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The best portable solar panels provide clean, renewable energy even when they are off the grid far from civilization. Manufacturers now offer more panels in different sizes, capacities and configurations to suit any budget and use case. The only tricky part is choosing the right solar panel for the job.
We're here to help you decide what's best for you, with a variety of options based on optimal use and budget constraints. These are the best portable solar panels made to date
How we choose the best portable solar panels
I have personally tested some of the panels on this list as I usually use solar power to power my electronics while I work with my laptop in the car. It taught me a lot about how solar technology works and what types of panels work best. In addition to my personal experience, I also considered the following factors when choosing the best portable panels
- Weight: Is this panel light enough to carry in a backpack in the field? Is the panel suitable for disconnecting power at home or for use on RVs?
- Performance: What is the maximum performance of this panel? Is it suitable for charging a mobile phone or large electronic devices such as a portable refrigerator?
- Construction: Are these panels durable enough for travel? What materials were used for the frame?
Best Portable Solar Panels: Reviews and Recommendations
Best Overall: The Goal Zero Boulder Case
Technical characteristics
- Rated power: 100, 200 and 300 W
- Dimensions: 26" x 43" x 1.75"
- Weight: 25.9 lbs
- Construction: tempered glass and aluminum.
convenience
- Very stable
- Ergonomic handles for carrying
- Including protective suits.
difficulty
- it is difficult
- Other panels have good records.
I've had the Goal Zero Boulder Briefcase 100 for about a year and it's become my go-to panel in most situations. Thanks to its aluminum and tempered glass construction, it is one of the most durable panels on the market. I hit the car door with this plate and accidentally dropped it on the pavement without a scratch. This panel is for those who are picky about purchasing equipment. It's a shame more companies don't make products like this, because everything from the folding legs to the sturdy carrying handle feels solid and high quality.
This bar is heavy, but my main criticism is that it's not as effective as others I've tried. The 100 watt Goal Zero consistently draws 55-65 watts on a clear day here in Michigan, while my 100 watt Bose camper regularly uses 70+ watts for comparison. However, for me at least, the durability of the design is worth the small trade-off in efficiency.
Best Lightweight: Zachary Solar Saga
Technical characteristics
- Rated power: 60, 100, 200 W
- Dimensions (100W): 22.83" x 19.69" x 2.36"
- Weight (100W): 10.33 lbs
- Construction: monocrystalline silicon
convenience
- Extremely easy to be difficult.
- Charges solar generators and phones directly.
- The magnetic closure is incredibly simple.
difficulty
- the price
- Not fully weather resistant
Zaccary offers this portable solar panel in a variety of capacities, but the 100-watt, 10.33-pound foldable offering is hard to beat. This panel weighs about 15 pounds less than the Round Zero Boulder case, making it easy to transport and store in your RV or SUV until you need it. Zaccario is one of the few companies that has built a USB port into a panel this size for direct cell phone charging. While most users will use this panel directly with a portable solar generator, it's also nice to be able to power small electronic devices separately. We also like the slim profile that makes this panel easier to store in tight spaces in an RV or boat than the competition.
The $300 price tag for this panel is a bit high, but user reviews praise the performance and durability of this panel. So, if you value space savings with a portable panel, we recommend it.
Best value for money: Topsolar Solar Fairy
Technical characteristics
- Rated power: 100 and 60 W
- Dimensions (100W): 22.83" x 17.72" x 2.95"
- Weight: 5.10 lbs
- Construction: braided and monocrystalline.
convenience
- Lightweight bag with easy to carry
- Folds to compact size
- Multiple power connections
difficulty
- Does not work with Goal Zero products
The Solar Fairy folds into a relatively compact 11" x 8" package, making it easy to transport from place to place. Combine that with a 5-pound weight, and this plate can easily fit behind a truck seat or in a van storage area until you need it. The value of this panel is that it has multiple output ports that make it easy to connect it to a battery or portable power station. There is also a USB port for direct mobile phone charging.
