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 putting this article together, we stuck with the said features as our prompt.
Things to Consider
So, why should solar panels be portable? You’d surely have other items to take along when camping. But if the solar panels are too heavy or too big to move around, you may have issues packing.
Low efficiency means your solar panel will not utilize much of the solar energy it gets. However, you will surely want to maximize your freest power source in the wilderness.
Generally, panels with monocrystalline cells are the most efficient types. So, they are usually the better option for camping.
You should also pay attention to power output. Good solar panels produce enough camping electricity to power your cell phone and multiple devices simultaneously.
Then, of course, the best portable solar chargers/panels will be used outdoors – where they are exposed to the elements. So, they have to be weather-resistant.
First on our list of best camping solar panels is the Renogy Monocrystalline Foldable Solar Panel.
This foldable solar panel boasts an output rating of 100 watts and 12 volts. It is made up of 2 panels, and each one offers 50 watts of electricity. So, with this product, you are getting top-notch output.
This product uses monocrystalline cells – the most efficient cell type. It has an efficiency rating of 21%, which is above average. To put things in perspective, most portable solar panels have an efficiency of 15-20%.
So, with the Foldable Renogy Solar Panel, you get more from the input solar power than usual.
Portability
As the name says, the Renogy solar panel is foldable and portable. You must fold the two solar panels like a book when you want to get going. Then, place it in the suitcase-like protective casing.
The product weighs 26.6 pounds – heavier than every other panel on this list. Extra weight does not do much for portability, but 26.6 pounds is insignificant. So, this still qualifies as one of the best portable solar panels on the market.
The panels come with an aluminum stand. With the stand, you can set the solar panels in a position where they receive maximum sunlight. The stand is resistant to corrosion, and you can adjust it readily.
Besides the stand, it features a charge controller. The charge controller helps you regulate the charging process and ensure the longevity of your portable solar panel system. The charge controller also features an LCD screen for easy monitoring.
Durability
The Renogy Monocrystalline solar panel does quite well if you think of weather resistance. The aluminum stand is rust-resistant, and the charge controller is waterproof.
The solar panels are rated IP66. This means they are dust-resistant and they are highly waterproof. All in all, you would not have to bother about rain damaging the panels.
The solar panels work between -40 degrees Fahrenheit and 185 degrees Fahrenheit. So, regular changes in environmental temperature will not stop it from working.
Pros
High output.
Superior efficiency
Fairly portable but heavier than other products on the list.
Highly waterproof.
The panels come with a durable protective casing for extra protection.
Cons
It could be lighter.
Warranty support is sometimes unreliable.
2. Renogy Monocrystalline Compact Design Solar Panel
The Renogy compact solar panel comes in next on our list. It has high power output and remarkable portability but falls short of the Renogy Monocrystalline Foldable in weather resistance and efficiency.
Like the Renogy Monocrystalline Solar Panel, this solar panel uses monocrystalline cells. But its efficiency is just slightly lower. Nonetheless, it is still highly efficient and would capture much solar energy within a limited space.
The solar panel has an Ingression Protection code of IP65. But the previous product is rated IP66. These codes mean both products are waterproof. However, an IP66 rating has more resistance against water than the Renogy Monocrystalline Compact Design.
Nonetheless, it is built to withstand wind pressures of up to 2400 Pascals. So, even the uninhibited wind drifts in the wilderness may not be a problem. The frame is made of aluminum – so it is unlikely to rust.
Then, the face of the panel is made of low iron tempered glass. Of course, with such material, the solar panels will lose less solar rays to reflection and will be more resistant to impact.
Portability
Like the Renogy Monocrystalline portable solar panel, this solar panel offers an output power of up to 100 watts. This is the second-highest offering of any product on this list.
This product does better than the Renogy Monocrystalline portable solar panel on the portability front. It comes with a shorter, lighter panel. The solar panels weigh about 14.3 pounds per unit. Considering that it is almost half as heavy as the heaviest option on the list, it qualifies as lightweight.
While Renogy offers many top features, its operating temperature range is not the largest. The panel operates between -40 F and 176 F. But then, it does way better than some of the others.
Pros
Highly efficient
High output
Remarkable durability
It is pretty portable.
Cons
The operating temperature range could be higher.
You may have to buy assembly tools separately.
