Best Solar Panels

Going on an overlanding adventure and sleeping in the great outdoors and power outlets usually do not go hand-in-hand. However, a lot of people prefer the convenience of electricity while camping as it is useful for various reasons. Therefore, a great solution is to get a portable solar panel.

Portable solar panels provide a great eco-friendly solar power source. There are a lot of them on the market today, with many being very light, compact, powerful, and durable against any weather condition. Additionally, they are easy to install, which only adds to their value.

Due to their apparent benefits, it is only right to make a list featuring our best solar panels that will make your next camping trip more enjoyable. Stick around until the end of the article to find out what to look for before purchasing one and you will surely find the perfect solar panel for your needs.

Features To Consider Before Buying A Portable Solar Panel

As with any item worth buying, there are certain features to keep in mind when in the market for a solar panel. Let's check them out.

Budget

 First of all, it is important to figure out how much you are going to use portable solar panels in order to get a better idea of how much you are willing to spend on them. Portable solar panel prices range from $30 to $1000. The price depends on the other features on this list.

If you are planning on using it from time to time and don't require a high wattage, there are plenty of low-budget ones to choose from. However, investing in a portable, weatherproof, high-wattage solar panel is worth it. Although the electricity produced by such a portable panel is probably not going to pay itself off, the independence and access to nature it can give you are essentially priceless.

Wattage

 Which electronic devices are you going to power and how much electricity they require is another very important factor to keep in mind to get a solar panel with the right amount of wattage to meet your needs. There are several various portable solar panel wattages available, ranging from 50 watts to 400 watts.

Just to give you an idea, mobile phones, lamps, batteries, flashlights, wifi routers, laptops, and other small gadgets can all be powered by a single 100-watt solar panel. Larger appliances such as air conditioners require solar panels with more wattage. Additionally, solar panels with low and high wattages will charge electronics at different speed rates.

Size and Weight

 Another thing to keep in mind is its portability. Are you going to carry the solar panel in your backpack or your rig? If you intend on going backpacking and camping, it might be a good idea to get yourself a small and light solar panel that will not be a burden to carry and pack.

On the other hand, if you intend on going on longer overlanding adventures with an SUV, truck or RV feel free to explore other bulkier options as size and weight won’t be an issue in that case. Even if you want to save up on space or don’t have enough of it, there is the option of getting a foldable solar panel. However, that comes at a price, keep in mind that because of their lower durability, you will need to replace them more frequently.

Type

 Photovoltaic (PV) cells in a solar panel transform sunlight into usable direct current (DC) electricity. The way the TV cells are created and stored distinguishes the three basic types of solar panels.

• Monocrystalline solar panels are made up of solitary silicon-based PV cells. They have a reputation for being stiff, heavy, robust, and effective. The dark hue of monocrystalline solar panels sets them apart from the other two varieties.
• Moreover, there are polycrystalline solar panels. These panels use multi-crystalline PV cells, which are marginally less efficient than monocrystalline panels. Given that they are blue or have blue flecks in them, they may be distinguished from the other panels.
• Finally, we have the thin-film solar panel. These solar panels have a material that consists of copper, indium, gallium, and selenide covering the PV cells. Due to their high flexibility and thinness, these solar panels are not as durable.

Benefits Of Installing A Portable Solar Panel For Camping

Using a portable solar panel instead of a generator for camping is not only more eco-friendly, but it also has quite a few benefits.

Low Maintenance

 With many manufacturers offering a 25-year warranty, it is safe to say that portable solar panels are built to last. Therefore, aside from cleaning them from time to time, there is no maintenance required, even in the case of foldable solar panels. Since maintenance is very easy, you will not have to spend a fortune on it.

Adaptability

 Whether you decide to bring a compact portable solar panel that doesn’t take up much space on your camping trip to power small electronic devices, charge your phone and flashlight, or a big one with a lot of wattage that you can put on the roof of your vehicle, you will be able to mount it and use it easily wherever you are.

However, as with any item, they have their ups and downs. They won't perform at their best on a day that is cloudy, wet, or stormy. Compared to the potential output energy, the overall output energy can be much lower.

Peace and Quiet

 Although generators indeed provide more electricity, they are very noisy and require maintenance and fuel. The last thing anyone wants to deal with on a camping adventure is a noisy generator; therefore, portable solar panels provide blissful peace and quiet in addition to electricity. You will even forget that you have one installed.

Best Portable Solar Panels

Since we have covered what you should look for when searching for the right solar panel for your needs, as well as why they are good to have, we have made a list featuring our top portable solar panels. No doubt you will find the perfect one for you here.

BOAB 40 Watt Solar Panel, 12 Volt Monocrystalline

In BOABs 40W, 12V solar panel, monocrystalline solar cells are used to their maximum power output and solar harvest. It is inexpensive, portable, and weighs only 3kg. Making it perfect for a backpack. Moreover, it is weather and dust-resistant, so don't worry about the elements damaging it.

 This 40-watt solar panel is the ideal addition to trickle-charge any lead-acid battery and has a highly durable matte black frame. Additionally, installation is straightforward, so you won't need to worry about the solar panel installation cost.

BOAB 120W Portable Folding Solar Kit

Next up, we have a bulkier solar panel weighing in at 9.5kg. BOAB's 120W solar panel is a fantastic portable solar panel for camping, 4WD, and marine use. For maximum performance and solar harvest, the kit includes a matte black frame made of premium monocrystalline solar cells.

This solar panel can be folded when not in use, unlike many other comparable 120W solar kits available on the market. You won't have any trouble getting through any type of weather thanks to its construction's resistance to dust and weather.

BOAB 200 Watt Portable Solar Blanket

200 Watts and 12 Volts of power are delivered by monocrystalline solar blankets made by BOAB in a small, lightweight (7kg) form. Cast silicon solar cells are used to make these solar blankets, which are perfect for marine, 4x4, and camping applications. These cells are smaller and more effective at generating power, so the panels are more compact but they generate more power.

The 5-meter power lead that comes with this 200-watt portable solar blanket from BOAB connects easily to power outlets. Additionally, the solar panel is compatible with 12v devices, making it the ideal travel or camping companion.

EcoFlow 400W Portable Solar Panel

 This 400W folding solar panel is constructed from a single robust piece of material and can charge your power station faster than ever, making it ideal for use at home as well as camping. With a weight of only 16kg, this solar panel is surprisingly powerful. Its lightweight construction and integrated shoulder strap make it perfect for outdoor adventures.

This portable solar panel operates safely in all weather conditions thanks to its IP68 waterproof rating, making it ideal for rooftop and camping use. Each monocrystalline silicon cell is protected from dust, dirt, and water by an ETFE film coating.

Solar Panels FAQs

Are portable solar panels waterproof?

Yes, many portable solar panels are waterproof, so moisture doesn't pose a threat to them. However, you should check if the one that you are looking to buy is or not just in case.

How to mount a solar panel?

Mounting a solar panel is not complicated. Just follow the instructions.

How many solar panels do I need?

It depends on your needs, figure out what kind of electronic devices you want to power and the wattage they require.

Conclusion

Camping for an extended period in the great outdoors can be made more convenient with a portable eco-friendly energy source to power your gadgets. We hope that you enjoyed this article and found it useful.