7 Best 100W Solar Panel Options in 2024

LOOKING FOR THE BEST 100 WATT SOLAR PANELS?

You are in the right place because the 7 best 100W solar panel options for your RV are all featured here. How do we know they are the best?  We have traveled in our RV since 2010 and bring you the best information, guides and products for your RV.

We do not go anywhere without our solar panels. Check out some of the best 100W solar panels we have used. Traditionally, gas-powered generators were the leading sources of portable forms of energy. But if you’re anything like us, having to fire up a generator on a camping trip is not the most enjoyable.

Today, solar power panels provide a reliable, safe, and clean form of energy. The 100W solar panels, particularly, are useful for solar generators, campers, or RVers with higher energy uses. In this comprehensive guide, we review a list of the best 100W portable solar panels. W’ve also included a handy buying list to help with the selection.

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100W Solar Panel Options 

1. Paso 100W CIGS Portable Solar Blanket

Our top position is dominated by one of the newest products in BougeRV’s inventory, the Paso 100W CIGS Portable Solar Blanket. I’ve to admit, it’s darn expensive and nearly double the pricing of the traditional units, but worth it. We have done a solar panel review of some other BougeRV solar panels, and we have been pleased with them. 

First, the Paso CIGS Solar Blanket is ultra-thin, lightweight, and portable. Out of the box, I can already see using this solar panel efficiently in different off-grid situations, such as camping, hunting, RVing, or simply enjoying the great outdoors.

Even with the lightweight design, I can’t express how well-built and solid this solar panel feels. It has commercial-grade strength, and it’s built to survive the off-grid rigors and beatings of inclement weather.

The genius, however, of the Paso Portable Solar Blanket is the CIGS technology. The proprietary technology on Paso Solar panels consists of a much thinner film than the traditional solar panels. It does a much better job, and you’ll be blown away by its output. It outperforms competitors and can harness more energy to charge all your devices.

On top of that, the CIGS ultra-thin technology utilizes a flexible design, so you’ll have fewer cracking problems than the typical mono/poly solar panels. Also, I can see many ways I could use this solar panel. For example, I could clip it on a fence, lay it on my RV, or hang it on a tree. This way, most solar cells will always charge even if I don’t reposition them throughout the day.

Overall, the Paso is a nice 100W solar panel, and it’s reliable, easy to use, and folds up nicely and compact into an included pouch bag. I recommend it.

➡ SHOP Paso 100W CIGS Portable Solar Blanket

2. Renogy 100-Watt Portable Solar Panel

The Renogy 100-watt solar panel is a great kit for a good price. It’s a fantastic option, especially for those who don’t need to commit to a permanently installed solar system. Renogy power kit is also aimed at the segment with a battery or portable power station and power loads from it instead of powering things directly from the solar.

My first impressions of the Renogy 100w solar panels are that the build quality is great, and the panels are good and relatively simple. The solid build quality holds up well to rough weather conditions.

But a signature feature of the Renogy is the portable design. It’s fairly light, just under 30 lbs. For me, the weight is perfect for hauling around or setting up after pulling it out of the well-made case. Compared to the mounted one, I prefer the portable design because I can move around in the sun while camping. The ability to follow the sun makes a huge difference and provides much flexibility in locations where you can set camp.

Plus, a portable solar means I’m saved from drilling holes into my camper roof, holes that would eventually become sources of water intrusion in the end.

Speaking of water control, I love that the controller on the Renogy solar panel is waterproof. Unlike other water-resistant panels, I don’t need to run up to the camper roof every time I see storm clouds gathering.

The performance of the Renogy solar panels is also fantastic. The solar panels use Grade A+ solar cells and multi-layered sheet laminations. From user experience, the panels seem of good quality, yield great power for their rated capacity, and can deliver 75% with the included PWM charge controller. The Renogy solar panel system also has foldable legs to point the panels perpendicularly at the sun for maximum exposure.

Meanwhile, the included PMW controller is of good quality, despite not being a high-end unit. It has all the phases you would expect of a good quality controller, and I like that it’s attached inside the unit, making it self-contained.

➡ SHOP Renogy 100-Watt Solar Panel

3. Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panel

The Jackery SolarSaga, launched in 2020, is considered a direct competitor to Goal Zero’s Nomad 100. A visually striking difference between the two is the number of panels. Nomad has four panels, whereas Jackery folds in half with just two panels. You’ll be intrigued by the simplicity and portability of the Jackery.

