Best Foldable Solar Panels

The best foldable solar panels can make your RVing or outdoor trip a lot better because you don’t have to depend on outside electricity sources. It is also important because you don’t want your electronics and gadgets to go dead.

But as soon as you start looking for foldable solar panels for camping, you will feel overwhelmed by the variety of options available. All brands claim they are the best, which leaves you wondering which one to pick.

In this guide, you’ll get to know all you need to know about the foldable solar panels and how to pick the best one.

So, read on to find the best foldable solar panel on the market today.

Best Foldable Solar Panels Reviewed

1.   Jackery SolarSaga Foldable Solar Panel – Best Overall

This panel will not sound like conventional power generators and produce eco-friendly green power. It is fully compatible with Jackery’s Explorer power station to purchase separately and build up your power station.

You can use it not only for your outdoor endeavors, but it can also help you in case of emergency or power outages. This solar panel comes with a high conversion rate of 23%, and you can use it conveniently in hot weather without any problems.

The panel comes with a variety of USB outputs. These include a USB Type-C along with a USB Type-A port. You can charge multiple devices at a time, including all your tablets, smartphones, cameras, and so much more.  But keep in mind that the Type-C USB port doesn’t support PD charges.

It’s a durable solar panel made of ETFE, which ensures lighter weight and higher light transmission. It has a convenient folding design, and you won’t have to put in much effort for that. There is a bracket on the backside of the panel that you can use as a stand too.

Pros

• Can generate a peak power of 100W.
• Compatible with different Jackery Explorers.
• Features a foldable design with a convenient stand.
• Comes with a USB Type-C and a USB Type-A port.
• Best suited for explorers and outdoor adventurers on the go.
• Lightweight and durable design.

Cons

• USB Type-C support is limited and doesn’t support PD charging.

2.   Rockpals SP003 Solar Panel – Best Lightweight Design

But that’s not all on offer here!

This solar panel is fully compatible with the Suaoki generator and a host of other power stations and battery packs. The solar panel features three different USB ports as well and peaks out at 100W.

Your purchase of this foldable solar panel also includes various types of connectors. These include an 8mm DC adapter. 5.5×2.1mm adapter for Rackpals, three USB ports for 5V devices such as phones and tablets, along with digital cameras.

This solar panel also comes with smart charging with an inbuilt IC chip that can intelligently identify and maximize the charging speed without damaging the connected devices. Moreover, this solar panel can reach an efficiency level of 23.5% when the sun is shining down with full glory.

Furthermore, it comes with waterproof construction and has oxford cloth to make sure that it can handle the outdoors well. You can conveniently use it for various outdoor activities, including camping, RVing, climbing, picnic, and much more.

But you need to keep in mind this foldable solar panel is not ideal for hot weather conditions. If you plan to go in a warmer climate with this solar panel, you will notice it starts getting warm and significantly loses its cell efficiency.

Pros

• Compatible with most solar generators.
• Various types of connectors are included.
• Comes with 3 different USB ports.
• Inbuilt smart IC chip that prevents your devices from overcharging.
• Higher cell efficiency of up to 23.5%.
• Durable construction and waterproof design with Oxford fabric.
• Excellent for a variety of outdoor activities due to lightweight design.

Cons

• Doesn’t handle water climates very well.

3.   Renogy Monocrystalline Solar Panel – Best Value for Money

This solar panel has a suitcase design, and there is an inbuilt kickstand that will hold the panel towards the sun without any additional support.

Here’s the best part… This unit comes with a robust design and waterproofing. Therefore, it can conveniently handle wet conditions and keep charging your device when you need them the most.

But you do need to keep in mind this is a heavy unit that weighs slightly over 26 and a half pounds. So, if you are looking to take it out for climbing or hiking, you might want to give it a second thought. But you can use it for RVing and camping as much as you need.

The kickstand has an aluminum construction and is entirely corrosion-resistant. A heavy-duty handle on this collar panel allows you to close and carry it with convenience.

This device is fully compatible with various batteries, including gel, lithium, flooded, and sealed. This device’s charge controller features a display that gives out some important operating information about the panel.

The charge controller is there to prevent overcharging of your devices and reduces any fire risks. This solar panel can conveniently take on any weather conditions. Its operating temperature ranges from -40F to 185F.

Pros

• Wide operating temperature range.
• A charge controller to prevent overcharging and fire risk.
• Fully waterproof construction.
• Corrosion-resistant aluminum stand.
• A foldable suitcase design is convenient to carry.

