11 Best Portable Solar Panels for an RV in 2024

LOOKNG FOR THE BEST PORTABLE SOLAR PANELS?

You are in the right place because the 11 best portable solar panels are all featured here. How do we know they are the best? We have done the research and testing to bring you the 11 best options, and they all have excellent reviews. We have also traveled in our RV since 2010 looking for the best destinations and products.

Portable solar panels, are super handy while you’re on the move; and, more importantly, provide a cost-effective energy source. Portable panels have so many valuable uses and have worked great for our RV.

If you are not sure which solar panels to chose from we have you coved bringing you the best portable solar panels you will find. We also have compiled a buyer guide to help with your selection.

11 Best Portable Solar-Powered Panels

1. Yuma 200W CIGS Thin-film Flexible Solar Panel

Our top pick is from BougeRV and is part of the Yuma thin-film series. It’s a 200W-rated solar panel and is among our list’s higher-rated portable solar panels for camping. It works well in low-light conditions and, therefore, is a fantastic option for year-round use.

But Yuma’s signature feature is the CIGS construction. It has an ultra-thin, flexible construction that is adaptive to any architectural design.

This solar for camping option can be mounted on any surface, even if it curves slightly, and will maintain a stable output, even in the shade or if sections of the portable RV solar panels are damaged.

The lightweight design is also a bonus, and for caravans, RVs, motorhomes, and trailers, the benefits are obvious; less drag, less weight & lower fuel consumption.

It comes with an adhesive, so installation is a breeze. And for something that you’ll fix on the roof, I’m pleased with the waterproof design and tolerance of higher temperatures without losing efficiency. It’s durable.

We use BougeRV solar panels on our fifth wheel and have had a great experience using them. You can read more in our BougeRV Solar Panel Review.

▶ SHOP Yuma 200W Cigs Flexible Solar Panel

2. 200W 12V 9BB Portable Solar Panel

The 200W 12V 9BB Portable Solar Panel is a more capable option, thanks to the high-output capacity and high-conversion cells. It works well in low light conditions and charges considerably faster than similarly-rated portable RV solar panels. This means you need fewer panels to meet your RV power needs.

I would also recommend these panels for their durability. It can withstand inclement weather, making it perfect for all-year use and for RVing. If anything, it also comes with an 18-month warranty.

The quality of the BougeRV 200W 12V 9BB Portable Solar Panel is also impressive. It’s compact, and fits great in most RVs and spaces and if you need more power you can easily add additional panels to your portable solar setup.

▶ SHOP BougeRV 200-Watt Portable Solar Panel

3. Jackery Explorer 880 Power Station

Aptly named a power station, Jackery Explorer 100 w solar panel is a combo that includes a solar panel and portable power station. It’s a complete power system that will work in and out of your RV.

If you have a power station and solar panel on your camping trip, you can easily add the BougeRV portable fridge keeping all your food items cold without the need for ice. These solar kits are very versatile. 

The generator houses a battery and inverter for power storage and conversion. It’s also compact and small enough for portability. Meanwhile, the SolarSaga 100W Monocrystalline portable solar panels with a battery for camping work like clockwork are ideally suited for outdoor life.

It weighs 9.1 pounds, and you can fold and carry it with one hand. It also has an integrated handle for portability and won’t bog you or your campers.

Furthermore, it incorporated USB ports such as a USB-C port and USB-A port at the back to charge small devices directly without needing extra adapters. Finally, it has two kickstands for easy setup.

▶ SHOP Jackery Explorer 880 Power Station

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

The Yuma 100 are flexible solar panels for camping and utilizes CIGS technology. These solar panels boast a full 360° bend, can flex in either direction, and are ideal for installing on unconventional surfaces such as RV roofs.

CIGS solar technology on the Yuma 100 w solar panel is more reliable and durable than the traditional silicone technology. You can even walk directly on top of the panel if you need to, and in case it gets sectional damage, the panels continue operating at a reduced capacity. Talk of convenience!