The main disadvantage of this panel is that it is not compatible with Goal Zero products such as their power banks and power stations. So if you already own one of their products, it won't work. It is not durable, as the materials are light. However, this panel also works with other popular brands such as Jackari.
Best budget: FlexSolar solar charger
Technical characteristics
- Rated power: 10, 15, 20, 30 and 40 W
- Dimensions (30W): 32" x 12"
- Weight: 31.7 oz
- Structure: Monocrystalline
convenience
- Excellent price level
- DC to USB converter included
- Strong construction
difficulty
FlexSolar offers five different wattage options for this solar charger, with the lowest starting at $30. These simple panels are mainly designed to power smartphones, tablets and other small devices such as cameras. This is a good option for campers who enjoy hiking and primitive camping. However, we also like this option for those who want something simple in case of a natural disaster or power outage. These panels are solid and not bonded with nylon fabric like their competitors, making them a bit more durable.
The downside to these chargers is that several user reviews online indicate that while the panel is working, it takes a while to fully charge the devices. Other reviews indicate that there are problems with clouding. Since the panel requires prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, it may not be ideal for backpackers on the go. Still, as an emergency device, it's a small investment that can keep you connected even when the network goes down.
Perfect for RVs: Booz RV 9BB
Technical characteristics
- Rated power: 100, 180 and 200 W
- Dimensions (100W): 39" x 21" x 1.38"
- Weight: 16.97 lbs
- Production: aluminum
convenience
- affordable
- Excellent conversion rate
- Design for all seasons
difficulty
- Poorly packaged at the factory.
Most campers are constantly installing panels on rigs, and the Booz RV fits that need perfectly. It would be very easy to add folding legs to these panels, or two could be converted into a briefcase style solar system, which would save a lot of money. I have permanently installed this panel on the top of my truck and have been impressed with its performance. During my tests, I consistently achieved an input power of 65 to 70 watts on a clear day.
Bouge RV goes the extra mile with packaging, which is probably one of the reasons these panels are such a great value. Some online reviews mention that the panels have dings and dents. However, I have had no problems with the two panels I ordered from this company. This sign is also a good choice for a secluded hunting lodge or cabin in the woods. I have had no problem exposing this sign to rain and even snow here in Michigan.
Best for Phones: Renoji 21W Foldable
Technical characteristics
- Nominal power: 21 W
- Dimensions: 23" x 11" x 0.8"
- Weight: 28.9 oz
- Construction: Nylon
convenience
- Charge phones and small devices quickly
- Light enough for hiking
difficulty
Weighing in at just under two pounds, the Renogy 21-Watt Folding is perfect for charging cell phones and other small devices. This bar has two USB ports to charge up to two devices simultaneously. Most user reviews report that they were able to charge a phone or a small power bank in just a few hours. Most user reviews also note that nylon holds up well to abuse. In addition, the Renozi includes two carabiners that allow you to attach it to a backpack and charge your mobile phone while walking.
The only real downside is that the $69.99 price tag seems steep for a panel of this performance. We want this panel to be waterproof, not waterproof. In the future, this sign cannot be left outside in the rain or snow.
The best with a battery: the solar charger from Tranmix
Better with battery included
Technical characteristics
- Rated power: 6 W
- Dimensions: 6.1" x 3.3" x 1.37"
- Weight: 1.18 lbs
- Construction: plastic
convenience
- 25,000 mAh external battery included
- Very affordable
- Compact design
difficulty
- Stability issues have been reported.
- Limited to small electronic devices
The Tranmix Portable Solar Panel has only six watts of power, but comes standard with a 25,000 mAh battery that can keep devices charged long after the sun goes down. This simple panel is incredibly compact, weighing only 1.18 pounds, making it easy to transport for hikers and campers. Plus, the affordable price of $45 is hard to beat. The Tranmix also has an LED light that increases the functionality of this device.
However, there is a downside to this panel. Amazon reviews often report durability issues, especially issues with small cracks in the case. It may not be the best option for those who are strict with their equipment.