Performance-wise, Jackery 100w 12v solar panels are efficient at amassing and charging your electronics. You should expect 50-75% charging of the rated wattage with most panels, but the Jackery Panel gives around 80W, an 80% efficiency. This puts the panel right at the top of the monocrystalline solar cell panels.

A built-in kickstand helps orient the panel at an optimal 45-degree angle for maximum sun exposure. Meanwhile, I’m impressed with the durability, and I love that the Jackery looks very solid and doesn’t bend or break.

➡ SHOP Jackery SolarSaga

4. Yuma 100W CIGS Thin-Film Flexible Solar Panel

The Yuma 100W CIGS Thin-Film Flexible Solar Panel is the solar panel you need for outdoor adventures. A huge advantage of this solar panel is it’s flexible up to 360 degrees – truly bendable.

A big pro of the unmatched flexibility is that it has a wider application than rigid or 100w semi-flexible solar panels. You can install it on virtually any surface, whether flat or bumpy. It’s also possible to vertically mount it using the attached cord.

The thin design is also light and portable, so you can use it at home, RVing, or camp. Carrying or hauling it feels more convenient than the rigid or 100w semi-flexible solar.

I’m also happy with the power production. There’s little efficiency loss, and the Yuma 100-watt panels, relying on CIGS technology, seem to perform well, even under non-ideal conditions. Partial shade doesn’t affect the output; I would put them at 75%. I’m sure the readings will go up if angled towards the sun.

Meanwhile, Yuma has a home run on the ease of installation. This solar panel has adhesive tape at the bottom, so you can attach it virtually on any surface. It works fine when attached to your RV roof, but you can also lay it on a picnic table!

The best thing about the tape installation is connecting it to my camper roof without drilling holes and damaging my RV. It makes mounting much easier.

Finally, I love that the Yuma 100W CIGS Thin-film Flexible Solar Panel is IP68 waterproof and has improved rainfall drainage. It’s great because I don’t have to fear when operating the solar panel in a wet environment.

➡ SHOP Yuma 100W CIGS Thin-Film Flexible Solar Panel

5. ALLPOWERS Portable Solar Panel

If you need 100w 12v solar panels that will give you value for your money, consider the Allpowers portable solar panel. One thing I like about this panel is that it comes as a package containing everything you need for solar charging your RV/camping device.

It has many accessories: a solar charger, laptop connectors, an Alligator clip cable, a USB cable, and carabiners. And from user reviews, the accessories don’t feel that high quality, but they work just fine. It’s a bargain for the price.

Regarding performance, these 100w 12v solar panels work great and do exactly as they say in the box. According to the manufacturer, the solar panel cells have an efficiency of up to 23.5%. If this is too much to process, understand that this solar works hard to keep your RV topped off. Personally, I’m happy with its performance, and if you like getting off-grid or living in an area prone to natural disasters, you’d be a fool not to have these 100w portable solar panels.

Plus, the size is nice, and the easily deployable design makes it an ideal product for use on your RV or van. It’s also lighter, and the slim design makes it a handy option to haul and stow away.

➡ SHOP AllPowers Portable Solar Panel

6. DOKIO Monocrystalline Foldable Solar Panel

You can’t beat the DOKIO Monocrystalline Foldable Solar Panel for the price. This “briefcase” solar kit is economical. The price is low, but the performance is fine for most needs.

It feels solid and sturdy right out of the box, and I can see it lasting long. It has a zip-on cover that protects against scratches more than glass breaking. However, the frame, clasps, handle, and hinges feel durable.

It’s also hard to come by solar kits with included legs. The DOKIO 100-Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panel is a foldable solar panel and has legs that open at the end, digging into the ground like a tent peg. They’re handy for orienting the solar panels toward direct sunlight.

As for the performance, the DOKIO Monocrystalline Foldable Solar Panel seems to work in different conditions, according to the display controller on the back. It keeps your outdoor electronic devices charged.

I also love the ease of use and installation. It has alligator clips for hooking the battery, a generous cable length, and a nifty case to pack them away when not in use.

➡ SHOP DOKIO Monocrystalline Foldable Solar Panel

7. 100W 12V 9BB Mono Solar Panel

Get the 100W 12V 9BB Mono Solar Panel to replace your failed RV solar panel. It’s awesome, high-quality, high efficiency, and it works great. I found the 100W 12V 9BB Mono Solar Panel sturdy and well-constructed. The quality is awesome, and there are no rough edges.