Cons

• No ports to charge the electronic devices directly.

4.   GoalZero Boulder-Briefcase Solar Panel – Best Premium Quality

This solar panel is versatile, and you can use it in various projects. It is fully compatible with GoalZero Yeti and allows you to create your full power station for camping, backup power at home, off-grid work sites, and events.

It’s a reliable source of power if the grid goes down and causes a power outage. This solar panel frame is of anodized aluminum. There is an additional corner covering with tempered glass. It means this solar panel is completely weatherproof.

There is a kickstand on the back of the panel to ensure an optimal solar connection, and you get most of the sun whenever it is out. It won’t need any additional support and stay in place on its own.

But you need to keep in mind this solar panel’s size is not that small, so it will not be a portable option for you to consider.

Pros

• Can generate up to 200 watts.
• Briefcase-styled construction for easy carrying.
• Robots obstruction to take on all weather conditions.
• The inbuilt kickstand keeps the panels in place for maximum sun.
• Extremely user-friendly and safe to use.

Cons

• It’s not very portable.
• Not made for hiking or climbing.

5.   TP Solar Panel – Best Budget Pick

This solar panel is compatible with various power stations from Jackery, GoalZero, Webetop, Suaoki, and others. There is a 14.5V DC output on it that can charge 12V batteries of cars and boats directly. It also features smart charging capabilities with USB Type-A and USB Type-C ports for charging tablets and smartphones and a range of other devices.

The solar panel comes with a smart IC chip inside it that prevents any overcharging and keeps the charging speeds consistent. This solar panel comes with monocrystalline solar cells that have maximum charging efficiency of up to 22.5%.

The solar panel is too light and only weighs just over 6 and a half pounds. In addition to that, this solar panel is fully waterproof and laminated. These solar panels last for more than 15 years, so you will get a lot of value from what you have spent.

However, this solar panel doesn’t use standard connectors. Therefore, you will have to make some adjustments if you are looking to use them outdoors, especially in wet conditions.

Pros

• Can produce a max power of up to 100 watts.
• Lightweight design and pretty easy to carry
• Suitable to use for RVing and camping.
• Compatible with different solar generators.
• USB-C and USB-A ports to charge your tablets and phones.
• Inbuilt IC chip for smart charging and prevent any overcharging.
• It is made of ETFE materials for durability.

Cons

• The connectors are not weather-sealed.

6.   TogoPower Solar Panel – Best Cell Efficiency

Additionally, it is designed to charge various electronic devices and gadgets, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, power banks, digital cameras, GPS devices, and much more.

This solar panel is an excellent option because it comes with a high-efficiency rate of 23%. It converts fast and is way better than any of those traditional solar units.

There are dual USB ports, and there is an inbuilt IC chip that will prevent your device from getting overcharged. You can enjoy living an unplugged life whenever you are off-grid. The construction of this solar panel is extremely durable and waterproof.

You can conveniently use them in any weather condition. The unit’s total weight is around 10 lbs, so you can easily carry it. Not the best option for climbing or hiking, but it will still work well. The panel itself is entirely waterproof but keep in mind that the junction box is not, and you will have to protect it from getting wet.

The kickstand present at the back of the panel is made of aluminum and is corrosion resistant. This solar panel can handle various weather conditions but make sure you don’t use it in extreme heat.

Pros

• Max power out of 120 watts.
• Compatible with several solar generators.
• The high conversion efficiency of 23%.
• Inbuilt smart charging IC chip.
• Fully waterproof solar panel.
• Lightweight design thanks to the ETFE lining fabric.

Cons

• Not for scorching weather conditions.
• The junction box is not water-resistant.

7.   Acopower Foldable Solar Panel – Best Battery-Type Compatibility

You will also get an Anderson plus or an MC4 connector to link it with your RV or camper battery. You can again ask Acopower to provide you with the right connectors if you have a pre-wired RV. The best part is that this solar panel is compatible with a variety of batteries. These include lithium-ion, LTO, LifePO4, flooded, AGM, gel, calcium, and crystal.

There is an inbuilt charge control that will not let your device get overcharged by the panel. It will also prevent fire hazards. You can also expand this solar panel’s total capacity by adding another 240W solar system, but you will need to ask Acopower for the connection adapter for this expansion.

You might notice that this solar power unit is significant in terms of dimensions, but it’s pretty lightweight. And due to its waterproof design, you can conveniently use it in different conditions, whether indoor or outdoor.

