Portable Solar Panel Sizes – Models and More (20-100W)

Portable solar panels are becoming more of a necessity amongst campers and backpackers due to their ease of use and charging capabilities.

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Portable solar panel sizes vary greatly because they can be unfolded and refolded into easy-to-carry packages. These can fit easily in a backpack while hiking. The smallest of these solar panels can be as little as seven watts, and the largest ones can be 100 or more watts in size.

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In this article, you’ll find the top portable solar panels ranging from very small (20W) to very large (100W).

Many of these are portable and the smaller ones can be used on the back of your backpack while hiking.

The larger ones are very portable but unfold into large sizes, making them capable of attaching to your tent, vehicle, or you can simply place them on the ground when using them.

See the shortlist below and scroll to find each desired model described more in-depth.

If you’re looking for a portable solar panel specifically for cell phone charging, I have a post that will better serve you – I answers FAQs, give a timetable for recharging with various solar panels, and give my top three solar chargers for your phone (two of which are found below): How Long Does It Take a Solar Charger to Charge a Cell Phone?.

Nomad 20 Solar Panel

The Nomad 20 Solar Panel is a rugged, compact, and portable charging device that can charge a wide variety of devices (phones, tablets, iPads, etc.).

It can also be used for recharging other smaller or more compact solar panel chargers.

Features

• Built-in kickstand: The Nomad 20 Solar Panel comes with a built-in flexible kickstand that allows for optimum placement of the solar panels. With the kickstands, the solar panels can be placed at angles that will enhance the efficient reception of the sun’s energy.
• Durable: This solar panel probably remains one of the most durable groups in the market. With a solid ruggedness and zero attention to aesthetics, this solar panel will surely last a long time. 
• Portable: The Nomad 20 Solar Panel is foldable, portable, and can be easily placed in backpacks. 
• It has a built-in junction box with smart charging chips that put out 12V and power handheld USB.
• The Nomad 20 Solar Panel has an integrated 8mm cable and USB port for charging small to medium devices. 
• Highly efficient monocrystalline solar power: The Nomad 20 Solar Panel gives an even faster charging time. With a highly efficient monocrystalline solar power, each square inch of the panel optimizes the energy from the sun and gives a larger power output.
• The Nomad 20 Solar Panel has an optimal temperature of 0 – 120 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Nekteck 21W Portable Solar Panel

The Nekteck 21W Portable Solar Panel Charger is a dual-port, camping-quality compact charger that works with all USB devices.  

Features

• High Efficiency: This portable solar panel charger has three monocrystalline panel cells that are created based on the SunPower Maxeon technology. It allows up to two devices and can give an output of up to 2.0A max per port and a maximum of 3.0A overall. It converts up to 24% of the sun’s power into free energy. Its high efficiency makes it a suitable charger for all devices, and it’s great for extended outdoor activities. 
• Advanced Smart Chip Technology: The Nekteck 21W Portable Solar Panel Charger has microchips that automatically detect devices plugged into it and charges them according to their features.  
• Dual Charging: The Nekteck 21W Portable Solar Panel Charger can charge up to 2 devices at the same time. It gives a maximum output of 2.0A per port and an overall 3.0A output. The dual capacity of this device makes it excellent for people who use more than one device (phone, tablet, iPad, camera, etc.) at the same time. 
• Easy Attachment: The Nekteck 21W Portable Solar Panel Charger can be attached to trees, backpacks, and tents with the several holes it has. Each hole makes attachment to external support material simple. With The Neckteck 21W Portable Solar Panel Charger, you can hike or mountain climb and charge at the same time. 
• Durability: The Nekteck 21W Portable Solar Panel Charger is built ruggedly. Its solid fiber protection and waterproof features make it durable and long-lasting.

BigBlue 3 USB Ports 28W Solar Charger

The BigBlue 28W Solar Panel Charger is a compact, lightweight, dual USB solar charger for camping, hiking, and other outdoor or emergency charging needs. 

Features

• Built-in ammeter: The BigBlue 28W Solar Panel Charger has a built-in ammeter with the capacity to measure current in the circuit. The value of the Amps of the 28W solar charger depends on a number of factors, including the device, the intensity of sunlight, and the quality of the cable. For example, if your device has an input of 1A, the ammeter will read 0.8 – 1 A.
• Smart IC Technology: The BigBlue 28W Solar Panel Charger has an inbuilt technology that automatically detects and delivers the best power output a connected device needs for optimum charging. 
• High efficiency: The solar panels have a conversion percentage of 21.5% – 23.5%. 
• Portable: The BigBlue 28W Solar Panel Charger’s dimensions are 11.1×6.3×1.3 in. It is foldable and offers ease of movement. 
• Easily attachable: This device has four holes that make it easily attachable to surfaces with hooks, including backpacks, tents, and trees. The ease of attachment makes it excellent for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
• Durable: The Big Blue 28W Solar Panel Charger has PET Polymer fabric and has a zip pocket that protects it from water and dust. Please note that the ammeter and USB port are not waterproof. 