The performance of the 100W 12v solar panel is also fantastic, and I love that they put out the specified power. The efficiency and strength of the glass panel surpass those of the flat panels I’ve previously used, and I’m happy that they keep my RV electronically powered.

The quality of the 100W 12V 9BB Mono Solar Panel is impressive, especially the power output in low light conditions. A genius feature on the 100W 12V 9BB Mono Solar Panel is the “BB” feature. The main benefit is that it allows the solar panel to function normally and isn’t affected if a cell or a fraction of it is damaged.

It’s a bit heavier than the lightweight 100w Folding solar panels, but I expected that. They’re portable, though, provided you don’t carry them for long distances. My main dealbreaker was that the 100W 12-volt solar panel package only comes with the solar panel and no other accessories. No screws, cables, or adapter.

➡ SHOP 100W 12V 9BB Mono Solar Panel

What Is a 100W Solar Panel?

The 100W solar panel is exactly as it sounds. It’s a solar panel capable of generating a maximum output of 100 watts of electrical power. The energy 100 watts solar would theoretically produce in one hour would be 100 watts-hours.

But in reality, the output varies, and most 100-watt solar panels don’t put out the full 100-watt. The 100-watt solar panels output less than the rated capacity because of several factors such as the environmental conditions, temperature, amount of exposed sunlight, and solar angle.

A 100-watt solar power system capacity is usually most efficient at noon or early afternoon sun on a cloudless day and in temperate climatic regions. Also, when the solar is deployed close to the equator, a properly-angled solar panel can achieve the rated capacity on cloudless sunny days. 

What Will a 100W Solar Panel Power?

A 100-amp panel can power small devices and appliances, especially those below the 100-watt rated capacity. Some camping/RVing appliances a 100-watt solar panel can power include lights, radios, mall appliances, portable radios and speakers, LED bulbs, cell phones or mobile phones, laptops, digital cameras, etc.

But from experience, the thing you want to be using the solar panels is charging the battery. For example, consider a microwave. Depending on the individual model, it may require 1,000 watts and not work on a typical 100-watt solar.

But if you use your 100-watt solar panels to charge a bunch of batteries, then after some time, it’ll have amassed enough power stored in the batteries to run the microwave for a period, which might be enough for your needs.

Monocrystalline vs. Polycrystalline Solar Panel

Monocrystalline and polycrystalline are popular solar panel technologies for harnessing solar energy, but they’ve key differences.

Efficiency

Generally, monocrystalline solar panels are considered more energy efficient than their polycrystalline counterpart.

The monocrystalline panels are constructed from a single, continuous crystal structure, which allows for consistent and efficient energy production. On the other hand, polycrystalline solar panels are constructed from multiple smaller crystals, which results in lower efficiency.

Therefore, monocrystalline solar panels will generate more electricity for the same amount of sunlight than a similarly sized and rated polycrystalline solar panel.

Space Efficiency

Besides performance, monocrystalline solar panels are more space-saving than polycrystalline panels because they generate more power per square foot. The space-saving design makes them a great option for RVs, where space is premium.

Cost

The biggest catch with the monocrystalline 100w 12v solar panels is the cost. Their energy efficiency and performance come at a cost. The monocrystalline manufacturing process is also more complex, thus the higher price.

However, in the long term, the difference in cost is usually negligible because of the monocrystalline makeup for their higher cost with greater efficiency.

Temperature Tolerance

The biggest upside of polycrystalline solar panels is high-temperature tolerance. Remember that extremely high temperatures are usually not favorable for the optimal performance of solar panels.

While both solar panels are easily affected by high temperatures, the polycrystalline panels have more tolerance.

Aesthetics

Monocrystalline solar panels are a candy to the eye, thanks to the uniform black color. Conversely, polycrystalline solar panels have a blue tint and a more uneven surface.

Of course, from our comparison, it seems that monocrystalline solar panels are superior to the polycrystalline options. However, the ultimate choice depends on your energy needs and specific installation requirements. Important factors such as cost, space, budget, and temperature tolerance will affect the decision-making process. 

Factors to Consider When Purchasing a 100W Solar Panel

Choosing a solar panel for your camping/RVing needs isn’t difficult. However, there are several key actors you need to consider. These factors can either make or break your experience.

Here’s a list of the critical actors to keep in mind in your next 110-watt solar panel purchase:

Mounting Dimensions

The mounting dimensions are critical to consider when selecting a solar panel or solar panel kit. It’s particularly crucial if you plan to mount your solar panel on top of your RV.

