The review included both compact batteries that you can carry with you everywhere, and panels with an increased area for installation on roofs or open areas.

Best Portable Solar Panels

Models of this type are small in size and weight, easy to carry and store. They do not have high power, but are widely used to power batteries of mobile devices and other compact devices.

BioLite SolarPanel10+

The stand of the model rotates 360 degrees, which allows you to place the panel on almost any surface. A small sundial is provided for convenient determination of the optimal angle of inclination. The built-in battery has a capacity of 3000 mAh and can be charged via a USB connection.

Dimensions 24×257 mm, output power — 10 watts. The slim body and light weight make it easy to store and transport the panel. The corner parts are reinforced with special inserts and are not afraid of sharp blows.

Advantages:

• convenient installation;
• light weight and compactness;
• durable case;
• built-in battery.

Flaws:

The BioLite SolarPanel10+ is good for occasional use and can be useful even when there is no sun.

Woodland Mobile Power 20W

The model is made using polycrystalline silicon wafers. They are securely mounted on a durable polymer backing to ensure the battery is safe to carry. The outer cover is made of wear-resistant synthetics with a moisture-proof coating.

The power of the panel is 20 W, the dimensions when folded are 35x33x2 cm. It can be used to charge two devices at the same time. And special eyelets allow you to hang the battery in any position for easy transportation and use.

Advantages:

• durable case and protective coating;
• ease of carrying;
• long service life;
• folding design.

Flaws:

• fast buckle wear.

Woodland Mobile Power is suitable for charging 5 volt devices: smartphones, flashlights, power banks, etc.

Goal Zero Nomad 5

The model is equipped with a special support that allows you to easily place it in a sunny place and adjust the angle of inclination. The case is not afraid of sharp blows and falls from a small height, which guarantees stable operation for a long time.

Battery dimensions 24×17.8×2.8 centimeters, power — 5 watts. A USB output is provided for connecting a mobile device. The weight of the panel is only 360 grams, which makes it easy to carry it with you all the time.

Advantages:

• convenient installation;
• durable case;
• light weight;
• support angle adjustment.

Flaws:

• low protection class.

Goal Zero Nomad is suitable for charging a smartphone or other mobile device in good weather.

The best stationary solar panels

Stationary devices are characterized by large dimensions and increased power. They are installed in large numbers on the roofs of buildings and other free areas. Designed for year-round use.

Sunways FSM-370M

The model is made using PERC technology, thanks to which it is stable in adverse weather conditions. The anodized aluminum frame is not afraid of sharp impacts and deformation. High-strength tempered glass with low UV absorption ensures the safety of the panel.

Rated power is 370 W, voltage is 24 V. The battery can operate at outdoor temperature from -40 to +85 °С. The diode assembly protects it from overloads and reverse currents, reduces efficiency losses with partial shading of the surface.

Advantages:

• durable corrosion-resistant frame;
• thick protective glass;
• stable operation in any conditions;
• long service life.

Flaws:

Sunways FSM-370M is recommended for permanent power supply of large facilities. An excellent choice for placement on the roof of a residential building or office building.

Delta BST 200-24M

A feature of Delta BST is the heterogeneous structure of single-crystal modules. This has improved the panel’s ability to absorb scattered solar radiation and ensures its efficient operation even in cloudy conditions.

The peak power of the battery is 200 watts with dimensions of 1580x808x35 mm. Rigid construction withstands difficult conditions, and a reinforced frame with drainage holes ensures stable operation of the panel during bad weather. The protective layer is made of tempered anti-reflective glass 3.2 mm thick.

Advantages:

• stable operation in difficult weather conditions;
• reinforced construction;
• heat resistance;
• stainless frame.

Flaws:

• complex installation.

The Delta BST is designed to provide consistent power throughout the year and will provide reliable power for many years to come.

Feron PS0301

The Feron solar panel is not afraid of difficult conditions and functions stably at a temperature of -40..+85 °C. The metal case is resistant to damage and does not corrode. The battery power is 60 W, the dimensions in ready-to-use form are 35x1680x664 millimeters.

If necessary, transport the structure can be easily folded. For convenient and safe carrying, a special case made of durable synthetics is provided. The kit also includes two supports, a cable with clips and a controller, which allows you to immediately commission the panel.

Advantages:

• heat resistance;
• stable operation in all weather conditions;
• durable case;
• fast installation;
• convenient folding design.

Flaws:

Feron can be used in any weather. A good choice for installation in a private home, but you will need several of these panels to get enough power.

Woodland Sun House 120W

The model is made of polycrystalline silicon wafers. Photocells are covered with a thick layer of tempered glass, which eliminates the risk of mechanical damage and external factors. Their service life is about 25 years.

The battery power is 120 W, the dimensions in the ready-to-use state are 128x4x67 centimeters. The kit includes a practical bag made of wear-resistant material that simplifies storage and transportation of the panel. For ease of installation on a flat surface, special legs are provided.

