We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. This system can be used to charge gel, sealed, lithium, and flooded batteries, like those you’d find in a car. This panel can easily charge portable power packs for overnight power or charge up devices on its own throughout the daylight hours. The small and compact design makes it suitable for any place you want to visit. This camping solar panel does not store energy, so you’ll need to charge devices directly or use it to charge a standalone battery during the day. "ratingValue": "4.75", Best for pairing with the popular Jackery brand portable power products. Can you get away with charging on a 30W panel that’s relatively small? When no sunlight is available, the battery can also be charged via USB. One of the best portable solar panels for camping, the Hiluckey Outdoor Portable Solar Charger can easily be attached to your backpack and give you all the power you need for your trip. Simply laying a flat solar panel on the ground won’t do nearly as much good as setting it up to match the angle of the sun. Best: Overall . In as little as two hours, they can charge almost any modern device. The Renogy 100 Watt Portable Solar Suitcase is a miniature power station that allows you to take a bit of the modern world with you wherever you roam. Casey is a qualified ski instructor, naturalist educator, hunter, and avid outdoorsman based in Mason, Michigan. Whether you find yourself at a trailhead or RV campsite, wearing a backpack or backing in a camper, something is liberating about cooking over a campfire and sleeping under the stars. This foldable, solid-panel mono solar charger is ready to work with most 12v systems right out of the box. These portable power stations then have USB plugs for charging your phone or other devices. Any time we can venture out and enjoy the outdoors is a gift. However, you won’t have any … Remember that we said solar panel efficiency can be dramatically affected by sun and environmental factors? For that reason, choosing a portable solar panel that is as large as possible while still reasonable for your needs is ideal. The solar panel must be small and compact. Huge power for a portable array, enough to keep everything powered up, from laptops to phones to tablets. Soyond Portable Solar Power Generator is a cute little generator that can easily fit into your pocket. Anyway, let’s take a look at some great 12v camping solar panels to make your next camping trip a bright one. That means you may need to find a way to keep the solar panel, and the charging device, close together for charging. Learn More About How We Research, Evaluate, And Why You Can Trust Us Here. When it comes to hikers and backpackers, however, space is at a premium. He spends much of his time in the wilderness where he tests outdoor gear supplied to him by companies such as Patagonia, Smith Optics, and Wolverine. You may have the best solar panel in the world, but if it won’t fit in your car, truck, or camper then it’s not right for your needs. Direct access to unobstructed sunlight is critical. The solar panels are Sunpower X-Series panels and combined, they put out 21 watts of power. The outer case is available in black, blue, and orange with matching stitching around the solar panels. It comes with two adjustable legs that fold away for storage. That said, it’s still pretty heavy so you’ll want to use this for car or truck camping. Set it up on top of your trailer, on top of your RV, next to your blow up tent in the campground or in the yard. As much as we love to detach and get off-grid, choosing equipment that allows us to rely on electricity is a game-changer. Laying a solar panel flat on the ground will produce less power than angling it toward the exact direction of the sun itself. All these measures ensure the panels are well protected in potentially hostile environments and can produce the power needed to keep your devices charged and ready. If you’re trying to charge an AC device off of a solar panel or battery you will need an inverter. Renogy Solar 100 watts 12 volts monocrystalline Solar Starter Kit . Solar panels work best outdoors with no glass between them and the sun. There’s also a nice zippered pouch on the back to keep all the related cables organized. "@type": "CreativeWorkSeries", The stand the panels rest on can be easily adjusted, and the panel’s casing is rugged enough to stand up to just about anything you can reasonably throw at it. The TP-Solar’s are the best portable solar panels for camping if you are on a budget. Of course, the surface area of a solar panel directly correlates to its power generating capacity. This panel is a perfect addition to the Goal Zero Yeti Power Station. We took this into account when we weighted charging speed as our highest rating testing metric. Because of the use of flexible materials, however, these panels are prone to delamination and have a shorter lifespan than most monocrystalline panels. Additionally, most solar panels are designed to charge a compatible (sometimes integrated) battery which then can be used to charge other devices. With a weatherproof design and included carry case, the Goal Zero is easy to take anywhere you need off grid power. The Drive and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. Does it hang from a tree? With up to 3 amps of power being captured under direct sunlight, the Anker 21W 2-Port USB Portable Solar Charger gives far more oomph than expected from a little portable power station. But while this high tech piece of equipment is over 4 feet long when operating, the entire assembly folds into a pouch smaller than most laptops. }, Your email address will not be published. Probably the best portable solar panels for RVs that are easy to parallel connect to increase power output. Read our Guide to Choosing the best 12V Portable Solar Panel & 12v Solar for Camping. It is a great buy and a good value for your money coming with included solar panels. Size. If you’re on a budget, there are a few camping solar panels that offer great value for money, such as Evakool and Enerdrive. Otfrid Solar Mono Portable Foldable 12V Solar Panel for Camping. A: Set up the panel where it is most exposed to sunlight, and plug in the devices you would like to charge. 