solar panels that fold clam-shell style for added protection. Brunton Portable power Restore is capable of withstanding the rigors of the outdoors but stylish enough to carry every day. 5v / 2,200 mAh battery 1,000 mA output Two 100 mA Brunton portable power solar panels gauge rubberized housing for increased durability.
Brunton and Goal Zero portable power – Consumer Electronics: Handheld Devices & Rechargeable Batteries Application: Charges/runs most handheld electronic devices such as MP3 players, cell phones, digital cameras, Personal Digital Assistants; and is also compatible for running most AA/AAA Ni-Cd and Ni-M-H battery chargers. How to use: Connect the 12 V vehicle power outlet receptacle to the Folding Solar Panel. Insert the adaptor (male) included with the handheld electronic device or battery charger into the 12 V vehicle power outlet. Place the panel in direct sunlight. Consult Goal Zero or Brunton appropriate “Product Application Chart” for charging times. 12 V Accessories Application: Charges/runs most 12 V accessories. How to use: Connect the 12 V vehicle power plug to the Folding Solar Panel. Insert the 12 V vehicle power plug directly into the socket of the 12 V accessory. Consult appropriate “Product Application Chart” for charging times.
Brunton portable power – Vehicle Batteries – Application: Trickle charges and maintains car / RV / marine batteries. How to use: Connect the 18” battery clamps to the Folding Solar Panel. Directly connect the 18” battery clamps (included with the Folding Solar power Panel) to the vehicle battery. Or Connect the 12 V vehicle power plug to the Folding Solar Panel. Insert the 12 V vehicle power plug directly into your car’s cigarette lighter outlet. Place the solar charger on the car’s dashboard so that it receives direct sunlight. NOTE: The Folding Solar Panel is not designed for continuous outdoor use. Disconnect and store the solar charger in a cool, dry place when not in use.
Brunton and Goal Zero portable solar frequently asked questions:
How do I know that my folding solar panel is working? Check the charge indicator light or bar on the handheld electronics or accessory. For battery charging, the product can be
tested with a volt meter.
How do I know what size to use? For Goal Zero and Brunton equipment if you click on our live chat we will guide you to the best portable solar charger.
Will this product drain my battery at night? No. The Brunton portable power and Goal Zero solar panels have built-in reversing diode and charge regulator that prevents the solar array from discharging your battery at night.
What happens if the portable solar power panel gets wet? All our Brunton and Goal Zero portable solar chargers are durable built to withstand the rigors of backcountry living. But keep in mind they are electronic which means you should not submerse the portable solar panels and dry after using before you store the equipment. Wipe the product with a clean, dry cloth and allow the product to dry before folding for storage.
Can I leave the portable solar power panel outside for continual use?
Portable solar products are not designed to be kept permanently outdoors. If you have that type of application, consider a ridged solar panel.
Should the solar panel be disconnected from the car battery when starting the engine?
Brunton as well as Goal Zero portable solar power panels warrants their product to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for 1 year. This warranty extends to the original purchaser from the date of purchase. This warranty is void and a charge for repair will be made if the portable solar panel has been damaged by negligence, accident or mishandling, or has not been operated in accordance with standard operating procedures, or if the product was altered or repaired by anyone other than a Brunton or Goal Zero repair facility. No other warranty, expressed or implied, applies to the Brunton or Goal Zero product, nor is any person or company authorized to assume any other warranty for Brunton or Goal Zero. Brunton or Goal Zero does not assume any responsibility for any consequential damages occasioned by this product. Should the product prove defective, contact Brunton, and you will be provided with a Return Authorization Number (RA#).
Brunton portable solar power panels – CAUTION: Check for compatibility and fit of adaptors before using the unit to charge electronic devices. Improperly seated adaptors can be a shock hazard and may damage the electronic device. CAUTION: The USB output from this unit is built for USB 2.0 compatible 5V units. DO NOT use any Brunton or Goal Zero portable power device to power medical equipment, life support or other critical devices.
Brunton portable solar power panels – Charging with a USB cable that was supplied with your 5V electronics. To fully charge your Brunton Restore unit. Unplug the Mini USO connector from the side of the unit. Plug the USB cable supplied with your portable electronic device into the USB port on the Brunton Restore. Plug the other end of your cable into the electronic device needing power. Wait unit the electronic device is fully charged. Unplug the cable from the electronic device and from the Brunton portable power Restore battery charger. Reseat the mini USE connector into the port on the Brunton portable power Restore battery charger. Recharge unit as necessary.
