Going camping is amazing and every time brings a new experience. But never forget that at any time it is possible for your device to run out of juice putting you in trouble. When a portable power bank could not work as expected, you definitely need a portable solar panel for camping.
Like to know the 15 best portable solar panels for camping, here we go.
- Goal Zero Nomad 5 Solar Panel
- Renogy 200 Watt Monocrystalline Foldable Solar
- Wissblue Foldable Solar Panel
- Goal Zero Nomad 100 Solar Panel
- Wilderness Systems Solar Panels
- Big Blue Slim Solar Panel
- Renogy 50 Watt Flexible
- Hiluckey Outdoor Portable Solar Charger
- Nekteck Portable Solar Panel Charger
- Powertraveller Falcon 21 Solar Panel
- BioLite SolarPanel 5+
- Jackery SolarSaga 60W Solar Panel for Explorer
- Goal Zero Nomad 28 Plus Solar Panel
- ACOPOWER 120W Portable Camping Solar Panel
- SUAOKI 80W Camping Solar Panel
With the best portable solar panels for camping, you can enjoy the real freedom of the great outdoors keeping away the worries about your camping devices running out of life. No matter it is your stove, electronics, or lights that need power, portable solar panels can bring help to achieve the luxury you expect when outdoors.
Just as with every other thing, picking the right one from the best portable solar panels for camping can be difficult with various features. Make sure you check,
Compactness: Find the right solar panel that can fold down smaller making you comfortable when carrying
Lightweight: Try out the panels that are most practical for backpacking with minimal weight
Power output: Think about the devices you need to have charged and where you will need power when camping and decide the right, sufficient power output
The blend of efficiency and overall value can make a perfect portable solar panel for your outdoor needs. Here we are assembling a list of the best in the market to work for you in different situations.
Goal Zero Nomad 5 Solar Panel
- Rated Wattage: 5 Watts
- Weight: 12.7 oz/ 360 g
- Dimensions: 9.5 x 7 x 1.1 in.
- Price: $59.95
Goal Zero Nomad 5 Solar Panel is a perfect companion for you to stay powered up when outdoors. This is a simple yet durable portable solar panel to have for charging small electronics. You find this a compact design to take anywhere easily and its rugged, water-resistant frame works well in almost all environments.
This monocrystalline solar panel is easy to position thanks to its built-in kickstand. With only 5 watts output, this is only recommended for charging your small electronics. You can use its built-in charging dock to keep your mobile, Laptop, headphone, or any smaller electronic charged up.
Product highlights:
- Lightweight and compact model
- Provides 5-watts of monocrystalline
- Features its own kickstand and USB charging dock for convenient use
- Budget-friendly option
- Durable water-resistant frame
- Lower power output only works to charge small devices
Renogy 200 Watt Monocrystalline Foldable Solar
- Rated Wattage: 200 Watts
- Weight: 43.5 lbs/ 19.7 kg
- Dimensions: 35.6 x 25.9 x 3.1 in.
- Price: $339.50
If you expect extreme power output in a portable power solution, Renogy 200 Watt Monocrystalline Foldable Solar is an ideal option. With 200-watt power output, this is perfect to operate an RV, boat’s fittings, and charging ports. And this is easy to carry and use with its unique briefcase-like design which is foldable design and with a handle.
This monocrystalline portable solar panel features a corrosion-resistant aluminum stand that is flexible to set to different angles. So it can be positioned in relation to the sun to absorb the highest maximum sun rays.
Also, this portable solar panel has a built-in charge controller charge that can stop automatically when the battery of the device has got its storage volume. That comes with a bold LCD display to help with a look over the operating information. This is a very important feature that prevents your devices and gadgets from getting overcharged and leaving no chance for a fire.
Product highlights:
- Unique briefcase design for safe portability
- Durable handle
- 200 watts high power output to operate RV, boat’s accessories, and charging ports
- Advanced charge controller with LCD display
- Offers overcharge protection
- Adaptable, corrosion-resistant aluminum stand
Wissblue Foldable Solar Panel
- Rated Wattage: 60 Watts
- Weight: 21.0oz / 595g
- Dimensions: 11.0 x 22.0 x 0.3 in.
- Price: $229.99
Wissblue Foldable Solar Panel is a perfect option for your outdoor use to charge up your mobile, Laptop or even camping generators. With 60 watts of power output, it uses fast charging technology, converting smart IC chips to smartly identify the device and boost the charging speed. And it prevents overcharging.
