Whether you are planning a road trip, sailing adventure, beach vacation, or camping trip, keeping electronic devices charged in remote areas can be challenging. Solar energy is an excellent environmental choice that allows you to stay energized during the journey, but traditional panels are bulky and designed to be fixed in one place.
However, there are now a large number of portable solar panels available, they are lightweight, powerful, and can withstand various factors. They are also compact enough that you can store them in case of an emergency power failure.
We have classified various products to find the best portable solar panels.
Best recommendation: ITEHIL LiFePO4 Solar Generator 500W
ITEHIL LiFePO4 Solar Generator 500W is a combination of 100W solar panel and 500W solar generator. The panel is made of monocrystalline silicon, which is the solar panel with the highest conversion rate on the market. Moreover, its small size does not take up space. The 100W solar panel is 20.47*14.17*1.97 ins when folded and 67.52*20.47*1.18 ins when unfolded. It is very efficient even in low-light areas or cloudy days. The package also includes a 500W Solar Generator, LiFePO4 Solar Generator is a LiFePO4 Solar Generator composed of LiFePO4 battery pack, also known as LiFePO4 power station.
ITEHIL LiFePO4 Solar Generator 500W can be purchased with or without solar generator, it is best to combine with solar generator to achieve a complete off-grid package. Carry it when you go out, don’t be afraid to use electricity, you can charge it anytime, anywhere.
The best solar kit with solar generator: Jackery Solar Generator 500 (Jackery 500 + SolarSaga 100W)
If you are interested in solar panels for travel but also need a battery charging station, then Jackery Power Outdoors is a leader in the field of off-grid power. The solar generator SG550 is equipped with a 100W panel, which can be folded and closed, and can be easily carried with the handle.
The 500-watt continuous output power of the power station can charge a laptop at least seven times before it needs to be charged. The panel also has a built-in MPPT module that can monitor the voltage and output of the solar panel. The efficiency is increased by 23%, and it can charge up to seven devices at a time.
Best for camping: EcoFlow 110W Solar Panel
When carrying solar panels on a camping trip, you need to look for products that are light, durable, and powerful enough to charge your cameras, portable speakers, lights, and other camping gadgets. Eco Flow portable solar panels are available in two different sizes: 110 W or 160 W, with a conversion efficiency of up to 22%. It also includes an MC4 cable connector and carrying case.
If your camping trip takes you across rivers or kayaking across lakes, the panel has an IP67 waterproof rating, so it is more resistant to nature than many competitors. The device consists of four folding panels and weighs approximately 14 pounds.
What to pay attention to when buying portable solar panels
Power output
When purchasing a panel, please consider the fees you will charge to calculate the panel size you need. Smaller devices (such as mobile phones) work well on 15-watt panels, while larger devices (such as coolers) require larger panels (usually batteries to store energy). Wattage refers to the maximum DC output under optimal conditions, but remember that cloud cover will prevent it from achieving maximum output.
Durability
Since you might plan to carry the panel with you when you travel (or at least move it around in the yard), you need something that is strong, weather-resistant, and compact enough to be easy to store and transport. Remember the type of trip you are going to take: if you are hiking and carrying your gear, the lighter the panel, the better. Heavy-duty latches, rust-proof materials, protected glass and reinforced components are important to the life of the panel.
Size and weight
Depending on how you travel and the storage space available when not in use, the size and weight of the solar panel are important factors. Many panels can be folded into easy-to-carry boxes, but if space is limited, you may need something smaller. Although panels with nylon shells may be lighter, they may not be as durable as panels with metal frames.
Common problem
How to use portable solar panels?
Portable solar panels can be used to charge devices directly or to charge batteries or solar generators. Some panels can be directly connected to mobile phones or small devices to charge when the sun is out (the panel must be tilted towards the sun). However, direct sunlight charging may be inconsistent. It is best to use solar panels to capture energy and store it in some kind of battery (such as a solar controller, battery pack, or charging station), and then connect the device to it-especially with stronger panels.
How long can portable solar panels last?
A high-quality, permanent and fixed solar panel should continue to produce a stable energy output for 25 to 30 years, but it is best to check whether the panel includes a warranty. We have witnessed our considerable share of cheap panels that stopped working after a few years without warranty.
Many portable solar panels are made of lighter materials and are unlikely to last that long. They are at risk of damage during transportation or after prolonged use outdoors, so it is best to buy durable panels that can withstand the dangers of travel.
Are portable solar panels waterproof?
A few portable solar panels are waterproof or weatherproof-which means they should not be submerged underwater, but can be left outside in light rain. However, this does not mean that every portable panel should stay outside forever. Please contact the manufacturer to ensure that the panel can meet your needs.
