Groundfloor Energy

Before you read on, check out the great deals for Solar Power Consumer Products products below before they expire:

P3 International P4400 Kill A Watt Electricity Usage Monitor $50.00 Empowers You to Save Hundreds on Electric Bills Electricity bills are rising. Now you can cut down on costs and find out what appliances are actually worth keeping plugged in. Simply connect these appliances to the Kill A Watt, and it will assess how efficient they really are. The large LCD display counts consumption by the kilowatt-hour, the same as your local utility. You can calculate your elec...

Solar-powered LED Flashlight w/ Keychain $0.01 Imagine a flashlight small enough to attach to your keychain, but with three powerful LED lights, and it never needs batteries! This is the Solar Flashlight Keychain. A small solar panel on the back of the flashlight converts light to energy to power the bright LED lights. No cranking or shaking needed. Even ambient light is enough to keep this tough flashlight shining brightly! On your keychain, ...

Bird-X BG Balcony Gard Ultrasonic Bird Repeller $38.77 The Bird-X Balcony Guard Silent Bird Repeller is an ultrasonic bird repeller that keeps pigeons and other bird pests away from balconies, decks, terraces and other places where birds create a mess. A humane, effective and maintenance-free solution. Common Usage: Bird repellant, Color: Neutral, Material Type: Weatherproof housing, Dimensions L x W x H (in.): 5 1/4 x 6 3/4 x 3 1/4, Auto On/Off: Yes,...

AmazonBasics AA NiMH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries BYD 8 Pack AAA NiMH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries Product Features 8-pack 2,000 mAh rechargeable AA batteries for digital cameras, remotes, and more. Pre-charged and ready to use right out of the pack;Extremely slow self-discharge rate maintains 80% of capacity after 1 year of storage at 20℃. Greater Power and Better Performance in lower temp than Alkaline.Combines best features o...

Sanyo NEW 1500 eneloop 8 Pack AAA Ni-MH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries $17.70 The SEC-HR4U8BPN 4-AAA Eneloop battery pack utilizes SANYO's advanced rechargeable battery technology allowing them to last longer than ever before! Unlike disposable batteries which can only be used only once and are wasteful to the environment, the eneloop batteries can be recharged up to 1,500 times. They come pre-charged, can be used immediately out of the pack and maintain 75% of their charge...

Duracell Instant USB Charger with Lithium Ion Battery/Includes Universal Cable with USB and mini USB $17.99 Includes universal cable with USB and mini USB. Compact on demand power. 1 charger, 1 cable. 5 volt/1150mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery. USB power port. On/off switch, charging status light (illuminates when the charger is operating). Charging indicator light. In port used to charge the charger with the provided USB cable. Additional Run/Talk Time: iPod Classic: Up to 50 hours. iPod Nano: Up ...

Clore Automotive JNC660 1700 Peak amp 12-Volt Jump Starter $118.00 Rugged, durable and reliable 12 Volt jump starting for professional applications Delivers 1700 Peak Amps of jump starting power Long, 46" #4 gauge heavy duty cables allow the unit to be positioned in the ideal location during jump starting Volt gauge provides an accurate, detailed state of charge for the onboard battery Built in charger will never get lost and works with any US extension cordTrus...

Duracell DPP-600HD Powerpack 600 Jump Starter & Emergency Power Source with Radio $166.18 The Duracell Powerpack 600 features an internal sealed, non-spillable 28 amp-hour AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) battery for reliable power delivery and recharging capability. This heavy duty power source operates multiple 120-volt AC household power applications and 12-volt DC applications (charging portable electronics devices) simultaneously with ease. Offering 280 CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) of startin...

MAXSA Innovations 40218 Motion-Activated Dual Head LED Security Spotlight $89.95 This Maxsa Dual Head Solar LED Spotlight is an ideal choice for doorways, garages, sheds, porches and more. Each head features 4 bright LEDs that automatically turn on when motion is detected at night. Durable weatherproof plastic construction. Solar operation means lights can be placed anywhere without wiring. Application: Outdoor, Light Type: LED, Power Source: Solar, Bulbs (qty.): 4, each head,...

