The best portable solar panels on the market today are those that use cutting-edge technology to offer consumers a way to charge their devices with renewable energy. Solar power is one of the fastest growing sources of electricity in the world, and it’s not hard to see why. With an increase in our reliance on smartphones, laptops, and other electronic devices, many people are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint while still maintaining a high quality of life. Portable solar panels can help you achieve these goals.
5 Best Portable Solar Panels
Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Foldable 2Pcs 50W Solar Panel
A must-have for any outdoor enthusiast, Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Foldable 2Pcs 50W Solar Panel is the versatile solar charger kit that you need to have with you. Its low voltage and foldable design make this product easy to store, and it can also be charged by connecting a vehicle’s battery or if there are two Renogy panels connected together in series.
With an adjustable stand, corrosion-resistant aluminum construction and heavy duty handles, they are perfect for use on the water or in dry environments. The 20 Amp built-in solar controller eliminates overcharging, reduces fire risk with its 5 stages of protection.
ROCKPALS SP003 100W Foldable Solar Panel
ROCKPALS SP003 100W Foldable Solar Panel is compatible with most solar generators on the market. The ROCKPALS folding panel includes three USB ports that charge simultaneously and intelligently, to device-specific power profiles and at maximum speeds while protecting from overcharging or overloads.
This product works with 8mm DC adapters for many other appliances and 5V USB devices including smartphones, GPS systems, digital cameras, and much more! The smart charging technology allows three ports to charge at a maximum of 2.4 amps per port or 6A total.
Goal Zero Boulder 100 Briefcase
This lightweight, ultra-portable power station is the ultimate tool for off-grid use. The Goal Zero Boulder 100 Briefcase is designed to pair with a Goal Zero Yeti power station for solar charging on or off the grid. With two hours of full sun in December, or three hours in June, this briefcase will fully charge a Yeti 400 portable battery through its built-in 3 Watt solar panels and AC inverter allowing you to leave your car charger at home.
The Boulder 100 Briefcase has six 20V outlets capable of providing 5 amps each – enough to simultaneously recharge up to four 15-inch laptops, or a full load of phones and tablets.
Ryno-Tuff Portable Solar Charger
Ryno-Tuff Portable Solar Charger is the solution to never being stranded without power again. Rugged PVC canvas ensures your solar panel will be protected when on a hike or in the backcountry and premium X-series 21w cells maximize efficiency so you charge your phone or battery pack as quickly as possible.
With High Efficiency Sunpower Cells, get up to 25% conversion by using the most powerful solar cells available – Sunpower X-Series! With a durable canvas material it is both waterproof and weather resistant which means you never need worry about getting caught in bad weather with no power again!
Factors to Consider When Choosing Portable Solar Panels
You cannot trust the power from a portable solar panel if you are not sure of the source. The environment, wind levels and the direction of your home all have an effect on where you should put your panel to get optimum results. You need to find a location that is close enough for a charge but will not be affected by environmental elements such as wind and rain.
The size of the panel has an important role when it comes to charging time. You can choose a charger with a bigger or smaller solar panel, depending on how long you want to wait before it fully charges. If you are planning a trip that will take more than one day then choose a panel with a larger solar array so that you don’t need to wait in order to charge your battery.
You need to take into consideration the age of a portable solar panel before you make your purchase. You don’t want to buy a charger that is not up-to-date with advanced technology and has components such as outdated USB ports or old charging cables. Look for models that have built in protection from power surges, short circuits and voltage spikes so you can be sure they will keep your devices safe when using them outside under direct sunlight without any shade coverings.
A final important factor to consider while shopping for portable solar panels is their weight capacity – how much it can carry before starting to give off an error message indicating the device needs more time charging or should be moved by adjusting its position in order to get better sun exposure.
