Portable solar panels provide steady power wherever it’s needed. Ideally, they will be lightweight, small enough to carry and resist outdoor elements. Many of the products reviewed also come with helpful bags or built-in handles.
The balance between portability and power output is important. They’re often used for backpacking, camping, and similar trips outdoors. They won’t do any good if they weigh too much and are cumbersome. But if the energy output is too low, it doesn’t do any good.
Consulting the solar panel specifications compared to the devices or power stations is also important. It may be portable and have a good energy output, but it isn’t significant if it’s not enough for the laptop that needs to be charged. Having a solar panel with a built-in solar charge controller is also helpful.
The best portable solar panels also have a weather-resistant, convenient design. Cords connecting to power stations, batteries, and other handy features are also a plus. But even the best-made products should have a great and reasonably priced warranty.
The DOKIO portable solar panel kit is the lightest solar panel on the list. It also has a great warranty and various convenient features. There’s a reason this is one of the most highly-rated portable solar kits on Amazon.
Portability & Design
This solar panel kit isn’t the smallest on the list, but far from the largest. With a 27.95 x 13 x .02 inches measurement, there aren’t too many portable panels with dimensions this low. When unfolded, that 27.95 inches became 43 inches, which is still on the small side.
This device weighs six pounds, making it the lightest solar panel. It also comes with a carrying bag for extra convenience.
Between the small size and weight, compared to other portable solar panels, it’s one of the most portable options and perfect for off-grid uses.
While the casing is waterproof, it isn’t meant for extended use in harsh conditions. This can make the Renogy 200W more appealing as it can withstand harsher weather.
The kit has five DC conversion adaptors and two USB ports to connect to an external battery pack. So, there’d hardly be compatibility issues.
Output Power
The DOKIO 110W solar panel features monocrystalline solar panels, providing more energy than polycrystalline solar panels. It has a stable output of 110 watts puts it slightly above the 100W solar panels. The manufacturer states the efficiency is around 23% which is in line with other products.
The solar cells are designed to connect to just about any power station like the Jackery or EcoFlow or 12-volt battery. Users should consider getting a pure sine wave inverter if using delicate devices with these power stations.
Price & Warranty
The DOKIO is the second cheapest portable solar charger on the list. It’s even cheaper than some products with lower power outputs.
It also has one of the best warranties. It can have repairs or replacements for a whopping 10 years.
Pros
The second cheapest portable solar panel kit on the list.
It has the second longest warranty at 10 years
One of the smallest portable solar panels, when folded
Best off-grid solar panel.
Very lightweight.
Comes with a USB charge controller.
Cons
At 110 watts, there are more powerful options.
2. Rich Solar MEGA 200 Watt Portable Solar Panel Briefcase
For us, the highlight of the MEGA 200 Watt Portable Solar Panel Briefcase is its briefcase-style design. But the power output and efficiency were also noteworthy.
Portability & Design
This solar panel measures 55.7 x 36.6 x 1.4 in when unfolded. Then when folded, its dimensions go down to 36.6 x 28.5 x 2.8 in, making it easier to pack and carry around.
Weighing around 36.8 pounds does not bode well for a product making a case as a portable solar panel. It could be lighter.
But then, it is strongly weatherproof – thanks to the sealing, corner protection, tempered glass, and aluminum – resisting all kinds of elements to a high degree. So, there’s nothing much to criticize about its durability.
This device features a kickstand, making it easy to mount virtually anywhere with a plane surface.
Power Output
The Rich Solar Mega features two 100W panels, which combine to give a total output of 200 watts. This is the joint-highest power output of all the products we tested out.
Since the solar cells of the panels are monocrystalline, we expect high solar energy conversion efficiency. Our estimates put the conversion efficiency at around 22%, which is impressive.
As expected, this portable panel works for all portable power stations and solar generators. But you may double-check to be sure there aren’t some incompatible products.
Price & Warranty
Price isn’t the strongest suit of this product. Being the most expensive on the list and not having more features than we’ve highlighted doesn’t improve things.
But then, since there’s a 25-year output warranty on it, the price is not all bad. Overall, we think it is a well-designed portable solar panel that could be cheaper.
One of the main selling points of the Jackery SolarSaga 100W Solar Panel is its impressive efficiency. But it doesn’t stop there; it also impresses on the durability and portability front.
Portability & Design
This device has one of the most portable designs of the panels on the list and the most popular panels in the market. When unfolded, it measures 48 x 21 x 0.2 in, making it one of the thinnest options we reviewed.