Kaito Electronics, Inc. Portable Dynamo & Solar-Powered Radio and Cell Phone Charger $46.25 Engineered to operate from any one of four different power sources (including handcrank and solar!) this emergency radio/super-bright lantern/cell phone charger is a trusted support tool for your emergency supply cabinet. Compact, portable design makes it great for travel and outdoor activities too. Optional use - 3 AA batteries or AC adapter (not incl.). ? AM/FM/SW1/SW2 ? 7 band NOAA weather radi...

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Solar Power Practicality For Camping

Solar power systems for camping are increasing in availability, but what about practicality? Can solar power systems for camping be put to use readily? Are they portable enough? Are they durable enough?

Solar power practicality for camping must address those questions and more. Are solar power systems for camping cost effective? Do they produce enough energy for normal needs?

RV Camping

Solar power systems for camping can readily be used in RV camping. But are they practical?

Many people spend most of their RV camping time in RV camping spaces with full hook-ups. They plan trips according to where the next RV camp is, and reserve a full hook-up space for the end of each day. For them, solar power practicality is questionable. It makes a good back-up system, if there is a power outage at a campground. On the whole, however, it is an unnecessary expense - just another toy.

Others enjoy the freedom of being able to camp without hook-ups. They want to get off the beaten track - be pioneers. They want the opportunity to be in a remote, quiet place for a few days. They may want to go off road, or stop beside a quiet stream, even though it is in the middle of nowhere. They don't want to rush to make it to the next full hook-up campground.

Solar power practicality for camping is real for the second group of campers. Solar power serves a practical use for them. It breaks the leash of energy needs and lets them wander as they please.

Operating an RV's electrical system with a solar power system is simple. Charging its batteries with solar power is also simple. You need to plan your system, of course. You need to know how much energy you want. Then you need to purchase and install solar panels, batteries, and inverters that will produce that amount of energy for you.

Many Internet websites will guide you through the necessary steps of determining how much solar power you need. They will explain which components will provide that amount of energy. Solar power systems for camping in recreational vehicles are increasingly available in a range of sizes, and you are sure to find one to fit your needs. Most are easy to use.

Solar power systems for camping may make you think twice about appliances you take for granted in RV camping. For example, suppose you have a coffee maker that requires 15 minutes to brew coffee, and then keeps the coffee warm on a warming plate. This will consume a lot of your solar power. You may want to replace that coffee maker with one that will brew in 10 minutes and shut itself off. Pour your coffee into a thermos and it will remain hot without using more energy.

Non-RV Camping

Solar power systems for camping are also practical for non-RV camping. The same two groups of people are to be found. One group likes to make camp in a KOA campground, with electrical power close at hand. The other group likes to hike into the back country with lightweight backpacks, and camp wherever darkness overtakes them.

Solar power practicality can easily be seen in the array of lightweight, portable units hitting the market. Solar power can be generated by the backpack in which gear is carried. Flexible solar panels can be rolled up and carried to the campsite, where they can be stretched on the ground to generate additional energy.

Solar power systems for camping are small and portable, but can generate enough energy to run a small heater or light bulb. Solar collected by a backpack while hiking can recharge a cell phone, camera, or iPod. Small solar power units will run appliances made for use in a vehicle. The coffee maker that will plug into your cigarette lighter can be run by a flexible solar power panel.

Solar power practicality for camping is sure to increase, and products for this use will multiply. Those who appreciate the environment enough to want to be far out into it will demand clean energy, i.e. solar power.

About the Author

© 2007, Anna Hart. Anna Hart invites you to read more of her articles about portable solar power at
http://www.solar-energy-connection.com
. Anna has also posted articles on that site about portable solar power for homes. If you want more information about
solar panels that roll up
, you won't want to miss her article on the subject.

