To find the top 5 portable solar panels, we combed through a range of products.
It may be more enjoyable to work from home than in a stuffy office, but both arrangements can make you feel tethered to a power outlet. Thankfully, there is a quick way to cut that cord and move your workspace outside without having to worry about charging battery packs beforehand.
Overview
- Best Overall: Renogy 12 Volt Monocrystalline Portable Foldable Solar Panel at Walmart – $220
- Best for RVs: Go Power! Portable Folding Solar Kit with 10 Amp Solar Controller at Amazon – $632
- Best Solar Kit with Battery: Jackery Solar Generator and Panel at Walmart – $599
- Best Budget: Dokio Portable Foldable Solar Panel at Walmart – $170
- Best for Camping: EcoFlow 110W Solar Panel at Amazon
- Best for Phones: SunJack 15 Watt Foldable Monocrystalline Solar Panel Charger at Amazon – $60
- Best Briefcase: Goal Zero Boulder 100 Solar Panel Briefcase at REI – $300
Best Portable Solar Charger
Best Overall: Renogy 12 Volt Monocrystalline Portable Foldable Solar Panel
The Renogy folding 100-watt panel is made to withstand the elements and is perfect for van life and charging RV or boat batteries. Because it is a reasonably priced, robust, and efficient panel, it comes in first place on our list. The panel, which is 40 inches long by 27 inches wide (when open), is incredibly effective—even on overcast or low-light days. The device comes with an aluminum stand that resists corrosion and a tough protective case with powerful handles and latches.
The Renogy panel can be purchased with or without the solar controller, and it can be combined with a power station to create a complete off-grid system. A 200 watt option is also offered at a higher price point, and the panel weighs about 20 pounds.
Key Specs
- Weight: 20.5 pounds
- Dimensions Open: 40 x 27 x 1.5 inches
- Dimensions Closed: 20 x 27 x 3 inches
- Output: 100 watt
Best for RVs: Go Power! GP-PSK-130 130W Portable Folding Solar Kit With 10 Amp Solar Controller
The Go Power! measures 28.66 pounds in weight. The GP-PSK- 130 is one of the heavier options available, but it’s a great fit for RVers who need a little extra off-grid power to top off batteries (or if an RV park bills for electricity separately). The impressive 6.9 amps per hour that the 130 watt panel produces can be seen through its digital screen solar controller, which is also built into the panel along with adapter cables for connecting to a battery.
The self-standing panels are a great alternative to mounting to the roof because they are simply foldable in half and fit into the provided case for convenient storage.
Key Specs
- Weight: 28.66 pounds
- Dimensions Open: 32.5 x 39.8 x 1.4 inches
- Dimensions Closed: 32.5 x 19.9 x 2.8 inches
- Output: 130 watts
Best Solar Kit With Battery: Jackery 1000W Peak Solar Generator SG550 With 100W Solar Panel
If you’re interested in a solar panel for traveling but also require a battery charge station, Jackery Power Outdoors is a leader in off-grid power supplies. With a massive 100-watt panel that folds closed and is conveniently carried away by the carry handle, the Solar Generator SG550 has a lot of power.
A laptop can be charged seven or more times before needing to be recharged using the power station’s 500-watt continuous output. Additionally, the solar panel has an integrated MPPT module that can simultaneously charge up to seven devices and monitor the voltage and output of the solar panel, adding up to a 23% increase in efficiency.
Key Specs
- Weight: 9.1 pounds (panel only)
- Dimensions Open: 21 x 48 x 0.2 inches
- Dimensions Closed: 21 x 24 x 1.38 inches
- Output: 100 watts
Best Budget: Dokio 160W Portable Foldable Solar Panel
The Dokio Portable Monocrystalline Controller, despite offering an impressive 160 watts of power, is a surprisingly cost-effective option for those looking for panels on a tight budget. Although this folding panel weighs only 9 pounds and is portable, it must be set up in the sun by leaning it against a sturdy object, such as a car, tent, or other sturdy surface (a kickstand is not included).
Alligator clips and a solar controller are provided if you’re charging a battery rather than connecting the panels directly to most power sources. Although water-resistant, the exterior is made of nylon and shouldn’t be left outside when not in use.
Key Specs
- Weight: 9 pounds
- Dimensions Open: 22 x 85 x 0.5 inches
- Dimensions Closed: 22 x 21 x 1.1 inches
- Output: 160 watts
Best for Camping: EcoFlow 110W Solar Panel
You should look for a solar panel that is portable, strong, and has enough power to charge your camping essentials like cameras, portable speakers, lights, and other equipment. With a high conversion efficiency of up to 22%, the Eco Flow Portable Solar Panel comes in two different sizes: 110 watts or 160 watts. A carry case and MC4 cable connector are also included.
The panel has an IP67 waterproof rating, making it more durable than many of its rivals if your camping trip involves paddling across rivers or lakes in a kayak. The device weighs less than 9 pounds and is made up of four folding panels.
Key Specs
- Weight: 8.8 pounds
- Dimensions Open: 20.2 x 62.5 x 0.8 inches
- Dimensions Closed: 20.2 x 16.5 x 0.8 inches
- Output: 110 watts
What to Look for When Buying a Portable Solar Panel
Power Output
To determine the appropriate size panel to purchase, think about the price you’ll be charging. Larger devices, like coolers, require a larger panel (and typically a battery to store that energy), whereas smaller devices, like phones, will function just fine on the 15-watt panel. The wattage refers to the DC output’s maximum level under ideal circumstances, but keep in mind that cloud cover may prevent it from reaching that level.
