If you are on a road trip in Canada, keeping the battery of your vehicle in good condition is very vital. The batteries of large vehicles, including cars, boats, motorcycles, or RVs, can suddenly become dead or weak. If this happens within a road trip, it can leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere. To deal with this situation, solar battery chargers have played an enormous role.
A solar battery charger is a portable solar-based charger that can maintain or trickle charging batteries of large vehicles. For example, a portable generator is a best choice for charging batteries in an off-grid location since it captures solar energy from the sun and transforms it into electricity. Therefore, this guide will discuss in detail the solar battery charger and the critical role of the solar system in enjoying a smooth road trip.
How Do Solar Battery Chargers Work?
A solar battery charger harnesses the freely available sunlight, which makes it very useful to charge the battery easily in off-grid places. However, it is essential to understand the working principle of a solar car battery charger to utilize its full potential.
A solar battery charger comprises two primary components: a durable and waterproof solar panel and a charge controller. Here’s a brief overview of these components and how the battery charger operates:
1. Waterproof and Durable Solar Panel
The first and the main component of a solar battery charger is the solar panel. It is waterproof and durable, ensuring a solid resistance to dust, water, and corrosion.
When the sunlight hits the photovoltaic cell, there is a movement of electrons from one layer of the cell to another. This movement of electrons generates a usable electric current. The electric current flows through the cable to the charge controller, the second principal component of a solar panel battery charger.
2. Charge Controller
As the name implies, the charge controller controls the charge from the solar panel. It is a small device that regulates the voltage and current flowing through the solar panel to the battery. It has an LED display and a few buttons to adjust the settings and monitor the operations.
There are two connection points in a charge controller. The first connection connects it with the solar panel through a cable, while the second connects it with the battery through another cable.
A charge controller’s role is to guarantee that the battery receives the optimal power from the solar panel. It includes a microprocessor to detect the battery capacity and type. Besides that, it also comes with a charging algorithm to optimize the charging efficiency and avoid damage to the battery. This way, it helps to avoid overcharging, undercharging, or reverse charging damages. In short, consider it an intermediary between solar panels and the battery to protect them from electrical damage.
In short, the working principle of a 12V solar battery charger involves three main steps:
- The solar panel harnesses the solar energy and converts it into DC electricity.
- The converted electricity from the solar panel flows to the charge controller.
- The electricity flows from the charge controller to the battery.
In this way, a fully operational solar battery charger can charge the battery of any vehicle.
The Advantages of Using a Solar System
A solar power system is the best companion for road trips, as it gives peace of mind that you can access the needed power supply whenever you want. A solar power system comprises a solar panel, a charge controller, an inverter, a battery, and integrated safety mechanisms., thus making it a complete power supply beyond just a solar battery charger.
So, the next question is how a solar power system is helpful on road trips. Let’s dive deep into this point and list some of the main advantages of using a solar system during road trips:
1. Availability of Solar Panels
Solar panels play a crucial role within a solar power system as they enable you to harness solar energy conveniently. It would help if you simply positioned the solar panels correctly to start generating electricity. For instance, placing solar panels on the roof of your vehicle allows you to generate power while driving or parked.
One of the primary advantages of using a solar power system is the inclusion of solar panels. You can choose solar panels of specific sizes and varying rated power according to your needs. During a road trip, you can even opt for portable, foldable solar panels to enhance the road trip experience.
2. Inverter Availability
The inverter is the equipment responsible for transforming direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC) electricity. When solar panels generate electric current, it is in DC, which can be used as a 12V solar battery charger. However, if there is a need to power AC appliances, like a kettle, then an inverter is helpful. It converts the generated DC electricity into AC and supplies the needed power for AC appliances.
So, another benefit of using a solar system is the availability of the inverter to allow you to use the solar system as a solar battery charger or power AC appliances. In short, you can power all kinds of appliances on the road.
3. Battery Configuration
The battery constitutes another indispensable element within a solar system. It is used to store the DC electricity generated by solar panels. During the day, the battery gets charged by the solar panels, which can then be used at night to power DC appliances directly or AC appliances through the inverter. The battery also connects with the charge controller to regulate the voltage and current efficiently.
On road trips, solar power systems with batteries allow you to have reliable power storage for camping or other outdoor adventures, serving as a power source for solar battery chargers or AC devices. This way, you can have a reliable power supply throughout the day and night.
4. Availability of Fuses
A solar power system also comes with fuses to protect from short circuits, reverse currents, overloads, etc. A fuse is a device that breaks the connection when there is an abnormal or excessive current flow in the circuit.
In a solar power system, a fuse can be installed in two places, i.e., between the solar panel and charge controller and between the battery and inverter. Fuses are available in different ratings, so the choice depends on the capacity of the solar power system. In short, fuses provide the safety you need while using the solar system on road trips.
5. Availability of Appliances and Lighting
The best thing about the solar power system is that it provides the comfort of home during road trips by powering all the essential appliances and lighting. If your campsite is located in an off-grid area, you can use the solar power system’s battery and inverter to provide power to various appliances and devices.
You can keep the battery charged through solar panels and continuously use the DC/AC power to operate appliances. This way, you get an all-in-one system as a solar battery charger and a power supply for appliances and lighting.
