Finding the best portable solar panel available in the market is no longer a fun gimmick, as the rapid growth of technology and recent advancements have provided consumers with overwhelming choices for better-quality solar panels.
The ideal type of solar panel is one that is rigid solar and is suitable for all your needs, be it on the road or at your home.
The traditional panels used to be fixated at a specific place on your rooftop, but with the rapid increase in camping accessories and traveling generators, the need for portable solar panels is more than ever.
Just to make sure that you get the best of the solar panels available on the market, we offer this brief review of the best portable solar panels. Read our review to have the better bang for your buck.
In a Hurry! Stay here for a sec and have a look at our top pick.
- 12V Batteries
- Aluminum
- 20A Controller
Renogy 100 Watt is the best overall solar panel that is suitable for your off-grid needs.
This fantastic solar charger features 100 watts of power output and 12V batteries and is compatible with all outdoor appliances like your smartphone, tablets, cameras, and the rest.
The 2 Large Solar panels allow you to have an unlimited power supply that is just the right amount for your off-grid adventures.
Below given is the comparison Table Of The 10 Best Portable/ Foldable Solar Panels that we have selected in our today’s review.
Comparison Table Of The 10 Best Portable/ Foldable Solar Panels
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Top Pick | Renogy 100 Watt
| 10 | Check Price |
Best For Camping  | Nekteck 21W
| 10 | Check Price |
Best For Phones  | Hiluckey Outdoor Portable Power Bank
| 10 | Check Price |
Best For RVs  | Newpowa 100 Watts
| 10 | Check Price |
Best Briefcase  | Goal Zero Boulder 100
| 9.5 | Check Price |
Best ETFE Solar Panels  | BLUETTI SP200
| 9.5 | Check Price |
Best Solar Kit With Battery  | EF ECOFLOW 110 Watt
| 9.5 | Check Price |
Best Solar Panel For Traveling  | DOKIO 160W
| 9 | Check Price |
Best Budget  | Togo POWER 120W
| 9 | Check Price |
Best Solar Panels Controller  | Upgrade Topsolar 120W
| 9 | Check Price |
After testing hundreds of quality solar panels available in the market, we have come up with this selection of the 10 best portable solar panels.
We have tested these solar chargers to see which of your devices can last with solar power and for how long you can use these panels. Have a dig into the detailed reviews of these 10 best solar panels in the coming passages.
- 12V Batteries
- Aluminum
- 20A Controller
For all those off-grid adventurers, who like to have an all-in-one solution, the Renogy solar panels are the best option.
This durable and efficient solar charger is a foldable panel that is very lightweight and therefore extremely portable.
Thus, you can take it to camp, tailgates, or any other outdoor activity you intend to attend.
Features:
Renogy solar panels are a reliable source of off-grid power and with its 100 watts of portable solar cells, it lends a hand to power GPS devices making it a viable alternative to grid power at the campsites.
Typically, a single 280Wh or more wattage battery is enough to power your road essentials but what happens when the battery is drained and you can’t find any AC power source nearby?
The solution is to get an inverter setup or a Powerbank For a phone to keep your smartphone fully charged when on the road.
But Renogy 100 Watt is not a very credible power source and you may want more than just recharging your phone with the power bank.
Therefore, solar panels are increasingly hyped among campers and outdoor adventurers.
Solar chargers come in many guises and you can very easily find yourself an eco-worthy and the best portable solar charger.
You can use a charge controller to power the built-in battery of portable power banks that are offering quieter operation with high wattage and much larger output power.
These foldable products are a fantastic choice for outdoor settings where utility power is not accessible.
- Protective casing
- Can be connected to various battery types
- Adjustable foot stand
- Sturdy fuse with alligator clips
- Limited wattage
Verdict:
- 21 Watts
- Monocrystalline
- 18 Ounce Weight 3
For all those users who are tight on budget and want to enjoy a better bang for their hard-earned bucks, having an affordable and low-wattage solar panel will never go wrong.
You can try out this Neckteck portable and foldable solar charger which is an amazing product with many enticing features and specs to boost its standing in the market.
Features:
Neckteck solar panels have a smart IC chip installed in them which makes this solar charger a good-sized article that comes with varying weights, is not heavy on the pockets of buyers, and has USB points.
This ultra-lightweight foldable solar charger is famous for its durability.
The Neckteck manufacturers have done a great job in maintaining the weight and durability balance just like the Elecaenta model.
