The 7 Best Camping Solar Panels to Provide You with Power Outdoors

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👉 The key facts from this guide

There are many types of solar panels that can be used for camping. However, not all of them are created equal.

To help you make the right decision, I have compiled a list of the 12 best camping solar modules for you.

We will go through the different types of solar panels and the pros and cons associated with each type so that you can make an informed decision.

I will also provide you with a shopping guide to assist you in the purchasing process.

Everyone owns electronic devices, but where do you get electricity from in the wilderness?

Most campers nowadays – whether they are car camping, RVing, or backpacking – carry more than a handful of electronic devices.

All of these devices require power, and it can still be difficult to find power when camping.

This is where solar power comes in.

Maybe you know the feeling? You only need a bit of power at the campsite, but the campground operator charges 8 euros per day for electricity. At least that's how it was for me, and now I'm independent with a solar panel.

Today's portable solar panels and solar generators have the capacity to keep us almost unlimitedly away from the power grid – and some can even be carried in a backpack.

In light of this, I've done the work for you to summarize the best camping solar panels of the year.

I'll start with the best solar panels that have a high wattage and then work our way down. So at the beginning, you'll find the panels that are heavy and not suitable for backpacking. Further down, we'll look at the best solar panels that are smaller and lighter.

The 7 Best Camping Solar Panels to Power You Outdoors

Here's an overview of my best solar panels for generating power:

Buying Guide: Solar Panels for Outdoor, Camping, and Bushcraft

In this section, I will go into more detail about the buying process.

It is not helpful to buy a solar panel right away, but rather to first consider various factors.

What do I need the solar panel for in particular? Can I take it in the car or am I traveling on foot? How expensive can it be at the most and how heavy?

As you can see, there are several questions to consider beforehand. Let's get started and get to the bottom of them.

Types of Camping Solar Modules

Once foldable

These solar chargers are generally the largest when fully unfolded, not because each panel is large, but because there are many individual panels. They are usually designed to be portable for short distances when folded. However, when unfolded, they are anything but mobile and portable.

Multiple foldable

These solar chargers are designed to be portable, whether they are being charged or not. Solar chargers with three or four panels with a canvas housing can be carried on backpacks and charge your devices on the go.

Top brands of solar panels

JACKERY

Jackery was founded in California in 2012 and has established itself as a leading provider of innovative outdoor energy solutions. This includes large rechargeable batteries (power stations, such as the Explorer series) and solar panels like the Jackery SolarSaga 100W Portable Solar Panel. I have extensively tested the Explorer 500 and Explorer 1000 power stations.

ANKER

Anker was founded by Steven Yang in 2011 and is a Shenzhen-based company specializing in high-quality charging.

With a wide range of products that can charge almost any device under any circumstances, one of the most popular products is the Anker 21W 2-Port USB Portable Solar Charger (buy here on the official Anker website).

The large Anker 625 Solarpanel with 100W is also powerful and compact and works great with the Anker 757 PowerHouse power station.

BLUETTI

Bluetti is a clean energy company that builds producer storage systems for high-quality power for households.

The Bluetti PV200 solar module (buy here at Bluetti) is a highly effective source of green energy that can be folded up and taken anywhere. It is particularly suitable for camping trips and vacations in sunny locations, as the performance of this panel depends on the available sunlight. It is versatile, compatible with many power stations, and effortless to use.

Efficiency of solar devices

Most good solar modules convert almost a quarter of the sunlight that hits them into useful energy. 23 percent and slightly more is the key figure for portable high-end solar modules, while lower-quality solar modules are about 20 to 21 percent efficient.

So check the product description of the various solar panels, as manufacturers usually indicate the efficiency there.

Charging ports

Most portable solar chargers have only two USB output ports. That's fine if you only want to charge one or two devices during the day. But for extra juice, more solar modules are needed if you need more power. Even if you're charging a power bank, one of the ports is unusable.