You find this in a foldable design that folds up to a small packed size for easy transport. And this 4-panel design can attach to the outside of a tent to charge your devices while camping with no extra space needed. For additional convenience, this portable solar panel comes with differently sized connectors to charge devices or generators via USB or DC. And being water-resistant it survives all weather conditions making it a welcoming piece of gear wherever you plan to adventure outdoors.
Product highlights:
- 60 watts power output for different uses including charging generators
- Fast charging technology
- Foldable design that is easy to carry
- Prevents overcharging with advanced techniques
- Designed with multiple connectors
- Water-resistant but electronic junction box is not (make sure it is dry)
Goal Zero Nomad 100 Solar Panel
- Rated Wattage: 100 Watts
- Weight: 10.2 lbs/ 4.6 kg
- Dimensions: 20.5 x 59.5 x 1 in.
- Price: $399.95
Goal Zero Nomad is the popular name for bringing the best portable solar panels for camping and Goal Zero Nomad 100 Solar Panel is one at the top. This foldable, lightweight, and weatherproof solar panel puts 100 watts and comes as a middle-sized model. Coming in a compact and rugged packing it provides the maximum protection to 4 monocrystalline panels. And the attachments loops add more value to the package allowing it to be hanged anywhere. Also, it has a mesh to store the cables and ports.
With support to the APP 4x8mm combiner cable, it can be united with up to 4 Nomad 100 to absorb the maximum energy from the sun. And worth to be said that it is best to pair it with Goal Zero Yeti portable power station.
With the ability to fold down small, it is known as a compact and highly portable model in the market today. It is a value purchase for its price and perfect for mobile base camping and especially with off-grid applications of Goal Zero.
Product highlights:
- High power output up to 100 watts
- Foldable design that is lightweight and portable
- Chainable with numerous other solar panels
- A weatherproof and a good option for any weather
- Durable packing
Wilderness Systems Solar Panels
- Rated Wattage: 8 Watts
- Weight: 19.2oz / 544g
- Dimensions: 16.2x 1.0 x 9.0 in.
- Price: $79.99
Wilderness Systems Solar Panels is a solid option if you are looking for a foldable design that saves space for you and works efficiently in remote environments. This is a waterproof, rigid, foldable solar panel with 8 watts output featuring two monocrystalline panels.
This has been developed for kayaking trips making the panels fully water-resistant and covered with a nylon casing. It includes 4 bungee ball attachment tethers to lock the panels to kayak, tent, or backpack. Adding more value to the product it comes with a built-in charging meter to keep track of the battery levels of the devices. Taking 8 watts of peak power output and one USB output this is ideal for charging your small devices while camping, paddling, or even hiking.
Product highlights:
- Fully water-resistant and perfect for Kayaking and wet environments
- Number of attachment options with straps
- Single USB port included
- Circuitry structures protection to prevent overcharging
- Foldable, compact design
- Budget-friendly option
Big Blue Slim Solar Panel
- Rated Wattage: 24 Watts
- Weight: 26.6oz / 754g
- Dimensions: 27.4x 11.2 x 0.1 in.
- Price: $59.96
If you are thinking about a lightweight and slim design when choosing a sun power solar panel, Big Blue Slim Solar Panel is a great option for a cheap price tag. This is specially made to avoid bulk yet providing maximum energy output thinking about the best portability in mind. The set of panels is only a minuscule 0.08” /2cm thick making it a super-slim model making it best for hiking, climbing, camping, or for any outdoor doing.
Here it uses exclusive smart IC Technology providing triple USB ports to offer maximum charging productivity. By recognizing the device, it can optimize the charging speed providing the best voltage.
You find Big Blue Slim Solar panel with IPX4 rating standing for a fine waterproof level to nicely handle splashes of water with no damage. So if you are planning to camp somewhere moist is inevitable, you can make this your companion to stay energized for your devices.
Product highlights:
- Ultra-slim design with 24 Watts output
- Advanced charging technology can automatically provide the best energy output to devices
- Extremely compact to carry and store
- Only direct charging and no power storage
- Three useful USB ports are included
Renogy 50 Watt Flexible
- Rated Wattage: 50 Watts
- Weight: 2.87lbs/ 1.3 kg
- Dimensions: 26.5 x 20.0 x 0.16 in
- Price: $109.99
Renogy 50 Watt Flexible solar panel is a perfect option for boats, camping, and RV being easy to transport, install and remove. The best advantage of it comes on curved surfaces where most of the models are in fixed mounting structures. And with advanced polymer materials, it is 70% less weighty than most of the other models making this an ideal lightweight portable solar panel for camping.