3. Goal Zero Boulder 100 Briefcase Monocrystalline Solar Panel
Besides being highly durable, the Goal Zero Briefcase Solar Panel is one of the best portable solar panels for outdoor activities on this list. It boasts superior power production and decent efficiency, and it is portable.
Portability
As the name says, the Boulder solar panel comes as 2 portable solar panels crafted to form a briefcase. So, whenever you have to pack it up, you just close the panels like a briefcase.
The product weighs around 25.9 pounds – one of the heaviest but not too heavy to move around for camping.
This solar panel also comes with a protective bag. This foldability, the canvas bag, and the relative lightness of this product make for easy portability.
Durability
The surface of the Boulder 100 Briefcase is made from strong tempered glass. With strong tempered glass, you get some degree of impact resistance.
You also get to worry less about losing sun rays from reflection. The frame of the panels is anodized aluminum fitted with corner protections.
With anodization, aluminum will resist corrosion and wear while maintaining its form for longer. Then, the corner protections provide extra sealing to the structure, keeping out moisture and dust.
The combination of tempered glass, the anodized aluminum, and the corner protections offers durability and rigidity. This is what makes it a durable camping solar panel.
Efficiency
The solar panel uses monocrystalline cells. So, it certainly is efficient. This portable solar panel can give off up to 100 watts like the referenced products. Each one of the solar panels contributes 50 watts to this total output.
If you ever need to adjust the solar panels for maximum exposure to sunlight, the stands will help. The stands are also made with anodized aluminum. So, they are durable, too.
Without a doubt, this Solar Panel is quality. But the price is a bit steep. The manufacturer recommends getting a mobile battery bank or battery pack with the best panels. But, of course, that will cost you extra.
The Nekteck foldable Solar Panel Charger is a portable solar panel and a solar charging panel. It is the best portable camping panel on our list because of its minimal size, foldability, and lightweight.
But beyond the said qualities, Nekteck has other benefits to offer.
Portability
First, this foldable solar panel weighs only 18 ounces (1.13 pounds) and is foldable. When folded, it measures 6.3 x 11.1 x 1.06 inches – about the size of a tablet PC or an iPad.
The Nekteck Solar Charger has two USB output ports, each producing up to 10.5 watts.
Efficiency
This charger uses 3 monocrystalline panels, so it is pretty efficient. Its rated conversion efficiency is between 21 and 24% – one of the highest efficiency ranges amongst portable solar panels on this list.
The good thing about the high efficiency of the Nekteck 21W is that it gets relatively more solar power in a short time. So, even when the sun does not stay out too long, you should get a considerable charge.
Undeniably, this camping solar panel comes with attractive features. However, it has no battery. So, it does not store charge. You must get a power or battery bank or an external battery to store power with it.
Durability
It comes with a PET cover. The cover has an ingress protection code of IPX4. This means that it is resistant to water splashes from various directions.
Beyond that, this cover will not offer sufficient protection from heavy rain. Nonetheless, the portable solar panels of the Nekteck Charger are waterproof to a fair degree.
Pros
For a solar charging panel, it is pretty efficient.
The power produced is remarkable for its size. But it falls short of the output of the 3 preceding products.
It is the most portable product on this list.
Cons
It is not very weather-resistant.
It does not include a power bank or charge-storing device.
Regarding power production, the MEGA 100 Watt Portable Solar Panel Briefcase joins some of our best options for you in this review. But that aside, its efficiency and durability are top-class.
Portability
Weighing slightly over 21 pounds, the MEGA 100 Watt Portable Solar Panel Briefcase can surely improve portability.
Then again, when we consider its superior power output, we think the weight isn’t all that bad. At least, it isn’t the heaviest option we reviewed. Plus, it doesn’t even feel heavy to carry.
The solar panel comes as a unit of two individual panels in the form of a briefcase. You can even fold it and carry it around like a briefcase. So, while the weight isn’t the most portable feature, this design makes up for that.
Efficiency
This portable panel doesn’t lag behind regarding solar conversion efficiency. As expected of a monocrystalline solar panel, we estimated the efficiency of this device to be around 21% to 22%.
Durability
The design of the MEGA 100 Watt Portable Solar Panel Briefcase does a lot for its weather resistance. The corner protections fortify the already strong sealing of the solar panel, keeping ingress out.
