Electronics

Best Portable Solar Panels: Top 10 Best Products

Portable solar panels together

The best portable solar panels are an important piece of equipment for every survivalist’s list. Today, the same portable panels are becoming a hot item for anyone looking for a way to charge portable devices like cameras, GPS units, cellphones, tablets, and other gadgets when on the go, camping, hiking, biking, cycling, or when not in reach of a home where electricity is all too easy to access.

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The solar panel is also a green form of energy creation and many consumers are seeking environmental friendly means of producing energy without tearing up the earth, destroying our landscape, ruining our homes, and ruining the plant for others. Below are the top ten identified solar panels to choose from and why they work.

Powering devices

Solar panels are capable of powering different devices and what they can power is dependent on the amount of energy they put out. The portable devices requiring a recharge often include headlamps, mp3 players, cellphones, and other low power requirements. However, according to the size of your solar panels, you might charge bigger devices.

Portable Solar Power in use

Thus, here are the main sizes available on the market:

  • Compact panels – best for small digital devices like small cellphones, PDAs, mobile devices. This item may not offer sufficient power to power up large devices.
  • Mid-Size panels, which are still portable, are those that can power larger cameras, bigger equipment, and a laptop. If you are well informed in using the laptop, you can definitely get what you need to do complete without being bothered about a connection at all if you have an Internet connection.
  • Much larger panels have to be chosen if you plan on getting everything in a house, RV, or camper to work. A heavy-duty panel is needed for things like a CPAP machine, a small or mini fridge, televisions, and video games.

No matter what size portable solar panel you buy, it is important to realize that these panels will collect more sunlight when the days are not cloudy. While initially it may take some time learning how to work around the portable sun panel and its natural energy production, eventually you can develop a smooth routine in accessing energy as it is created.

The top 10 products available on the market

#:. 20W Solar Portable Panel with iSolar Technologies

The 20Watt Solar Portable Panel is an impressive option when it comes to portable solar panels. Its low price, compact design, durability, and flexible use are what make it a fantastic investment. Priced between $44.00 and $99.00, the Solar Panel is a unit offering 21.5 to 23.5 percent efficiency in terms of transmission and the unit is made with highly durable materials.

Additional features include:

  • Measurements of 26.4 x 11.1 by 0.2 inches when unfolded
  • 1 inches by 6.3 inches by 1.1 inches when the wallet is folded up
  • The unit weighs 14.7 ounces
  • Certified CE, RoHS, and FCC
  • PowerIQ will discover and then mimic a gadget’s initial charging protocol and this allows for some serious speed when it comes to delivering green power for use.
  • Compact style, light, highly portable
  • The unit comes with a 3 foot micro USB cable, a guide welcoming you to the product and its technology, and solar unit and an 18 month warranty of the charging device
  • Eyeholes make the device easy to attach to other personal items
  • Surge and short circuit protections in place
  • Water resistant

You should also know that it will not charge products like Asus tablets, HP Touchpad, iPod Shuffle, iPod Classic, or iPod Nano due to incompatibility issues.

Like this amazing product? Then you can purchase it on Amazon.

#2: 20W Solar Portable Panel with iSolar Technologies

X-Dragon makes the 20W Solar Portable Panel with iSolar Technologies. The unit is decently priced between $54.99 and $169.99, depending on where you buy it.  You can use the unit to charge smartphones, Android devices, Samsung phones, iPods, iPads, and iPhones.

20W Solar Portable Panel with iSolar Technologies

Additional features include:

  • A 20W carbiner/solar charger that is foldable
  • An instruction guide
  • Micro USB cable included
  • Eyeholes for easy attachment
  • 20 Watts of sun power
  • Can charge your iPad and cell phone simultaneously
  • 22 to 25 percent solar to energy conversion efficiency
  • Delivers up to 2.4A when in direct sunlight in terms of a current
  • iSolar Technologies regulates the voltage and current for the speediest current output possible

In terms of physical dimensions, the product features:

  • Measurements when closed are 12.1 inches by 7.2 inches by 0.51 inches
  • Measurements when open are 23.3 inches by 12.1 inches by 0.12 inches
  • Weighs all of 21.9 ounces
  • Product features a worry free warranty

If you interested you can check its price here.

#3: 14 Watt 5 Volt Foldable Portable Solar Panel

The 14 Watt 5 Volt Foldable Portable Solar Panel is a unit created by KingSolar. The unit is black, lightweight, and priced between $38.99 and $189.99 respectively. The entire portable package comes complete with a 12-month product guarantee. The package has a 14-Watt solar panel charger and a user’s guide as well. The circuitry of the unit and materials used to make the solar panel are of the highest quality.