This unit is handy for various outdoor activities, and you can charge a vast array of devices and batteries within. What’s more here is that you can conveniently expand your solely charging system up to 240 watts.

Pros

• The maximum power output of 120 watts.
• It can be expanded to 240 watts.
• Compatible with eight different types of batteries.
• Fully waterproof and weather-sealed construction.
• Lightweight and easy to assemble.
• Suitable for a variety of outdoor applications.
• MC4 plug included connecting with RV battery directly.

Cons

• Not compact.

8.   Dokio Foldable Solar Panel – Best Peak Wattage Power

This panel’s design and construction make it convenient to carry wherever you want to go. You can also mount, hang, and transport it without any problems. This unit is capable of high conversion, which is significantly better than those traditional models, but it is also lighter in weight than the said models.

You can conveniently fold it flat and easily store it away. The fabric case in which the panel is safely housed is durable and entirely waterproof. This unit can conveniently take on harsh weather conditions.

This solar panel is convenient for you to use with all 12V batteries. It can conveniently charge five different types of batteries, including your car and RV. Moreover, you can also use it to connect with different types of solar power stations as well.

But you will have to keep in mind that these units are not entirely waterproof. It means you can only use them in emergencies and can’t leave them out in the open to drench with rainwater.

Pros

• Maximum output of up to 300 watts.
• Compatible with five different types of batteries.
• Easy to carry or hang or even stand on the ground.
• It folds flat for convenient storage.
• An excellent choice for a variety of outdoor activities.
• Overcharge protection with 12V charge control.

Cons

• Not designed to take on harsh weather.

9.   EFSolar EcoFlow Solar Panel – Best Waterproof Construction

It is designed to work with various solar generators and comes with different connectors, including the MC4 (80V max), the USB-C (10A max and 12A max). You can easily find additional connectors according to your requirements.

This unit provides you with a quick charging capability in no time. This design is chainable, which means you can also add more panels to expand your power generation according to your needs.

The solar panel also features a foldable and portable kickstand that allows you to support it and get maximum sun input. The angle of the kick is adjustable from 0 degrees to 180 degrees as well.

It also comes in a thick fabric casing that can keep the panel and its circuitry safe from occasional rain. You can even drop it in the water and keep it submerged for a full half an hour and will notice that the unit will continue to work as it should.

It only weighs around 13.5lbs, but you can carry this unit on your back when hiking or climbing.

Pros

• Conveniently chainable for expansion in wattage.
• IP67 waterproofing and can stay submerged for up to half an hour.
• It is for most solar generators.
• Easily foldable kickstand panel that is adjustable from 0-180 degrees.
• Excellent for various outdoor activities.
• 22% conversion rate.

Cons

• The carrying case to prop up the panels is not very practical to use.

10. TwelSeavan Solar Panel – Best Multiple Connectivity Options

It comes with an 8m DC adapter that will work with Jakery Explorer 1000W/500W/240W/160W, GoalZero Yeti 400W/150W, and Baldr 330W. It also comes with a 3.5×1.35mm DC adapter made for Suaoki S270, Paxcess 100W, Enkeeo S155, and Aiper 150W.

You will also get a 5.5×2.1mm DC adapter made for Rockpals 500W/350W/250W, PryMax 35W, and FlashFish 200W. You can use the C4 connector cable for linking other solar power stations.

Additionally, you will also get to use a DC port, a USB port, a USB QC3.0 port, and a USB-C PD port. There is an inbuilt chip that will detect and prevent any overcharging of the connected devices.

The panels are made with PET polymer and are directly sewn into a highly durable polyester canvas to serve as a weather sheet. Therefore, you can conveniently use it for a variety of purposes outdoors.

The panel only weighs around nine and a half pounds, and it is pretty compact to carry when you fold it. There are four reinforced mounting holes made of metal, and you will also find four fully adjustable kickstands for angle adjustment.

Pros

• The high energy efficiency of up to 23%.
• It comes with different DC connectors
• Compatible with various power stations.
• Durable construction featuring PET polymer and polyester canvas casing.
• Four different kickstands for easy angle adjustment.
• Compact design and lightweight construction.
• A top choice for all outdoor activities.

Cons

• The kickstands are a bit flimsy, and their readjustment is quite taxing.

Best Foldable Solar Panels Buying Guide

Foldable solar panels are available in all shapes and sizes. But here are some key features you should look for to make an informed decision.

