Remote Power Options
Rafting offers a group a lot of options when it comes to satisfying your power needs. Rafts can carry large generators, or lots of batteries, options are not very practical for other types of adventure trips. This page describes some options for obtaining POWER.
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There are a few options for bringing power into remote areas such as the Grand Canyon. A trip can bring gas and a gas powered generator. This can be however, noisy and smelly, and is not very conducive to the natural settings of the area. Then again, many commercial and private trips utilize motorized rafts. However, this is not for me. |
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Another alternative might be to use an air powered generator. I have yet to be able to find a small enough windmill that could generate enough power. Rigging a windmill safely on a raft would also be a challenge. There is a lot of wind in the canyon but I would hate to have to rely on it. The cost of even a small windmill is much greater than utilizing solar cells. |
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Another alternative would be to bring a lot of pre-charged batteries. This works well for small items such as flashlights but does not work well for big consumers of power such as large radios, camcorders, or electric pumps where the size and cost of the batteries is high and drain over a 1 week period could be substantial. |
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The only way to go. Solar panels offer the most power for the buck. Under direct sunlight they can charge a 1 hour camcorder battery in less than two hours. The panels are lightweight, flat, and virtually indestructible. No noise, no smell, and the energy source is free. Even though direct sunlight is somewhat limited early and late in the day due to the high canyon walls, for most times of the year, there is plenty of direct, powerful sunlight during the day to satisfy all of your needs. Get more information of your solar options by clicking the links below. |
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