These foldable and portable solar panels are suitable for backpacking and give you the most efficient power source when away from the utility power supply at your home.
A tailgater or an explorer in the mountains may need to have a backup power source with him and he or she may come to solar chargers to avoid the hassle of carrying heavyweight generators along the journey.
This amazing Nekteck 21W solar panel features waterproofing and shock resistance, unlike other lightweight panels where the ability to handle extreme temperatures and fight off the rust is compromised for ultra-light.
After testing different options available in the market, we have arrived at the conclusion that Neckteck solar panels have the best ability to prevent weather-based damage.
- Durable Design
- Attachment hook
- IPX4 Waterproofing
- Extreme weather protection
- Very low power output
Verdict:
- 25000 mAh Batteries
- Orange
- 4 Pc
If you are a frequent outdoor adventurer who likes to have overnight camping and hiking trips, you may need to carry various small power banks with your backpack for having a supply of sufficient power for charging your smartphones and tablets.
Instead of having various power banks for different phones and tablet models why not go with a single power bank that can power all of your road essentials?
Features:
This Hiluckey is the best outdoor solar charger that is fit for charging phones while being away from your home.
This is a very sturdy and durable solar panel that has an ultralight body to maintain its portability and foldable design.
You can use this extremely lightweight solar panel to charge your cell phone about 8 times with a single charge of battery.
You can also use this portable charger to connect multiple devices at once and have many devices charge at the same time by charging the solar panel.
This well-made panel features 4 large solar panels with numerous cells built-in on its surface and you can fold these surfaces to have a single panel surface that can be further folded into half and easily kept inside your backpack.
The Aluminium kickstand allows you to adjust the position of the panels before sunlight to have the greatest intensity possible.
To protect from water and dust in outdoor conditions, this Hiluckey Outdoor Portable Power Bank charger has IPX55 waterproofing and dust resistance which is a prerequisite for outdoor gadgets.
- Can connect to 8 devices at once
- Easy storage
- Suitable for a small backpack
- Multiple connectivities
- Slow charging
Verdict:
- 12V Batteries
- Polycrystalline
- 1Pc
If you are not satisfied with a small power output or few watts power supply like the aforementioned solar panel then you should try this, 100 watts solar panel that gives you a good enough wattage to run most of the mini outdoor appliances.
You can power your smartphones, laptop, camera, tablets, and similar tools without carrying different batteries and power banks with you.
Features:
Newpowa 100 watts solar panel is a single-piece round build quality solar charger that offers high-level reliability and high power output.
With its 100 watts output wattage you can enjoy a significantly higher power that is sufficient enough for keeping your road essentials charged.
If you have a sappy medium and want to enjoy an uninterrupted power supply without the grid power supply then this Newpowa can be of help to you.
Newpowa 100 Watts solar charger is made with monocrystalline solar cells and offers optimum performance that is way higher than the solar panel that comes with polycrystalline cells.
The solar charger is measured by its wattage and the 100 watts output is not a larger output that allows you to power your RV but you can connect it with the RVs to have unlimited solar power for powering your mini electronic appliances under 100 watts surge wattage.
- Innovative design
- High power conversion efficiency
- Pre-installed diodes
- Long-lasting 25 yrs. warranty
- Single panel only
Verdict:
- 12V Batteries
- Monocrystalline
- 100 Watts
If you want to have 100 watts solar panel but are not satisfied with the smooth surface traditional design of the Newpowa solar panels then this Goal Zero Boulder may prove to be the best bet for you.
This solar panel is coming with a briefcase design and together with its feature-rich package this solar package panel is the best briefcase unit in our selection of the best portable solar panels.
Features:
Goal Zero Boulder are Monocrystalline solar panels that are the most efficient ones available in the market and with their smart IC chip they offer optimum performance that is desired by campers and hiking ventures.
This solar panel is coming at a moderate price and is built to withstand harsh weather and this is all thanks to its corrosion-resistant body.
The Goal Zero Boulder 100 panels don’t only provide overcurrent protection but they also give you the much-required protection against surges that enables you to charge sensitive appliances without minding the voltage spikes and power surges.
For wet weather protection, the Boulder 100 watts feature an IPX4 rating that gives strong waterproofing protection.
There is also an additional polymer coating that is focused on dust and wind protection and you can also make use of the protection against overcharging that automatically shut off the power supply once the full battery recharge occurs.
