Solar panels are becoming more popular as a form of energy that is better for the environment. Generators can be loud and expensive, as the gas that fuels them is not cheap and is potentially dangerous. Portable solar panels have quickly become camping essential if you want a camper experience with some modern comforts. When looking at what portable solar panel to buy, it’s important to consider several factors. Size and price play a part in which solar panel to choose. However, the ultimate question is: what are the most efficient solar panels for camping?
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Benefits of Using Solar Panels for Camping
Portable solar panels can be used for camping and convert sunlight into usable electricity for your home. The energy from solar panels is much cleaner and better for the environment than other forms of energy like gas generators. You can also generate power with a solar panel with only sunlight and no exterior resources.
“Boondocking,” or camping in campers or RVs outside of the limits of an established campground, has become more popular in recent years. This is because of the appeal of off-grid camping with little human interaction, just nature. Solar panels are a great resource for off-grid camping because you only need small amounts of energy.
Using only sunlight and the solar panels on the roof of your camper, you can have power anywhere you adventure. Portable solar panels create a small amount of energy. You will not have enough energy to run power all night, but you’ll have enough to charge your devices and run some small appliances in your camper. It is the perfect choice for off-grid camping.
There are many types of solar panels to choose from, but you want one of the most efficient solar panels. Here are the top ten solar panels for camping.
Top 10 Solar Panels for Camping
Renogy Solar Starter Kit
Renogy’s Solar Starter kit is a great option for campers who have never owned a solar panel before. The kit comes with everything you need to set up the solar panel system.
The package comes with:
- One 100 watts monocrystalline solar panel
- 20-foot MC4 adapter kit that allows you to connect multiple solar panels
- 30A PWM charge controller
- 8-foot tray cables
- A mounting kit to mount the solar kit to your roof
You can get Renogy’s Solar Starter Kit for under $200 on Amazon. It can put out 500-watt hours (wh) per day.
HQST 100 Watts 12 Volt Polycrystalline Solar Panel
The HQST 100 watt 12-volt polycrystalline solar panel is a great solar panel to buy on a budget. However, it does not come with any of the extra things that come in the starter kit.
The HQST solar panel puts out 500-watt hours per day and can still gather power in low light. For under $100, you can get this high-efficiency solar panel on Amazon. However, you will need to buy all accessories, including mounting equipment and controllers.
Zamp Solar’s Legacy Series 140 Watt Portable Solar Panel Kit
This premium solar panel kit is a premium option. Priced just over $800 on Amazon, Zamp Solar’s Legacy Series 140 watt portable solar panel kit includes:
- 140-watt foldable solar panel
- 10 amp charge controller for managing battery charging
- Solar suitcase for easy carrying
- 15-foot cable
Zamp’s solar panel kit comes with a higher price tag because of its high quality. It also has a higher watt capacity, so it produces more energy overall. Unlike the other options, this panel also has extendable legs, so you can mount it at an angle.
Zamp’s solar panel kit is a great investment for people who camp often, as most campers and RVs are already wired for it.
ACOPOWER 100 Watts Foldable Solar Panel Kit
This foldable monocrystalline solar panel comes at a great price for an entire solar panel kit. It comes with a carrying case for increased portability. It’s priced for under $300 on Amazon and has great reviews.
The included solar charger, however, is not waterproof, so make sure it stays dry and out of the weather. The kit includes everything you need to set up and run your solar panel kit.
Go Power! GP-PSK-130 130 Watts Portable Solar Panel Kit
With a wattage of 130, Go Power! includes a portable solar panel, 10 amp battery charger controller, and a durable carrying case. Go Power! is a company that has a great reputation and good reviews.
Go Power! GP-PSK-130 comes at a higher price range, around $500 on Amazon, but the brand’s reputation and high performance make this a great investment for frequent campers. It also comes with a kickstand, which makes the installation on tilted rooftops and camper roofs simple and easy.
Goal Zero Boulder 100
The Goal Zero Boulder 100 is a great solar panel that is capable of charging large portable power stations. It is one of the largest portable solar panels out there, and it still works for camping but is mostly built for car camping.
Goal Zero does offer a foldable model of this portable solar panel because the original is very difficult to tote around. The Goal Zero Boulder 100 Solar Panel Briefcase is the portable and foldable version of the Goal Zero Boulder 100. You can buy it online for less than $300 at Amazon or REI.
Goal Zero Nomad 100 Camping Solar Panel
Also, from Goal Zero, the Goal Zero Nomad 100 Camping Solar Panel holds 100W of power and is in the middle of the line when it comes to size. It’s foldable and weatherproof, and it does not weigh too much. It is a great fit for a camper.
The Goal Zero Nomad 100 Camping Solar Panel comes with loops attached, so you can hang it anywhere you need to, whether you are camping in a camper, a car, or a tent. It has an 8mm charging cable, USB A, 2.5A port, and an 8mm combiner cable port.
You can find it online at Amazon or REI, priced around $400. Goal Zero solar panels are a great investment for campers who need a little bit of power when they go off-grid.
Renogy 50 Watt Flexible Camping Solar Panel
The Renogy 50 Watt Flexible camping solar panel is a lower-dollar option for portable solar panels, coming in under $100 on Amazon. It is a great option for outdoor adventurers who need a waterproof and weatherproof solar panel. The junction box is waterproof and it can withstand wind and snow.
The lower price point is due to its lower wattage, but it’s a great choice for a weatherproof or waterproof scenario, such as boats, RVs, or outdoor camping. Its lightweight design and flexible surface make it a great option for curved surfaces where some more traditional solar panels might present some problems with mounting and other issues.
ACOPOWER 120W Portable Camping Solar Panel
With 120W of power, the ACOPOWER 120W Portable Camping solar panel is under $400 on Amazon. It is a highly efficient solar panel, performing up to 25%. It’s lightweight and compact, and is a full kit, coming with all the components you need to install your solar panel.
The entire solar panel and all its accessories come in a carrying suitcase that totals 8.4 pounds. For comparison, other solar panel kits can weigh around 21 pounds. The entire solar panel is pre-wired and comes ready for connection. This makes it extremely simple to set up and operate. This is one of the most efficient solar panels.
SUAOKI 80W Camping Solar Panel
Suoaki offers some of the greatest camping gear and gadgets on the market. This is an 80W solar panel with a 60W output, so it puts out less power than some of the other options. However, it is more affordable, under $150 on Amazon.
This solar panel comes with a 10-in-1 connector for any laptop and TIR-C technology for maximum charging. It also has an 18V DC dual output and a 5V USB port. The SUAOKI is foldable and has an amazing 20% efficiency. This solar panel also comes with a car charger that can be used when your battery runs out. It’s easy to transport and a great choice for camping.
The End Result
There are many portable solar panels on the market. When choosing which solar panel, factors like pricing, wattage, flexibility, and size matter a lot. These factors can differ from person to person, so it’s important to consider the campers’ needs when choosing a portable solar panel.
However, one need that everyone has when it comes to choosing solar panels is the same for every camper. You need to ask yourself the question: What is one of the most efficient solar panels? Efficiency is important for everyone. According to this list, one of the most efficient solar panels for camping on this list is the ACOPOWER 120W portable camping solar panel.
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