Buy Brunton and Goal Zero portable solar chargers directly from our website as we ship worldwide. We have a wide range of high-quality Brunton and Goal Zero portable solar chargers and portable batteries from which you can get your mobile phones, digital cameras, PDAs and other electrical devices charged up anytime and anywhere. You can get these stylish quality useful solar mobile phone chargers on our on-line shopping store at cheap prices. Blue Pacific Solar will provide you the lowest price and the best service you have ever received. Brunton makes everything small and tetchy in your pack. Best known for their compasses, Brunton also makes stoves, wilderness power accessories, all kinds of navigation instruments, binoculars and lanterns. Never content to sit on their heels, Brunton is always devising new and better ways to explore.
Brunton and Goal Zero portable power high-quality cheap solar technology is incorporated into a range of products from their foldable portable solar chargers, offering everyone from outdoors enthusiasts to commuters to military applications a solution to charge their phones, laptops, car batteries, to solar panels and power devices anywhere around the globe. Goal Zero and Brunton are the leaders in the portable solar technology field. Goal Zero portable power quality cheap solar rechargeable electronic batteries, portable battery packs, are used for; backpacking the Grand Canyon, mobile power, emergency survival power, military solar power applications, wilderness power, search and rescue portable power, disaster portable power, backpacking, hiking, camping hiking, trekking, cycling, RV car truck snowmobile marine battery trickle charging, off grid power, mountain outdoor vacation, mountains vacations power hiking trail adventure, and outdoors trips. All Brunton and Goal Zero portable power solar chargers products are plug and play technology. Buy a quality durable Brunton or Goal Zero portable solar power or portable rechargeable battery.
Emergencies can come in many different forms and circumstances. While it is vital for any home to have an emergency plan for its family members, it’s just as important to make sure your furry friends are protected as well. Planning the best way to care for your pet during an emergency either at home or on vacation will show all of your loved ones just how much you care for them.
Emergencies can come in the form of household fires, floods, earthquakes or power outages. Although power outages can be the least damaging of the group, they can be extremely deadly especially during the winter season. Having an emergency kit prepared for your pets can save precious time when needing to evacuate your home. Include a warm blanket, bowls, canned dog or cat food, bottled water, disposable cat litter for cats and a spare leash for your dog. Don’t forget to include a toy your pet can take comfort with. Remember, just like everyone else in your family, pets will be just as scared to be in a strange place away from their home.
It’s possible that an emergency could strike when you are not home, even if it’s just away for the day at work. Speak with neighbors who would be willing to take in your pet if you are not able to get to them when an emergency strikes. They should have a spare key to your home and be somewhat familiar with your pet so that they will trust them. Also, contact local animal shelters in your area to find out where you could temporarily store your pet in an emergency since many emergency recovery sites do not allow owners to bring their pets with them. Pets should be tagged or wearing collars so that they can find their way back to their owner if they get lost or separated.
Remember to keep your pets in mind when you are away on long trips. If you choose to leave your pet at home, have a neighbor check on them frequently, at least twice a day to make sure they and the house are doing well. In the summertime, remember to leave out plenty of water and have a nice warm place for them to cuddle in the cold months. You should never leave your pet alone for too long a duration, as they need companionship just as much as the other necessities of life. If you take your pet with you on your trip, don’t forget to pack an emergency kit in your trunk, just in case.
Remember, preparation is the key to surviving any emergency situation. Practice evacuation drills at home with your family. Include bringing your pets as part of the drills so that it becomes routine. Safety is always top priority, so don’t risk your life to save your pet. But the more prepared you are in advance, the better you will be able to help all of the members of your family.
Revised 5/6/2013 – Saturday New Jersey Gov. Christie implemented a gas-rationing system reminiscent of the 1970’s. Can emergency solar generators provide a viable substitute? Super-storm Sandy was indeed a terrible disaster but maybe it should be treated as a wake up call. Americans sit complacent on their couches content watching Honey Bo Bo and dancing with the stars while their country is fighting two wars and our climate is undeniably changing.
Come-on America, instead of complaining about the long gas lines maybe its time to take some personal responsibility for the lights in your home. We want smaller government… until we need it. Emergency solar generators do not need fossil fuel and can virtually last a lifetime with a minimum of replacement parts. Wouldn’t it be nice to have your refrigerator running and a few lights on when the next Sandy hits? Emergency solar generators come in all types, sizes and price tags but there is one for every pocketbook or circumstance.