14 Watt 5 Volt Foldable Portable Solar Panel

Additional features include:

  • Weighs 1.06 pounds only
  • Voltage regulator included to stabilize the current the unit produces
  • Two panels easy to fold, easy to tote design and framework
  • Scratch resistant materials
  • Rain/water resistance
  • Produces a USB 5-2SA output
  • Produces 5V for USB connected devices
  • PET Plastic surface
  • Nylon loops make for ease of hanging the panel if desired
  • No radiating issues
  • No pollution creation
  • A 23.5% solar to energy conversion rate

In terms of physical dimensions, the product features:

  • Measurements include 11.73 inches by 6.38 inches by 0.59 inches when folded
  • Measurements include 18.50 inches by 11.73 inches by 0.39 inches when open
  • Energy conservation solution

The product is compatible with Bluetooth devices, digit cameras, GPS devices, smartphones, Blackberry devices, Nexus phones, HTC models, and the Samsung Galaxy phones including 3, 4, Note, S3, S4, and S5. The device will also charge the iPod, iPad, tablets, and the iPhone 5, 5s, and 6.

If you interested you can check the current deal for it on Amazon.

#4: 22 Watt Foldable and Portable Solar Panel

The 22-Watt Foldable and Portable Solar Panel made available by Vinsic offers you much in the way of features. The price falls between $40.00 and $99.90 depending upon where you buy the unit. The solar panel offers the convenience of portability and it can provide up to 23.5% or 25% in terms of conversion efficiency between sunlight and energy.

22 Watt Foldable and Portable Solar Panel

The moncyrstalline panel hosts a 15% conversion efficiency rating. If you invest in the industrial strength PET solution, you get a unit with panels that are made with plastic faced panels, each of which is sewn together and placed inside a canvas.

Additional features include the following:

  • Weather resistant product
  • Simultaneous charging allowed
  • PET plastic faced panels put into a canvas made out of high wear polyester canvas
  • No extra batteries required
  • No carbon footprint
  • No carbon emissions
  • Light design, durable framework
  • Dual USB port plug in solutions
  • 22W solar panels with highly efficient features
  • 18 month product warranty

The product is made with intelligently identify features. This means it can identify when two USB ports are in use, so it can improve how efficiently the unit charges the items you are charging.

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It is compatible with: outdoor activities, backpacking, hiking, camping, emergency readiness, MP3 Players, Smartphones

If you interested you can buy it on Amazon.

#5. 100 Watts 12V Monocrystalline Solar Suitcase

Now you can tote your clothing in a unit that will provide you with portable solar power as well. The Solar Suitcase is a product made by Renogy.  The unit is foldable, attractive, light, and highly functional.

The unit costs between $264.00 and $279.00, depending upon the model you buy and the wattage you demand. The suitcase also comes in a 60-Watt solution and all units are equipped with a controller.

100 Watts 12V Monocrystalline Solar Suitcase

This off-the grid portable solar product is fitted with 50 Watt monocrystalline panels, a power regulation screen that is a liquid crystal display, and it is coupled with a 10 Amp ViewStar Series Charge Controller. The unit comes with alligator clips so you can connect your battery with ease.

Additional features of this portable unit include:

  • Heavy duty construction
  • Two solar panels
  • 10 Foot Cable Tray
  • Charge Controller
  • Aluminum stand with adjustable features
  • Heavy duty handle and latches

Like this great product? Then you can buy it on Amazon.

#6: 50W Sun power Solar Panel

The 50 Watt Sun power Solar Panel is a device made by ALLPOWERS.  The panel is dust, shock, and water resistant and can be used to power items in your tent, cabin, boat, or RV.  The cost of the unit is between $191.00 and $299.99.

ALLPOWERS 50W Bendable Sunpower Solar Panel

The unit supplies you with between 22 and 25% efficiency and it is made of flexible materials so you can use it easily in a crowded space while it stores just as easily.  The back sheet curves at a 10 degree arc and you can mount it.

Additional features include:

  • Weighs 2.5 pounds
  • Super portable and easy to transport
  • Easy to remove and hang
  • Frameless structure
  • Bendable solar panel
  • 7A working current
  • 18 Volt Working Voltage
  • 50W Optimal Power
  • 25mm hail impact
  • Snow resistant

Like this product? Then you can check its price on Amazon.

