Portable solar panels: 2023 buyer's guide

Solar power isn't just for homes and businesses! With portable solar panels, you can use the sun's power on the go to meet your energy needs. From portable solar panels and solar generators for RV trips to solar phone chargers, many kinds of moveable solar products with an easy-to-transport, compact design are on the market today.

Solar shoppers buy portable solar panels for various reasons — camping, road trips, boating, etc.- just like rooftop solar panels; EnergySage customers look for certain qualities when buying portable panels. This is our list of the top portable solar panels in 2023. It has some of the best and most well-known brands, but you can also find other brands on the market, such as Goal Zero,

1. Bluetti SP200 200W Solar Panel

2. Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panel

3. Renogy 100W Foldable Solar Suitcase with Voyager

4. EcoFlow 160W Solar Panel

5. Jackery SolarSaga 100W Solar Panel

Best portable solar panel specs

Bluetti SP200 200W Solar Panel

The Bluetti 200-watt monocrystalline solar panel has an above-average conversion efficiency rate of 23.4 percent, making it one of the top options for powering small home appliances like toasters, lights, and microwaves. Aside from its high conversion efficiency, this panel also stands out for its compatibility with many solar generators and folding capabilities for easy on-the-go use. All of these characteristics do come at a cost, though. The Bluetti 200-watt portable solar panel is one of the more expensive options on our list but also one of the most powerful.

Buying options: Bluetti

Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panel

Jackery also produces a portable solar panel with an exceptionally high cell efficiency of 23 percent. The monocrystalline SolarSaga panel weighs 18.3 pounds and is foldable and easy to carry, so you can power appliances in your RV, boat, or camper and recharge to 80 percent in as few as 2.5 hours. Jackery's 200 W portable panel is also equipped with Solarpeak Technology, Jackery's upgraded charge controller, which adds 30 percent efficiency to each solar charge.

Buying options: Jackery

Renogy 100W Foldable Solar Suitcase with Voyager

If you're looking for a convenient power solution for your camping, RV, hiking, or other outdoor needs with all parts confined to an easy-to-carry suitcase, then the Renogy 100 W suitcase may be right for you. The lightweight suitcase holds two 50-watt monocrystalline solar panels and a 20 Amp waterproof charge controller to maximize charging efficiency and minimize safety risks associated with over-charging. The suitcase also includes an alligator clip and charging cables to connect to any battery bank on the fly.

Buying options: Renogy

EcoFlow 160W Solar Panel

The Ecoflow portable monocrystalline panel is designed to be paired with an EcoFlow power station for optimal charging efficiency, even in cloudy weather. To protect against harsh outdoor conditions, the single-piece, seamless panel is coated in an ultra-violet protective film. Moreover, you can fold this panel into a packed car on a road trip!

Buying options: Ecoflow

Jackery SolarSaga 100W Solar Panel

This Jackery solar panel is very similar to its 200 W counterpart, including its market-leading efficiency rate of 23 percent. This portable panel comes with two kickstands and a rubber handle, so going off-grid can be an easy process that doesn't take you all day. The Jackery 100 W portable solar panel is also compatible with many Jackery power stations, so if you already have a Jackery Explorer 300 W, 500 W, 1,000 W, or 1,500 W, you won't have to worry about buying a separate power station in addition to the panel. Jackery also has an option for a portable solar panel kit.

Buying options: Jackery

Charge Kit by Zamp Solar

If you're looking for a solid portable panel setup from a reputable brand, Zamp's Solar Charge Kits are an ideal place to start. With 80, 120, 160, and 200 W models available, Zamp has the right-sized panel system for most situations. All models are weatherproof and have a handy zippered nylon case for easy transport. The larger models can get heavy, but this also makes them able to withstand wind and stay on the ground where you set them up.

The Zamp kit has kickstand legs that tilt up to 45 degrees, giving you fine control of orienting your panels. Additionally, the system comes with a solar charge controller, allowing you to view your panels' status and power output.

Buying options: Amazon (80 W) | Amazon (120 W) | Amazon (160 W) | Amazon (200 W)

Portable Folding Solar Kit by Go Power!

Go Power! is another respected brand in the portable solar panel world, and their Portable Folding Solar Kits are good products for people looking to take solar power on the go. Like Zamp's panels, these monocrystalline panels can be propped up with durable kickstand-like legs and an aluminum frame so you can rotate them at will and capture the most direct sunlight at any hour.

Also, like Zamp's Solar Charge Kit, the Go Power! portable panels collapse down and fit in a protective carrying case. With a built-in solar charge controller, these panels can be used right out of the box with minimal extra setup.

Buying options: Amazon (80 W) | Amazon (120 W)

Head to our Best Portable Solar Products page to learn more.