- Ultimate portability
- Ultralight and compact
- Can connect multiple devices
- Not compatible with different batteries than Boulder Yeti
Verdict:
- 14.3 Pounds
- Monocrystalline
- 200 Watts
100 wats solar panels are overwhelmingly prevalent in the market but don’t provide enough versatility for making use of them at home.
This is because their only 100 watts output renders them unfit for powering most appliances at home like your TV, Electric Kettle, and other gadgets with more than 100 watts demand.
If you want to have a slightly larger output that doesn’t break your banks then you ought to try the 200 watts solar panels like the Buetti SP200.
Features:
BLUETTI SP200 is the largest solar panel in terms of its wattage in our selection of the best portable solar panels.
These heavy-duty solar panels feature a 200 watts output that makes them a complete off-grid package for your outdoor activities and adventures.
If you are not satisfied with the 200 watts maximum output, you can use these solar panels combined with a power station to enjoy a larger and more powerful output.
You can also connect these solar panels to a digital screen to monitor the charging speed, remaining battery power, drainage, and other battery credentials.
The extension or the power cord plus adapter cables will transmit power from these panels to the battery of your connected power bank from where you can use the battery power for running your electric appliances.
The BLUETTI SP200 is a rugged protective and self-standing panel that uses the aluminum stand border at the bottom corners which is automatically placed on a smooth surface like rooftops, concrete roads, and even stony paths.
- Compatible with iPhone
- Optimum energy conversion
- Easy to setup
- Self-standing
- Fast charging
- Costly
Verdict:
- 110 Watts
- Rubber
- 60V Max Charging
EF ECOFLOW power backup tools are industry-leading devices that are quite famous in the market for their high-power output and increasing wattages.
The EF ECOFLOW Delta is a large power output portable bank that is featuring a 3.6kW output for powering your RVs and campgrounds.
This EF ECOFLOW solar panel is a 110-watt complete solar kit that features many cool features as explained below.
Features:
EF ECOFLOW solar panels are affordable and easy-to-carry panels that come with alligator clips and the exterior made of nylon.
These solar panels are good enough to charge your cameras, smartphones, laptops, and even high-power MacBooks and tablets.
The EF ECOFLOW ETFE Solar Panel is not only good to recharge phones but is also a very cost-efficient solar kit that provides sufficient power to camping vans, travel trailers, RVs, and other vehicles while being away from the grid power.
The EF ECOFLOW 110 Watt panels have a built-in LED flashlight that can be used on overnight trips for setting your apparatus.
The digital control panel allows you to monitor the voltage and SOS mode for alerting about the battery capacity and runtime.
You can also have an MC4 cable connector for making connections using the MC4 cord.
The waterproofing protection of this amazing solar panel is nothing surprising and with its IP67 waterproof rating, you can enjoy a fully submersible solar panel that is the best bet for rainy weather.
- Affordable
- Heavy-duty built
- Optimum energy conversion efficiency
- Easy transportation and storage
- Relatively Pricey
Verdict:
- 18V Batteries
- Monocrystalline Silicon
- 160 Watts
If you are a frequent traveler and are continually on the road then you have to have a portable power source with you that can provide you with the bare minimum utility power for recharging your road essentials.
The DOKIO 160 watts solar panels are the best mid-sized panels that are best for travelers and are also the right choice panels for connecting with power banks in RVs, camping vans, and travel trailers.
Features:
The DOKIO 160-watt solar panels are made up of Monocrystalline cells which are the most energy-efficient solar cells on the market followed by Polycrystalline solar cells.
These solar panels have reinforced corners that give an aesthetic appeal to the overall simple design.
The size of the DOKIO 160W panels is enough to fit in backpacks and make use of the smart charging facility while on hiking journeys.
The High energy conversion rate of the solar panels ensures that most solar power is converted into electrical energy and in this way, you can have a faster battery charging experience that would otherwise be impossible with the low energy conversion efficiency.
The setup of the solar panels is also very simple and you just have to connect the extension cord of the junction box to IP rated power socket of your battery and start enjoying an unlimited power supply from the sun.
This DOKIO panel is the best for energy conversion rating and using the 160 watts power output you can use these panels even on a cloudy day to have a few watts received by this highly efficient solar panel to keep your batteries charged even without much solar power available at the moment.
- Ultralight
- Good energy conversion rating
- Stable and clean power
- Multiple connectivities
- Don’t support high-output appliances
Verdict:
- 18V Batteries
- Monocrystalline
- 120 Watts
For all those outdoor adventurers, wildlife explorers, travelers, hiking ventures, and other traveling geeks, who are tight on budget but want to get their hands on some fine quality solar panel with an output wattage of more than 100 watts then nothing can be better than a 120-watt solar charger.