Then when folded, the dimensions drop to 24 x 21 x 1.4 in. It becomes thicker while maintaining the same width and becoming shorter. Of course, with the length reduced, storage is easier.
Besides being foldable, this product comes with a handle. So, portability is assured, whether carrying it with your hands or placing it in your vehicle or a backpack.
Weighing just 10.33 pounds, it stays true to the portable solar panel tag. The design is simple and uncomplicated. But it may not be the most attractive.
It doesn’t use tempered glass, as is typically seen in solar panels. But then, it uses ETFE, which offers a fair temperature tolerance, just like tempered glass. It is also weatherproof to a high degree, preventing moderate to high levels of ingress.
The Jackery SolarSaga 100W Solar Panel features two USB ports. Both are output ports, and you can use them to power your mobile devices. This feature is handy since not everyone may get a solar generator or all the parts needed to set up a solar energy system.
At the back of the panels, there’s a kickstand. This makes mounting the solar panel more flexible. There’s also a pocket at the back of the panels for storing the panel’s cables.
Power Output
The 100W output of this solar panel is okay. Of course, we’d choose a 200W version of this product without thinking twice. But even at that, the efficiency is top-notch. While the manufacturer boasts an efficiency of up to 24.3%, most people would put the actual value around 23.5 to 24%.
In either case, the solar conversion efficiency of this panel is pretty great.
Price & Warranty
The price of the Jackery SolarSaga 100W Solar Panel makes the price of the most expensive product in the review seem less contentious. It should not be expensive, especially considering its output wattage.
This one doesn’t come with a 25-year warranty. At most, you’ll get a 3-year warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
The 100W power output is okay.
It’s portable for sure – the weight, the size.
It is very efficient.
It has two USB ports allowing one to use the panels out of the box.
Cons
It could be less expensive.
The two-year warranty seems small compared to the 25-year performance we saw previously.
4. Topsolar SolarFairy Portable Foldable Solar Panel Charger Kit
The TopSolar SolarFairy is a good portable solar panel in its own right, but it doesn’t compare to the others. It weighs more and has a smaller warranty.
However, it is the smallest among our portable solar panels, which may make it worth it.
Portability & Design
This product is the smallest solar panel on the list when folded. It measures 11.22 x 7.87 x 2.76 inches making it more compact than every other product.
When unfolded, it’s 22.44 x 51.97 x 1.38 inches, and this is a great choice when limited in space.
This solar panel weighs 9.28 pounds which is still reasonably portable but slightly heavier than one or two others.
When folded down, the TopSolar SolarFairy is a hard briefcase that’s water-resistant but not waterproof. However, it’s a little better off when folded. It has dual USB ports to charge a cellphone or other device.
Power Output
The TopSolar SolaryFairy monocrystalline solar panels put out 100 watts of portable solar power. The manufacturer claims the efficiency is 23%, but customers have stated it hovers around 20%.
It has a 10-in-1 connector that allows it to connect to just about anything. A built-in smart IC chip also regulates energy flow to devices.
Price & Warranty
The TopSolar SolarFairy solar panel is the cheapest option in the review. However, it has the joint-shortest warranty out of any of the portable solar panels at one year.
The Renogy portable solar panel is a hard sell compared to other portable solar panels. It’s much heavier, larger, and lacks any USB ports. It does redeem itself by being more resilient with a great warranty.
Portability & Design
The Renogy solar suitcase measures 35.6 x 25.9 x 3.1 inches, easily the largest solar charger when folded.
It is by far the heaviest at 43.5 pounds. It’s very cumbersome to lug around, and that’s not including the weight of the battery pack.
This product stands out because it is much more durable than other options. It has a corrosion-resistant aluminum stand to help it handle incremental weather when used. Even folding the corrosion-resistant aluminum frame keeps it protected.
This solar charger is like the TopSolar SolarFairy in that it folds up into a hard briefcase. This would be nice to carry if it weren’t for the weight. However due to the weight, this portable solar panel is better off used in an RV than being carried.
Power Output
This portable solar panel can generate 200 watts of portable solar power. The efficiency rating is 21%, which aligns with most customers’ experiences, though low compared to others.
Unlike every other option on this list, it does not have DC adaptors or connectors in the pack. It also does not have any USB ports. It only comes with a simple pair of battery clips.
Price & Warranty
Surprisingly, the Renogy 200W isn’t the most expensive on the list. It is the second cheapest 200W solar panel.
It comes with a five-year warranty. This is double the standard two-year warranty for some of these products. Of course, it is even better than the one-year warranty of others on the list.
