The best portable solar panels today allow you to explore the outdoors and still enjoy the comfort of using your gadgets.
Gone are the days when photovoltaic cells were designed to stay in one place.
Many available solar panels are now lightweight but powerful enough to meet your needs.
You can just take your pick from many available options. The question is, how do you know which one is “The One?”
To help you make the right decision, here’s a closer look at some of today’s top models and brands.
Best Portable Solar Panels Reviews
Comparison Chart
1. Jackery SolarSaga 100W Portable Solar Panel
Jackery is one of the pioneers when it comes to harnessing the power of the sun using solar generators.
In the ten years since it started operating, it has become a top-selling brand known all over the world.
The SolarSaga 100W Solar Panel is the mid-tier model of three available solar panels.
It is a great option for people who need a portable panel for various outdoor activities.
Product Highlights
Jackery’s SolarSaga series is a favorite among online buyers, and the 100W variant is one of its bestsellers.
With all the features this panel offers, it is easy to see why many people like it.
- Easy to Set Up
The SolarSaga 100W Portable Solar Panel comes with two kickstands, allowing you to place it on any surface ground.
You can set it up and start capturing the sun’s power within seconds and with minimal effort.
Once you are done, just fold it up and load it in your RV, camper, or any other vehicle.
The TPE rubber handle will ensure you can carry it around easily to where you need to go.
- High Conversion Rate
The SolarSaga 100W Solar Panel is light and portable, but it is a heavyweight when it comes to power generation.
Its outer surface consists of monocrystalline silicon solar cells, which are known to produce more power for every square foot.
To give you a better idea, it is believed to be 23% more efficient than conventional solar panels at generating energy.
- Highly Durable Construction
The solar panel case is laminated with ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, a high-performing glass substitute.
What is more, there are zippers in the pocket that can hold and cover the ports or cords.
As for the panel itself, it has a resistance rating of IP65 and is designed to withstand water splashes from different directions.
Aside from its high moisture resistance, it is also protected from entering dust particles.
That said, do not leave the panel out in the rain or let it soak in water.
- Compatible With Jackery Explorer
Aside from solar panels, Jackery’s product lineup includes an impressive selection of power stations.
The SolarSaga 100W panel is compatible with many of them, from the Explorer 100 to the Explorer 1500.
However, you have to buy them separately.
What I Like
The SolarSaga 100W Portable Solar Panel has a lot going for it, but its wattage is the best thing about it.
It is one of the more powerful panels in its class and price point.
What I Don’t Like
There is not much we don’t like about the SolarSaga 100W except that it is not waterproof.
Pros:
- High power output
- Impressive conversion rate
- Has durable construction
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Not waterproof
- Slightly bulkier than other models
2. Ecoflow 60W Foldable Solar Panel
While Jackery is an industry pioneer, Ecoflow is relatively new to the solar panel game.
It was launched in 2017 by a group of battery engineers who wanted a better solution than outdated power sources.
Now, it has a wide range of portable power stations and solar panels.
The Ecoflow 60W Foldable Solar Panel is its entry-level model but one of its bestsellers.
Product Highlights
The Ecoflow 60W Solar Panel offers a sustainable way to generate much-needed power.
Here are some of its best features.
- High Conversion Efficiency
The sun is an inexhaustible energy source but is not always accessible during the day.
There will be times when bad weather or dark clouds will block its rays.
That is why solar panels need to convert light into energy efficiently.
The higher its conversion rate is, the more power it produces, even under not-so-ideal conditions.
The Ecoflow 60W Solar Panel gives you 21 to 22% conversion efficiency in cold or cloudy environments.
As long as the ambient conditions fall within the operation range, you can produce the maximum amount of power.
- Easy to Use
Ecoflow integrated several design elements into the 60W Foldable Solar Panel, making it easy to use.
One is the carrying case, which provides much-needed protection for the panel during transport.
What makes it unique is that it doubles as a kickstand that lets you set up the panel in different orientations.
In addition, you could also use it to connect different panels to get more power.
- Compact and Portable
This solar panel features a compact design and weighs only 8.8 lbs.
Even better, you can fold it up and load it into its carrying case.
It is a great backup power source for home emergencies, but it stands out most when used for outdoor activities.
It is very easy to carry around, wherever the road might take you.
What’s more, you can set it up within seconds and start capturing solar energy.
- Waterproof
The Ecoflow 60W Foldable Solar Panel sports a one-piece design that gives it a seamless exterior.
As a result, liquid particles could not penetrate it, making it fully waterproof.
