Best Portable Solar Panels for Camping
Are you looking to go green while camping? One way to do that is by using solar energy!
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Portable solar panels are a great option for those who like to camp, RV, or travel.
Not only do they provide renewable energy, but they’re also quiet and eco-friendly. We’ll take a look at some of the best portable solar panels on the market here.
4 of the Best Portable Solar Panels for Camping
Comparing Portable Solar Panels for Camping
| Style | Weight | Dimensions LxWxH | Efficiency | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline |
 
|
26.6lbs | 24.8 x 20 x 2.8 inches | High |
| DOKIO 160W 18V Portable Solar Panel Kit |
 
|
9lbs | 21 x 19 x 0.9 inches | High |
| ROCKPALS SP003 100W Foldable Solar Panel |
 
|
5.1lbs | 14.2 x 20.5 x 2.6 inches | High |
| 100W ETFE Portable Solar Panels |
 
|
8.8lbs | 17.7 x 11.2 x 5.9 inches | High |
Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Off Grid Portable Foldable 2Pcs 50W
The Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Off Grid kit includes everything you need to get started, including a 100W solar suitcase, a 20A waterproof charge controller, sizable cord, and alligator clips.
It is very easy to setup and use.
The solar suitcase is made with durable, high-quality monocrystalline solar cells that are designed for optimum efficiency.
It features smart PWM technology charge controller which ensures maximum charging efficiency and safety.
The product is also fairly light at just under 30 LB, making it easy to carry with you wherever you go. Plus, the included carrying case helps keep your solar panel quite well protected.
This powerful little solar panel is perfect for camping, boating, and RVing, or for use as a backup power source on the go as well as in your home. The setup is quick and easy – simply unzip the case, fold open the panels, and connect the leads/alligator clips to the battery.
Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline comes with foldable legs which help point the panels directly at the sun for maximum solar capture.
It comes with the handle attached, so you can easily carry it with you wherever you go.
This rugged solar panel is designed to stand up to the elements, and it is also waterproof.
One downside – If the panel is damaged, apparently, it cannot be repaired without replacing the entire unit. And Renogy support turned out not to be so quality one… They’re sometimes non responsive and even if you get in touch with them you might get misinformed as there were cases when that happened to a number of users.
Talking about the unit in whole, this solar panel is slightly larger than regular 100w panels when unfolded, which helps you get a little extra power without worrying about the weight of it. However, being almost perfect for camping, it’s definitely not the choice for cycling or trekking.
Solar panels and their efficiency is always under questioning – Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline is said to generate 100 watts while the actual power it generates is 80 to 90 watts on a sunny day – still, plenty of power to keep your devices charged! However, not quite as rated.
The plus is, it comes with the built-in controller with digital readout which makes it super easy to monitor your energy output. This feature enables you to compare the positions and outputs and keep your panel always at its max capacity. The controller works quite well and is proven to be a practical feature, no overheating or any issues reported so far.
A nice option for camping for days! Keep it in a sunny spot and enjoy 🙂
DOKIO 160W 18V Portable Solar Panel Kit (ONLY 0.9in Thick) Folding Solar Charger
DOKIO 160W Portable Solar Panel Kit is lightweight and foldable but it is also a very strong one – features a 160W max power output and comes with a handy carrying case for easy transport.
Many users have tested this model and it appears that DOKIO 160W Portable Solar Panel Kit mostly reached the 140 Watt output with ease, on sunny days. That’s already something!
You can have your car battery full to the top and keep a number of batteries running smoothly throughout your road tripping, RV-ing or camping for many days.
Plus, it’s only 0.9in thick – so it’s practical, light, and easy to store in small spaces.
It comes at an affordable price which is a nice deal for an off-grid, portable 160W output.
DOKIO 160W Portable Solar Panel Kit comes with a PWM controller to prevent overcharging, as well as an adapter cable for compatibility with a wide range of devices.
One downside to it may be the controller – The 10A PWM controller, which might not be just what this product needs – the larger panels might do best without the controllers or having a real quality one. This one, reportedly, poses the risk of overheating.
Although we’ve seen no cases where it actually melted so it’s not the end of the world, it can be just a little bit hot around that one.
DOKIO 160W Portable Solar Panel Kit can provide a ton of energy which makes it a good choice for campers.
ROCKPALS SP003 100W Foldable Solar Panel for Solar Generator and USB Devices
ROCKPALS SP003 100W Foldable Solar Panel charges the devices quickly and safely.
Smart Charging Technology provides the perfect current and voltage for your device, while its water-resistant and durable design ensures your panel can withstand any environment.
You know that old saying, “life’s a journey, not a destination?” Well, the same goes for your solar panel. Sure, you could buy one that’s bulky and difficult to transport–or you could get the ROCKPALS SP003 100W Foldable Solar Panel. This bad boy easily folds up into fourths so you can take it with you wherever you go.
With many different interchangeable plugs, this panel can be easily plugged into whatever equipment you might have.
ROCKPALS SP003 100W Foldable Solar Panel can capture solar input even on cloudy days, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable power source.
There is a downside. The ROCKPALS SP003 100W Foldable Solar Panel has no prop-up legs so you may end up with some alternatives or making a stand for it… Not perfect but that’s why this panel is both lightweight and powerful!
100W ETFE Portable Solar Panels, BigBlue Folding Slim
100W ETFE Portable Solar Panel from BigBlue is durable and can withstand the nature’s elements.
It can fit in small narrow spaces and provides a good amount of energy.
This portable solar panel is perfect for those who want to charge their devices quickly and efficiently, as it features both USB and 60W Type-C charging ports. Additionally, 100W ETFE Portable Solar Panel from BigBlue is also waterproof… to some extent.
Yes, we’ve seen some minor flaws where the fabric and the panels come together, as the glue isn’t perfect in all instances. But again, that’s minor. The panel itself is pretty much safe to us in the not-so-heavy rain.
This panel is made with ETFE, (Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) which makes it super lightweight and easy to carry with you on the go.
100W ETFE Portable Solar Panel from BigBlue is equipped with soldered leads on the battery clips, so you can easily attach it to your gear.
However, we did find some issues with this panel:First, these leads on the battery clips can become a bit loose after some time. Second, the emits a lot of RF noise across the radio spectrum, which can be disruptive if you’re trying to use radios or other communication devices near it.
The BigBlue sturdy panel is still perfect for those who want to be able to rely on their solar panel, no matter what because it is proven to be built to last.
If you’re looking for a portable solar panel that can be used at home or on the go, we’ve got you covered. We’ve rounded up four of our favorites and provided ordering information so you can get started using the sun’s power to your advantage.
Before buying one, think twice, and once you have your solar pal have fun exploring all the possibilities solar energy has to offer!