Pros
Has a high power generation at 200 watts.
It is perhaps the most durable portable solar panel on the list.
The five-year warranty is much higher than many of the ones we’ve seen.
Includes a charge controller with an LCD display.
Cons
It is the heaviest at 43.5 pounds.
Does not come with DC adaptors.
No USB ports.
6. Ecoworthy 100W 12V Foldable Solar Panel Suitcase
With the Ecoworthy 100W 12V Foldable Solar Panel Suitcase, compatibility with solar generators from other brands is rarely a problem. But besides that, this solar panel suitcase is chock-full of quality.
Portability & Design
Foldable, like most of our portable solar panel recommendations, you do not have to worry too much about finding space for this panel in your RV or any other vehicle.
It measures around 21.5 x 14.6 x 2.5 inch when folded and 62.2 x 21.5 x 0.2 inch when unfolded. Of course, we’ve discussed smaller solar panels than this, but its weight – 9 pounds – makes a good case for its portability.
The solar panel has a kickstand, which can incline it at angles between 30 and 40 degrees. So, mounting it in a way that allows maximum sunlight reception shouldn’t be too tough.
The IP65 rating suggests that this product is highly waterproof. From our assessment, it seems accurate. Nonetheless, we wouldn’t immerse the solar panels in water.
The most remarkable feature of the Ecoworthy 100W 12V Foldable Solar Panel Suitcase is that it comes with 4 adapters of various sizes. These adapters make it highly compatible with most solar generators.
Power Output
An output wattage of 100W is surely not the best portable solar panel on the market. But when we consider this product’s price and other features, the power output didn’t seem so bad.
Also, the efficiency is up there amongst the best. So, overall, it’s all good.
Price & Warranty
This product is one of the least expensive products on our recommendation. That low price plus the high compatibility with solar generators and high efficiency offers a net positive value to you.
But then, the 3-year warranty and 14-day money-back guarantee are not the most impressive.
Pros
The price is great for the value it offers.
It features multiple adapters, which make it highly compatible with solar generators.
The solar cells are efficient.
Decent power output.
Cons
It could be smaller.
A 30-day money-back guarantee would have been better.
Portability and a high output wattage are defining features of the EcoFlow 160W Portable Solar Panel. Even without considering those two features, this product is a solid one.
Portability & Design
This EcoFlow 160W comes with the ability to stand on its own. But then, it doesn’t use a kickstand like the others. Instead, its case doubles as a stand – we think design is smart.
When it comes to durability and being weatherproof, this array is one of the most excellent. It’s possibly the best or one of the best we can recommend.
It is certainly very portable, 26.8 x 16.5 x 1.0 inches when folded. Then when unfolded, it measures 26.8 x 61.8 x 1.0 inches, which is great for maximum sunlight reception. It weighs 11 pounds, which is okay for a portable solar panel.
Power Output
The 160W output is like an intermediate point between the highest and lowest outputs on the list.
Ordinarily, it would have been a great alternative if a 100W solar panel wasn’t enough and a 200W panel was too expensive. But then, its price is somewhat high, so it doesn’t offer such an advantage.
Away from that, this solar panel converts a fair amount of solar energy into actual power. This is all thanks to the monocrystalline cells that do up to 22% conversion efficiency.
Price & Warranty
The price of the EcoFlow 160W Portable Solar Panel could be better. It is a bit high for a 160W panel. But bar the price, this is a quality product, and in the long run, you’ll certainly get value for it.
The 12-month warranty isn’t impressive.
Pros
This solar panel is very durable and weatherproof.
The power output is great.
The design is smart.
The cells are pretty efficient.
Cons
It could go for a lower price.
The warranty period is relatively short.
8. TogoPower 100W Portable Solar Panel for Portable Power Stations
The TogoPower 100W Portable Solar Panel for Portable Power Stations is highly compatible with the Ecoflow. But it comes in at a significantly cheaper price.
It also has a couple of exceptional features, which are sure to keep you buzzing about it.
Portability & Design
Weighing around 8 pounds with a dimension of 21.2 x 23.8 x 1.6 inches, the TogoPower will readily fit in most camping luggage. But even if you do not place it in a bag, it should fit anywhere in your vehicle.
To ensure portability, this product has a flat design and doesn’t use tempered glass. But then, it is laminated with ECTFE, giving it a fair temperature tolerance and resistance to the elements.
The overall design of this product isn’t unique. Its design is similar to many of the other foldable solar panels. However, it doesn’t have a kickstand or anything like that. So, you may have to get creative to mount it.