Advantages:

• protective covering;
• fast installation;
• compact size and easy to carry;
• long service life;
• durable bag included.

Flaws:

• the frame is flimsy.

Woodland Sun House is capable of charging 12-volt batteries. An excellent solution for installation in a country house, a hunting base and in other places remote from civilization.

Best Camping Solar Panels

These models differ from conventional portable batteries in the most protected design, they are not afraid of operation in difficult field conditions. They can be securely fixed on clothes or equipment, convenient when used during vigorous activity.

Solaris 8E-80-12/24-V

The photovoltaic modules of the panel are made of monocrystalline silicon. A fabric cover is used as the basis. If necessary, it can be folded for easy storage and transportation. The material is resistant to damage and protects the working elements from moisture.

The dimensions of the unfolded panel are 1050x490x4 millimeters, the power is 80 watts. The model is capable of operating in a voltage mode of 12 and 24 volts. The package includes a set of cables for connecting various equipment.

Advantages:

• folding design;
• moisture resistant cover;
• fast installation;
• compactness;
• versatility.

Flaws:

• thin layer of protective coating.

Solaris-8E-80-12/24-V can be used to charge radios, flashlights, GPS navigators, refrigerators and other camping equipment on a long journey.

Aukey PB-P2

Aukey is equipped with carabiners, allowing you to fix it on a backpack or bag during the transition. There are two USB ports for connecting mobile devices. The cover is easy to fold and does not take up much space, and the material of its manufacture is an all-weather wear-resistant fabric.

The dimensions of the panel in working order are 500x305x4.4 mm, the output power is 20 watts. Other features include support for fast and safe charging technology. There is also protection against short circuits, power surges and surges, overheating.

Advantages:

• charge indicator;
• wear-resistant cover;
• stable operation and long service life due to a set of protections;
• ease of carrying in working condition;
• supports fast charging.

Flaws:

• fragile loops.

The Aukey PB-P2 panel converts up to 23.5% of the sun’s rays and is the perfect companion for long expeditions.

Interstep SCH-15W

The Interstep design includes three monocrystalline blocks. They are fixed on a special folding base, which facilitates transportation and protects the elements from damage. The protective coating prevents the material from getting wet and guarantees the safety of carrying.

The output power of the battery is 15 W with dimensions of 160x3x252 mm. There is a USB output for connecting the panel to a mobile device. Other features include easy fastening to equipment of the unfolded panel.

Advantages:

• protective covering;
• folding design;
• easy cleaning;
• light weight;
• convenient fastening.

Flaws:

Solar battery Interstep SCH-15W is designed to charge one device. But it can be placed directly on the backpack during the trip.

Allpowers AP-SP5V21W

The Allpowers panel consists of three monocrystalline sections on a flexible base, equipped with a common charge level controller. Mobile devices are connected via two USB outputs.

The battery is not afraid of operation in difficult conditions, it functions properly at temperatures from -17 to + 48 ° C. Panel dimensions in the unfolded state — 625x308x9 millimeters, power — 21 watts.

The small weight makes it easy to carry the device with you all the time. The package includes special carabiners for fixing on equipment or a backpack.

Advantages:

• heat resistance;
• folding design;
• light weight;
• ease of carrying;
• durability.

Flaws:

• clasp wears out quickly.

The Allpowers solar panel can be used in any weather to work with smartphones, cameras, external batteries and other wearable devices.

Monero SLP-06

The model has the technology of protection against voltage surges and short circuits, which guarantees stable operation in all conditions and the safety of charging devices. The soft cover is not subject to rapid wear, is resistant to moisture and easily folds if necessary.

The panel power is 6 W, the dimensions in a ready-to-use state are 262x215x16 millimeters. The weight of only 230 grams makes it easy to carry the device. And for convenient attachment of the battery to a backpack, clothes or equipment, you can use two durable carabiners.

Advantages:

• folding design;
• very light;
• good level of protection;
• moisture resistant cover;
• fast installation.

Flaws:

• little power.

Monero SLP-06 is designed to charge one wearable device. A compact solution for use on a short trip.

Which solar panels are better to buy

An important characteristic of any battery, including solar, is power. For an autonomous supply of a medium-sized residential building, a total of at least 1000 watts will be needed. To provide power to 1-2 household appliances, a set of panels producing about 500 watts will suffice.

The number of elements in a module affects the applicability of the panel. For example, to charge a 12-volt battery, you need 36 series-connected 0.5-volt converters. Typically, modules with 72 cells are designed for a nominal 24 volts.

But the first question that arises when choosing a solar panel is its type, since each type of battery has its own strengths:

• Polycrystalline are economical;
• Monocrystalline are characterized by high efficiency;
• Amorphous are able to consistently generate energy in bad weather.

Models are considered more durable, the main elements of which are fixed on a solid metal base and protected by tempered glass. For occasional use and frequent transportation, it is better to buy a folding solar panel with a fabric cover.