On top of this, it has an EFTE film that provides added protection against the elements.
What I Like
What stands out the most about this foldable solar panel is that it is fully waterproof.
This feature will come in handy if it rains unexpectedly or you drop your panel in a puddle of water.
What I Don’t Like
Some users complain that the carrying case is a bit rickety as a stand.
If the wind is strong enough, it might knock your solar panel down.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Convenient to transport
- Fully waterproof
- Has high energy conversion
Con:
- Stand a bit flimsy
3. Rockpals 60W Foldable Solar Panel
Rockpals is a name that outdoor enthusiasts and adventure lovers know very well.
Founded in 2015, the American company is a global supplier of portable power solutions.
The 60W Foldable Solar Panel is one of its more popular offerings.
It is a great option for people who want to go solar and live a sustainable outdoor lifestyle.
Product Highlights
The Rockpals 60W Foldable Solar Panel is a budget-friendly product that offers exceptional performance.
- Fast Charging Capability
One thing that stands out about this solar panel is its capability to charge small electronic devices quickly.
It sports one USB QC 3.0 port that can charge smartphones, power banks, and other devices four times faster.
There is also a USB-C output, which is an industry-standard connector.
- High Conversion Efficiency
While this solar panel costs less than some brands, it can hold its own in terms of efficiency.
It can convert up to 23.5% of the solar energy that hits its panel into usable electricity.
At this level, it is better than most conventional panels and comparable to some of the best ones.
- Compatible With Other Brands
Some brands are selective when it comes to the power station that you can use with your control panel.
It can be a bit troublesome because it limits your choices.
The good thing about the Rockpals 60W Solar Panel is that you can use it with many other brands.
This includes the Jackery Explorer 160 and 240, Flashfish 200W and 300W, and PryMAX 300W power stations.
- Easy to Set Up
The Rockpals 60W Solar Panel comes in a foldable design that makes it convenient to carry.
It also has a built-in handle for easier transport.
There is a kickstand that you can use to prop the panel up and get the most out of the sun’s rays.
By adjusting its angle, you can increase the amount of sunlight it absorbs by 25% compared to when it’s lying flat.
- Durable Build
This product comes with an EFTE case and a carrying case made from durable Oxford cloth.
It is designed to extend the lifespan of the solar panel.
The panel itself is resistant to water splashes from different directions and has a rating of IPX4.
What I Like
This solar panel’s unique selling point is that you can use it with power stations of different brands.
This feature gives you much flexibility in terms of setting up your system.
What I Don’t Like
While this unit has a high water resistance rating, it is not fully waterproof.
It means that you could not let it soak in water.
Pros:
- Compatible with other brands
- Charges electronic devices fast
- Has high conversion efficiency
- Easy to set up
Con:
- Not fully waterproof
4. Jackery SolarSaga 60W Portable Solar Panel
The SolarSaga 60W Portable Solar Panel is another product from Jackery.
It is a smaller variant of the 100W model, which is equally popular among online buyers.
You should try this product if you’re looking for a lightweight power solution that you can take with you wherever you go.
Product Highlights
The 60W Solar Panel is smaller than the 100W model, but it has many advantages that make it a good buy.
- Easy to Carry
This panel weighs a measly 6.6 lbs, around the same weight as three liters of milk.
It folds in the middle and has a TPE rubber handle on either side.
You could pack it easily and set it up quickly, even by yourself.
It comes with a kickstand that allows you to adjust the angle for maximum performance.
- High Conversion Efficiency
Like the 100W model, the 60W Solar Panel uses monocrystalline silicon solar cells to capture the sun’s power.
It can convert 23% of the light that hits it into energy you can use on the go.
This rate is higher than what you usually see in conventional solar panels.
You can use it to charge an Explorer 160 or 240 in 4.5 to 6.5 hours.
It will come in handy during camping trips or power outages at home.
- Durable Build
The solar panel has a rating of IP65, which means that it is safe from low-pressure water jets and dust particles.
A highly durable EFTE-laminated case adds another layer of protection, extending the service life of the solar panel.
There are pockets where you can store the power cords safely.
They also provide cover for the power port.
That said, you should not leave the panel out in the rain since the unit is not fully waterproof.
- Charge Two Devices at Once
The 60W Portable Solar Panel comes with one USB-C port, which is an industry-standard connector.
It also has one USB-A type connector, so you can charge other types of devices as well.
What I Like
The Jackery 60W Solar Panel has a lot of great features, but what we like the most is its portability.
