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Portable solar panels are popular because they keep small electronics charged up when off the grid. When comparing the best portable solar panels available, most shoppers look for a long-lasting panel with a reliable charge and a convenient carrying package. We’ll analyze those features and more below. We compared the 100W version of each brand’s foldable solar panels to keep an even playing field between solar companies. However, these brands carry other wattages and often can connect more than one set of foldable panels for higher wattage. (i.e. You can connect two 100W foldable panels for a 200W output).
Best portable solar panels
- Renogy 100W Foldable Solar Suitcase
- Jackery SolarSaga 100W Solar Panel
- EcoFlow 110W Solar Panel
- Rockpals 100W Portable Solar Panel
- BLUETTI PV120 Solar Panels
Some of the best portable solar panels highlighted below are the same top-rated brands you will find in our list of the Best Solar Panels for RVs. Keep reading to find the perfect solar panels for your green energy travel needs.
The best small solar panels with a battery
Finding a small solar panel gives you a few options to create solar energy. You can find a low voltage portable solar panel, like 12v solar panels, folding solar panels, or mini solar panels. The cost of portable solar panels is significantly less than the cost of solar panels for your home. Most mobile solar panels are around 100 watts per panel. Portable solar panels can charge laptops, phones, tablets, and other small electronics. Sometimes, portable solar panels may be used when camping, hiking, or in an RV or van to provide power to necessary functions such as a small stove, water heater, refrigerator, and more.
Renogy 100W Foldable Solar Suitcase
The Renogy 100 Watt Foldable Solar Suitcase is a monocrystalline panel with a 19” x 27” footprint when folded. It has a 21% efficiency rating, a 25-year power output, and a 3-year material/workmanship warranty.
What we like: Renogy offers a super long warranty and a “30-day No Hassle” return policy.
Things to consider: This portable panel is by far the heaviest on this list, at more than double the weight of other models (due to the protective suitcase).
ROCKPALS 100W Portable Solar Panel
The Rockpals 100W foldable solar panel is a monocrystalline panel with high efficiency up to 23% and weighs 9.48 pounds. Plus, it folds to a slim 20” x 14” for storage. This portable solar panel kit also comes with 10 DC connectors (for compatibility with various solar generators), one MC4 cable (similar to an extension cord), a printed user guide, and a 24-month warranty.
What we like: Not only does this foldable solar panel come with a built-in kickstand for quicker charging, it also has the smallest folded footprint out of our five picks.
Things to consider: The specs on this panel say it is waterproof; however, the company still recommends not using it in the rain.
EcoFlow 110W Solar Panel
EcoFlow 110W is a monocrystalline solar panel with 22% efficiency. This portable panel is truly waterproof and can even be submerged in water up to three feet. The Ecoflow comes in a case with a built-in kickstand, similar to a tablet case. The panel weighs 13.2 pounds, has a 12-month warranty, and has a 16” x 20” folded footprint. EcoFlow also offers 60W, 160W, and 400W foldable solar panel models.
What we like: This panel is actually waterproof and submersible, unlike the other panels on our list that are merely water-resistant.
Things to consider: The EcoFlow has the shortest warranty and is the 2nd heaviest foldable panel on this list.
Jackery SolarSaga 100W Solar Panel
Another monocrystalline portable panel is the Jackery SolarSaga 100W Solar Panel. Like some of the other panels on our list, it maintains a high-efficiency rating of 23%, is water-resistant, and has a kickstand. Users report good charging capability even during cloud cover and like the zippered pockets to hold cables. The Jackery SolarSaga has a 24-month warranty and a 21” x 24” folded footprint.
What we like: Jackery is a trusted, award-winning brand in the solar industry.
Things to consider: The fragility of the panel was cited several times as an impediment to its functionality.
BLUETTI PV120 Solar Panels
The Bluetti PV120 Solar Panels has a kickstand that adjusts to three different angles and comes with an MC4 connector. (An MC4 connector functions like an extension cord. It’s not an essential component, but it’s convenient to have.) Its folded dimensions are 21” x 18.5” and weighs under 13 pounds. Bluetti is a relatively new company, founded in 2019; however, its founders have over a decade’s worth of experience in the energy industry.
What we like: The Bluetti portable solar panels charge well even in shady conditions.
Things to consider: These panels are the most expensive on our list.
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Best portable solar panels
| Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Foldable Solar Suitcase
| ROCKPALS 100W Portable Solar Panel | EcoFlow 110W Solar Panel | Jackery SolarSaga 100W Solar Panel
| BLUETTI PV120 Solar Panels |
|---|
| Cost*
| $213.39
| $189.98 | $249.00 | $299.00 | $399 |
| Efficiency | 21% | 23% | 22% | 23% | 23% |
| Weight | 27.05 lbs | 9.48 lbs | 13.2 lbs | 9.1 lbs | 12.57 lbs
|
| Warranty | 25-year power output warranty; 3-year material warranty
| 24-month
| 12-month
| 24-month
| 24-month
|
| Key feature
| Outstanding warranty
| Budget-friendly
| Truly waterproof
| Charges even on cloudy days | Amazing efficiency
|
*prices are accurate at the time of writing, some models were on sale. These prices are from the manufacturers’ website.
How to find the best mini solar panels
When buying portable solar battery chargers, there are seven key features that you want to compare and contrast across brands. Here’s what to look for in the best solar panels:
- Watts: Wattage is a measure of how much energy your panel can create. Watts can also be referred to as the capacity or power of the solar panels.
- Efficiency: Efficiency is related to watts because a panel with higher wattage will typically have higher efficiency. The most efficient solar panels have a higher percentage of sunlight the panel can turn into usable energy.
- Price: Prices for portable solar panels can range from under $100 to several hundred dollars. Higher wattage panels, portable panels with extra features, such as waterproofing, and systems with additional components, such as a solar charge controller, typically cost more.
- Portability: Weight and footprint are the two main components to consider when transporting portable solar panels. The footprint can refer to the size of the panels when they are folded or when extended.
- Charging time: How long the panels take to fully charge electronics, a solar battery, or a generator. This time is an estimate because it depends on weather and location. A solar panel in sunny Texas will likely charge faster than one on a rainy day in Maine.
- Type of panels: Solar panels can be monocrystalline or polycrystalline.
- Warranty: Read the solar warranty carefully to understand how long the parts, workmanship, and solar efficiency are guaranteed or covered.