6. Emergency Charging
During a road trip, you can use your car to charge various smart devices. However, if the vehicle battery gets damaged or drained, you may lose your primary power source. So, another advantage of the solar system is the support for emergency charging.
You can utilize the solar system both as a 12V solar battery charger and for directly charging your smartphones and other devices. The solar panels maintain the battery’s charge, ensuring you can meet emergency charging requirements for extended periods, thus providing you with a dependable backup power source during power emergencies.
Two Best Solar Generators for Canadians During Road Trips
Having grasped the significance and benefits of solar systems during road trips, the subsequent point to ponder is making the appropriate selection. One obvious thing is that you need a portable generator that integrates all the components in one compact body – a solar system. So, below are two ideal solar generators for road trips offered by Jackery that serve as a solar battery charger and a power source for powering all appliances.
1. Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus
Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus comprises a portable solar power station and highly efficient solar panels. The portable power station incorporates all the components of a solar system in a compact, portable body, including battery, inverter, safety features, and so on.
Talking specifically about solar battery charging, Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus comes with a 12V DC charging port, which can directly charge the battery of the vehicle. It also offers multiple AC and USB ports to charge various smart devices and appliances.
The key features of Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus include:
- High Power & Expandable Capacity
With a 2000W power output and 1264Wh capacity (expandable to 5kWh), it ensures abundant energy to power various appliances for extended periods, making it ideal for longer trips or emergency power needs.
- Versatile Charging Options & Quick Charging
Three charging ports (AC adapter, solar panels, and DC port) provide versatile charging options, allowing you to replenish the power station using different sources. Rapid charging times of 2 hours with solar panels and 1.7 hours with an AC adapter minimize downtime and keep you powered up quickly.
- Multi-Output Ports for Device Compatibility
Eight output ports, including solar battery charger, AC, USB-A, and USB-C ports, ensure compatibility with various devices, from smartphones and laptops to power tools.
- Lightweight Design & Ultimate Portability
Weighing just 14.5kg (32 lbs), the lightweight and portable design, along with foldable solar panels, makes transportation and setup effortless, allowing you to take it wherever you go.
- Safety Features & Long Battery Life
Management System (BMS) with shock-resistant and fire-retardant features enhances safety during operation. The battery’s 4000 cycles at 70%+ capacity ensure a long lifespan, providing reliable power for an extended period.
- Smart Control & Monitoring
Utilize a specialized smartphone application for remote management and monitoring, offering increased convenience and adaptability in overseeing your energy requirements.
- Wide Operating Temperature & Warranty
The broad operating temperature range ensures functionality in various environmental conditions, expanding its usability. A 3+2 years warranty provides peace of mind, guaranteeing the product’s quality and durability over an extended period.
Overall, the lightweight and portable design with feature-rich capabilities of Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus makes it an ideal solar battery charger for road trips.
2. Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro
If your road trip involves a bigger group of friends and family or you are using RVs, then you may need a more powerful solar system. For such needs, Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro comes into action.
The key features of Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro include:
- Power & Capacity: With a robust 3000W power output and a spacious 3024Wh capacity, this system can power multiple devices and appliances simultaneously, making it suitable for various applications.
- Charging and Output Efficiency: Featuring three versatile charging ports – AC adapter, solar panels, and DC port – you have multiple options for keeping your power station charged, ensuring uninterrupted power availability. You are equipped with nine output ports, including a solar battery charger, four high-capacity AC ports, and fast-charging USB-A and USB-C ports, providing compatibility for various electronics and appliances.
- Rapid Recharge and Convenience: Enjoy quick replenishment with a charging time of 6-7.5 hours using solar panels or just 2.4 hours with an AC adapter, reducing downtime and keeping you powered up efficiently.
- Ultimate Portability: The foldable solar panels, pull rod, and double wheels on the power station enhance mobility and ease of transport, ensuring you can take it wherever you need power.
- Enhanced Safety and Longevity: A superior Battery Management System (BMS) with 12 layers of protection guarantees safety during operation, and a battery life of 2000 cycles at 70%+ capacity ensures long-lasting performance.
- Smart Control and Monitoring: Manage your power station remotely with a dedicated smartphone app, granting you control and real-time monitoring of your energy usage.
- Versatile Environmental Adaptability: Operating effectively within a range of 14-113°F for the portable power station and 14-149°F for the solar panel, this system is engineered to withstand diverse environmental conditions.
- Extended Warranty: Benefit from a 3+2-year warranty, offering extended coverage and peace of mind regarding the product’s quality and durability.
In short, Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro is the best companion for road trips when there is a need for a more robust and long-lasting solar battery charger.
Conclusion
During road trips, the vehicle battery can suddenly malfunction and leave you stranded in an off-grid place. Therefore, it is recommended to keep a solar battery charger with you, as it allows you to mitigate these situations effectively with its solar-based functionality. However, Jackery wants to expand you here.
Jackery offers complete portable solar generators that not only serve as solar car battery chargers but can also power almost all essential appliances used during road trips. Besides that, their fast charging, multiple output ports, and other advanced functionalities make them the best companion for road trips. Therefore, explore the Jackery solar generators and pick the one that best suits you before heading for your next road trip.