The Best Portable Solar Panels For Camping: A Complete Guide

Why buy the Jackery 60W camping solar panel?

This reliable Jackery model has some impressive features. We love the neat, sleek design that is foldable and also comes with a kickstand. The energy conversion efficiency is high, as you might expect from a leading portable power supply specialist based in Silicon Valley.

This solar panel is smarter, lighter and safer than others on the market, yet comes with a modest price tag.

Check prices for the Jackery 60W solar panel for camping

If you want a quality foldable solar panel for camping, try this Jackery 60 watt portable solar panel.

The panel weighs just 6.6 pounds, and the carry handle makes transportation easy. There is a bracket to keep it angled correctly.

This efficient Jackery 60 watt solar panel is capable of charging 2 USB devices at the same time and every care has been taken to maximize both reliability and safety.

There is also a 100W model available fi you are looking for more power. Check the current price for the 100W model here.

Pros:

• Zipped ouch for storing connection cable
• Easy to carry
• Easy to use
• Efficient monocrystalline cells

Cons:

• Lightweight, but this means it can blow around in a strong wind

This durable, water-resistant 100 watt model is among the top camping solar charger panel options.

Aiper’s highly efficient panel comes complete with a kickstand so you can maximize that free solar power, and it can charge multiple devices at the same time. The foldable design also includes carry handles. Aiper offer a 12-month warranty on their solar power panels for camping, too.

It weighs just under 9 lbs.

Pros:

• Monocrystalline cells
• The case and legs are built into the back of the cells, so it’s easy to carry
• Easy to set up

Cons:

• The voltmeter is in an awkward position to see when its being used

The best solar power bank for camping might not be the type of heavier model used by RV owners.

If you want a lightweight, reliable source of free power when tent camping, take a look at the Paxcess 120 watt solar panel. It is foldable, portable, and comes with kickstand so you can catch more of the sun’s rays. This is ideal for charging phones, tablets and laptops when at the campground.

Pros:

• Efficient monocrystalline cells
• Built-in pocket to store the cable/ connectors
• Folds thin, so easy to carry/ store

Cons:

• Output is often lower than 120W

Togopower’s powerful, foldable solar panels are great for RV use, and can also be used with most portable power generators.

A top pick for best 100w solar panel, the Togopower panel is highly efficient. It has 2 USB ports as well as an 18V DC output. Compact dimensions mean this lightweight, heavy-duty panel is easy to transport when on the road. It is waterproof and backed by Togopower’s 12-month warranty.

Pros:

• Efficient monocrystalline cells
• Sturdy
• Good output

Cons:

•  If you have a solar generator that doesn’t have an Anderson input, you’ll need an adaptor cable

This is one serious contender when it comes to portable RV solar panels. It is well suited to the needs of those living the RV life, being able to cope even with power outages or being off-grid.

The RV solar panel is lightweight yet durable, and can also be folded. It is compatible with most solar power generators and is fitted with USD outputs. The included kickstand even lets you angle the panel to achieve maximum sun exposure.

Pros:

• Compatible with most solar generators (by using different cables/ connectors, which are included)
• Efficient monocrystalline cells
• Rubber handle means you can hang the panel up
• Easy to pack up and store

Cons:

• No built-in battery to store some of the charge generated by the panel

Looking for the portable solar panels for campers? Live the RV life with this highly-rated Renogy solar panel.

The monocrystalline panel offers impressive efficiency per square inch, and pre-drilled holes on the rear make it ready for mounting on your roof. This panel can withstand heavy snow and high winds, and has the back-up of a 5-year workmanship and materials guarantee as well as a 25-year warranty for its transferable power output.

There is a two-panel version also available.

Pros:

• Good price
• Sturdy
• Good output

Cons:

• Renogy customer service is not the best

This small solar panel opens out like a book and can be hooked onto a rucksack or propped up via the (included) adjustable kickstand.

Our chosen model is the 10 watt version – but if you need more power it Goal Zero Nomad also comes as a 20, 50 or even 200 watt product. The design is stylish as well as slimline and the company provide a one-year warranty for peace of mind.

This highly portable solar panel has a good balance of wattage, size, durability, weatherproofness, and weight.

Pros:

• Monocrystalline for energy efficiency
• Charges more quickly than most other similar sized models
• Durable

Cons:

• Doesn’t include any carabiners or fastening clips
• Not fully waterproof

Anyone seeking the best portable solar panels for hiking should be pleased with this BigBlue solar panel provides 24 watts of power connected via 3 USB ports.

This ultra compact, highly efficient solar panel comes with a micro USB cable and 28W solar phone charger, and folds up so it can be carried in your backpack.

You can also strap it to the back of your pack, so that it charges throughout the day while you’re hiking with it.

Pros:

• Folds up thin
• Durable
• Charges phone quickly

Cons:

• The panels are thin, but because there is a built-in USB port, this makes it wider, which can be a problem if you had planned to store it in a very narrow space

Our final pick in the backpacking category is this compact NekTek product.

Two smartphones can be charged simultaneously and safely thanks to built-in protection against overheating. The panel is water and dust resistant and comes complete with a micro USB cable. It has energy efficient Monocrystalline panels.

Pros:

• Durable
• Good value for money
• Has clips so you can easily attach it to your backpack

Cons:

• Best used by charging a battery pack rather than charging your phone directly from the panel

This TP Solar product provides flexible, portable solar power.

Camping does not always mean flat, even surfaces are readily available, so this panel is ideal as it can be mounted to an uneven surface. Flexible panels are also better in partial shade than rigid panels, as some part of the panel is more likely to be in full sun.

The mono crystalline solar cell is very efficient, and the panel is also durable and water resistant. Four eyelets are placed in each corner for easy installation, or it can be fixed temporarily using tape, Velcro or tie wraps.

Pros:

• Durable
• Lightweight
• Easy to use

Cons:

• The voltage output, like almost all panels, it actually less than advertised

Like the TP Solar panel, this reliable one from SunPower uses highly efficient monocrystalline technology.

This solar power source for camping is portable, lightweight and easy to store. It is also strong, durable and weather-resistant. Owners love this super light yet very effective solar panel, that literally offers campers a high level of flexibility.

Pros:

• Durable
• Small and light enough to carry or hang from a window with suction cups (not included)
• Good quality
• Good efficiency

Cons:

• The voltage output, like almost all panels, it actually less than advertised

The Jackery 60W model is among the best portable solar panels.

Camping is made easy with this panel, as it has a carry handle. There is also a bracket to keep it standing at just the right angle, capturing as much sunshine as possible. This effective solar panel can charge 2 USB devices at once and has been rigorously developed and tested to ensure safety and reliability.

Another highly-rated product, Togopower foldable solar panels for camping are compatible with the majority of portable power generators.

With higher-than-average efficiency, this solar panel has an 18V DC output and dual USB ports.  The low weight and compact dimensions when folded mean that this panel is easy to store and transport.  It is also water and weatherproof and comes with a 12-month warranty.

This Rockpals product is another option among the best folding solar panels for camping. Various connectors are included to enhance compatibility with more solar generators.

Three USB ports have smart technology that protects each device will maximizing charging speed. With high solar energy conversion efficiency from the monocrystalline cells, this top-rated solar panel can keep you powered up when on the move.

Pros:

• Folds in quarters, making it easier to store
• Good output
• Durable

Cons:

• Doesn’t come with a folding solar panel stand to prop it up on

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James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.

He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks. 

Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for most of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, comprehensive camping and hiking gear reviews and buying guides, and helpful packing lists and gift guides will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.

As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.

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