By designed to survive extreme wind of up to 2400 PA and up to 5400 PA snow loads, this can be recognized as a highly durable solar panel. Adding more value, it comes with a waterproof junction box and guarantees high solar power absorbency through the transparent dots on its surface.
Product highlights:
- 248 Degree Arc to work on curved surfaces
- Waterproof junction box
- Lightweight, slim design for high portability
- Durable and resist 2400 PA of wind and snow loads up to 5400 PA
- Designed with transparent dots on the surface to high solar power absorbency
Hiluckey Outdoor Portable Solar Charger
- Rated Wattage: 5 Watts
- Weight: 1.3 lbs/ 589 g
- Dimensions: 6.1 x 3.4 x 1.4 in
- Price: $46.99
To get all power that you need for your trip, Hiluckey Outdoor Portable Solar Charger is a perfect option that can be easily attached to your backpack. With the built-in 25,000mAh Li-polymer battery, you can keep all your devices charged even multiple times a day. And being lightweight, it is one of the most welcomed camping gears for backpackers.
This is coming in a 4 foldable solar panel design with high-efficiency up to 1A input current under sunlight. Comparatively, this is 4 to 6 times quicker than other solar panels in the market. And you can alternatively use a micro USB cable for charging and features dual USB with 2.1A output.
Additionally, this comes with a built-in LED flashlight with SOS mode making it also useful for any emergencies when outdoors. And even if you have forgotten to pack your camping headlamps, Hiluckey Outdoor Portable Solar Charger will work for you as needed.
Product highlights:
- High capacity built-in 25000mAh Li-polymer battery
- 4 foldable solar panels design
- Lightweight and highly portable
- Dual USB outputs (2.1A)
- Fixed LED flashlight with SOS mode
- Best for outdoor being shock, dust and waterproof
Nekteck Portable Solar Panel Charger
- Rated Wattage: 21 Watts
- Weight: 1.13 lbs/ 512 g
- Dimensions: 26.3 x 11.1 x 1.06 in.
- Price: $45.99
Nekteck Portable Solar Panel Charger is made of high-efficiency 3 monocrystalline solar panels to provide up to 3 amps. Its use of advanced Smart IC Chip Technology makes it worthier allowing easy detection of electronic devices connected to the USB ports. This makes two phones charging fast at the same time with guaranteed safe conditions. And here it ensures the stoppage of overheating. For the two USB devices to connect at once you can even include two different ones like Apple and Samsung.
This is made of lightweight yet durable canvas material that can fold up to small with a perfect fit in a backpack. And it is resistant to both water and dust with its PET polymer cover. With 21%-24% of conversion efficiency, this is an excellent solar panel charger for your camping, backpacking, or any outdoor trip to keep your small devices charged to the full.
Product highlights:
- Made of three monocrystalline solar panels
- Smart IC Chip Technology for faster charging two phones at once
- Lightweight and portable
- Durable design resistant to water and dust
- Overcharge prevention
- High value for its price
Powertraveller Falcon 21 Solar Panel
- Rated Wattage: 21 Watts
- Weight: 16.6oz / 470g
- Dimensions: 26.2 x 11.0 x 0.1 in.
- Price: $121.99
If portability is your main consideration, Powertraveller Falcon 21 Solar Panel is an amazing option to take with your backcountry trips. Providing a decent amount of power output can keep your devices charged up. And comes in a rugged polyester frame it adds more durability. The powerful monocrystalline photovoltaic cells are right enough to power up any from Laptop to GoPro.
This lightweight, the foldable solar panel is ideal for backpacking which has especial four metal eyelets for easier attaching. So even when you are hiking you can have this lightweight solar panel attached to keep your mobile, Laptop, or any charged. And with a USB and a DV outlet in the panel, you can charge two devices simultaneously for their highest efficiency. And rated IPX4, it is water-resistant and can hold out light rain.
Product highlights:
- Highly portable and lightweight
- Foldable solar panel for easy storing
- Can charge two devices at once with the USB and DV outlets
- Can easily attach with metal eyelets
- Water-resistant with IPX4
- Only direct charging with solar power and no power storage
BioLite SolarPanel 5+
- Rated Wattage: 10 Watts
- Weight: 13.8oz / 391g
- Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.2 x 1.0 in.
