How Fast Will Solar Panels Charge Your LightRanger?
An In-Depth Comparison of 20-Watt and 30-Watt Solar Panel Performance
Harnessing solar energy is an increasingly popular choice for powering outdoor adventures and reducing reliance on traditional energy sources. One critical factor in solar panel efficiency is your location—specifically the latitude where the panels are used. In this post, we’ll guide you to select the right solar panel for your LightRanger based on your adventures and environment.
Understanding Solar Panel Output by Latitude: 30° N vs. 40° N
Latitude plays a crucial role in determining sunlight exposure, which directly impacts solar panel charging times. Cities near 30 degrees north (like Miami, Houston, and Phoenix) generally receive more consistent sunlight year-round. This results in shorter charging times for your solar panels, especially during the winter when sunlight is less intense in higher-latitude cities.
In contrast, cities closer to 40 degrees north (like New York, Chicago, and Denver) experience greater seasonal fluctuations in sunlight. During the summer, charging times in these cities may be similar to those at lower latitudes. However, during the winter months, less intense and shorter daylight hours mean longer charging times for your LightRanger.
Source: https://www.mapsofworld.com
Choosing the Right Solar Panel for Your LightRanger
Selecting the best solar panel depends on your LightRanger model and the type of adventures you enjoy. Use the charts below to help you decide between the 20-watt and 30-watt solar panels based on the latitude of your location, the month of your travels, and the size of the LightRanger you own.
- Step 1: Determine whether your destination is closer to 30 degrees north or 40 degrees north.
- Step 2: Choose the LightRanger model you have.
- Step 3: Compare the charge times for the 20-watt and 30-watt panels to see what works best for your needs.
While the 30-watt panel provides faster charge times, the 20-watt panel offers more convenience and the ability to "set it and forget it" with its integrated LightRanger receiver so it can attach directly to the top of the light.
30°N - Estimated Charge Time by Month by Product (Hrs)
|
LightRanger 800 (18.5 Watt Battery) |
LightRanger 1200 (37 Watt Battery) |
LightRanger 2000 (67 Watt Battery) |
||||
| Month | 20 watt Solar Panel | 30 watt Solar Panel | 20 watt Solar Panel | 30 watt Solar Panel | 20 watt Solar Panel | 30 watt Solar Panel |
| Jan | 5.8 | 5.2 | 9.7 | 8.7 | 23.3 | 13.6 |
| Feb | 4.9 | 4.4 | 8.1 | 7.3 | 19.4 | 11.3 |
| Mar | 4.1 | 3.7 | 6.8 | 6.1 | 16.3 | 9.5 |
| Apr | 3.4 | 3.1 | 5.7 | 5.1 | 13.6 | 7.9 |
| May | 3.1 | 2.8 | 5.2 | 4.7 | 12.6 | 7.3 |
| Jun | 3.0 | 2.7 | 5.0 | 4.5 | 12.0 | 7.0 |
| Jul | 3.1 | 2.8 | 5.2 | 4.7 | 12.6 | 7.3 |
| Aug | 3.4 | 3.1 | 5.7 | 5.1 | 13.6 | 7.9 |
| Sep | 3.7 | 3.3 | 6.2 | 5.6 | 14.8 | 8.7 |
| Oct | 4.5 | 4.1 | 7.6 | 6.8 | 18.1 | 10.6 |
| Nov | 5.8 | 5.2 | 9.7 | 8.7 | 23.3 | 13.6 |
| Dec | 6.4 | 5.7 | 10.6 | 9.6 | 25.5 | 14.9 |
40°N - Estimated Charge Time by Month by Product (Hrs)
| LightRanger 800 (18.5 Watt Battery) |
LightRanger 1200 (37 Watt Battery) |
LightRanger 2000 (67 Watt Battery) |
||||
| Month | 20 watt Solar Panel | 30 watt Solar Panel | 20 watt Solar Panel | 30 watt Solar Panel | 20 watt Solar Panel | 30 watt Solar Panel |
| Jan | 7.8 | 7.0 | 13.0 | 11.7 | 31.2 | 18.2 |
| Feb | 6.1 | 5.5 | 10.2 | 9.1 | 24.4 | 14.2 |
| Mar | 4.9 | 4.4 | 8.1 | 7.3 | 19.5 | 11.4 |
| Apr | 3.9 | 3.5 | 6.5 | 5.9 | 15.6 | 9.1 |
| May | 3.3 | 2.9 | 5.4 | 4.9 | 13.0 | 7.6 |
| Jun | 3.0 | 2.7 | 5.0 | 4.5 | 12.0 | 7.0 |
| Jul | 3.1 | 2.8 | 5.2 | 4.6 | 12.4 | 7.2 |
| Aug | 3.4 | 3.0 | 5.6 | 5.0 | 13.4 | 7.8 |
| Sep | 4.1 | 3.7 | 6.8 | 6.1 | 16.3 | 9.5 |
| Oct | 5.1 | 4.6 | 8.6 | 7.7 | 20.5 | 12.0 |
| Nov | 7.0 | 6.3 | 11.6 | 10.4 | 27.9 | 16.3 |
| Dec | 7.8 | 7.0 | 13.0 | 11.7 | 31.2 | 18.2 |
Choosing Based on Your Adventure Type
When deciding which solar panel to pack, consider the type of adventure you're planning. If you plan to stay in one spot for extended periods or you're doing short distances between camp sites and you can leave your LightRanger setup, the convenience of the 20-watt panel may be a better choice due to its attachment, lightweight design and ease of use. However, if you are traveling more distance between camp setups and need faster charging times, the 30-watt panel may be a better fit.
When Is an Additional Power Source Needed?
While solar panels offer a great way to power your devices, they may not always provide enough energy in low-sunlight conditions. This is especially true during the winter months or in areas with inconsistent sunlight. For extended outdoor activities, having a backup power source can ensure continuous energy supply for your LightRanger or other electronic devices.
Try the AmPak10
For those days when sunlight isn’t enough, the AmPak10 portable power bank is the perfect backup solution. Charge it up before you're trip, or It works seamlessly with both our 20-watt and 30-watt solar panels, storing extra energy for when you need it most. Whether you’re facing cloudy weather or simply need more power at night, the AmPak10 ensures your LightRanger and other devices are always charged and ready.
Conclusion
Choosing between the 20-watt and 30-watt solar panels comes down to understanding your location, your adventure needs, and the solar panel's charging times. If you’re closer to 30 degrees north, you’ll enjoy faster charging times, but those at 40 degrees north may experience longer charge times during certain months. For uninterrupted energy on your adventures, consider combining solar energy with a reliable backup like the AmPak10, ensuring you’re always powered up, no matter where your journey takes you.
