Portable Folding Solar Panel: Zamp Solar

portable solar panel

Last year we added to our solar supply with a portable folding 80 watt Zamp Solar panel that we got from Chris at Rocky Mountain Four Wheel Campers in Denver.  Our solar setup now includes the Zamp panel (seen above right), our DIY 120 watt panel that stows beneath the cabover of our camper (seen above left) and our 80 watt panel mounted to the roof of our camper.  Having a second movable panel has been an awesome addition to our setup since the bulk of our camping takes place during the shortest days of the winter leaving little sun to make power.  In the summer months, when the days are long, the roof-mounted panel is about all we need.  However, in the winter, the ability to move panels to point at the sun is key.  The Zamp panel is super convenient, compact, easy to use and stows easily in our utility trailer.  If you’re looking to add solar power to your setup, get in touch with Chris at RMFWC or click here to get one on Amazon.
portable solar panel

portable solar panel

portable solar panel

portable solar panel

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12 Comments

Leave a Reply to KurtCancel reply

    • Hi Greg! Life has been nuts but hopefully I’ll be doing a big catch-up post today. Are you still building out your RV?

  • I was getting worried not hearing from you folks as Greg was. Glad all is well and I appreciate your posting your improvements. They certainly help those of us who love truck camping to explor more ideas. On another noite I owned a 1980 GMC 1 ton worktruck that had the same body yours does if it is a Gruman aluminum one. When I got a new truck in 2002, a GMC [that ended up a bucket of rust] I made the rear into a trailer just like you have. What a great idea and I do at times regret selling it when I retired from construction. Continue to have goor times!! Best to you.
    Jim

  • just got a Grandby and it only had a 100w panel on roof. Since having a 158w from a previous solar setup we replaced the 100w with the 158w. We use the 100w as a portable panel for the ground. Like your solution for storing panel about truck cab. Can you go into detail how you attached wood to underside of camper? How thick is the material you attached to? Also what size screws did you use? thanks, Lee

    • Yes, Mark actually just replaced our factory-installed panel on the roof of our FWC with flexible panels. The original FWC panel is now being used as a portable panel that plugs in to the Casita. So far it’s all working great!

      • Michele, can you tell me which brand flexible solar panel you are using? I’m in the process of deciding upon glass panels or flexible for a camper van. There are pros and cons to each. However, I see many disturbingly negative reviews on even the highest rated flexible solar panels. To keep the system lightweight, I would like to go with flexible panels; but not if they are not durable. The typical installation by the company doing my van conversion is to put the panels on the roof. Heat is more of a problem for flexible panels attached directly to the roof. Also, I am thinking that having the ability to position the panels to face the sun is better than having them fixed horizontally to the roof.

  • I would like to wire up several electrical generators, meaning solar, generator and Battery to my inverter. Also I would like an attachment so that I can hook up my portable solar outside my van

  • I would like the electrical meaning solar battery to my inverter. Your posting your improvements. If you’re looking to add solar power to your setup, you describe Could your battery configuration. Now have a folding solar panel amp portable.

By michele

About

Hi!  We’re Mark & Michele, a couple of modern-day nomads perfecting the art of slow, perpetual travel.  Our tiny home on wheels and slow-paced travel style allows us maximum freedom at minimal expense.  This blog is where we share our travels as well as our insights in to this lifestyle that we absolutely love.  Thanks so much for being here.

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