#7: The 12 Volt 5 Watt Solar Panel

The 12 Volts, 5 Watts, Power Solar Panel by ECO-WORTHY is an affordable portable option priced between $17.45 and $39.00.  The unit is easily portable and it is perfect for charging batteries belonging to tractors, snowmobiles, automobiles, and motorcycles.  The unit is an energy saving product and safe for the environment.

ECO-WORTHY 12 Volts 5 Watts Portable Power Solar Panel

Additional features include:

  • 12V battery that is rechargeable in emergency situations
  • Good for use when doing outdoor work
  • A good portable solar panel for using when camping or traveling
  • Easy to install and remove
  • Lightweight product
  • Dustproof
  • Rust proof
  • Shockproof
  • Trickle Charger capacity
  • 5W power, 22.41 V, 17.9 Vop
  • 12 Volt SLA Battery Voltage
  • Measurements are 8.7 inches by 7.5 inches or 220 millimeters by 190 millimeters
  • Four pieces of PVC suckers
  • One alligator clip adapter
  • One 0.5 m cord
  • Weight: 14.4 ounces
  • Can work in temperatures ranging from -40 to 80 degrees Celsius

Like this product? Then you can check its price here.

#8: 7 Watt Solar Charging Panel

The 7 Watt Solar Charging Panel by Ivation is priced between $70.00 and $159.99; the panel is fitted to a backpack with a hydration unit and bladder bag.  A great survivalist tool, this backpack has a flexible drinking pipe, and a 10,000 mAh power bank that has waterproof features.

The solar panel is removable and it is a 7 watt, 6 volt recharging panel great for acting as a backup battery for charging items during outdoor sports events, camping, hiking, or biking.  There are tablet and smartphone charging parts as well as special pockets in the bag for toting one’s equipment.

Additional features include:

  • The option of buying the bag in one of four colors including: green, black, blue, or red
  • Big pockets with strong zippers for closures
  • Enough room to store a tablet and two cell phone devices
  • Dual USBs for simultaneous charging of two mobile phones
  • One USB cable
  • Juice your devices, and hydrate yourself solutions
  • The solar panel is seven watts and produces six volts
  • The cells of the panel are high efficiency cells
  • Antiscratch coating on the panel
  • Panel is removable so you can change up the direction the panel is facing

You can charge Bluetooth speakers, mp3 players, GPS devices, external battery packs, tablets, and smartphone devices.

Like this product? Then you can check the current deal for it on Amazon.

#9: 40 Watt Solar Charger

The 40 Watt Solar Charger is a product by Poweradd.  The price tag of the unit is on the higher end of the scale and falls between $340.00 and $499.99 respectively.  The portable, high quality solar panel is a five volt USB + 18 Volt DC unit.  Easy to use, light, portable, and made with durable parts and materials in order to ensure the longevity of the product.  It comes with the unit, connectors for laptops, a user’s guide, and a DC cable.

Poweradd 40W Solar Charger

Additional features include:

  • Made with solar arrays by SUNPOWER®
  • Has conversion efficiency equal to 23.5%
  • 5V/2A for charging any gadgets requiring 5 volts of power
  • 18V/2.2A DC output for charging devices requiring 18 Volts
  • Fitted with a voltage regulator for current stability during charge

The solar panels that are PET laminated featuring fabric made of PVC for weather resistance and waterproofing. Also, the unit comes with up to ten notebook connectors including connectors that are compatible with the following notebook models:

  • Toshiba T1950, T4700 / Acer Aspire 1200
  • Toshiba Satellite A105, M35
  • Thinkpad R60, X60, and T60
  • Sony VAIO
  • Samsung N130, N310
  • Lenovo Ultrabook
  • HP Mini 1000/ 1100 Series
  • Dell Inspiron Compaq CQ 60, g60, 550, DV6, HP Pavilion, E1505, 1525
  • ASUS Eee 900, 1000

If you think that this product could be useful for you, then you can check its price on Amazon.

#10: 20 Watt Portable Solar Panel by SunKingdom

The portable 20 watt solar panel manufactured by SunKingdom is foldable and serves as a charger with dual USB ports. The highly efficient unit features PowermaxIQ technologies, which make the charger up to 23.5% faster when charging.