Jesuits @ CES 2009 - Flexible Solar with Power Film

P3 International P4400 Kill A Watt Electricity Usage Monitor $50.00 Empowers You to Save Hundreds on Electric Bills Electricity bills are rising. Now you can cut down on costs and find out what appliances are actually worth keeping plugged in. Simply connect these appliances to the Kill A Watt, and it will assess how efficient they really are. The large LCD display counts consumption by the kilowatt-hour, the same as your local utility. You can calculate your elec...

Solar-powered LED Flashlight w/ Keychain $0.01 Imagine a flashlight small enough to attach to your keychain, but with three powerful LED lights, and it never needs batteries! This is the Solar Flashlight Keychain. A small solar panel on the back of the flashlight converts light to energy to power the bright LED lights. No cranking or shaking needed. Even ambient light is enough to keep this tough flashlight shining brightly! On your keychain, ...

Bird-X BG Balcony Gard Ultrasonic Bird Repeller $38.77 The Bird-X Balcony Guard Silent Bird Repeller is an ultrasonic bird repeller that keeps pigeons and other bird pests away from balconies, decks, terraces and other places where birds create a mess. A humane, effective and maintenance-free solution. Common Usage: Bird repellant, Color: Neutral, Material Type: Weatherproof housing, Dimensions L x W x H (in.): 5 1/4 x 6 3/4 x 3 1/4, Auto On/Off: Yes,...

AmazonBasics AA NiMH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries BYD 8 Pack AAA NiMH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries Product Features 8-pack 2,000 mAh rechargeable AA batteries for digital cameras, remotes, and more. Pre-charged and ready to use right out of the pack;Extremely slow self-discharge rate maintains 80% of capacity after 1 year of storage at 20℃. Greater Power and Better Performance in lower temp than Alkaline.Combines best features o...

Sanyo NEW 1500 eneloop 8 Pack AAA Ni-MH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries $17.70 The SEC-HR4U8BPN 4-AAA Eneloop battery pack utilizes SANYO's advanced rechargeable battery technology allowing them to last longer than ever before! Unlike disposable batteries which can only be used only once and are wasteful to the environment, the eneloop batteries can be recharged up to 1,500 times. They come pre-charged, can be used immediately out of the pack and maintain 75% of their charge...

Duracell Instant USB Charger with Lithium Ion Battery/Includes Universal Cable with USB and mini USB $17.99 Includes universal cable with USB and mini USB. Compact on demand power. 1 charger, 1 cable. 5 volt/1150mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery. USB power port. On/off switch, charging status light (illuminates when the charger is operating). Charging indicator light. In port used to charge the charger with the provided USB cable. Additional Run/Talk Time: iPod Classic: Up to 50 hours. iPod Nano: Up ...

MAXSA Innovations LED Solar-Power Motion-Activ Wedge Light (Home Office Products / Miscellaneous Home Office Products) $55.95 LED Solar-Power Motion-Activ Wedge Light. - Maxsa Innovations solar-powered motion-activated 1 piece LED security light- Motion-activated LED wedge light- Super bright LED with silver reflector creates bright illumination in the coverage area- Includes three 1.2V 900 mAH AA rechargeable batteries- Detects motion up to 25 feet away within a 100 degree detection area- One piece design easily install...

Enersys (Hawker) Cyclon 0859-0010 E-Cell 4 Volt/8 Amp Hour Sealed Lead Acid Battery $19.69 A 4 volt 8 Ah pure lead sealed lead acid battery used in general applications such as emergency lighting UPS systems electronic equipment etc....

Kaito Electronics, Inc. Portable Dynamo & Solar-Powered Radio and Cell Phone Charger $46.25 Engineered to operate from any one of four different power sources (including handcrank and solar!) this emergency radio/super-bright lantern/cell phone charger is a trusted support tool for your emergency supply cabinet. Compact, portable design makes it great for travel and outdoor activities too. Optional use - 3 AA batteries or AC adapter (not incl.). ? AM/FM/SW1/SW2 ? 7 band NOAA weather radi...

Voltaic 1015 Switch Solar Bag -Materials:...