Installing this is also easy since you can mount them anywhere using the included adhesive. They’re also ultra-light; for ultimate portability, you can roll them up for storage.

▶ SHOP Yuma 100W Flexible Solar Panels

5. DOKIO 160W 18V Portable Solar Panel Kit

The Dokio 160W 18V portable solar panel Kit comes with everything you need to install and operate portable solar panels. It doesn’t include a battery, but the Dokio bundle includes a 160-watt panel, a charge controller, and an adaptor kit for any RV or solar generator.

Portable solar panels are great for many uses especially if you don’t want to directly install solar panels to the top of your RV. They are also nice because you can follow the sun to maximize their productivity.  

While the Dokio portable RV solar panels aren’t flexible, they’re ultra-lightweight for portability and come with an excellent carry bag for great portability.

Furthermore, it has a charge controller, making it easy to regulate and monitor the status of the solar kit. And finally, may outdoor enthusiasts be pleased with the durable construction. If you need more power the Dokio comes in a 220W Pro version or a 300 watt version that is great for larger RVs an power consumptions

▶ DOKIO 160W 18V PORTABLE SOLAR PANEL KIT

6. BougeRV 130W Mono Portable Solar Panel

BougeRV 130W mono portable solar panel will keep you powered regardless of weather conditions. It adopts the 99BB solar cells, which promote efficiency by up to 23.5% and reduce internal resistance loss.

Performance-aside, this solar panel is built with RVers in mind. It’s ultra-lightweight and won’t add much weight to your RV gear. It’s also foldable, and this means storage is a breeze.

The adjustable kickstands and twist latch makes it easy to mount this foldable solar panel, while the universal solar connector makes it compatible with any generator with DC 7909/ DC 5521 input outlet.

I also like that it is solid, waterproof, and can withstand inclement weather.

▶ SHOP BougeRV 130-Watt Mono Portable Solar Panel

7. Zamp solar Legacy Series 230-Watt Portable Solar Panel Kit

The Zamp Solar portable solar kit with 230 watts of portable solar panels. It’s a great kit and can generate a lot of power for easily portable solar panels.

The kit comes with everything you need to have efficient and portable power to make sure your 12-V battery will stay charged giving you power day and night.

It also includes a charge controller, wiring harness, and everything you need to plug right to your batteries. The kit folds into a briefcase style portability with a carrying case.

Using the Zamp Solar Panel bundle also feels like a dream. Each panel has an innovative and flexible independent omni-mount frame, so you can position the panels anywhere for maximum sunlight exposure.

Takedown and setup is a breeze giving you fast and reliable power for any size recreational vehicle.

▶ SHOP Zamp Solar 230-Watt Solar Panel

8. Renogy Flexible Monocrystalline RV Solar Panel 

Renogy RV solar panel is perfect for uneven surfaces like RVs or vans. You can also prop it up to face the sun, regardless of location, making it ideal for camping and outdoor use. It can also flex up to 248 degrees without damage, which is great for optimal performance, especially in low-light conditions.

In addition, it’s built with convenience in mind. It’s compact and portable, yet it can withstand inclement weather. Mounting the Renogy RV solar panel doesn’t get much easier; it attaches to your RV roof using silicone adhesives, so there is no worry about drilling holes.

▶ SHOP Renogy Flexible RV Solar Panel

9. BougeRV 100W 12V 9BB Mono Solar Panel 

I highly recommend the BougeRV Mono Solar Panel, especially if you’re camping in less-desirable locations for solar panel use. See, this model has a high-level 9BB cell design with a 21.9% conversion rate.

Furthermore, the half-cut cells technology on this panel improves the performance efficiency by miles. It reduces resistance loss and makes the solar performance more stable.

I also like that it’s versatile and will work well on different outdoor applications. It’s also durable to withstand the changing outdoor environment. Meanwhile, pre-drilled holes at the back of the panels make mounting easy and less sophisticated for use on your RVs, boats, or other outdoor equipment.