12.5 Amp SDS Max Type Pro Demolition Hammer. 13 Best Portable Solar Panels for Camping 1. #6 Sunkingdom Portable Solar Panel Charger Sunkingdom Portable Solar Panel Charger at a Glance : Maybe the easiest combination for most users is to combine a portable solar panel with a portable power station that’s ready to go right out of the box. The Zamp portable solar panels are compact and easy to use. While there are many different connectors and cables out there, sticking with the MC4 cables and using a portable power station already equipped to be charged from a solar panel will be the easiest least painful method of charging. This compact tool is nearly the same size as your phone and unfolds to reveal three solar panels and a battery backup. 1. The size of this internal storage battery largely determines how suitable each power station is for given applications. The 18-month warranty offered with the charger doesn’t hurt either and is proof positive of the quality therein. Safe operating temperatures range from negative four degrees to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. How can we know what’s necessary for us? Rockpals 100W Monocrystalline Solar Panel, Up To 21.5%-23.5% Conversion Efficiency, Stay Charged With The Power From The Sun! 1.5 Watt Solar Battery Charger $ 14 99. When you need a powerful camping solar panel with go-anywhere versatility, we recommend turning to the BigBlue Foldable Solar Charger. In our opinion, the best camping solar panels are: Renogy 12v Monocrystalline Solar Panel. The best way to take technology with you is to pack a camping solar panel. While they are typically made to fit a substantial solar collecting surface area into a tiny and extremely transportable package when folded up. "bestRating": "5.00", We’ve taken a look at many of the most popular portable solar panels for camping and outdoor use. It has 3 ports and two of them are standard USB while the third is a rapid-charger QC USB output. The real problem is taking the power from solar panels and making it usable. Solraiser Portable Folding Solar Panel Kit 12V. When he is not working, Casey enjoys fishing and participating in adventure and orienteering races. Want a solar panel you can use to charge practically anything? When it comes to the best panel sets to get your hands on, the BigBlue Foldable Solar Charger is a great overall option, but the Nekteck Portable Solar Panel Charger offers value that is hard to beat. PAXCESS RV Solar Panel, 120W 18V Portable Folding Solar Panel with USB QC 3.0, Type C Output, Off-Grid Emergency Power Supply for RV Camping Travel Outdoor Backup 4.7 out of 5 stars 71 $204.99$204.99 Get it as soon as Sat, Sep 19 You’ll want to really consider weight and size when choosing an ultra-portable model. It makes perfect addition to the Rockpals Power Station but if you want to be able to plug into practically anything, check this out. This panel uses an Anderson style connector to plug into the Jackery power station inputs. The integrated digital controller automatically identifies and adjusts power output for the best charge on your device. Overall top pick on the market. Flexible solar panels can make sense for backpacking but probably won’t be a great choice for other applications due to their loss of durability and efficiency compared to mono. When not in use, the four solar panels fold into a 6.3-inch by 11.1-inch by 1.1-inch package that weighs just 18 ounces. Thunderbolt. He taught Alpine skiing at Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah for several seasons before transitioning into freelance writing. This is the maximum rated output if everything is perfect. Most portable solar panel users are camping from cars, trucks, and RVs. © Copyright 2021, | Outside Pursuits | All Rights Reserved. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Casey has guided backpackers, kayakers, and skiers on backcountry trips all around the US. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Solar chargers with three or four panels with canvas casings can be worn over backpacks and charge devices even when the wearer is on the move. Learn how to operate and maintain your 12v solar panel … This 28-watt panel uses three USB ports to charge electronic devices without the risk of overcharging, overheating, or short-circuiting. The OKPRO portable power station comes in a black and red design. In order to solve this problem, most solar panels operate best when paired with a control unit of some kind. It’s more portable than the larger models and more powerful than the compact models. When you deploy them you can use the thumb screws to set the angle you want on the solar panel to help maximize sun exposure. Quick Answer - The Best Solar Panels for Camping; Comparison Table - The Best Camping Solar Panels; Reviews - The Best Solar Panels for Camping. With 10 different DC plugs, car charger, alligator clips, and built-in USB QC ports it’s got everything. That is what this kit is best for, as it is too large to be useful on the go. Renogy Off Grid Portable Foldable Solar Panel, Jackery SolarSaga Portable Foldable Solar Panel, TP-Solar Portable Foldable Solar Panel Charger Kit, Solar panels will be rated for certain power, solar panels can make sense for backpacking, inverters need much more power than an average portable. Folding panels or panels small enough to fit your transportation options should take priority if needed. Since the output of your solar panel can change pretty dramatically from moment to moment, it’s critical to control the flow coming out. This is one reason why charge control units are popular. The reinforced case and durable panels are waterproof and shock-resistant. Like all power stations, the OKPRO is quite heavy with a weight of 12.13lbs. "@context": "https://schema.org/", Best for those who want a panel just to charge one trusty USB device. { Like many of the panels on our list this one sports 10 different DC output adapters. Does it have a stand with adjustable legs? It has built-in USB connectors right on the panel. To execute this experiment, we used our lead tester's personal cell phone - a … Sunlight is, of course, the most important. There is an important