Features:
The 120 watts Togo Power solar panel is our best budget pick of over 100 watts panels and will be a great aid to outdoor adventurers who like to have an unlimited power supply.
Togo POWER 120W solar panel also has a thin film that is a coating to protect from dust and wet weather.
You can connect multiple connectors, and DC adapters using the USB ports and other outlets to charge your devices at once.
To enhance the portability of these panels, there are heavy-duty handles built in at the top that allows you to carry them to places without straining your arms or exerting much physical effort.
There is a dedicated battery charge station where you can hook up the external battery to charge with these solar panels and enjoys continuous output without minding the runtime or drainage.
There is also a built-in MPPT module for ensuring maximum energy conversion efficiency and faster charging.
- Easy to carry
- LED Flashlight
- 30 AMP RV-ready
- Economical
- Not Monocrystalline build
Verdict:
- 12V Batteries
- Aluminum
- 120 Watts
Top solar panels are highly efficient portable panels designed specifically for charging your smartphones, laptops, cameras, and tablets while traveling.
These solar panels are not exactly a unit meant only for charging as you can use the 2 or 4, 120 watts solar panels to connect with your power banks and run RVs, camping vans, and travel trailers.
Features:
The charging time of this panel is quite fast and under direct sunshine or clear skies, the panel will be charged very quickly allowing you the backup power for charging your appliances.
You don’t have to worry about the storage and portability of these solar panels as you can very easily fold these panels for easy storage.
The best thing about these 20 watts solar panels is that they have the best solar panel connecter and making a connection with this unit is very easy.
With its USB port connectivity, you can literally connect any smartphone, laptop, or tablet.
If your laptop or tablet doesn’t have USB-type charging ports, you can use the adapters and converters for converting USB ports into your desired output point.
There is also a 19V DC outlet that can be used as its input point or for connecting your solar panel with external batteries. You can use the Upgrade Topsolar 120W panel for directly charging the external batteries without the need to connect them to a portable power bank.
These 120 watts solar panels are compatible with all model power banks and you can use these panels for charging your Jakery Explorer series, ROCKPALS, Westinghouse, and other trusted power banks.
- Wireless charging pad
- Compact and dependable design
- Can connect to multiple devices
- No carrying handles
Verdict:
Best Portable Solar Panels: A Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide
If you are overwhelmed with the number of choices available in the market for the best quality solar panels then you are presumably at the right spot.
This is because getting your hands on the right solar panel is not an easy feat particularly when so many options for a single product and single wattage are available.
Buying Guide Of Best Portable Solar Panels – Infographics
To ensure that you get the right product with the right price tag, you need to make a comparison between the fine quality solar panels offered by different brands and then come up with the conclusion to decide which one is suitable or rather best for you.
Having a durable product is always a trade-off as you wouldn’t want to have a cheap product that can last you a few days over a long-lasting unit that will stand the test of time together with you.
Therefore, having a quality solar panel takes priority over having an affordable Solar Panel.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not asking you to have a high-end prestigious solar panel that requires you to break the bank but rather an efficient unit that is suitable for you.
I would say that having the balance between price upfront and performance efficiency should be the role of thumb.
Therefore, take our advice, and have a dig at our comprehensive buyer’s guide where you can find the basic technical info and essential features to determine the worth of any solar panel.
Why Do You Require Portable Solar Panels?
Solar panels are not only coming in different designs, shapes, colors, and wattages but they also differ in terms of their means of transportation.
If you are looking for home standby power backup tools then having heavy-duty solar panels that stand tall at their static locations may be a solution for you but when it comes to camping and outdoor adventures, heavy-duty heavyweight solar panels are not the answer.
You can have a top-notch solar panel with a skyrocketed price tag but if you can’t take it along you on your journeys it won’t be of any good to you.
Well, that’s great to have top-notch heavy-duty solar panels but having a wallet-friendly panel that fulfills all your demands is way better than a white elephant with only running cost and no efficiency.
We already talked about the balance between price and performance.
Therefore, don’t be surprised when we consider low-priced panels are not good enough for our selection of the best portable solar panels.
If you are taking a dig into solar chargers and camping accessories, having quality solar panels is an option with having a portable bank.
So, Let’s face it and see if a solar panel alone is of any use to you or not. keep in mind that this review article is only about the best solar panels and doesn’t take into account their counterpart portable power banks to determine their worth.