▶ SHOP BougeRV 100W Mono Solar Panel

10. BigBlue 3 USB-A 28W Solar Charger 

The Bigblue Solar Charger is the perfect way to get a start in solar. It works well for outdoor and off-grid applications and is perfect to charging smaller electronics or having for emergency use. The panels fit easily into a hiking bag making them very portable but their small size also comes as less wattage.

Its performance is also fantastic as it provides the most efficiency per space. The high-quality SunPower Solar Panel have a high conversion efficiency. Even in low light conditions, the solar panel can muster enough solar energy to keep you in the light.

The solar panel only weighs 1.5 pounds. It’s also super easy to use in your car or outdoors, and the wiring couldn’t be easier. This can even be used to charge your car battery is your battery is dead. We love to couple these solar panels with other great gear like the BougeRV camping cooler.

▶ BigBlue 3 USB-A 28W Solar Charger

11. Nature Power 80-Watt Portable Briefcase Solar Panel 

The Nature Power Solar Panel is available in a sleek, portable briefcase case. It’s compact, easy to carry, and easy to store. It’s also powerful and is rated for 80 watts, enough to charge and maintain your 12-V batteries, whether on an RV, boat, or outdoor cabin.

A sturdy aluminum frame protects this solar from harsh outdoor use, while a tilt mount makes it easier to get a perfect angle for collecting solar rays. The Nature Power Solar Panel also comes with an adapter for use on RVs prewired for use with solar panels.

▶ SHOP Nature Power 80-Watt Briefcase Solar Panel

Pros of Portable Solar Panels

Here are the top reasons you should consider investing in a portable solar panel:

✔ The energy source is free and abundant, almost geographically everywhere. There’s more power source than you’ll ever need.

✔ Camping solar panels don’t rely on old-fashioned mechanical turbines like most energy sources. There’re no moving parts or anything. No gears to change, no oil replacement, or parts that can break. In short, portable solar panels for RVs barely require maintenance.

✔ The efficiency of solar panels is independent of scale. A smaller solar panel is as effective as a large solar panel.

✔ Solar energy is clean energy and good for the environment. It doesn’t result in noise or waste products and hardly negatively influences humans or wildlife.

✔ Finally, solar power is generally inexpensive. The upfront cost is slightly higher but usually pays for itself in the long run. It’s not to mention the government rebates and subsidies that are increasingly dropping the solar panel installation and use cost. Plus, there’s no high ongoing cost of using solar portable solar panels for camping.

Speaking of camping, if you’re always looking for places to go camping, we highly recommend checking out The Dyrt, the #1 camping app. The Dyrt Pro has amazing resources to make planning so easy:

• Take advantage of PRO Membership discounts to save up to 40% on campground costs
• Plan camping road trips with the Trip Planner
• Find free dispersed camping locations
• Use The Dyrt app anywhere with offline access

We have arranged with The Dyrt to give the CS Ginger viewers a FREE 30-Day Trial using the code “csginger.” Normally the trial is 7 days!

Cons of Portable Solar Panels

Of course, as with any other energy system, solar panels also have a fair share of drawbacks. The two main cons of solar panels are:

❌ Users of solar panels require massive energy storage to fully rely on solar energy.

❌ Most solar panels can only generate electricity approximately 50% of the time.

How Portable Solar Panels Work

Portable solar panels for camping work by harnessing the sun’s energy and converting it into electricity, which can be used to power your devices or stored in your batteries.

A typical solar panel consists of something called photovoltaic cells. These solar cells are the building blocks of camping solar panels and are usually made from silicone or other semiconductors. When the sun’s rays hit on these cells, it excites the solar cells and triggers the flow of electrons, which in turn generates direct current (DC) of electricity.

