The great outdoors is a wonderful place to enjoy fresh air and time in the sun, which is why many people enjoy camping. But despite the beautiful scenery, you may encounter problems that only a supply of electricity will fix. Solar panels and generators are the go-to options for handling your energy needs, but when it comes to camping, which is best?
Generators
There are numerous generators you could use when camping. Some are large and require a truck bed to carry but provide quality electricity for a long period. Other generators are more portable and may be small enough to carry by hand.
Using a generator for camping is great when you want a stationary place to charge devices, as many modern generators come with outlets to plug into. However, the generator does have some drawbacks for the environment.
The fumes it creates due to the oil it needs to run will create toxic fumes harmful to those with respiratory issues, such as asthma. The generator also makes noise while it runs, which may disturb the quiet nights as you camp under the stars.
Solar Panels
Solar technology continues to progress as a more reliable and clean energy source than a generator. Solar panels are a must-have accessory for van campers and allow you to store energy just by being in the sun.
Solar panels are adjustable, with some formats making a fan or another configuration to catch the sun’s rays. Compared to generators, you only need to worry about setting up the panels in spots where they’ll receive sunlight, but this also comes with some downsides.
Using solar panels while camping will involve finding the best angle for sunlight and occasionally adjusting the position of the panels as the sun moves across the sky. And if a cloudy sky or a drawn-out storm lasts days, you won’t have a reliable power source until the weather clears up.
The Best Option for Camping
Both generators and solar panels are great for camping, but solar panels have more benefits than generators for most people. Although generators work in almost any situation, they can ruin the mood of being out in nature and experiencing the natural sounds around you.
The air pollution generators cause may also worsen if the generator is old or dirty. Solar panels are quiet and let you store energy in devices without annoyance.
Using solar panels and generators is helpful in camping, but you may want to stick to the sun’s power to immerse yourself in nature more. Solar panels will improve your outdoor experience by supplying you with the electricity you need to use any devices you have for your convenience.