The most notable feature for us was the adapters included in the pack. The panel came with 3 adapters, making testing it with various solar generators possible. It also features two USB ports, so you do not necessarily need a solar power station to power mobile devices with this panel.
Power Output
This 100W unit is great if you are okay with it. But then, if you want something more, there’s a 160W solar panel and many 200W panels among our recommendations.
The solar cells are efficient, too, expect a conversion rate as high as 23%.
Price & Warranty
While this portable solar panel isn’t the most expensive, amongst the 100W products, alternatives are going for half the price. Going by the trend we noticed, the 1-year warranty is bare minimum.
The Growatt 200W Solar Panel seamlessly combines portability with performance and durability.
Portability & Design
The compact dimensions of this device and its lightweight make it a great companion when you want to spend time outdoors.
Its folded dimensions – 23.7 x 21.2 x 1 inches – may be one of the biggest we are recommending, and its 15 pounds may be twice the weight of the lightest, but compared to a regular-sized solar panel, this is nothing.
Of course, this panel comes with a handle. So you can readily pull it when you’re ready to move.
The Growatt 200W Solar Panel comes with a kickstand, allowing you to place in on the ground easily. The kickstands are adjustable to improve the title angle for maximum sunlight reception.
This product doesn’t come with USB ports like some others do. So, you may not be able to use it for your mobile devices out of the box. But then its output cable is an MC4 connector, which should be compatible with various solar power stations when you have the right adapter.
With the MC4 connector, connecting multiple solar panel units in a circuit is also easy. This way, you do not have to discard any panel to increase the power output.
Power Output
This device gives you as much power as our top choice. You also get rapid charging compared to the 100W solar panels.
For instance, if you use this to charge a 200 to 400Wh power station, you can expect a full charge in around 3 to 5 hours under moderate to intense sunlight. Of course, with a 100W solar panel, this will take longer.
Beyond having a high output, the efficiency rating is around 22%, which is generally considered high for solar panels.
Price & Warranty
The Growatt 200W Solar Panel is one of the most expensive solar panels on the list. But do we think it is a well-rounded product? Yes, we do.
Like many of the others, it comes with a 1-year warranty. Since that warranty is common, we wouldn’t consider it much of a demerit. But a longer warranty would surely be better.
Pros
It has an MC4 connector, so you can readily add more panels to the mix.
Efficient conversion
Excellent power output
Cons
It doesn’t come with USB ports.
10. ALLPOWERS SP033 Portable Polycrystalline Solar Panel 200W
One thing the ALLPOWERS SP033 Portable Polycrystalline Solar Panel 200W offers more than most of the others is compatibility. But beyond that, it also has an excellent power output and a durable build.
Portability & Design
Measuring 25.6 x 20.3 inches when folded while weighing around 13 pounds, you can readily tell this isn’t the most portable solar panel on this list. But then, compared to regular-sized solar panels, this is way more space-efficient.
Designed to fold into a briefcase, this solar panel has a smart design. It is well-sealed and made with waterproof materials. So, there’s barely any chance of elemental damage.
This solar panel is design allows it to work with pretty much any solar generator. Since it features an MC4 connector with 5 different adapters, there’s barely any type of portable power station it cannot charge.
The compatibility prowess doesn’t stop there. The solar panel comes with 5 different laptop connectors. So, if you want to charge your laptop with it, not having the right connector wouldn’t get in the way.
Still, on how compatible this solar panel can be, there’s an MC4 to alligator clip cable in the pack. With this, you can readily connect to and charge batteries.
Power Output
We love that even with its features and cables, it still offers 200W of power. Then while its cells are polycrystalline, its solar conversion efficiency is still pretty decent – around 16 to 22%, according to the manufacturer.
Although our assessment shows, the efficiency may be closer to about 16 to 19%.
Price & Warranty
For its power output, we think the ALLPOWERS SP033 Portable Polycrystalline Solar Panel 200W is pretty cheap. This happens to be the cheapest 200W solar panel in this review.
So, if you want to maximize power output per unit price, this should be your top choice.
This product does quite fine on the warranty front too. At least, it offers a 2-year warranty, which improves the 1-year warranty we saw with many others.
Pros
Thanks to the cables in the pack, it is compatible with various devices.
Excellent power output
Decent warranty period
The design is smart and durable.
Cons
The efficiency could be better.
Buyer’s Guide
Portability & Design
Weight and size are important when choosing portable solar panels. It will be impractical if it’s too large and cumbersome to carry a portable panel. The best portable solar panel for backpacking is smaller than the one needed to charge multiple deep-cycle batteries.