Caution

Do not leave the device in a protective pocket when charging. This can lead to overheating and eventual damage to the device.

Similar: Top 3 Best Solar Camping Lights

Nomad 50 Solar Panel

The Nomad 50 Solar panel remains one of the best solar panels on the market. With four panels, high efficiency, durability, and superior engineering, the panel outshines its competition and justifies its higher price.

Features

• High efficiency: The Nomad 50 Solar panel is extremely efficient. With  50W of power, 18-22v receptive panels, an 8mm built-in charging cable, and outstanding output levels, this panel’s efficiency level can very well be the best there is. 
• Lightweight: This panel defies the principle of ruggedness. Most high-efficiency level panels are expected to be heavier, but The Nomad 50 Solar panel has a meager 6.58lbs weight and 17 by 53 by 1.5-inch dimension when unfolded, and 17 by 11.25 by 2.5-inch weight when folded. Its dimensions make it easy and comfortable to carry in backpacks.
• Superior Engineering: The Nomad 50 Solar panel’s best feature is the time and quality that went into its engineering. The device is built to last and delivers powerful output through its USB modem. It is built by United States engineers and comes with a year’s warranty. The price tag may not ring true with the ones you are used to, but trust me, the Nomad 50 Solar panel delivers well beyond its price tag.
• Durable: Of course, with its superior engineering, durability should be expected. Its high fiber protective cover keeps it safe from water and dust. The device works in almost all weather and is great for adventurers who frequent remote areas. 
• Ease of attachment: The Nomad 50 Solar panel comes with holes that can be hooked on backpacks, trees, and tents. 

Similar: Yeti 500x by Goal Zero – Overview & Stats – Peak Performance

ALLPOWERS 100W Portable Solar Charger

The ALLPOWERS 100W Portable Solar Charger is a foldable SunPower solar panel used to charge laptops, car batteries, cell phones, cameras, portable generators, and many other devices.

It is portable, powerful, and light, and it gives the best of American engineering. 

Features

• High efficiency: The 100W solar panels receive sunlight and convert up to 23.5% of the sun’s power into free energy, giving enough output to charge a laptop or small generators under the sun.  
• Easily attachable: The device has simple eye holes that make it easily attachable to backpacks, trees, and tents. 
• 3-in-1: The ALLPOWERS 100W Portable Solar panel offers dual USB Port (5v/2.4A per port) and has an Isolar technology for charging all your 5V gadgets, and 18V DC output. No additional batteries are needed for charging external devices when the ALLPOWERS 100W Portable Solar panel is in use. 
• Light Weight: The ALLPOWERS 100W Portable Solar panel has one-third of the usual weight of its competition. This makes it easy to carry, even when unfolded.
• Package Content: Package Contents: the ALLPOWERS 100W Foldable Solar Charger, a DC 5.5×2.5mm to 5.5×2.1mm cable, USB cables, a clip line, ten laptop connectors, carabiners, a cigarette lighter plug, and an instruction manual. 
• Superior Engineering: The device is manufactured by United States engineers; hence, it is durable and dependable. 
• Warranty: The device comes with an 18-month warranty, and customers are supported by manual and friendly customer care personnel.

Rockpals 100W Foldable Solar Panel

Features

• Made for Solar Generators: The Rockpals 100W foldable panel is compatible with most solar generators. The exception is the Jack 440. The solar panel contains different sizes of adaptors suitable for different devices (8mm DC Adapter for Goal Zero, 5.5 by 2.5mm DC Adapter for Suaoki Portable Generator and 3.5 by 1.35mm DC Adapter for Paxcess portable Power Generator) and 5V USB devices, including smartphones and tablets(iPhones, iPads, and Samsung Galaxy phones), GPS, digital cameras, and more.
• USB Smart Charging Technology: The built-in smart IC chip automatically identifies your device and gives maximum charging output, increasing charging speed. It also protects your device from overcharging and maximizes its charging speed. The maximum charging output is is 2.4A max and 5V DC per port, and 6A max overall. Charging is automatically adjusted to the level of sunlight.
• PORTABLE – This device is portable and can be easily carried. Its design dimensions are 20.5 x 14.2 x 2.6 inches. This dimension has made it the perfect solar panel for outdoor activities. 
• –High Conversion Efficiency: The Rockpals 100W foldable panel has a high conversion proportion that begins with 21.5% and can go as high as 23.5%. That is, the solar panels can convert up to 23.5% of the sun’s power to energy.
•  Water Resistant and Durable: The outer cloth covering is made from high fiber oxford material, and the solar panel is water-resistant. This makes the device suitable for all outdoor activities; however, the junction box is not waterproof, so keep it dry.

Continue Reading:

• Your Next Solar Generator – The Complete Guide
• Camping 101 For Beginners
• Monocrystalline Vs. Polycrystalline Solar Panels – What’s the Difference?