Besides the protection from ingress, the panel’s aluminum frame and tempered glass further contribute to its weather resistance. With aluminum, the chances of corrosion are minimized. Then with the tempered glass, susceptibility to thermal damage.
The MEGA 100 Watt Portable Solar Panel Briefcase does not have USB ports. But it comes with solar connectors. So, while there’s more flexibility in the kind of solar system you can build with it, it is not ready for your mobile devices out of the box.
It, however, features a kickstand. This way, you can always mount it on various plains at the right angle to receive optimal sunlight.
Pros
It is weatherproof.
The power output is impressive.
It has a briefcase design so that you can move it around easily.
It is efficient.
Cons
It doesn’t come with USB ports or other similar ports.
One of many reasons for the growing popularity of the BLUETTI brand is highlighted in the quality of the BLUETTI PV120 Solar Panel | 120W.
There are many features to look forward to in this portable solar panel: the power output, quality of the material, and even the portability. But for us, the most notable feature was the efficiency.
Portability
The BLUETTI PV120 Solar Panel | 120W comes as an array of 4 solar panels, which fold into a briefcase with a handle. Then it weighed around 12 to 13 pounds and was easy to carry.
Of course, there are lighter options. But then, most of them do not offer as much power output as this device. So, choosing between lightweight and high-power output is ultimately left to you.
Still on portability, this device features a kickstand that folds and tucks pretty well to the back of the solar array. So, you wouldn’t even notice it’s there. A pocket behind the array for cables and other similar accessories is also behind the array. It’s all just so compact.
Efficiency
As mentioned, we mostly love the BLUETTI PV120 Solar Panel | 120W because of its efficiency. With a conversion rate of over 23%, there aren’t many camping solar panels that can match how well this product maximizes solar energy. Unsurprisingly, the panel uses monocrystalline solar cells.
What even makes this efficiency better is the power output. Besides having one of the highest efficiencies you’ll come across, the power output is pretty impressive for a camping solar panel.
Compared to the 100W solar panels, you get faster charging, and you can even accommodate more devices at a go.
Durability
The BLUETTI PV120 Solar Panel | 120W has a 2-year warranty and operates at temperatures as low as 14℉ and as high as 149℉. The panel’s surface is ETFE-coated, and the junctions are tightly sealed.
So, you are getting a weatherproof solar panel in many ways.
The one thing we would probably change about this product is the price. But then, since it is top-quality, maybe it is worth the buck.
Amongst our list of camping portable solar panels, the Jackery SolarSaga Portable Panels for camping offers the best power output for its weight.
But as you would expect, we did not include it on this list for its weight, high efficiency, and considerable power output.
Portability
The Jackery SolarSaga Panel weighs just about 3.3 pounds. This is very light compared to most of the other options. Apart from its lightness, the Jackery SolarSaga Panel is foldable.
It comes with a stand, and it also has a handle. The combination of the features makes for ease in moving it around.
Durability
On the durability front, the solar panel does not offer too much. Yes, it is made with an ETFE material, making it corrosion-resistant. But it is not very waterproof or impact-resistant.
The Jackery SolarSaga 60W Solar Panel operates between 14 degrees Fahrenheit and 149 degrees Fahrenheit.
This device offers as much as 68 watts of power. Considering the panels’ size, the output is pretty remarkable. But then, the output could be better when you consider the price.
Efficiency
This solar panel has a cell efficiency rating of 23%. As you know, only high-quality cells are rated as high as that. Thus, even when the sun does not stay out too long, you should be able to cop high levels of portable solar power.
The Jackery SolarSaga features 2 USB ports. So, you can charge two devices directly from the solar panel at once. It is unlikely to develop electrical faults that can affect your devices.
It does not come with a battery bank or battery pack. But you may get one to enjoy the product to the fullest.
Pros
It is very portable.
Remarkable power yield.
Superior efficiency. It has the highest efficiency of any product on the list.
It comes with safety chips.
Cons
It is not waterproof.
A battery pack or bank would have been nice for a portable solar charger.
8. Eco-Worthy 100W 12V Monocrystalline Solar Panel
The Eco-Worthy 100W 12V Monocrystalline Solar Panel is one option to consider when you want high power output on a budget. But besides being budget-friendly, this solar panel has one of the best warranties and is durable.