Things To Consider Before Buying The Best Portable Solar Panels:
Before heading for the final purchase of the desired solar panel that you have just selected from our selection of the best portable solar panels, be mindful of going through our buyer’s guide to determine what features and specs you want to have in your upcoming purchase.
The requirements of the best portable solar panel are not the same for all of our readers here and all of you need to specify individual needs so that a more dedicated and budget-friendly product can be accessed.
Below given are the essential queries that must pop up in your mind before finalizing your purchase.
You can consider these queries as ambiguities that you are going to clear by reading our review and deciding on your cutoffs for the best portable solar panels.
1. Size And Weight:
As we are interested only in portable solar panels the size is the basic and foremost consideration that buyers have to make.
Having a small-sized ultralight and foldable solar panel should be the priority.
Portable solar panels are meant to be carried in a backpack and in vehicles with your camping gear therefore, a foldable panel that can be easily stored and transported is the role thumb for campers and outdoor traveling activities.
Many small-sized solar panels have a heavyweight build which is due to the thin line coating and weather protection surfaces added one by one over the solar cell’s construction materials.
If you want to have the highest protection level then having a slightly overweight solar panel will be the result.
On the other hand, if you prioritize ultralight solar panels over heavyweight, you may end up compromising the protection and waterproofing specs.
Therefore, maintaining a balance between the two and having a lightweight solar panel with the necessary water and dust resistance is the solution for all your needs.
2. Charger Durability:
After deciding on the weight and size of your upcoming solar panel, you have to dig into some info about the durability and effectiveness of the upcoming purchase.
You can review the product description or read consumer reviews on the official webpage to have a view of the durability and lifespan of the product.
Typically, solar chargers are designed to last decades and even a cheap panel may be good enough for lasting you 20 to 25 years.
Despite that, you need to have sufficient information about the material of construction, design, drawbacks, and strengths of the product to make a decision about its worth.
3. Solar Panels Performance And Efficiency:
The performance of any product is undeniably the most significant consideration for its purchase besides the cost and possible budget of the consumer.
Having quality and dependable performance is the need and desire of everyone looking for a new product in the market and this search remains the same for solar panels.
Having reliable, versatile, and efficient performing solar panels is the all-in-one solution to all power needs.
If you want to enjoy the best performance of solar panels, having an efficient build with the highest energy conversion efficiency is the answer.
The common solar panels available in the market are generally classified into two categories. The Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline.
Monocrystalline solar panels are the highly efficient and best ones available in the market. The energy conversion rate of these solar cells is way higher than later ones.
Therefore, you can enjoy the best performance of solar panels by having a faster charging time and less drainage.
Monocrystalline solar panels are not only beat for their performance and efficiency but they are also very easy to clean.
You can use a wet cloth or wipes for keeping them clean without damaging any smooth solar cells.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What Is A Portable Solar Panel?
A portable solar panel is a unit that can be easily stored in your traveling backpack and can be easily carried to different places.
Many foldable and easy-to-carry solar panels are classified as portable owing to their ease of transportation and limited storage space demands.
2. How Do You Use Portable Solar Panels?
Portable solar panels can be used individually for directly powering your external batteries, and charging your road essentials like smartphones, laptops, cameras, and tablets.
Or you can connect these solar panels with portable power banks and then use the power bank output for charging your appliances and running them without grid power.
3. How Long Do Portable Solar Panels Last?
Typically, an average solar panel with not a very high price up-front will last you well enough for 20 to 25 years and you can them for an even longer duration provided the maintenance and care you have taken in handling and using them.
4. Are Portable Solar Panels Waterproof?
Yes, all portable solar panels are waterproof. The exact waterproofing rating may be different for all units but generally, all solar panels are water and dust-proof.
Some panels have protection against wind, overheating, extreme weather, and overcharging.
Final Words:
In this review, we have provided you with the 10 best portable solar panels available on the market. On the other hand, we have also compiled a comprehensive buyer’s guide for helping you pick 3 or 4 necessary considerations before buying a portable solar panel.
Having said that, I have tried out hundreds of efficient and versatile solar panels coming on the market, and come up with this detailed review having all the details about the best portable solar panels. I hope you can find your desired solar panel from among our selections so make sure to try any one of our mentioned picks. If you like to have a thorough understanding of solar panels and their working, be sure to read our comprehensive guide through the end.
Video Help:
If you have any confusion, please watch the below video.
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