distinction between those which hang over a backpack while hiking and those that are best just set up and left to work. Additionally, they’ve included about every possible DC power connector you can think of. One thing that doesn’t change is the importance of being prepared. Many devices that plug into the wall actually convert the AC into DC anyways so sometimes you may not need an inverter at all. Versatile, affordable, and effective this solar panel is a hard option to turn down. TP-solar 100W Foldable Solar Panel Charger Kit, Best Solar Battery Maintainers: Save the Lives of Your Batteries, Boost and preserve your batteries with these solar battery maintainers, Best Solar Panels: Light Up and Power Your Life, Save money and conserve energy with these high-quality solar panels, Best RV Solar Panels & Kits: Top Picks for Energy Efficiency, Save money and energy when you invest in solar panels for your RV, Best USB Car Chargers: Stay Charged Wherever You Go, Our top picks for the best USB car charger for your devices, Best Tactical Flashlights: Bright Lights for Home and Protection, Shine a light in the darkness with these sturdy and bright tactical flashlights, Renogy 100-Watt Monocrystalline Solar Suitcase, Ryno-Tuff Portable Solar Charger for Camping, Jackery SolarSaga 100W Portable Solar Panel, Anker 21W 2-Port USB Portable Solar Charger. As our world becomes ever more connected and energized portable power becomes increasingly important. The TP-Solar’s are the best portable solar panels for camping if you are on a budget. Choosing the right portable solar panel for your outdoor needs isn’t always as simple as we might like. Here are just a few examples: In 2014, Whole Foods constructed 325 kW of solar power at their site in Brooklyn, NY, covering their entire parking lot in solar panels. Rigid, durable, and made to last this folding solar panel is a great choice for car, RV or truck camping. Amperage can be calculated by dividing outputt Watts by output Volts. These solar chargers are generally the largest when fully unfolded, not because each panel is large, but because there are many panels. If your budget allows, buying a rechargeable battery pack to hook your solar panel can dramatically increase the solar panel's versatility. Solar panels make excellent tools for independent living, especially when out camping. If you want to connect to other panels, however, you may need an adapter. Mostly, portable solar panels are used for charging mobile phones, tablets, laptops, or a rechargeable battery. That makes it a great choice for those who want to use just a USB-C or USB-A without a piggyback battery. That said, some companies still make and sell proprietary equipment so keep an eye out for that. Ideally, at any given moment your solar panel should be aligned facing directly at the sun wherever it is in its path. Out of the box, this panel comes with a waterproof power management unit. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate what we feel are the best products. Monocrystalline solar panels are rigid and efficient. Because the angle of your solar panel into the oncoming sunlight is so critical to generating maximum power, a good support stand is crucial. Capable of providing enough power to charge two devices at once, this solar charger is best in terms of toughness and efficiency. Instead, you’ll want a solar panel that can charge a 12V battery. 100% Reader-Supported. In these cases, the size of your solar panel should be based on your power consumption needs, as well as the maximum space you have to store and transport since weight is not an issue. Solar is self-sufficient, quiet, and best of all, it’s free – at least after you buy the panels. "ratingCount": "34" Anywhere, anytime, and especially when the electrical grid is down. 1.5 Watt Solar Battery Charger. You can’t just plug an inverter into a solar panel, however. It folds down to 6.1” x 3.4” x 1.4” and only weighs 1.3 pounds. It’s plug-and-play ready to parallel charge with a second one. This solar panel does not have a battery, so devices must be charged with direct sunlight. RAVPower Solar Charger 24W Solar Panel by RAVPower. "aggregateRating": { The price is great, but the maximum wattage of just 21 watts may not be enough to charge multiple devices. It can charge smartphones up to 10 times on a single charge and two devices at the same time using side-by-side USB ports. The Ryno-Tuff Portable Solar Charger for Camping is as tough as it sounds, and when you’re away from civilization with perhaps the only thing keeping your devices charged being a solar panel, that solar panel had better be tough. The pocket design on this solar panel is useful. Some are standalone products, and others require separate batteries. YABER 300W Portable Power Station,72000mAh 266Wh Outdoor Solar Generator with 110V AC,12V/10A DC,QC 3.0,Type C Port,Wireless Charger and LED Light,Backup Power Supply for Outdoor Camping Emergency 4.7 out of 5 stars 46 One of my favorite features of this solar panel is the rigid frame. Modifying, wiring, or adjusting batteries and solar panels is possible but requires lots of knowledge and careful planning to prevent damage or disaster. The main use for a portable solar panel is charging a cell phone when electricity is not readily available. A: Solar panel power output is controlled by a handful of factors. CIGS or flexible solar panels are made from a mashup of metals. These panels have the best durability and efficiency overall for the average consumer. Each port can provide up to 2.4 amps of power to a device hooked into them, charging most devices in just a couple hours. These include large rechargeable batteries and solar panels like the Jackery SolarSaga 100W Portable Solar Panel. The Zamp Solar portable solar panel kit is another highly recommended choice for a solar panel. Not everyone needs a fast charge device off of a solar panel that have and! Have 60 W of total maximum output these solar chargers that have stands and plastic metal. Yet: the BigBlue foldable solar panel — thanks to the Goal Zero power... Learn what to avoid so join me as we might like produce less power than an average solar... 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