Video production relies on being able to power your equipment anytime, anywhere. This proves challenging because it means you have to lug around several pounds of charged batteries to record videos.
But there is a solution: portable solar panels.
If this sounds like the stuff of fantasy, stick around because we will be talking about how portable solar panels can make your next off-grid video adventure possible.
Why Portable Solar Panels Make Sense for Most Outdoor Videographers
As outdoor adventuring continues to gain popularity, many people are incorporating video into their activities. Whether for a blog, a vlog, or just for fun with friends, filming in the wild can be a great way to capture memories that might otherwise go unseen. Everyone has at least one device they want to consider using while out and about.
The problem is that most smartphones, DSLR cameras, and other devices are notoriously bad at holding their charge while they are being used. If you plan to film all day, this can be a major issue—but it does not have to be. Portable solar panels are quickly becoming popular among vloggers, filmmakers and adventurers because they allow you to take your device anywhere and film as long as you like without worrying about batteries.
A portable solar panel is an investment, so you will have to figure out if it is the right fit for you by considering your usage habits. In general, if you find yourself frequently running out of power when filming away from home, a portable solar panel will improve the quality of your experience and help you get more out of your time in the wild.
Benefits of Using Portable Solar Panels for Your Next Video Adventure
Here are some reasons why portable solar panels are a must-have for your next outdoor shoot:
Sustainability
With each new project, it becomes more important for a videographer to consider how their work impacts the environment — both during production and after release. There are many ways videographers and photographers can reduce their carbon footprint during production, but one of the easiest ways is to use portable solar panels instead of conventional sources of power, such as generators or batteries that require fossil fuels for operation.
Unlimited Power
Powering a video camera with portable solar panels allows unlimited power on all adventures. Whether you want to capture footage from an exotic destination or ensure your camera has enough battery life for that long hike, having a portable solar panel on hand can make all the difference in how much footage you get back home.
No Safety Concerns
Portable solar panels are safe and easy to install. No need to worry about any electrical shock or damage from short circuits because they operate independently from traditional power sources such as AC outlets and batteries. They do not require additional equipment or installation costs either, so you can simply plug your device into the panel and start recording immediately.
Devices You Can Power With Portable Solar Panels on a Video Adventure
When going to be shooting an outdoor video, you will need a variety of devices and equipment.
Here is a list of the things you will need to shoot an outdoor video:
DSLR Camera
The DSLR camera is the most important device that needs to be powered during an outdoor video shoot. It is used to capture high-quality images and videos. The problem is that DSLR cameras only come with batteries that can last a couple of hours. This means you need to power them with portable solar panels, especially if you want to record videos all day.
Smartphone
Smartphones are essential devices for capturing images in an outdoor environment. They also create a video log of what you did throughout the day. These devices can drain out the battery very quickly, primarily when used for a long time without charging them up first. Thus, you should always carry a portable solar panel to power up your smartphone whenever it runs out of charge.
Camera Drone
A camera drone is another device that needs to be powered during an outdoor video shoot. It provides a bird's eye view of your surroundings and captures high-quality images and videos from above. If you want to capture footage from different angles, this is the best option. However, it also comes with a battery, meaning you will need to power it with portable solar panels if you want it to function correctly all day.
Laptop
If you plan on doing post-production work during your outdoor video shoot, you will also need a laptop. This is because you will need it for editing and uploading content onto various platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, among others.
Lights
Another important piece of equipment that needs to be powered with portable solar panels during an outdoor video shoot is the lights. Lights are used to illuminate your subject while recording videos or taking pictures. They help bring out the true colors of your subject and make them look more natural and vibrant on camera.
A Walkthrough to Set Up Solar Panels Outdoors
Your portable solar panels are a great tool to power your video equipment and help you get the footage you want. But if you do not set up your panels correctly, they will not work as efficiently as they should.
Here's how to go about it:
Run the Calculations
The first step in setting up portable solar panels off-grid is to run the calculations. This will give you an idea of how many panels and batteries you will need, how much space they will take up, and how much they will cost.
To do this, determine how many watts your camera and other devices draw when used. Then multiply that by the number of hours you plan to shoot per day. For example, if your camera draws 5 watts and you plan on shooting for 5 hours per day, then your total watt-hours needed would be 25 watts.
Choose Your Equipment
Once you have run the calculations, you should be able to determine how many panels and batteries you will need. The next step is to buy quality equipment. Make sure that the equipment you are buying is from a reputable brand.
Know Where to Set up Your Panels
The next step is to find a place to set up your portable solar panels. The sun will be directly overhead at noontime, so this is the best time to set up portable solar panels off-grid for video shoots.
You should also ensure that no trees or other obstacles are blocking the path between your camera and the sun. If there are, you will need to find another spot clear of trees, buildings, and other objects for your portable solar panels to work correctly.
Mount the Equipment
The next step is to mount your portable solar panels correctly. If the wind is not on your side, it can cause your portable solar panels to vibrate and move around, or even get knocked down.
To prevent this problem, you should make sure that your portable solar panels are mounted in a way that protects them from the wind. One way to do this is by ensuring that your portable panels' kickstands are positioned correctly, so they do not blow away easily. This will protect them from falling over when strong winds come through.
Hook Everything Up Correctly
The last step is to hook everything up correctly to have a good connection between the batteries and the portable solar panels. If there is not enough power coming from your portable solar panels, then your batteries will not be able to charge correctly, which means that there will be no power for your cameras or other equipment.
Picking Out the Best Portable Solar Panels for Your Next Video Adventure
If you have a portable solar panel with you, it can help you power up your gear and keep shooting. But how do you know which one to choose?
Well, there are a few things to consider before pulling the trigger on any particular model. Here are some of those factors to keep in mind:
Portability and Weather-Resistance Are a Must
The first thing to consider when looking for a portable solar panel is its portability. You want something lightweight and compact enough to easily carry it from one location to another. This also means being able to fold it up or pack it away in your backpack.
Moreover, if you are shooting video at sea, there is a good chance your equipment will be exposed to all water. A durable splash-resistant feature is, therefore, essential if you plan on shooting outdoors in less-than-ideal conditions.
Efficiency Is Key
When choosing the best portable solar panels for your video shoot, efficiency is everything. You want something that charges your devices fast and can keep them powered up throughout the day.
The more efficient the panel, the fewer panels you need to set up to complete the job. This is especially important if you work alone or with only a few people, as transporting and setting up multiple panels can be time-consuming.
A good rule of thumb is to look for panels with an efficiency rating of at least 20%. While these may cost a little more upfront, they will pay off in the long run by saving you time and money in the long run.
Warranty Is a Plus
When looking for a portable solar panel, consider the warranty. A decent warranty is an assurance that the product can withstand long-term use and a sign of customer satisfaction. A good warranty should cover parts and labor for a certain period. It is also worth noting that some brands offer up to a year warranty on their products, which is pretty impressive.
The more generous the warranty, the better it is for you as a consumer because your money is well protected against any defects or malfunctions.
Aesthetics Are Important
The last thing you want is your portable solar panel to look unaesthetic. Fortunately, there are now many options available that can blend seamlessly into any outdoor environment without making them look too out of place.
Keep Your Gear Powered
Whether you are a vlogger, freelance cinematographer, or someone who wants to explore the planet in all its glory, solar energy is the perfect power source for all your equipment. With our lightweight and portable options, you can use sunlight to power your favorite gadgets, be it by a lake or anywhere else. All it takes is a little foresight and planning. Soon enough, you will be able to enjoy using high-performance camera equipment wherever you want.
So if you want to take your outdoor video shoot to the next level, our portable solar panels are the answer.
