6 Best Portable Solar Panel Reviews-Buyer Guide (Updated Feb, 2022)

Portable solar panels are environmentally friendly, making them great for bringing more comfort to camping.

Another way to charge batteries is with generators, but they’re noisy, heavy, and not easy to transport.

Portable solar panels are very popular as a go everywhere solution to your power needs, and of course, the most widely available energy source is normally solar.

These days with the flexible thin film solar panels is possible to carry your solution around with you.

These flexible thin-film portable solar panels are great for camping, traveling around in your caravan or just hiking in the mountains of whatever your needs this technology is now at a level where it is useful, and it is getting more efficient as the research becomes a reality.

Currently, there are many options for portable solar panels for sale available on the market. While it is always great to have more options, it is always suggested to choose the right product that fit your needs and requirements.

Portable Solar Panel Reviews

Here’s our selection of great portable solar panels that are perfect for camping and backpacking:

1# Goal Zero 19010 Guide 10 Plus Solar Charging Kit

The Goal Zero 19010 Guide 10 Plus Solar Charging is a USB and solar charging system.

It comes with everything you need to charge the batteries in a compact package that weighs around 1.5 lbs.

It has 2 solar panels that are folded like a book with a wraparound Velcro tab securing the panels close.

To charge the battery pack with 7 watts of charging power, it will take 3-4 hours. It’s powerful enough smartphones, tablets, and readers.

This Goal Zero solar panel comes with multiple accessories.

It comes with an Ultra Charge solar cord, AAA battery adapter, 12V cigarette adapter, AA rechargeable batteries, and Guide 10 battery pack.

It also features a built-in LED flashlight that can come in handy when searching for something in the dark.

#2. Goal Zero 42005 Sherpa 50 Solar Recharging Kit

Sherpa 50 rechargeable kit is also a great solution when you don’t have access to the electrical grid.

With this solar panel, you can charge your laptops and tablets, as well as other small items, like smartphone, Kindles, portable speakers, etc.

The package comes with a folding cell pair, various cables, a rechargeable battery pack, and an inverter.

The two solar panels come in a built-in case that folds in half. This case has a mesh bag where you can store all the cables and adapters to organize the system.

The limits for this model’s battery and the inverter is 75 watts, so check the power rating of items you plan to charge with it.

You can also just skip the solar panel, and use the battery pack as a reservoir of charge. It’s compact and lightweight, so it’s easily portable.

#3. PowerFilm AA Foldable Solar Charger

PowerFilm AA foldable solar charger is designed to charge AA batteries and does a good job of charging those very quickly.

To charge 2 AA batteries, it will take about 3 hours of full sun and under 6 hours to charge 4 AA batteries.

This solar charger is lightweight and folds up into a small package the size of a wallet.

Also, you can use it while you hike by hanging it from your pack by lanyards.

Another feature is two charge indicator lights that are located on the back of the battery compartment.

#4. Instapark 10 Watt Solar Panel Portable Solar Charger

Instapark solar panel portable solar charger offers the quality of construction and rapid charging time.

It also offers portability; it folds up into a small package that’s small and lightweight.

It has dual built-in USB charging ports, so you directly simultaneously charge your iPad, iPhone, GPS, and other USB compatible mobile devices.

#5. PowerFilm R-28 28W Rollable Solar Panel Charger

This PowerFilm Rollable solar panel charger is also lightweight, durable and flexible. It were weatherproof and designed to perform in diverse conditions.

The solar panel rolls up into a small package making it easy for transportation.

Can be used to charge computers, iPods, cell phones, etc.

You can plugin your appliances to the solar panel charger via an adapter. Just drape over the picnic table or the car and let it charge.

#6. Brunton Solaris Foldable Solar Power Array

Bruton Solaris Foldable Solar Power Array has a 26W rated panel.

You can use it to power everything from cellphones, lead batteries, GPS tracking systems, and other 12V devices.

It doesn’t weigh much, folds up into a small bag, and you can strap the solar panel to the back of your backpack while you hike.

It provides good performance even in cloudy weather, and it’s made of CIGS providing durability and longevity of performance.

Buy Portable Solar Panels

Solar is free energy we can use without any side effects like polluting the environment. We can use it as long as we are under the sunshine. And currently, we have the technology to harvest this free energy resource. And with the portable solar panel, it is now possible for us to use this energy anytime anywhere.

There are several factors you need to consider when choosing portable solar panel here are some of them:

1. Weight

You buy portable solar panels since you want to be able to carry it easily. Make sure it is light enough, so you don’t have any problems carrying it along with you. It’s probably won’t be a big issue when you go with a car, for example, however, if you are backpacking, then it might be a different story.

2. Power

Make sure you understand how much power it can supply. Will it be able to run your equipment or it will only be able to charge it. Make sure you choose the solar panel that fit your equipment power requirement.

3. Back Up Battery

Some brands offer back up batteries along with the solar panel. This way you can charge the battery, let’s say while you’re traveling, then use it later to support your equipment. This is a good option, and I suggest you get one that has this backup battery.

4. Waterproof

For some people, it is an important factor to consider. If you plan to go with a boat or camping in the jungle, make sure your solar panel is waterproof.

5. Cord Length

Many of us don’t pay attention to it. Remember, you will need to place the cell under the sunlight. However, your equipment maybe is not suitable to be used under the direct sunlight. This is where the cord length plays an important role.

12V Solar Panel Buying Tips

12v solar panel is probably one of the most popular solar panel products on the market, beside the 10watt solar panel. There are many choices available for this panel specification, and choosing the right one that fits your need and budget as well as the quality requirement may look hard. But actually, it is not as hard as you think. Just make sure you know several points before you buy a 12v solar panel.

The first point here is making sure what is the charge capacity you require and ensure you choose the right one. This is a crucial step since it may take few days to be able to charge it for full. There are days where you can’t get maximum sun rays to charge the panel, so you probably will lose the power. Another issue you need to pay attention when buying 12v solar panel is getting the required device called charge controller.

This solar controller is an important part here especially if you find that the panel you use gives more than 5watts output. It will help you to avoid discharge condition when you use it while the panel doesn’t get enough sunlight. Make sure you buy the controller that fit your wattage.

To be able to charge your solar battery, there is no need to buy big solar panels that will require the entire roof. You will only need to count the required power amount to charge the battery then make a kind of calculation to determine your solar panel needs. Though it’s probably sound difficult, actually you can do it easily. Or ask the store to give you a clue on your solar panels requirement.

Using solar energy can give you many advantages. You can save lots of money on your electrical bills, and at the same time, you help the environment since you use clean energy resource. However, you can even save more money if you decide to build a solar panel from scratch your self.

I hope this tips can be useful for you when you decide to buy a 12v solar panel for your ho