Types of Solar panels

• Monocrystalline

These panels are made of one silicone piece, and they are efficient. They have a sleek look and black appearance. These panels are expensive too. The primary advantage these panels have is that they work well even when there is low sunlight.

• Polycrystalline

These panels are created by melting together several silicone pieces. These panels come with a slightly blue hue and are cheaper than their monocrystalline counterparts. But they are not very energy efficient either. They are not very durable and have a shorter lifespan than the other type.

• Thin-film

These are the cheapest, and require fewer materials. They are made of different types of materials, including silicon, copper, and cadmium. They can be installed anywhere and are high temperature tolerant. However, they are less energy-efficient and come with a very short lifespan.

Size

If you don’t have much space available, you will have to look for a small-sized solar panel. You will have to consider the dimensions of the models you are looking for and decide based on those numbers.

Weight

With size, another factor comes in, and that is the weight. Based on how you are going to use your panel is essential. If you are looking for a unit that you can use for hiking and climbing, you need to go for a lightweight design. For RVing and camping and go for heavier units too.

Power/wattage

You need to keep in mind the maximum power or wattage a unit can produce. You can have a look at the peak wattage of a unit and assess it on that basis.

Power tolerance

The panel you are looking for must also come with a power tolerance range from +3% / -0%. It means that the unit can deviate from its mentioned wattage.

For instance, if you are going for a 200W solar panel and its power tolerance is given as +3% / -0%, it means its actual power ranges between 200W to 206W. With a higher power tolerance, it can handle fluctuations very well.

Efficiency rate

The efficiency rate needs to tell you about how much or light each cell can convert into energy. Most good quality units come with an energy efficiency ranging from 22% to 23.5%. Most of the domestic solar panels can reach up to around 20% efficiency at a maximum.

Temperature coefficient

You will also have to think about the unit’s temperature coefficient that you are considering because you should know that temperature rises and influences a solar panel’s efficiency. It is expressed in a percentage decrease in the output per 1C increase after 25C.

Lifespan

Most solar panels come with a 25-year lifespan, and over that period, these panels face some performance degradation. The degradation occurs the first year the most with a 2% to 3% decline, from there on ts 0.2% to 0.7% annually.

Wind load

Most people don’t even consider this aspect of a solar panel system. But when in the outdoors, you need your panel to withstand any wind load that it might get. This is expressed in Pascals, and the higher the number, the better it will be. However, most solar panels withstand 2400Pa, roughly equal to 140 miles an hour of wind.

Water resistivity

Most of the solar panels are designed to have some kind of water resistivity to handle the outdoors. Some panels have tempered glass design, while others come with thick fabric casings to keep water out. You will have to decide whether you should go for such a panel or not.

 If you mostly visit areas that don’t experience much rainfall throughout the year, you should go for a waterproof solar panel.

Connectivity options

You have to make sure the foldable solar panel that you are looking for comes with multiple connectivity options, especially if you have different power stations and multiple electronic devices and gadgets to power up. These planes must also be able to connect various types of batteries so you can get the most out of them.

Stand or hanging options

Another feature that you must keep in mind is how easy it is for you to use the kickstand or the hanging handle. You must keep in mind you should be comfortably able to directly adjust the face to be in the sunlight for maximum performance.

FAQ for the Best Foldable Solar Panels

Are solar panels worth it?

With the continuous improvement in technology, solar panels are getting cheaper and cheaper if the price is a concern. They can last around 25 years, and most big manufacturers also provide 10 to 25 years of warranty on them.

For instance, a 3kW system you can conveniently break even at argon 22 to 24 years. Using a 4kW system will allow you to breakeven at around 17 to 21 years. With a more extensive system with 6kW, you can break even at approximately 20 to 22 years. So, solar panels are worth it.

Do cheap collar panels work?

Solar panels can be pretty expensive, so it’s not a surprise that you are looking for a cheaper solution. These cheaper solutions might allow you to set up your panels at a low cost, but the setup itself will not last for a long time.

You will also have to deal with lower energy efficiency. So, saving upfront might not be that useful later on. Price shouldn’t be the only factor when buying these solar panels. These will pay-off in the long run. Therefore, you should invest in a quality solar panel setup.

Conclusion

It can conveniently change your tablets and phones and features a highly durable ETFE encasing to keep the panels safe from exposure. The overall construction of this solar panel is pretty compact and lightweight, and it can easily deliver a high efficiency of 23%.

Other solar panels mentioned above are great in their regards, and you can make the decision based on your preferences and requirements.

Bon, voyage!