Durability
You’ll need something that’s strong, weatherproof, and small enough to be easily stored and transported since you probably intend to take the panel with you while traveling (or at least move it around the yard). Consider the kind of travel you’ll be doing: if you’re hiking and carrying your gear on your back, the lighter the panel, the better. The longevity of the panel depends on features like strong latches, rust-resistant materials, shielded glass, and reinforced components.
Size and Weight
The size and weight of your solar panel are crucial factors that depend on how you’re traveling and the storage space you have available when not in use. Many of the panels can be folded into portable cases, but if space is at a premium, you might need something even more compact. Although panels with nylon exteriors might be lighter, they might not be as sturdy as those with a metal frame. You might be better off purchasing a portable solar lantern if all you need to do is power lights and don’t need to charge any electronics.
Device Compatibility
Consider the devices you want to use your solar panels to charge, and then confirm that your solar panels work with them. If not, you might have to buy more cables or adapters. Numerous of these panels are made to work with batteries and power banks produced by the same company.
Why Buy a Portable Solar Panel?
You probably picture a vast field of shiny, black, slabs angled toward the sun when you think of solar panels. The portable variations of those stationary arrays use the exact same energy-capturing technology, just packaged in light, small designs. They are therefore perfect for a wide range of tasks, such as mobile device charging and powering a recreational vehicle.
Another excellent way to get acquainted with renewable energy is through portable solar panels. In spite of the fact that you might not be ready to install a solar roof on your home, charging a phone or laptop with a small solar panel can help you assess the local light conditions and determine how well solar energy might be able to meet your needs.
Factors to Keep in Mind
Although the majority of portable solar panels are straightforward to install and operate, there are always a number of factors to take into account before making a technology purchase. We’ve compiled what, in our opinion, should be your top considerations before stepping out into nature.
Wattage
As a first step, determine how much electricity you require. There are a few different wattages—a unit of pure electrical power—of personal panels available. The 50-watt, 100-watt, and 200-watt versions of the Goal Zero Boulder Briefcase, for instance, are panels that fold into a small rectangle with handles for convenient portability. The best panel for you will depend on what electronics you want to power because the designs with higher wattages are larger and more expensive. When you’re finished here, be sure to read our guide on how to charge electronics correctly.
Lower-wattage panels won’t be ineffective in your effort to move away from conventional energy sources, but they might charge your devices more slowly than usual. Look at your device’s specifications to determine how much power its charging cables can accept for the best results. By doing this, you can avoid purchasing a panel whose wattage is too high for your gadgets.
Power Storage Options
Many portable solar panels are equipped with the cables and batteries required to store electricity for later. A power bank is especially useful if you want to use solar power when the sun isn’t shining. Some examples include lighting up a campsite at night, charging your phone during a thunderstorm, or keeping your laptop running on a cloudy afternoon. Consider buying a kit that includes the required batteries, converters, and cables if you want to stock up on solar power.
You can also forego the accessories and start using your solar power right away. There are USB ports on many portable panels that let you directly charge your electronics. Your phone or laptop might only need a small, lightweight option to function on a sunny day. Excluding batteries and cables from your solar setup can also help keep costs down.
Portability
Your personal solar panel’s portability will be based on its size, weight, and design. A heavier and more substantial panel might be acceptable if you intend to drive to a sunny field to complete some work on it because you can keep it in your car until you get there, so its size and weight won’t be a problem. Conversely, hikers and backpackers should select compact, lightweight panels that won’t add weight to their packs during strenuous outdoor excursions. Verify a panel’s weight, dimensions, and those of all its accessories before making a purchase.
Weather Resistance
While the majority of solar panels are weather-resistant, not all of them are completely waterproof. The last thing you want to happen is for your brand-new device to break down and leave you without power because it wasn’t built to withstand the environment. Make it a point to check the toughness of your panel before you buy depending on how frequently you go outside and the local weather.
Price
Your willingness to spend money on a new portable solar panel is the final consideration. Although the electricity produced by such a small panel is unlikely to ever pay for itself, the freedom and access to nature it can give you are inherently valuable.
The cost will vary based on the power output, energy storage components, and overall bulk of your panel. Small solar power packs with solar components can be found for $20 to $30, but a larger (and more potent) panel can run up to several hundred dollars. There is a panel out there that can assist you in venturing off the beaten path, regardless of your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Use Portable Solar Panels?
Portable solar panels can be used to directly recharge electronics, charge batteries, or power solar generators. When the sun is out, some panels can be directly connected to phones or other small devices to charge them. However, the panels must be angled toward the sun. Direct sunlight charging, though, can be unpredictable. It is best to use a solar panel to collect energy, store it in a battery (such as a solar controller, battery pack, or charge station), and then connect devices to that—particularly with stronger panels.
How Long Do Portable Solar Panels Last?
A good, fixed, permanent solar panel should continue to provide a reliable energy output for 25 to 30 years, but it’s a good idea to see if the panel comes with a warranty. Our personal experience has exposed us to a fair number of less expensive, non-warranty panels that failed after a few years.
The majority of portable solar panels use lighter materials and aren’t meant to last very long. It is best to buy a robust panel that can withstand the risks of travel because they run the risk of getting damaged during transport or after prolonged use outside.
Are Portable Solar Panels Waterproof?
The vast majority of portable solar panels are weather- or water-resistant, which means that while they shouldn’t be submerged in water, they can be left outside in light rain. However, that does not imply that each portable panel should be left outside constantly. Verify that the panel will meet your needs by contacting the manufacturer.
Can Solar Panels Charge Inside?
Portable solar panels will start charging if they are positioned facing a bright window or skylight. It won’t, however, be as efficient as charging the panels in the open air under direct sunlight.