But the DC electricity is unusable in its current state, so many solar panels have an inverter to convert the DC to alternating current (AC). Most portable solar systems have an in-built inverter, while others may require you to purchase a separate one. 

Best Ways to Use Portable Solar Panels 

Portable solar panels are a great way to harness the sun’s energy. However, the efficiency of solar performance depends on how you use it.

Here’re some tips and tricks to maximize your portable solar systems performance:

✔ Consider the level of sun exposure: To get the most out of your Portable solar panels for a camper, you must place them in a location that receives direct sunlight. The more exposed your panels are to sunlight, the more energy they produce.

✔ Invest in high-efficiency portable solar panels for camping: To get the most bang for your buck, invest in portable solar panels for RVs with higher efficiency ratings.

✔ Get high-quality batteries: Energy storage is also important, especially when the outside conditions aren’t favorable for harnessing energy.

✔ Consider solar accessories: Finally, accessories like solar regulators, solar charge controllers, and solar trackers maximize the efficiency of your solar system. They also make your life more convenient.

✔ Use efficient appliances: Using energy-efficient appliances also allows you to get the most out of your portable panels. Consider appliances with a higher energy star rating or low wattage.

✔ Protect your panel: Finally, always protect your Portable solar panels for a camper from the elements, especially during inclement weather.

Determining the Size of Solar Panel You Need

Determining the right size for your portable solar panels for camping is easier than you think. But you need to understand the size here doesn’t refer to the physical dimension.

Instead, it refers to the power or number of watts a solar panel is rated for. So, the bigger (wattage) the solar panel, the more powerful it is and the higher the number of applications it can handle.

An easy way to determine the right size of your solar panel for your needs is to calculate your maximum and minimum energy daily usage. Also, determine your average daily demand (how many watts you consume).

Once you determine your average wattage consumption, add another 10% to cushion you so you’re always safe.

What is a Watt When Looking at Solar Panels? 

A watt is a unit of power. Scientifically, it’s defined as voltage x current (P=I x V).

When referring to solar panels, wattage refers to the maximum power a panel can generate. However, the wattage varies over a day and generally measures how much power output a solar panel can produce under good conditions.

A couple of factors may affect the maximum output of a solar panel, such as the existing weather conditions, shading, and angling on the panel.

Usually, the wattage of a solar panel is indicated on the label or data sheet on the solar panel’s manual. It’s usually expressed in specifications such as “maximum power” or “peak power.”

Types of Portable Solar Panels 

We can group portable solar panels for RVs into three main categories:

Foldable Suitcase Solar Panel: Aptly named the foldable suitcase solar panels, also known as portable folding solar panels, they resemble and open & close like a suitcase. They’re mostly found on RVs and Van’s roofs.

Flexible, portable solar panels tend to be smaller and more ultra-lightweight. They’re more compact and suitable for camping and outdoor activities when you might carry them.

Portable solar chargers: They’re great for powering power sources like a power bank, a battery pack, or even keeping any deep cycle battery charged.

Solar Panel Technology 

There’re three main technologies used to power portable solar panels:

Monocrystalline Technology

The best solar panels provide the highest “efficiency/cost” ratio. A perfect example is solar panels with monocrystalline PVC cells.

Mono portable solar panels for a camper are the most efficient, thanks to the single-crystal silicon. They’ve 20% more energy conversion than other solar technologies. Plus, they work well even under low light conditions. However, they’re expensive but worth it, especially if you need a self-sustaining unit.

Polycrystalline Panels

Solar panels for a motorhome with polycrystalline technology are affordable. Unfortunately, they’re not as efficient as the latter, and perfect if you have a site without space constraints or where high energy generation isn’t a priority.

It’s easy to identify polycrystalline solar panels because they have a distinctive look consisting of squares and uncut blue angles.

Amorphous (Thin-Film)

The amorphous panels usually have thin-film solar cells and are mostly used to power smaller solar power systems. They’re affordable and flexible, and this makes their application much easier. They also have a decreased sensitivity to high temperatures.