Best foldable laptop: Bluti PV 120
Technical characteristics
- Rated power: 120 W
- Dimensions: 21" x 65"
- Weight: 12.75 lbs
- Construction: monocrystalline silicon
convenience
- light
- Very effective
- Standard cable is 9 feet long.
difficulty
The Bluetti PV120 panel folds down to just 21 x 18.5 inches, making it a great option for RVers and travelers who need a quick off-grid charging solution. This is a great option to keep in a closet to have a solar generator in case of a power outage. This bar pairs well with many Bluetooth powerhouses, and user reviews show that this bar consistently delivers between 90 and 100 watts, making it a very viable option.
This panel comes with an IP67 junction box, but unfortunately this panel is not waterproof. Blue also strongly advises against being in the snow. For the price, it's disappointing that this panel isn't weatherproof. However, if you don't need to leave the panel on overnight, it's a good option for power plant owners.
What to consider when choosing a portable solar panel?
When it comes to portable solar modules, it is important to note that in most cases the modules do not directly power electrical devices. Solar panels convert sunlight into energy. This energy is stored in batteries or solar generators. Other panels are used to directly charge mobile phones and other small electrical devices. However, these panels rarely exceed 15 or 20 watts.
Of course, the more electronic devices you want to use, the more power you'll need. That means a bigger panel and a bigger battery to store all that energy. In my experience, a 1100 watt-hour power plant combined with 100 watt solar panels keeps my 45 liter Dometic CFX3 refrigerator running all day. I also turned on the fan and laptop and charged the camera with minimal power loss while the sun was shining.
Energy conversion
Just because a panel is 100W doesn't mean it delivers consistent power. The conversion of sunlight into energy is still not an exact science, and the conversion rate varies depending on the type of panel. According to the University of Michigan, most panels are between 15 and 20 percent efficient. The new photovoltaic (PV) module has semiconductors that can achieve high efficiency of around 50%. That is why it is always unrealistic to count on maximum opportunities. Especially if the cloud cover is effective and reduces the damage to the panel from the sun's rays.
My 100 watt solar panels can count how many times they hit 100 watts. My 100 watt Round Zero panel is usually in the upper range of around 50-60 watts when the sky is clear, while my 100 watt RV Boz panel is pretty consistent at 70 watts. However, do not let this discourage you. Both panels hold my 500W and 1100W Buzz RV power plants very well.
Frequently asked questions
Lighting with a 100 watt solar panel?
In my experience, a 100W panel is sufficient for general and basic lighting. However, you probably want something fancier than a traditional 40-watt light bulb. For example, in my truck setup, I use a series of energy-efficient LED lighting fixtures that illuminate the interior efficiently, drawing only about four watts in series. With such a specialized lighting system, it is very easy to maintain a fully charged 100W solar panel power supply.
Are all portable solar panels waterproof?
Many portable solar panels for camping are actually waterproof. However, you should pay attention to the small print when buying. Some panels may be slightly waterproof, especially small, narrow panels designed for hiking. When your portable panel arrives, keep in mind that it's usually not designed for 24/7 operation. Some panels have connecting panels and cables that are not completely waterproof.
How can I maintain my portable solar panel?
In most cases, portable solar panels do not require much maintenance other than periodic cleaning. Most panels are best cleaned with water only, as some cleaning solutions can damage the panel's internal components. For tougher stains or lines on the glass, use a small amount of dish soap mixed with vinegar and water. Of course, a clean module converts and stores more energy than a dirty module.
Final thoughts on the best portable solar panel
Although I used smoother panels, the solid construction with zero roundness is the type of construction we rarely see in outdoor products. I used this folding panel to have a fridge, laptop, light, fan, etc. at home more efficiently. After that, it was the signal that allowed me to start working outside for the first time from any place where there is sunlight.
Why our trust
For more than 125 years, Field & Stream has provided readers with clean, honest coverage of outdoor gear. Our writers and editors eat, sleep and breathe the outdoors, and that enthusiasm is reflected in our product reviews. You can trust F&S to stay up to date with the best new equipment. And when we write about a product, whether it's a stand or a backpack, we go over the pros and cons so you know exactly what to expect before you decide to buy.
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