The panel has automatic recognition of what is being charged as well.  The unit is priced between $175.00 and $225.00, depending on where you buy.  To use the portable solar panel, all you have to do is unfold the unit and put it in a place where it can soak up direct sunlight. You can place it on a car windshield, windows, knapsacks, and more. You can connect the panel to your device using the power cord.

20 Watt Portable Solar Panel by SunKingdom

However, keep in mind that you cannot place mobile devices under the sunlight for a long time, even though we have the pocket design. Direct sunlight and overheat may damage your devices.

You also have to take care not to over expose the product to too much sunlight – doing so can actually damage the portable solar panel. With the panel, you get access to non-radiating, non-pollution causing, sun power.

Additional features include:

  • Scratch resistant surface with dull polish
  • Waterproof features
  • Compatible with any 5V USB device including Bluetooth headsets, GPS units, digital cameras, MP4, Personal Digital Assistants, Samsung Galaxy, and the iPhone 4, 4S, 5, 5S, and 6.
  • The panel is ultra thin for ease of portability.
  • It comes with a full user manual for ease of use and a 12-month product warranty.

Physical characteristics include:

  • Measurements of 10.35 inches by 6.10 inches x 0.59 inches when folded
  • Measurements of 30.87 inches by 10.35 inches by 0.59 inches when unfolded
  • Weight is 1.29 pounds in all so portability rating is high

The product features a voltage regulator so the stability of the current remains within norms and improves the longevity of the unit.

Like this amazing product? Then you can check its price on Amazon.

Things to consider

Cost: At one time the cost of solar panels was beyond ridiculous – so much so that it was next to impossible to get one in order to use for charging simple, small items on the go.  The solar panels of yesteryear were also large, bulky, and meant for heating buildings, not for smaller gadgets while you were camping, fishing, hiking, cycling, or looking to power items while you were sitting comfortably in her RV.

While cost is certainly a consideration for you, it is definitely not something of a huge concern, as it might have been when solar panels were just introduced as a form of green, environmentally friendly technology.

Portable solar on the beach

The cost of solar panels today is governed by the number of watts the panels produce, the actual size of the panels physically, material used to make the panels, the warranty that accompanies the panels, and the name brand you choose.  If the panels are certified, they might cost a bit more.  The quantity of panels you are getting in a portable unit will also influence the price you are facing when you are ready to buy.

Efficiency:  The portable solar panels on the market today offer a transmission efficiency between 21 and 25 percent.  This seems to be the average efficiency rating, but there are panels that only give 15 to 19 percent efficiency.  The panels that have the highest efficiency percentages will cost a bit more.

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Warranty length: The more time the warranty covers, the greater the confidence of the product manufacturer in the durability, quality, and potential longevity of a product.   Keep this in mind as you search for the best portable panels.

To give you an idea on how to install solar panels that can help you, see our article on this.

Conclusion

The best portable solar panels are those that are cost efficient, powerful, and compatible with a number of devices.  The greater the compatibility, the better the unit will work for you.  A portable solar panel must be light weight, and its ease of use is yet another consideration you should think about before you buy it. Check out our article review of the best solar panels to give you more useful options.

The solar panels on the market today promise considerable diversity, compatibility options, and the units are decently priced.  They also make for a survivalists tool that can prove beneficial whenever you are in need of a green power source.

To find out how solar energy works, see our article on this topic.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you click on one of these links and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Also, as an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If the information in this post has been helpful, please consider purchasing through one of the links in this article. Thank you.

About the author

Ellie Thomas

Survival-Mastery reflects my love of the outdoors and having the skills to take care of myself in the wilderness and in worst-case scenarios. I grew up in the southeast backpacking, camping, and fishing, and I have hiked and backpacked over 15,000 miles in the US. My background and career for the past 30 years has been in operations and construction and I enjoy learning and DIY projects.

4 Comments

  • The KingSolar portable charger is a must-have if you don’t want your mobile phone battery to be drained when you are outdoors hiking, cycling, or camping. It is well-made and performs well even at mostly overcast skies. When it’s sunny, I can charge my camera batteries with it in at 85% in just a few minutes and my phone around two hours. This would be great for emergencies and would make a nice gift for love ones.

  • The X-DRAGON High Efficency 20W Solar Panel Charger works extremely well for charging my samsung smartphone and powerbank. This is a great purchase especially for camping when you don’t want to be completely disconnected. On a sunny day, it can effectively charge my power bank in six hours, while it only takes around two hours to fully charge my smartphone.

  • You should certainly get one before your next outdoor adventure because they provide consistent and reliable energy for all your fancy gadgets.

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