A portable solar panel is a charging device that uses the sun’s energy to power your devices. They are suitable products for campers, RV-goers, and those who can’t be near a traditional power supply.
You can often use such a product for recharging solar generators, and sometimes even car batteries. Mostly, though, people use them for charging phones, tablets, and cameras. Given how convenient they can be, they are well worth considering for your next camping adventure. Check out these excellent options below to see if you can find one that you like.
1. Dokio Foldable Solar Panel
Even though not everyone is rapt with the controller of this portable solar panel, it’s hard to deny that it offers a range of convenient features to suit those exploring the great outdoors. It’s a six-pound lightweight panel that folds in half for transport and has a convenient carry case with a handle.
This 12-volt, 100-watt portable solar panel is all about convenience. You can use it in RVs, caravans, and while you’re out camping. It’s also high efficiency and has dual USB outputs so that you can charge two devices at once. Then, when you no longer require it, fold it in half and pack it away. It doesn’t get much easier than that.
- Six-pound weight
- Charge controller
- Dual USB outputs
- 12 volts
- 100 watts
- Folding design
- 118-inch cable
- Carry case included
- It’s portable
- It folds down for convenience
- Lightweight design
- It’s ideal for camping, RVs, caravans, and more
- It offers high efficiency
- It has USBs for device charging
- The controller is inferior quality
2. Jackery Portable Solar Panel
This portable solar panel may not be waterproof for outdoor rainy-day use, but that doesn’t mean it’s not going to suit your needs. From its foldable design with a kickstand to the dual USBS for double device charging, this panel means business.
It comes with a storage pouch to make it portable, and it’s well-priced to ensure many people can afford to buy it. What’s more, you can pair it with a compatible Jackery power station to charge even more devices.
People like that its conversion efficiency is even better than some other solar panels on the market, and that you don’t have to spend the earth on it. Check it out for yourself on your next camping adventure.
- Foldable design
- Dual USB outputs
- 100 watts
- Storage pouch included
- Adjustable kickstand
- Power station sold separately
- Smartphone and tablet compatibility
- It’s compact and lightweight
- It folds in half for portability
- You can pair it with a compatible Jackery power station
- It charges devices fast
- It has a kickstand to stand it up
- The storage pouch is convenient
- Competitive price tag
- It’s not waterproof
3. Rockpals Foldable Solar Panel Charger
This portable solar panel from Rockpals is a bit heavy, and the junction box is not waterproof. Still, it’s otherwise a standout option for many people on the lookout for a reliable solar power supply. Unlike others on the market that have two USB ports, this model has three.
It’s also compatible with Suaoki portable generators and comes with a carry bag for portability. People also like that it folds up to make transport even more straightforward. There is certainly a lot to love about this solar panel.
It has multiple connectors, Oxford cloth construction, and a built-in smart IC chip. The solar panel is also water-resistant, whereas most on the market are not. Set it up, charge your devices, fold it down, then store it away. It doesn’t get much easier than that.
- Suaoki portable generator compatibility
- Three USB ports
- Carry bag included
- Multiple connectors
- Built-in smart IC chip
- High conversion efficiency
- Water resistance
- Oxford cloth construction
- Foldable design
- You can pair it up with portable generators
- It protects your devices from overloading
- The panel is water-resistant
- It’s foldable and transportable for convenience
- It has three ports for charging
- Competitive price tag
- The junction box isn’t waterproof
- It’s heavy to move
4. TP-Solar Solar Panel Battery Charger
If you’ve been on the hunt for a powerful and affordable portable solar panel, then this one from TP-Solar might be it. From the folding design and smart charging technology to the lightweight aspect and 19-volt output, this panel means business.
It comes with a 14.5-volt charge controlling box, high-conversion efficiency, and a portable case that makes it easy to get this solar panel from A to B. Even the weight is a desirable feature, as it only weighs 7.7 pounds. If you are using it somewhere wet, then never fear. The panel is waterproof. However, the junction box is not, so you must keep it dry.
You can use this portable solar panel with compatible power generators and benefit from a broader range of charging capabilities. Hang it up, display it on a stand, or leave it flat – the choice is yours. Check out this affordable solar panel for yourself.
- Folding design
- 19-volt output
- 14.5-volt charge controlling box
- USB smart charging technology
- High-conversion efficiency
- Foldable design
- 7.7-pound weight
- Waterproof panel
- The solar panel is waterproof
- It’s lightweight
- It folds for convenience
- You can use it with compatible power generators
- Ideals for boats, cars, RVs, and more
- Affordable to buy
- You can hang it up
- The junction box is not waterproof
- The carry case is too tight
5. Renogy Porable Suitcase Built-in Solar Panel
This portable solar panel may be heavier than others for sale, but it most certainly means business. As far as ironing out the kinks of common solar panel problems, this model ticks all the boxes. It’s a 100-watt, 12-volt solar panels that is available in five sizes. It comes with a built-in corrosion-resistant stand and an LCD display.