While foldable solar panels are not meant to be outside 24/7, they should be resilient to the weather. Some are only water-resistant, while others have portable solar panels that can handle heavy rain.
The last thing to consider for portability is the method it’s carried. Some come with separate bags, and others have built-in handles. For some, the best portable solar panel may be a hard-shell briefcase when folded. This is less important for those who need more stationery, for instance, when hooking up to an RV battery.
Power Output
The solar power output is also an important factor. A 100-watt solar panel won’t be able to charge everything a 200-watt one will. For phones and flashlights, 100 watts should be enough. But charging more than one laptop may take 200 watts.
Anything above 200 watts may require a debate between portable solar panels and a solar generator with a higher output.
Monocrystalline portable solar panels are much better than polycrystalline solar panels. Many of the best solar panels for camping are often monocrystalline for a reason. Efficiency should also be a considered factor. Some solar panels may have a higher wattage but lower efficiency.
Price & Warranty
When you buy portable solar panels, it’s important to keep an eye on the price. Portable panels aren’t cheap, especially the monocrystalline cells. The 200-watt portable panels will go for more than 100 watts.
Considering these devices will see a lot of use, getting a good warranty is important. Solar chargers will fold and unfold often, see bad weather, and take a tumble occasionally. Having a good warranty to repair or replace the inevitable problems is essential.
How useful was this post?
Click on a star to rate it!
Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0
No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.
We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!
10 Best Solar Panels for RV in 2023 by Nick Spence April 2, 2021 You’ve decided to build an RV, and your feelings of excitement are through the roof. Though in the back of your mind, you still feel a bit of anxiety, thinking about the things that go into building an RV. One of these things is probably your RV electric system. Best…
10 Best Solar Panels for Camping in 2023 by Adeyomola Kazeem May 24, 2021 With resources limited when you go camping, an unreliable solar panel will be more of a liability than an asset. The best solar panels for camping are revered for their portability, high efficiency, power output, and weather resistance. Every feature ensures the panels stay working in the wilderness. So, when…
11 Best Solar Generators for Your 2023 Camping Trip by Adeyomola Kazeem June 22, 2021 Before buying a solar generator for your next camping trip, you should estimate how much power you need to run your appliances. Consider features like output power rating, charge controller type, weight, portability, charging rate, and battery type. But what truly makes a solar-powered generator stand out is its battery…
8 Best Solar Flashlights in 2023 by Nick Spence July 14, 2021 It’s time to brighten your day and night with the best solar-powered flashlights! No emergency kit is ever complete without a proper flashlight to ensure you’ll have visibility when there is none. Whether the power goes out or you’re stuck on a dark road, a solar flashlight will keep you…
10 Best Solar Ovens in 2023 by Charles Noble September 21, 2021 There is no better heat source than the sun; with solar ovens, you can use that energy to your advantage. Many campers are beginning to see the excellent benefits of solar cookers. With a temperature range that rivals propane ovens, these solar-powered ovens certainly give campers plenty of reasons to…
8 Best Solar Electric Fence Chargers in 2023 by Charles Noble June 21, 2021 The best solar electric fence chargers will provide a strong enough charge to keep animals contained with a reliable voltage spread out over miles of fencing. Other important aspects of a good solar fence charger involve what kind of animals it is designed to keep in or out, how it…
Subscribe for handpicked DIY projects, exclusive tips, and giveaways.
As homeowners increasingly prioritize energy efficiency and sustainability, the choice between heat pump and solar hot water systems has become a critical decision point. Both technologies offer eco-friendly alternatives to traditional water heating methods, but they differ in their operating principles, efficiency, costs, and environmental impact. This comprehensive article will delve into the intricacies of… Read more: Heat Pump vs Solar Hot Water Systems: A Comprehensive Comparison
Picture this: a vibrant garden teeming with life, your tools prepped and ready, all powered by the sun’s clean energy. No more tangled cords, depleted batteries, or trips to the gas station. This dream can become reality with a DIY solar charging station for your electric lawnmower, trimmer, and other outdoor tools. More than just… Read more: Sun-Powered Toolshed: A Step-by-Step Guide to Your Solar Tool Charging Station
If you are looking to install a solar battery for your home, a few appliances, or a vehicle, you may be wondering what’s the best one to go for. There are many options on the market and a lot of them are very good with new technologies coming out every few years. Rather than staring… Read more: How to Find the Right Solar Battery
