Whether you’re an off-grid enthusiast, a camper, or simply someone who wants to be prepared for power outages, a portable solar panel is a great investment. Portable solar panels are lightweight, easy to transport, and can provide you with clean, renewable energy on the go.
| PRODUCT NAME | BUYING LINK |
|---|---|
| 1. Goal Zero Nomad 100 Watt Monocrystalline Portable Solar Panel | BUY ON AMAZON |
| 2. Jackery Solar Generator 1000, Explorer 1000, and 2X SolarSaga 100W | BUY ON AMAZON |
| 3. Goal Zero Nomad 50, Foldable Monocrystalline 50-Watt Solar Panel | BUY ON AMAZON |
| 4. Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Off Grid Portable Foldable 2Pcs 50W Solar Panel Suitcase | BUY ON AMAZON |
| 5. Goal Zero Boulder 100 Briefcase, 100-Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panel | BUY ON AMAZON |
When choosing a portable solar panel, there are a few key factors to keep in mind:
- Wattage: The wattage of a solar panel determines how much power it can produce. If you’re planning on using your solar panel to power multiple devices, you’ll need a panel with a higher wattage.
- Efficiency: The efficiency of a solar panel determines how much of the sun’s energy it can convert into electricity. More efficient solar panels will produce more power per watt.
- Portability: Portable solar panels come in a variety of sizes and weights. If you’re planning on backpacking or hiking with your solar panel, you’ll want to choose a lightweight and compact model.
- Price: Portable solar panels can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. It’s important to set a budget before you start shopping.
Once you’ve considered these factors, you can start shopping for the best portable solar panel for your needs. Here are a few of the most popular and highly rated portable solar panels on the market:
1. Goal Zero Nomad 100 Watt Monocrystalline Portable Solar Panel
The Goal Zero Nomad 100 is a powerful and portable solar panel that’s perfect for off-grid living, camping, and other outdoor activities. It’s foldable and weatherproof, and it comes with an 8mm Goal Zero connector for easy compatibility with Goal Zero Yeti power stations.
Key Features:
- 100 watt (18-22v) foldable and weatherproof solar panel
- Features an 8mm Goal Zero connector for easy compatibility with Goal Zero Yeti power stations
- Folds down to 20″ X 15″ X 2″ for easy portability
- Can be chained together with other Nomad 100 solar panels for increased power output
Pros:
- Powerful and efficient
- Durable and weatherproof
- Easy to use and transport
- Compatible with Goal Zero Yeti power stations
Cons:
- Can be expensive
- Not as compact as some other portable solar panels
2. Jackery Solar Generator 1000, 1002Wh Capacity with 2xSolarSaga 100W Solar Panels
The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 is a powerful and portable solar generator that’s perfect for camping, RVing, emergency preparedness, and home backup. It has a capacity of 1002Wh and can power a variety of devices, including laptops, smartphones, refrigerators, and coffee makers. The generator comes with two 100W solar panels, which can fully charge the generator in 8 hours.
Key Features:
- 1002Wh capacity
- 1000W AC output power
- 8 outlets (3AC outlet, 1USB-A, 1USB-A quick charge 3.0, 2USB-C PD, 1*Car outlet)
- Includes two 100W solar panels
- Can be fully charged in 8 hours
- Quiet operation
- Pass-through charging supported
Pros:
- Powerful and versatile
- Portable and easy to use
- Safe and reliable
- Comes with solar panels
- Quiet operation
- Pass-through charging supported
Cons:
- Can be expensive
- Heavy (33 pounds)
3. Goal Zero Nomad 10, Foldable Monocrystalline 10 Watt Solar Panel
The Goal Zero Nomad 10 is a lightweight and portable solar panel that’s perfect for backpacking, hiking, and travel. It has a built-in USB port for charging small devices, such as smartphones, GPS units, and headlamps.
Key Features:
- 10 watt, 6-7 volt solar panel with built-in USB port
- Lightweight (1.2 lbs) and compact (9.5×14.5x.75″ unfolded, 9.5×7.2×1.2″ folded)
- Adjustable kickstand for positioning in direct sunlight
- USA engineered and developed
- 1 year manufacturer warranty
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable
- Easy to use
- Durable and weatherproof
- Compatible with a variety of small devices
- Comes with a warranty
Cons:
- Not as powerful as some other solar panels
- Can be expensive
4. Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Portable Solar Panel with Waterproof 20A Charger Controller Foldable 100W Solar
The Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Portable Solar Panel is a complete solar kit that includes a 100W solar suitcase, a 20A waterproof charge controller, and alligator clips. It is easy to use and set up, and it is perfect for outdoor and off-grid use.
Key Features:
- 100 watt, 12 volt solar panel
- 20A waterproof charge controller
- Foldable solar suitcase with adjustable kickstand
- Grade A+ monocrystalline solar cells
- Smart PWM technology charge controller
- Rugged canvas protective case
- Heavy-duty handle and latches
- Multiple protections provided by the charge controller
Pros:
- Complete solar kit
- Easy to use and set up
- Portable and lightweight
- Durable and weatherproof
- Efficient and reliable
- Safe to use
Cons:
- Can be expensive
- Not as powerful as some other solar panels
5. Goal Zero Boulder 100 Briefcase, 100 Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panel
The Goal Zero Boulder 100 Briefcase is a professional-grade portable solar panel that is perfect for camping, work sites, off-grid events, and backup power at home. It is durable, dependable, safe, and user-friendly.
Key Features:
- 100 watt, monocrystalline solar panel
- Briefcase-style design for ultimate portability
- Anodized aluminum frame with added corner protection and tempered glass covering
- Built-in kickstand for optimal solar collection
- Chainable with multiple Boulder panels for greater solar capacity
- 2-year warranty
Pros:
- Professional grade quality
- Durable and dependable
- Safe and user-friendly
- Easy to transport and set up
- Chainable for greater solar capacity
- 2-year warranty
Cons:
- Can be expensive
Final Verdict
The best portable solar panel for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. However, here are a few of the top picks based on the reviews I have read:
- Goal Zero Nomad 10: A lightweight and portable solar panel that is perfect for backpacking, hiking, and travel. It has a built-in USB port for charging small devices.
- Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Portable Solar Panel: A complete solar kit that includes a 100W solar suitcase, a 20A waterproof charge controller, and alligator clips. It is easy to use and set up, and it is perfect for outdoor and off-grid use.
- Goal Zero Boulder 100 Briefcase: A professional-grade portable solar panel that is perfect for camping, work sites, off-grid events, and backup power at home. It is durable, dependable, safe, and user-friendly.
If you are looking for a lightweight and portable solar panel for charging small devices, the Goal Zero Nomad 10 is a great option. If you are looking for a complete solar kit for outdoor and off-grid use, the Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Portable Solar Panel is a good choice. If you are looking for a professional-grade portable solar panel for a variety of outdoor activities and backup power at home, the Goal Zero Boulder 100 Briefcase is a great option.
Ultimately, the best way to choose the right portable solar panel for you is to consider your specific needs and budget.