It is a lightweight panel that is easy to carry around wherever you want to go.
What I Don’t Like
Like the 100W model, the 60W Portable Solar Panel is not fully waterproof.
So while it can resist splashes of water, it won’t be able to survive being soaked or left out in the rain.
Pros:
- Easy to transport
- Has a high conversion rate
- Very durable
- Great value for money
Con:
- Not fully waterproof
5. Renogy 100W Portable Solar Panel
Renogy is a company that has been helping people gain energy independence since 2010.
It has a wide array of power solutions, from deep cycle batteries to inverters to home power equipment.
The 100W Portable Solar Panel is a mid-tier product from its extensive selection of solar panels.
If you are looking for a panel that can power multiple devices, this product is for you.
Product Highlights
The Renogy 100W Portable Solar Panel has you covered when you want to go off-grid.
Here’s how:
- High Module Efficiency
What makes this panel stand out is that it uses grade A+ solar cells, which consist of elements of the highest quality.
They do not have cracks, chips, and other flaws that could diminish their efficiency.
In addition, Renogy uses multilayered sheet laminations that enhance the performance and durability of the cells.
- Easy to Use
This Renogy product is easy to use, which is a hallmark of a good portable solar panel.
It folds into a suitcase that you can carry around with minimal effort.
You could also store it in a small gap in your RV or van as it does not take up much space.
Even better, you can use it to charge any power station that accepts a 24.3V, 100W DC input.
- Quick and Convenient Set-Up
This unit comes with a kickstand that you can adjust at small angles.
With this feature, you can find the best position for your panel to absorb sunlight.
This much flexibility helps ensure that you always get enough energy.
- Fully Waterproof
The Renogy Solar Panel comes in two pieces, both of which consist of monocrystalline solar cells.
They are rated IP66, meaning they can withstand rain, falling snow, or hose-directed water.
That said, it is not designed to be soaked or submerged.
- Expandable Power
If you need more juice for your devices, you can hook this solar panel to other panels of the same specs.
However, note that you must use a charge controller appropriate for the system.
What I Like
This solar panel is efficient, waterproof, easy to use, and has many other good qualities.
However, what we like most about it is that you can easily hook it up to other panels to expand your system.
What I Don’t Like
The Renogy 100W Portable Solar Panel is rated waterproof but not designed to be submerged in water.
Pros:
- Efficient at converting energy
- Easy to use
- Quick to set up
- Expandable power
Con:
- Could not be submerged
Buyer’s Guide
When choosing a generator, you don’t have to know much about electronic equipment.
Controls are pretty straightforward, and user manuals are almost always readily available online if a purchased device does not have an instruction kit.
However, if you want to find the best portable solar panels today, there are a few things that you need to consider:
Size and Weight
A portable panel has to be light and compact.
You should be able to fold it up and easily find a place for it in your vehicle or home.
Note that most brands use an ergonomic handle to make transport more convenient.
Efficiency Rating
Once you have the weight and dimensions covered, the next thing to consider is the efficiency rating.
This feature will determine its ability to convert sunlight into usable power.
The higher it is, the better.
However, note the more efficient a panel, the more expensive it is likely to be.
Power Output
The solar panel’s power output determines the maximum power it can produce under ideal conditions.
It largely depends on whether the panel uses monocrystalline, polycrystalline, or thin-film solar cells.
Charging Capability
Another thing that you need to consider is what types of devices you can charge with the solar panel.
You should also look at how many and types of ports it has.
Portable Solar Panels FAQs
1. How long are portable solar panels supposed to last?
You can expect portable solar panels to last anywhere between 25 and 30 years.
Of course, this estimate is based on the condition that you care for your panel properly.
2. Can I run my refrigerator with my solar panel?
It depends on how much power your refrigerator needs and how much your solar panels can produce.
Always match the supply output with the required wattage and voltage.
3. Do solar panels drain batteries during nighttime?
The best brands and models would not drain the charge of your batteries at night.
If your panel does, there is a good chance that its blocking or bypass diodes are defective.
4. Where does the power go when the battery is full?
Once the batteries are fully charged, the controller sends most of the electricity into the inverter.
5. Is it possible to overcharge a battery with a solar panel?
Yes, especially if your system does not have a charge controller.
Which Portable Solar Panel Is Best For You?
The Jackery SolarSaga 100W is a bit expensive, but if you can afford it, it offers the most value for your money.
It can provide a lot of power, has a high conversion rate, and is easy to use.
If you are looking for a more cost-effective alternative, try the SolarSaga 60W.
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