Portability
When going camping, you’ll prioritize solar panel portability. But maybe this is not the most portable option on the list. So, having an RV would ease moving it around if you opt for it.
It’s not like the solar panels are way bigger than others on the list. It’s just that they are not foldable like other products with similar dimensions. So, you’d need more space to store them than the foldable solar panels.
Away from its dimensions, the Eco-Worthy 100W 12V Monocrystalline Solar Panel is fairly light, weighing just over 13 pounds.
Durability
We barely had to question the durability of this solar panel. The fear of corrosion was out of the way because its casing was mostly aluminum.
Then the solar panel was covered with tempered glass, so it should remain in top condition even if it gets hot or cold.
To top it all off, the edges of this solar panel are tightly sealed. So, the chances of water ingress or any other form are minimal.
The 25-year power output warranty was the most notable feature. While this warranty is not new or unique in the industry, it isn’t as common as expected.
The manufacturers of this brand made the power output warranty even more attractive by making it transferrable.
Efficiency
Like many other monocrystalline solar panels, the Eco-Worthy 100W 12V Monocrystalline Solar Panel impressed us regarding conversion efficiency. While it may not be as efficient as the BLUETTI, its 21% average conversion efficiency is no joke.
Installing the solar panels is uncomplicated. The panels come with holes for mounting, and they use MC4 connectors. So, it’s almost plug-and-play with them.
Pros
They are easy to install.
They come with a 25-year power output warranty.
The solar cells are efficient.
The build is solid.
High power output
Cons
Not foldable
9. Alrska 12 Volt Monocrystalline 100 Watt Solar Panel
The Alrska 12 Volt Monocrystalline 100 Watt Solar Panel is similar to the Eco-Worthy in many ways. But the Alrska 12 Volt Monocrystalline 100 Watt Solar Panel nicks the win regarding snow-load tolerance.
Portability
The Alrska 12 Volt Monocrystalline 100 Watt Solar Panel is not the most portable solar panel for camping we reviewed. While its dimensions are not unusually large, their portability is marred by the fact that they are not foldable.
But then, if you consider that they weigh just 12 pounds, the dimensions become less of an issue.
Durability
In some ways, this solar panel may have sacrificed flexibility for durability. It would have been hard to make this product foldable with an aluminum frame included in the build.
But knowing how resistant aluminum can be to corrosion, the tradeoff might be worth it.
The monocrystalline solar panel of this device is embedded between two layers of EVA. This offers a huge amount of impact resistance, adding more to the overall sturdiness of the device.
Then at the top of the pile, there’s the tempered glass, which ensures that the solar panel remains largely undisturbed during extreme temperature changes.
The Alrska 12 Volt Monocrystalline 100 Watt Solar Panel has a 25-year output warranty. Besides the relatively cheap price, this warranty makes the deal even more attractive.
Efficiency
Of course, we didn’t expect a monocrystalline solar panel to do anything less than 20% in efficiency. So, seeing that this device’s efficiency is around 22% was not surprising. But while not surprising, it is an immense value.
Pros
The solar cells are very efficient.
It comes with a 25-year warranty.
The construction is pretty sturdy.
Impressive power output
Lightweight
Cons
Surely, it would be much easier to move around if flexible.
10. HQST 100 Watt 12Volt Polycrystalline Solar Panel
When shopping on a budget, look no further than the HQST 100 Watt 12Volt Polycrystalline Solar Panel. You’ll get value for your money.
It may not be as glamorous as many solar panels we’ve reviewed, but the overall performance is massive.
Portability
If you want a solar panel, you can fold and take camping, this might not be it. But if you are okay with a lightweight solar panel that isn’t too big, this works fine.
While the HQST 100 Watt 12Volt Polycrystalline Solar Panel weighs around 14-15 pounds – a midpoint for the products in this review – we barely had any difficulty moving it around.
Although we didn’t have to mount this panel, we noticed pre-drilled holes in the frame. Those holes should be handy if you install/mount the panel.
Durability
This device resists harsh conditions quite well. Its snow load tolerance and wind resistance are particularly notable. Of course, there’s the aluminum frame, which keeps corrosion at bay.