Things to Look for in a Portable Solar Panel 

Here’s a blueprint that will make it easier for you to select the best portable solar panels for camping for your needs:

Watts

The best portable solar panel should be powerful enough to supply you with the power you need to charge your devices in the smallest format possible. It should accommodate the combined peak watts of your entire RV.

For example, large 200w portable solar panels are ideal for charging large batteries or a solar generator. In contrast, a 10-20W portable solar panel is best to charge your smartphone or battery bank for backpacking trips.

Charge Controller

A portable solar system requires a solar charge controller to regulate the harvested energy. Some solar panels have an in-built charge controller, while others have it separately. Regardless, the charge controller types determine how much energy you can convert and store.

Generally, portable solar panels for RVs with in-built controllers have low energy demands, and therefore, it shouldn’t be a huge concern. However, if you plan to use your solar system for self-sustenance, consider Solar panels for a motorhome with robust charge controllers.

Physical Dimensions and Weight

The physical dimensions of solar panels matter, especially for portable units. Now, unless you’re backpacking, the main idea of solar panel sizing and weight is they can be used for carrying short distances (campsite, base site) and for easier storage.

Solar panels that are portable are easy-to-use and foldable. But understand small portable solar panels are generally less powerful-at, at least for most Solar panels for a motorhome.

Batteries

We mentioned earlier that a solar system consists of a solar panel, battery, and charge controller. Most portable units are self-contained, meaning you must connect your devices directly to the in-built connectors. However, you might need a separate battery bank if you have greater energy demands.

FAQ: Portable Solar Panels 

Is it worth getting a portable solar panel?

A portable solar panel is a clean and reliable energy source compared to most alternatives. It can also save money by reducing reliance on the national grid system.

The best part is that it’s a portable energy source, so you can bring it along where your adventures take you. We have found portable solar panels are excellent, especially when coupled with portable power stations or solar generators. 

What will a 200-watt solar panel run?

A 200-watt solar panel produces between 700Wh and 1300Wh of daily energy, and this is enough to charge a battery to power small appliances such as coffee makers, LCDs, LED lights, and laptops.

What will a 400-watt solar panel run?

Generally, you can expect a 400-watt solar panel to generate between 1kWh and 2kWh of energy daily. This is enough to power small to mid-size appliances, including standard fridges, fans, TVs, and TVs fans.

How much can a portable solar panel power?

Portable solar panels come in different sizes and with different wattage ratings. Under ideal conditions, a solar panel will produce its rated electricity and can power different appliances starting from small RV items such as phones to power-hungry appliances such as ACs, or refrigerators.

How fast will a solar panel charge a device?

The short answer is it depends on the size and the rated capacity of your solar panel generator. The bigger the solar panel, the more powerful it is and the quicker it charges your devices.

Do solar panels charge when it is cloudy?

Yes, the best portable solar panels for RV battery charging still work even in cloudy weather. However, they generate less power, depending on how “bad” the weather is and the quality and efficiency of your solar panels.

Conclusion: Best Portable Solar Panels  for an RV

It’s a wrap and everything you need to know about the best portable solar panels for an RV. Investing in portable solar panels for RVs is a great idea, especially if you need a reliable and uninterrupted energy source.

However, you must pick a unit rated for your needs for the best results. Fortunately, our choice above should make your purchase decision much easier, making sure you’ve got the power you need for your next camping trip!

Speaking of camping, if you’re always looking for places to go camping, we highly recommend checking out The Dyrt, the #1 camping app. The Dyrt Pro has amazing resources to make planning so easy:

• Take advantage of PRO Membership discounts to save up to 40% on campground costs
• Plan camping road trips with the Trip Planner
• Find free dispersed camping locations
• Use The Dyrt app anywhere with offline access

We have arranged with The Dyrt to give the CS Ginger viewers a FREE 30-Day Trial using the code “csginger.” Normally the trial is 7 days!

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