Solar chargers are another version of portable solar; they are smaller, easily transportable solar devices for charging phones and other small electronics. Most solar phone chargers generate between 5 and 20 watts of power.

While portable panels will never outperform typical residential or commercial solar panels head-to-head, they offer a few specific benefits in a few particular use cases compared to traditional options. Aside from being highly mobile and able to be moved to wherever you may need power at the time, portable solar panels are a low-cost way to benefit from solar energy while you're off the beaten path. While they won't provide enough energy to power much other than small appliances, a portable solar setup is a great way to use the sun's natural energy for your on-the-go power needs during a camping trip, hike, or long RV drive.

Because of their smaller size, some portable panel options may come with unique features, such as a kickstand and USB ports, or they may be foldable solar panels that make for easier use on the go.

Portable panels are helpful for some smaller solar projects, but they won't provide enough power for your home. To maximize your electricity savings with a rooftop or ground-mounted solar energy system, the EnergySage Solar Marketplace is the best place to start getting quotes and comparing options.

That said, portable panels are a solid option if you're looking for a small amount of on-the-go solar power. Here are some of the cases when portable solar panels might be right for you:

Camping and RV trips

A portable solar setup is an excellent choice for RV owners who spend long periods off-grid (known as boondocking or dry camping). With a few portable panels, you can recharge a solar generator whenever the sun is shining and use that energy to run some appliances while on a trip. Portable panels allow you to leave that noisy gas-powered generator at home and enjoy the quiet natural landscape you're traveling through while meeting your energy needs. There are also options for flexible solar panels to fit the needs of your RV.

Like a rooftop solar system, portable solar panels need several accessories to produce and store solar energy. You'll need the proper adapter cables, a battery or solar generator, an inverter, and equipment to keep your panels mounted and secure when they're in use. While portable solar panels can be helpful in many circumstances, it's important to ensure you set them up correctly to reap their full benefits. It's always a good idea to consult a professional electrician when using any portable solar product for your RV or camper.

The exact number of portable solar panels that you need depends solely on the application that you need. Depending on the wattage of the device you are trying to power, you will need a corresponding solar panel. For example, for a 200 W mini fridge in your RV, you will need either two 100 W panels or 1 200 watt panel. There are also many restrictions for space in this application, even more so than rooftop applications for solar power.

Charging your phone on the go

Portable panels aren't only valid for serious adventurers. You can purchase small solar chargers that fit in a backpack or your pocket and use them to harness power from the sun. These devices don't generate and store much energy, but you can use them to recharge a phone or a laptop.

Solar phone chargers are usually all-in-one devices, unlike portable panels used for camping and RVs. You don't need any additional setup to start using solar energy. Place your charger in the sun to collect energy, and plug your phone or other devices into the charger when you need to power it up.

Products like the X-Dragon Solar Charger and the Wildtek Portable Charger offer clean energy on the go at a reasonable price for small electronic devices. These won't power appliances like a microwave, but they can keep your phone running longer than its battery life.

We're often asked how customers can meet their mobile energy needs when residential solar systems aren't designed for mobility. The answer to that question (a portable power station) and many others are above. We've also answered some questions below; browse our frequently asked questions to see if yours is here, or reply to this article in the comments section below.

What can portable solar panels charge?

Smaller, portable solar panels, such as smartphones or laptops, can typically charge smaller electronics. They can power some appliances, like a microwave. The more efficient a foldable solar panel is, the more energy it can provide.

 Are portable solar panels effective?

Yes, they are. The same technology that allows homes to run on 100% solar energy is used, albeit in a much more compact design. Because of this, they can't provide as much energy as full-size solar panels, but they are effective. 

What do you need for portable solar power?

For solar chargers, often, the kit comes complete with everything you need. When buying a larger portable solar panel, however, you'll need to ensure that you are equipped with cables, an inverter, and a battery pack for those who wish to store the power for energy outside daylight hours. It's also important to ensure you can connect your devices to the panels via USB ports or outlets.

What are the best portable solar panels?

In our research, we've found that Bluetti and Jackery portable solar panels both provide a peak power of 200 watts and have an energy rate of 23%, making them the best solar panels on our list for a portable power station.

You can use solar energy on the go to keep appliances and small electronics up and running. Still, solar will save you the most money when you install a rooftop or ground-mounted solar installation to cover as much of your electricity needs as possible. Larger solar installations also come with MPPT solar charge controllers that offer more extensive tracking. There are also more options available, including more affordable polycrystalline solar panels. If you want to understand and compare your options for a solar installation on your property, sign up on the EnergySage Solar Marketplace. Registering your property allows you multiple free quotes from high-quality local installers. If you want to start with some quick numbers on the savings you could see by going solar, check out our Solar Calculator.