Efficiency
The HQST 100 Watt 12Volt Polycrystalline Solar Panel did not impress us on efficiency. But it didn’t do badly either, or perhaps we think its efficiency is fine because we were already aware that it is a polycrystalline solar panel.
Of course, compared to the 20+% efficiencies we’ve been seeing till now, 18.6% isn’t mind-blowing. But it still gets the job done.
Pros
It is relatively inexpensive.
The warranty is good.
High power output
Resistant to corrosion
Cons
Lowest solar conversion efficiency
Buyer’s Guide
Portable Solar Power
A camping solar panel is no good if it severely limits how many items you can take. For this reason, you should look out for small-sized and lightweight portable solar power.
You might even check for flexible solar panels or foldable panels. With a flexible or foldable solar panel, you will not have to compromise too much on the surface area. Also, there will still be enough space to pack other items.
Power Output
The wattage of your solar panel determines how many devices you can power with it at once. Accordingly, the more power the panel produces, the more devices it can power simultaneously.
You get even more advantageous if the portable solar panel has batteries to store some of the power for later.
Efficiency
Portable solar panels generally come with monocrystalline, polycrystalline, or thin film solar panels. Of these options, monocrystalline cells offer the highest efficiency even though they are slightly more expensive.
The efficiency of monocrystalline cells is such that they maximize more solar rays than the other two types of cells. In other words, monocrystalline cells of a given surface area will generate more power than polycrystalline solar panels or thin-film cells of the same surface area.
So, in line with the need for portability and high power output, panels with monocrystalline cells are the best for camping.
Weather Resistance
Like any other portable solar panel, portable solar panels are used outdoors. So, it is only right that they are made with materials that resist elemental deterioration.
To this end, look out for the ingress protection code of the product you intend to buy. This code shows how much resistance the product will put up against the water. Generally, materials rated IP 65 to IP68 offer some of the best water resistance.
Apart from the IP code, opt for aluminum frames over other types. Aluminum frames are generally resistant to corrosion. But apart from that, they are lightweight and offer decent resistance to impact.
FAQs
How Many Watt Solar Panels Do I Need Camping?
The panel’s power rating you need when camping depends on the power capacity of your electronic devices. It also depends on the hours of direct sunlight available in the camping location.
Here is how it works:
Say you have a device with a battery rated 4000 mAh, 5 volts. Its power capacity would be:
Then in the camping location, if you get 5 hours of direct sunlight. The number of watts you will need is:
\(\displaystyle {\frac {20}{5}} = 4\ watts\)
Repeat the steps above for each device to get the total watts you need. Then add up the total number of watts.
It is advised that you overestimate the number of watts you need by at least 20%. So, if you calculate a total power requirement of 100 watts, opt for a panel with an output of at least 120.
Is a Portable Solar Panel Worth It for Camping?
You will get your money’s worth if you get portable solar panels for your camping trip.
When you go off-grid – to a location without electricity – portable solar panels will come in handy in helping you harness solar power. With the power from the panel, you can recharge your devices and run some low-power devices.
Do you know what is even better than a portable solar panel? A solar panel kit. Such solar panel kits come with battery packs that store some power. So, even without the sun, you have some electricity.
Final Thoughts
When choosing portable solar panels, weight and size are the essential features to look out for. Your solar panel kit will only be easy to carry around when it is light and does not take up too much space.
But apart from that, the best portable solar panel is also highly efficient. They can utilize more portable solar power than the average type. So, look out for efficiency when making a choice.
Furthermore, when off-grid, you need enough portable solar panels or a solar-powered tent to meet the power requirements of your devices.
Therefore, calculate how many watts your devices need, and let that guide your choice. Weather resistance is also vital. But it does not matter too much. Since the panel will be portable, you can pack it up when it rains.
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Adeyomola Kazeem
Adeyomola loves the purity that comes with solar energy. He believes that with the yellow dwarf star already brimming with energy, the world does not need to deplete non-renewable energy sources. Especially since said energy sources might be harmful to our world.He has had hands-on experiences creating solar energy panels himself and has worked closely with solar engineers. In a bid to preserve environmental integrity, Adeyomola would rather walk certain distances instead of driving or taking a bus. He sometimes spends his free time planting and tending to plants or wondering why we underutilize the biggest star in our solar system.
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