Small solar generators start from $1,500 to $4,800 and will power a few small lights and radio to a refrigerator. Taking up little space, the Ecotricity has two fold-able 45 watt solar panels on a cart that plugs into the inverter and battery pack. The 4.8 kW (4800 watt) kit provides you with dependable backup battery power when you need it most. Fully automatic, this emergency solar backup power center can sit in your garage keeping the batteries topped off. Don’t worry, the Magnum Energy MM-RC25 remote control monitor located on the outside of the front of the cabinet will show you your battery state of charge and tell you if something is wrong.
Farther up the scale is the 10K home backup kit. The 10kW kit provides you with dependable emergency battery power when you need it most. The backup power kit provides you with dependable power stored in 8 powerful sealed AGM batteries with an option to add 16 more. Fully automatic, the power center will detect a utility power blackout and automatically switch over to your battery bank whether you are home or gone. The most compact and functional design on the market provides for location flexibility to add solar panels and qualify for a 30% federal tax credit. the powder coated outdoor cabinet has a keyed lock for security, advanced digital LED display, AC power outlets and 4400 watt continuous AC power inverter / charge controller.
Whatever your needs, consider the “what if” before it becomes reality.
According to media reports, Saudi Arabia plans to meet a third of its electrical power needs from solar by attracting US$109 billion in investment for the establishment of a specific industry. Meanwhile, Mecca is planning to install 100 MW of solar panels.
A group of up to 20 solar panel bidders are expected to compete for the projects, which are scheduled to be announced next January 5. “We want to be first city that owns power plants and hopefully the first in the Muslim world,” said al-Bar in an interview.
Overall, Bloomberg reports that Saudi’s central government is looking to attract investment of up to $109 billion to establish a solar grid tied industry in the region, with the aim of harnessing a third of the kingdom’s power needs from solar energy. “The target is almost as much as the $136 billion invested worldwide in solar energy last year, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance.”
At the start of May, the governments King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (KA-CARE) announced Saudi Arabia’s ambitious plans to install 41 GW worth of solar by 2032. The program aims to “catapult Saudi Arabia into the group of global leaders in renewable-energy development.”
You know what really burns my backside besides a flame about waist high? It’s the Congressional Republicans tossing out bull about Solyndra while they quietly pass billions… yes billions in subsadies and bailouts for big oil, wall street, cheese, milk and coal. Yes Solyndra failed, but so did the first 12 atlas rockets before we got it right and flew to the moon! Home grid tied solar is here to stay so get over it and move on. Too many people are wise to the bull in Washington.
Here is the big headline “The House of Representatives passed a bill to tighten up oversight on the Department of Energy’s loan guarantee program.” (Did they also pass a bill to tighten up Wall Street… before we have to bail them out again?)
Titled the “No More Solyndras” Act, H.R. 6213 takes aim at the Obama administration backed solar energy manufacturing firm that applied for bankruptcy in 2011 after receiving more than $500 million in federal support through the DOE loan guarantee program. Such loan guarantees were part of the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which spent multiple billions backing upstart technology companies and renewable energy installations.
The House vote September 14 was 245-161. According to reports, 22 Democrats broke ranks and voted for the bill, along with all but four Republicans.
The proposed legislation would restrict eligibility for future loan guarantees to projects that submitted applications before December 31, 2011. This could leave $34 billion in authorized money to provide financial backing to applications made before that date.
Should the bill pass into law it would also require the Treasury Department to review solar guarantees. The DOE to consult with Treasury on changes, terms and conditions and other aspects of loan guarantees. The bill also would impose administrative sanctions and civil penalties of $10,000 to $50,000 on federal officials who violate the requirements of the program.
The bill was introduced by Fred Upton, R-Mich., who chairs the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
The California-based Solyndra was the first renewable energy company to win a loan guarantee to help it bring its cylindrical photovoltaic panels to market. After going bankrupt, some analysts and company formers blamed the company’s failure on inexpensive solar components made in China flooding the American market.
Before its bankruptcy, members of the Obama administration pointed to Solyndra and companies like it as an example of how the U.S. would build a new renewable energy economy and create green jobs. (Fact check, grid tied solar has created thousands of new high tech jobs they cannot export.) Since, Republicans have called the company an expensive government boondoggle that left taxpayers responsible for millions in mismanaged funds. (Unlike the wall street bailout!)