The display is something special, for it displays all the relevant information you need, all the while being easy to use. The charger controller is also waterproof, whereas many for sale are not.
It’s not hard to see that this portable solar panel is well made and has all the bells and whistles you require for easy device charging. However, it’s not perfect. This portable solar panel is heavy. In fact, it can be twice as heavy as many others on the market. Weigh up the pros and cons and see if this portable solar panel is for you.
- 100 watts
- 12-volt output
- Five size options
- Waterproof charger controller
- Built-in kickstand
- Corrosion-resistant stand
- Heavy-duty handle
- LCD display
- Portable and folding design
- It produces a lot of power for devices
- It’s well made
- Easy to move around
- The charge controller is high-quality
- You can choose from five size options
- Competitive price tag
- It’s heavy
6. TP-Solar Foldable Solar Panel Charger Kit
Speed is not this portable solar panel’s strong suit, nor do the panels feel all that strong. However, there are still many reasons why you may like to buy this portable solar panel from TP-Solar. Sure, it can take a long time to charge a power station generator, but it’s harnessing power from the sun. That takes time.
This 100-watt, 12-volt portable solar panel also boasts dual USB outputs, a smart folding design, and a carry case for portability. Fold it and store it away with ease. It also weighs a mere 5.1 pounds, which makes it more than suitable for camping, hiking, and other trips into the great outdoors.
The icing on the cake is that the portable solar panel is waterproof. Use it in light rain, and you won’t have any trouble at all. Check this solar panel out and see if it meets the mark.
- 100 watts
- 12-volt battery charging
- Power station generator compatibility
- USB smart charging technology
- Dual USB outputs
- High conversion efficiency
- Foldable design
- 5.1 pounds
- Waterproof solar panel
- Carry case included
- It’s affordable to buy
- Lightweight
- You can use it with generators
- The solar panel is waterproof
- It comes with a lot of adapters for devices
- The panels don’t feel strong
- It can take a long time to power up generators
7. Flashfish Portable Flashfish Solar Panel
If cost is a huge factor in which portable solar panel you buy, then check out the offerings of Flashfish. This solar panel is affordable to buy, but it will also take care of your device charging requirements in the great outdoors.
It’s a 50-watt, 18-volt portable solar panel that works with portable generators and USB devices. It comes with a smart IC chip, multiple connectors, and two model options. Pick the one that best suits your needs and put it to work.
The briefcase style of folding is convenient for portability, and being able to charge a generator gives you an even better capacity when out in the wild. It’s also very lightweight, which people like.
This solar panel is not without faults, though. The plastic film on the panels is hard to remove, and the cable length is short. They are not deal breakers but are worth knowing.
- 50 watts
- 18-volt DC output
- Two model options
- Built-in smart IC chip
- USB smart charging technology
- Briefcase-style folding
- Portable generator compatibility
- You can charge generators with it
- It comes with various connectors
- You can charge USB devices quickly
- It comes in a convenient suitcase-style folded design
- It uses USB and DC at the same time
- Affordable to buy
- Lightweight design
- The plastic film is hard to remove
- The cable length is short
8. Paxcess Off Grid Portable Solar Panel
When you’re in the great outdoors, having a portable solar panel can be quite a convenience. Rather than have your devices go flat, you can harness the sun’s energy and remain fully charged. This portable solar panel from Paxcess sure has a lot to offer.
It’s a folding 60-watt solar panel that is compatible with solar generators. Therefore, you can connect it to a generator, charge it completely, then use the generator for laptops, phones, and more. The solar panel itself, though, has dual USB outputs for lightning-fast device charging.
Set it up on the adjustable kickstand, make use of the various connectors, and put this panel to work. Even though some people say the output can be less than 60 watts, it’s a small complaint in the scheme of things.
- Foldable design
- 60 watts
- Carry bag
- Dual USB outputs
- Adjustable kickstand
- Solar generator compatibility
- Various connectors
- You can connect it to different solar power generators
- It charges USB devices fast
- It’s convenient in a carry bag
- Affordable to buy
- It has various connection options
- High-quality parts
- The output is often less than the advertised 60 watts
9. Chafon Portable Charging Solar Panel
You won’t find too many unhappy campers when it comes to talking about this portable solar panel from Chafon. With an abundance of convenient features for use in the great outdoors, it’s bound to offer a lot of conveniences.
It’s an 80-watt, 18-volt solar panel that works with a range of devices. You can charge a solar power station with it, along with mobile phones, and more. It even comes with a lot of accessories to make it more useful than several other portable solar panels for sale.
It has water-resistant cloth and PVC, a carry handle, and a kickstand. The foldable design helps with portability, as well. You might pay a bit more for this portable solar panel than others, but you will likely find that it’s worth it.