- Price: $80.93
BioLite SolarPanel 5+ is a smart option to get maximum off-grid energy to your gear thanks to its optimal sun system. This is designed for easy to use having simplicity in priority. Among many foldable designs in the market today, this takes eyes being a single metal bar panel to serves as a 360º aluminum stand. So you can easily position it to get the maximum sunlight to get your smaller electronics effectively charged up. With 10 watts energy output it can charge your mobile, tablets, headphones, and headlamps like gadgets.
The included lithium-ion battery of this simple solar panel can stock up to 8 watt-hours of power. With only 2.2 hours you can fully charge it or if you like to directly charge via the USB of the panel when the sun is full.
Product highlights:
- Easy and simple design with a stand
- Integrated battery to store energy or can charge up directly through panel’s USB port
- Suitable only to charge up smaller electronics
- Comes in a single metal bar design
- Ultra-slim high-efficient monocrystalline solar panel
Jackery SolarSaga 60W Solar Panel for Explorer
- Rated Wattage: 60 Watts
- Weight: 6.6 lbs/ 3 kg
- Dimensions: 22 x 18.5 x 2.5 in.
- Price: $179.99
Jackery SolarSaga 60W Solar Panel is made of durable ETFE paneling comes with a power cable included to easily charge portable battery packs and power stations. The included extension cord and the adapter come in a USB-C port and a USB-A port allowing you to charge two small devices simultaneously. You can find the cords are in a small separate bag for convenient carrying.
Its foldable design is supported with a TPE rubber handle making it a briefcase-style solar panel that is easy to transport. The kickstand built-in is flexible to set up on any surface to make it easily absorb the highest sun power.
The ETFE-laminated case of this solar panel is durable and rated IP65 water-resistant. Therefore, it is safe from water splashing making it good for any weather camping.
Product highlights:
- Foldable designed portable solar panel
- Can charge 2 small devices at once with USB-C and USB-A ports
- Easy to carry with built-in rubber handles
- Rated IP65 water-resistant
- Built-in kickstand for easy positioning
Goal Zero Nomad 28 Plus Solar Panel
- Rated Wattage: 28 Watts
- Weight: 48.0oz / 1.4kg
- Dimensions: 12.1 x 31.6 x 0.1 in.
- Price: $ 249.95
Goal Zero Nomad 28 Plus Solar Panel is a very proficient power source to use outdoors which is a kit of 4 connected panels. Each panel provides 7 Watts brings 28 Watts solid power totally. This is sufficiently powerful to charge mobile phones, Laptops, Tablets, and also power packs.
The use of Auto Restart technology in this solar panel allows your devices to directly charge from the solar power. And here the panels’ LED indicator will display the strength of the current solar conditions present also providing information about charging speed.
This foldable solar panel is supported with a removable kickstand to easily position it to absorb maximum solar energy. And being a completely waterproof design you can take it in any weather including wet weather environments.
Product highlights:
- Completely waterproof safe in any environment including wet weather
- Best sun angle with the detachable kickstand
- Foldable design with 4 -Watts panels together
- Get charging information and speed with an LED indicator
- Slightly heavy model in the market
- Auto-restart feature
ACOPOWER 120W Portable Camping Solar Panel
- Rated Wattage: 120 Watts
- Weight: 8.4 lbs/ 3.8 kg
- Dimensions: 23.7 x 18.19 x 1.89 in.
- Price: $372.00
ACOPOWER 120W Portable Camping Solar Panel is coming from a reputed company that is wholly involved to provide portable power for camping. With 120 Watts of energy output, this is a must to include in the best portable solar panels for camping which is noted for its lightweight and compact design. Made of the most efficient monocrystalline cells it has a high conversion efficiency of up to 25%.
This foldable model is inspired by suitcase design and comes in a good weight compared to similar wattage-rated models. And its 10 A LCD Charge Controller features two 5V USB ports and MC4 connector cables for charging an external battery (that sold separately) at 12V safely.
Mounting the solar panels and connecting with gadgets is easy and takes seconds with its pre-wired ready-for connection structure. This is a Velcro design featuring three standing legs to position it best for the highest sun exposure.