Nomad 7 solar watt off-grid solar panel kit includes the Guide 10 battery pack with 4 rechargeable batteries. With the Nomad 7 solar panel and the Guide 10 power pack you can recharge and go. If you want to get an idea how long it will take to power up your small electronic gadget, Goal Zero has field tested this kit with an independent team of outdoors experts.
The Nomad 7 watt solar panel will charge most USB and 12V gadgets directly from the portable solar panel. You can also charge multiple small electronic devices simultaneously if they are connected to both the USB and the 12V output ports. The Nomad 7 watt solar panel splits the incoming solar power to both output ports. Goal Zero calls the re-power numbers TrueWatt charging times. iPod = 2 hours. Garmin GPS about 2 hours. Charging a cell phone 1 hour. Go Pro Camera, 4 hours and last but not least this solar panel will charge a Satellite phone in about 2 hours.
The Nomad 7 watt solar panel is weather resistant but it is not waterproof. That means you will not damage the portable solar panel by getting it wet, but don’t try and hold it underwater. You also need to keep in mind that the Nomad 7 watt solar panel needs to pointed at the sun for it to deliver a full 7 watts of power. These high tech solar panels have more power per square inch than any other solar technology. But keep in mind that mono-crystalline solar panels need to be kept free of shading to work properly.
You iPhone users might want to make a note that the iPhone can be pretty prickly when it comes to power sources. If you attempt to charge your iPhone directly from the Nomad 7 watt solar panel, the iPhone may display a compatibility warning which you interpret as. Part of the problem is the inherent inconsistency of solar with clouds passing over or other shadows. Oh, wait, that’s not a problem with the Guide 10 Adventure Kit because it not only includes the Nomad 7 solar panel but also rechargeable batteries. Power your iPhone using the USB port on the Guide 10. Problem solved!
When out on the water or spending a weekend with your RV, your system just needs to work. With a Magnum inverter charger on the right RV solar kit, not only can you rest easy knowing everything will function as specified, but Magnum inverters / chargers are extremely easy to install.
Magnum offers both sine wave and modified sine wave models to choose from for your RV solar kit, so that you can choose what’s right for you and not have to spend money on features you don’t need. From the MS Series that will power your plasma TV to the MM Series that provides a cost effective solution to smaller energy needs, Magnum Energy has you covered.
Travel with your RV with the comfort of knowing that a Magnum Energy inverter / charger is at the center of your RV solar kit. With efficient chargers and lightweight structures, Magnum inverter / chargers are designed with an RV system in mind. You’ll stay on the road and moving if you purchase your RV solar kit with a Magnum inverter / charger.
The MMS Series Inverter / Charger is a pure sine wave inverter providing a cost effective solution for those with smaller power needs in mobile applications. Versatile, easy-to-use, and lightweight, the MMS Series provides a reliable base for your energy system. Power Factor Corrected (PFC) Charger: Magnums PFC charger is built into all of Magnums inverter / chargers. It uses less energy from a generator than a standard charger using 25-30% less AC current than standard chargers.
Safe and reliable: The MMS Series is ETL Listed to the stringent requirements of UL/cUL 458 and CSA C22.2 #107.1-01 for mobile use. Attractive styling: The modern, hourglass case, paired with the die cast aluminum base combines form with function, creating an attractive unit that uses its base as a heat sink for superior high temperature operation you will appreciate with your RV solar kit.
The standard 20 amp transfer relay will pass AC power through the inverter when using shore or generator power. If your battery voltage reaches below 10 VDC or above 17 VDC, the Magnum MMS Series will automatically shut down. Mount the MMS Series on a shelf, bulkhead, or even upside down. The MMS Series is fan cooled, enabling the unit to work well in confined spaces. If the inverter does exceed its temperature limits, it will automatically shut down and then restart when it cools down. The MMS Series will automatically shut down if its output wattage is exceeded or it detects a short in the wiring, saving the unit from costly damage. The MMS Series comes with an on/off front-mounted switch with an easy-to-read LED indicator. This RV solar inverter comes with built in input and output circuit breakers for ease of installation. The standard battery temp sensor monitors temperatures from 0 – 50° C. The MMS Series is backed by a two-year (24-month) parts and labor warranty so you can enjoy your RV solar kit with Magnum inverter for years to come. All Blue Pacific Solar’s RV solar kit order fulfillment is free.