- 80 watts
- 18 volts
- Solar power station compatibility
- Folding design
- Polyurethane handle
- Kickstand included
- Water-resistant cloth and PVC
- Smart IC chip
- Well made
- It charges devices fast
- It’s portable and easy to move around
- You don’t need to assemble it
- Suitable for camping, RVs, and more
- Comes with plenty of accessories
- A little bit on the costly side
10. Aimtom 100W Portable Solar Panel
This portable solar panel is a bit more expensive than several others on the market, but it won’t take long for you to see why. Not only can you use it to charge your mobile devices while out in the wilderness, but much, much more.
This 100-watt, 18-volt panel is capable of recharging a solar generator, as well as a car battery. If you find yourself in a pinch, this solar panel will deliver. It’s also lightweight, foldable, and designed to be carried with ease. There’s no harm in checking it out and seeing if it works for you.
- 100 watts
- 18 volts
- DC port
- Solar generator compatibility
- Foldable design
- Carry handles
- It’s lightweight and foldable
- It charges all your mobile devices
- You can charge your car battery with it
- It works with solar generators
- It’s expensive
Considerations for Purchasing a Portable Solar Panel
It can be tempting to purchase the first affordable solar panel you find. After all, you may not understand a whole lot about them, so they must be all the same, right? Unfortunately, they aren’t, and that can make the purchasing process quite tricky. Read on to learn a few things that are worth thinking about before you buy a new one.
Panel Type
Believe it or not, not all panel types are the same. In fact, there are three main panel types from which to choose. Monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and CIGS panels are all available for purchase. Which one is going to be right for you?
Monocrystalline panels are rigid and heavy, but they are also exceptionally efficient and well made. So, you have to weigh up whether you mind lugging around a massive solar panel, even if it’s going to give you greater results.
Polycrystalline solar panels, on the other hand, are blue panels that work similarly to monocrystalline. However, they tend to be less efficient. Then there are CIGS panels. CIGS is an acronym for copper, indium, gallium, and selenide. They are not as hard-wearing as some other options, but they are flexible and thin. Therefore, they tend to be some of the most lightweight to carry around.
The Size
The size of your solar panel matters if the reason you are buying it is for camping or hiking. One of the last things you want to be doing is hauling a large panel on your back as you’re navigating tricky terrain. Some of the best solar panels for camping are foldable and come in their own bag with a carry handle.
The Weight
Along with the size, the weight of solar panels can matter for portability, as well. Foldable panels tend to be quite lightweight, but the panel type can dictate how much heft they have. Some of the lightest on the market are around five pounds.
Water Resistance / Waterproof
Not everyone heads out into the great outdoors just when it’s sunny. There are going to be days when the rain sets in. Is the portable solar panel you’re buying waterproof or water-resistant? Sometimes, they can be waterproof, but the junction box isn’t. Therefore, you have to keep at least one component of it undercover. This point can be a deal maker or breaker, so read through the fine print from the manufacturer carefully.
The Price Tag
How often you will be using your solar panel and its power can dictate the price tag. Typically, the more affordable options don’t tend to have high power outputs, nor are they made to last several years. If you are after a rugged, long-lasting, and robust portable solar panel, then you can expect to pay a whole lot more.
The Power Capabilities
Every portable solar panel is different when it comes to power output. Some solar panels harness enough energy to charge your mobile devices, and that’s it. Others will allow you to connect solar generators so that you can harness the power in those, too. Then, some are so powerful that they can charge your mobile device and even your car battery at the same time.
As a rule, the higher the wattage of the solar panel, the more it can charge. So, if you need to charge laptops and similar, opt for a solar panel with a high wattage.
The Warranty
Buying a solar panel is not usually a cheap exercise. You can spend hundreds of dollars to get one that lasts the distance and powers all your electronics. So, it helps if it comes with a warranty.
A warranty offers peace of mind that, if it doesn’t meet your expectations outlined by the manufacturer, then you can return it. You can then either receive a refund or replacement, depending on the conditions of the warranty.
Generally, the more expensive the solar panel (and the more powerful), the more generous the warranty period is.
The Portability
We’ve mentioned the size and weight of a solar panel, but how do you determine whether a portable solar panel truly is movable? It comes down to how easy it is to move around. If it comes in a carry bag and folds up, then it’s going to more portable than one that’s not.
Take a look at the product photos and dimensions to find out how large it is and how it folds up for storage. Hikers will be after the smallest, most compact solar panel, while camping families may be after something a little larger and, therefore, less portable.
Why Use Solar Power?
You may be wondering why you even need a portable solar panel for camping in the outdoors. The most outstanding benefit of solar power is that it’s free. You are harnessing energy from the sun. So, once you make that initial investment in the panel, you are benefiting from free power that’s easy to get.
Even more beneficial is the idea that even when you’re in the middle of nowhere, you can make use of your laptops, mobile phones, cameras, and tablets. Having portable solar panels even allows you to make use of solar generators. While petrol generators and wall outlet charging banks are useful, solar power can be even more so.