Product highlights:
- One minute easy set up with Velcro design opening
- Include a pocket for holding your accessories
- High conversion efficiency up to 25%
- High portability and lightweight suitcase design
- Waterproof fabric and cell surface making it best for outdoors
SUAOKI 80W Camping Solar Panel
- Rated Wattage: 80 Watts
- Weight: 8.88 lbs/ 4 kg
- Dimensions: 18.3 x 15.1 x 2.9 in.
- Price: $227.89
SUAOKI 80W Camping Solar Panel is one of the most popular camping gadget providers in the market with the right build quality and efficiency. This foldable product comes with interesting features including SAE and DC cables for energy storage devices changing it from ordinary foldable panels. And thinking about easy transport, it is coming in briefcase design at the same time having 5V USB port and 18V DC dual output for high charging USB devices. Its 10-in-1 connector comes in handy with different connection ports to add more value to the product.
One of the best features of this amazing portable camping solar panel is its built-in smart TIR-C technology for the USB ports. Here it finds the current of the connected gear and will fasten the charging procedure. And here, it ensures the protection from overcharge, overload, and overcurrent. You can find this a perfect companion to take with hiking, climbing, camping, or any outdoor trip with its high durability.
Product highlights:
- Made for best outdoor use with durable cloth, PET material, and zipper
- Maximum charging with TIR-C technology
- 10-in-1 connector to fit with any Laptop
- Includes 18V DC dual output and 5V USB
- SAE and DC cables for energy storage
Best Portable Solar Panels for Camping- Buying Guide
Buying a portable solar panel is not easy if you do not know what areas are important to look at. Therefore, it is critical to have all information to decide the pick the right one that works for you.
Power Output
Power outputs of solar panels are measured in watts and different models are of different power outputs. This is important to consider deciding what you can charge with it and how fast. Different devices require different wattages and make sure you check gear specifications before you are going to buy your camping solar panel.
Roughly these are different wattages you need for charging the devices as follows,
- Mobile phones, lights, or GPS (Small size): 2 to 6 watts
- Tablets, DSLR, or Laptops (Medium size): 6 to 30 watts
- Televisions (Large size): 50 to 100 watts
- Small fridge (Heavy-duty): 700 to 2,200 watts
Dimensions (Unfolded surface area)
The amount of energy a solar panel can produce directly relates to its unfolded surface area. Solar panels are made of numerous photovoltaic cells which is the main technique here absorbs the sun’s energy. There, more surface area means more photovoltaic cells. If you are not restricted with surface area, choosing a larger one is a wise choice to charge more devices.
Energy Storage of Solar Panels
Mainly, there are two options when it comes to portable solar panels. Some are just panels and some are with power storage facilities with built-in batteries.
Solar panels with energy storage are more effective as they allow you to charge devices with stored energy even when it is not sunny outside. Think like you need to charge up your devices at night, these portable solar panels are worth enough. And even in unpredictable weather at the campsite, you can keep your devices and gear charged up sufficiently.
Only solar panels options are not always worth enough as charging directly from the sun is not always working. When the sun’s energy tends to change often, these only solar panel models are not supporting and better look for an option with a built-in battery.
Number of ports
Different portable solar panels for camping are of a different number of ports. In general, 2 or 3 ports are sufficient and there are some models in the market today providing multiple ports to charge to multiple devices at once. If you are thinking about only the solar panel option to charge your devices directly from the sun, having multiple ports are very useful.
Together, think about a solar panel that has a variety of ports like USB and DC ports. These are useful if you are planning to charge more than just your mobile and by having outlets and connector cables in your solar panel you can use solar generators to preserve energy for a longer.
Size and weight of the Solar Panel
Most of the best portable solar panels for camping today are portable and lightweight as a support to the user. If you are looking for a solar panel for backpacking purposes, think about the minimal weight and its high portability.
If it is a portable solar panel that can be folded, it can fold down small for a fitting size. And there are suitcase-designed models in the market with attached durable handles thinking about your ease of transport. But if you are not restricted with weight or size as a car camper, you are free to choose any model that even exceeds 3-4 kgs.
Durability
As solar panels are made to use outdoors, they should be built of the right quality to withstand different weather conditions. Most of the portable solar panels for camping are made of durable materials with thick polyester fabric.
Just as much as thinking about the protection over the delicate photovoltaic cells you should think about the water-resistant ratings. If you want your solar panel to use for a long with no change even in wet environments, think about a water-resistant model to prevent possible damaged. Waterproofing is essential to make the right use of this expensive gadget.
Find the best portable solar panels for camping and never run out of power!
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