Current strength of solar panels

Many solar chargers have only 2.4 amps of current at the output port and will not be able to charge newer devices quickly.

Only high-end solar modules allow for fast charging of smartphones and devices that require more power. Be sure to check how many amps your selected solar panel can supply.

Size of a solar panel

The size of a solar panel depends on the usage and your energy needs.

The wattage determines how much energy it can generate and how long it takes to charge the battery.

It is essential that the size of the solar module meets your needs and requirements.

A 5 watt device may be able to charge your smartphone slightly, but you won't be able to fully charge a 20,000 mAh power bank in cloudy weather for a week.

Weight of a Solar Panel

A solar panel is a device that captures the energy of the sun and converts it into electricity. The weight of the solar module is determined by its size, measured in watts. A 100-watt solar panel is heavier than a 10-watt solar panel.

When purchasing a portable solar charger for travel or backpacking, low weight is a top priority. It is important to carry less weight when you are on the go and covering long distances.

On the other hand, heavy solar panels are also more robust, and you can expect to enjoy them for longer.

How much should a camping solar panel cost?

The second question to consider is how much money you want to spend on a solar panel. Camping solar panels cost between 200 and over 2000 euros.

The most important consideration when buying a camping solar power system is what type of camping you will be doing and how much time you will spend in the wilderness on each trip.

But in general, one thing can be said:

• Under €100: These solar chargers are sturdy and portable, but not the most efficient or powerful.
• Over €100: These are solar panels that function more like stationary solar collectors; less portable, but more efficient and powerful.

Why Should You Choose Solar Energy?

The benefits of solar energy are manifold. Let's take a look at some of them.

• Solar energy is clean, quiet, and renewable, meaning it does not burden the environment like other energy sources do.
• Solar energy is also safe, reliable, and affordable. For example, the cost of solar modules has declined by 80% in the past 10 years.
• Solar energy does not require any special fuel, as is the case with generators. The fuel for the energy is the sun.
• While it's true that solar modules can only charge devices when the sun is up, solar panels can be combined with rechargeable power banks to provide electricity throughout the night, as well as during daylight hours.
• And finally, solar panels offer us independence from energy providers, as you generate your electricity without relying on others.

Of course, there are not only advantages, but also disadvantages. Solar energy is not 100% clean, as carbon dioxide is also produced during the production of a solar panel. Furthermore, you are dependent on good weather for the solar collectors to generate enough energy.

Why Solar Panels Are the Best Choice for Camping or RVing

Solar panels are a good choice for camping, RVing, other outdoor activities, and emergency preparedness.

They can be easily installed in front of your tent or on the roof of your RV and don't take up much space.

The installation is effortless, and I trust anyone can do it. Solar panels are definitely lighter than diesel generators, but large solar panels are not suitable for long-term carrying. The smaller devices, however, are well suited for backpackers.

In addition, solar panels have a long service life, so you don't have to worry about replacing them after a few years.

Tips for Efficient Charging with Solar Panels

Here are some tips on how to optimize the charging of your devices:

• The larger the solar panel, the better, and faster you can charge
• Keep in mind that your end device may limit power consumption
• Blue skies bring power, clouds often bring zero power
• Charge quickly: heat damages the solar panel, power bank, and devices
• Devices with fast charging mode are ideal
• USB 3 on solar panels is ideal for fast charging devices
• Power banks with fast charging mode (input and output) are ideal

Pro-tip: Keep in mind that the wattage stated by manufacturers is often determined under ideal conditions. Subtract approximately 1/3 and you will get a realistic wattage.

Conclusion

Solar panels are excellent tools for living independently, especially when camping.

When it comes to the best panel you can get your hands on, the foldable Anker PowerPort Solar Charger (buy directly from Anker) with a total of 21W is a great option for hiking.

But heavy solar panels, like the Jackery SolarSaga 100, are ideal for driving trips. Simply unfold, plug in, and have power.

If you're looking for a slightly cheaper camping solution for your car, go for the Eco Worthy Solar Panel.