Portable solar chargers balance packability and charging capacity. Solar panels for camping are generally larger than portable models. They also have a higher capacity to convert sunlight into energy. The chart below shows the overall score for each model we tested.
100 watts or more: These are the largest solar chargers that you can still pack away to move. They're the best energy-intensive devices and have fast charging speeds to keep your large battery banks or power stations full. A 110-watt panel is best for charging a large power station when off-grid camping.
With enough solar power (or enough time), you can run most appliances such as electric coolers and lights from the battery pack as if you were at home. The best part about solar panels for camping is that this method delivers green, clean and renewable energy and you don’t have to pay for mains hookup!
A 110-watt panel is best for charging a large power station when off-grid camping. Direct solar charging speed measures how quickly a solar panel will charge electronic devices. The primary purpose of a solar panel is to transform sunlight into usable energy efficiently.
The solar charger is capacitated to recharge typical outdoor gear such as head torches, smartwatches, action cameras, GPS, and SAT phones. Measuring 16cm long by 31 cm wide by 17 cm high, the solar panel offers a portable design for easy carrying. This slim design also makes it ultra-lightweight.
Functionality is a broad metric but an important one. We tested things like ease of setup, cable integration and storage, fold-out supports to angle the panel at the sun in the mornings or evenings, and anything else that makes a solar charger function well during real-world testing.