Ideally, bigger solar panels are better because they expose more surface to sunlight, but you could get more for less with technology. So, while the mounting surface is important, what you should give preference to most is the energy efficiency rating.

Some modern solar panels are much smaller, yet their harnessing capabilities are superior to old-school solar panels with larger surfaces.

Cost

Cost is also an important factor when selecting a solar panel. Premium solar panels are generally more expensive, but they don’t necessarily mean they’re suited for your needs. You could find a more inexpensive option that suits your energy needs.

I suggest you have a reasonable budget and shop for a solar panel. It makes sense if you first research the market and identify a reasonable range.

Weight

Weight is an important aspect for any RVer. The ideal 100-watt solar panel should be lightweight without sacrificing durability. It should not be bulky or add excess weight to a stuffed vehicle.

In addition, the dimensions should also be reasonable. It should be compact enough to fit the cramped RV space and leave space for more gear.

Nominal Voltage

Nominal voltage is the approximate solar panel voltage to match your electrical equipment. In most cases, this voltage is based on the nominal voltage of appliances connected to the solar panels, such as batteries, loads, inverters, charge controllers, and other solar panels.

But understand nominal voltage isn’t a real voltage and is different from the actual operating voltage. For example, if you need to power a 12V battery, you can effortlessly power it with a 12V solar panel. However, the 12V battery may have an operating voltage that fluctuates between 11.5V to 14V, but it’s still referred to as a 12 V battery.

Flexible vs Rigid

100-watt solar panels are also classified as flexible/100w semi-flexible solar or rigid.

The 100-W flexible solar panels are usually constructed from flexible materials such as thin film and can bend or flex to a certain degree. The flexibility is a huge bonus and enhances the versatility of the solar panels, especially when you need to mount them on curved or irregular surfaces.

On the other hand, a rigid solar panel is constructed from rigid materials. They’re not flexible and can only be installed on flat surfaces.

Now that we know about each category let’s compare them:

Durability

Generally, the rigid 100-watt solar panels are more durable than the flexible option. They can withstand inclement weather and are less damage-resistant than flexible solar panels.

Efficiency

The efficiency of solar panels ultimately depends on the technology used, but generally, rigid solar panels are more efficient. However, the difference in efficiency is usually negligible.

Weight

Regarding the weight factor, the 100-W flexible solar panels are generally lighter, making them easier to transport and install.

Installation

The flexible solar panels are generally easier to install than the rigid options. An upside of flexible solar panels is they can conform to different shapes, and therefore, they are the perfect option for mounting on irregularly shaped, curved, or jagged surfaces.

Cost

Flexible solar panels are more expensive than rigid panels. The cost largely comes from the complex technology and manufacturing associated with flexible materials and designs.

Overall, the choice between the rigid and 100-W flexible solar panels depends on the installation’s specific application, cost, and requirement.

Durability

The ideal solar panel should be solid, and for a device that will be exposed for most of the time to the elements, and rigors of camping, it should withstand wear, pressure, and damage.

In particular, it should be able to withstand inclement weather and endure heavy rain, hail, high winds, or other external climatic stress.

FAQ: 100W Solar Panel 

How Much Power Will a 100-Watt Solar Panel Produce?

The power output of typical 100w solar panels depends on the peak hours of sunlight exposure. But generally, a 100-w solar panel can generate between 200-600 watt hours in a day.

How Many Volts Will a 100W Solar Panel Produce?

A 100 solar panel generates 100W of DC output in optimal conditions and roughly 18 V of maximum power voltage.

Is a 100W Solar Panel Enough for a Fridge?

It depends on the size of the fridge, but generally, you’ll require at least three 100W solar panels to power a typical fridge. Meanwhile, these solar panels should be in ideal situations and get at least 8 hours of exposure to sunlight.

Conclusion: Best Portable 100w Solar Panels

We love using solar panels. If you are constantly dealing with dead batteries or bad batteries, your outdoor life will be much better, harnessing the power of the sun with great solar panels. The more you use solar panels, the more panels you will want and the more applications you will find for them.

They are great for your RV, but they are also great for a tent camping trip. They only take seconds to set up, and when coupled with a portable power station, you will have great peace of mind knowing all of your devices will have power. 

The only thing you will need to worry about is that you will want to purchase more of them once you get started using these great solar panels. 

Additional Power and Battery RV Resources

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