Solar panels are not only a reliable and renewable source of energy but also save you a lot of money in the end. With these gadgets, you can take advantage of the sun’s availability to power your house of devices safely. In this article, we have reviewed five of the most dependable brands for home use or camping. We also have a buying for solar panels and a snapshot of bestsellers that you can order worry-free when in a hurry. At the end of the article, you will get the best this year.
Are you in a hurry?
We have reviewed some of the top-rated solar panels that are available in the market this year. Therefore, if you are short of time but need a dependable product for personal use, read on.
Best Overall
Goal Zero Boulder 100-Watt Briefcase Solar Panel
The Goal Zero Boulder is a briefcase-style 100-watt solar panel for people with small homes. It also has a portable foldable design that is beneficial to campers, hikers, and people who spend a lot of time on the road. Rated to generate up to 100 watts on a good sunny day, it can charge household items such as smartphones. You can also use it to power lights or DC radios without safety concerns. Use the kickstand on the back of the panel to position it well to maximize sun exposure.
Smart Pick
Jackery 100W SolarSaga Portable Solar Panel
Jackery SolarSaga is a portable solar panel that churns out 100 watts of power on a “good” day. Its robust and versatile design has a foldable structure that takes little effort to transport. The panels are efficient, while its 2.4A and 3A USB ports support most smart devices. You can use it to charge phones other portable devices such as LED lights. Despite its small size (22.83 x 19.69 x 2.36 inches), it can also charge digital cameras, tablets, and more, making it suitable for traveling.
Budget Pick
TP-Solar Upgrade Topsolar 100W Solar Panel Kit
TP-Solar Upgrade Topsolar is a budget item that works better than some premium brands. The solar panels churn out 100 watts. Folded, the panel measures only 43.3x19.8x0.75 inches, making it perfect for traveling. Finally, it weighs just 4.0 pounds, which is amazing for the quality of the product in this package. With TP-Solar, you get enough juice for electronic devices such as phones and tablets. If you have a screen house in your backyard, you can use it to power lights as well.
Buying Guide for Solar Panels
Buying the best solar panel should not be as hard as some people make it seem. If you can specify a budget and check these features before selecting one, you will get the best every time.
Power Output: The power output of solar panels is a critical attribute that you should check out while buying. Measured in watts, it depicts the amount of power the device can churn out at full capacity and therefore the devices it can charge. Make sure your product of choice can satisfy your needs. If you have a device that needs 200 watts to charge, buying a solar panel that can only churn out 100 watts might not be the best idea. The higher the power output the better for you, check this out.
Portability: You are probably buying a solar panel to keep your phone charged or lights powered on the road. For an enjoyable experience, look for a portable product that you can use easily on the road. Foldable models, for instance, are very famous as they take up little space. They are easy to transport to and from camping sites, which is a plus. Also, check its weight. Will you comfortable carrying it to and from a camping site? Light solar panels amazing, but do not sacrifice power output for size.
Ports: With a solar panel, you will need output ports to charge smart devices such as phones and tablets. How many ports are on your product of choice? The more the better as you will be able to charge many devices at once. You should also check the amperage of the available ports. Most smart devices have 2.4 amperes and 3.0 amperes. Look for a panel that works.
Longevity: You will have to expose the solar panel to harsh elements such as UV rays to get it to charge. Poorly designed products crumble under such pressure. To avoid such losses, buy a product with durable solar panels and a frame that can withstand a lot of abuse. Add-ons such as cables and stands should also be durable. Check this out while shopping for one.
Top 5 Solar Panels in the Market
Now that you know what to look for in a solar panel, check out these top sellers to find a panel that will work the best for you.
1. Goal Zero Boulder 100-Watt Briefcase Solar Panel
The Goal Zero Boulder 100-Watt Briefcase is among the best solar panels for small houses. It has a flexible design and is easily foldable, which makes it easy to pack and transport. Once you install this device, you can trust it to charge most of your home devices without any issue. The material used in making this solar panel is tough for strength and durability.
For campers and those who love outdoor adventures, this will be an excellent option. The kickstand included in the package makes it easy to place the solar panel in an area that conveniently receives sunlight. If you get more appliances, you can use the combiner cables included in the package to add more solar panels. The more the solar panels, the more power you get in your house. It is essential to eliminate any object that may hinder the solar panel from receiving direct sunlight.
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Our Verdict:
The Goal Zero Boulder Briefcase Solar Panel ensures you have enough energy no matter where you are. This unit has tough and weatherproof materials, which makes it long-lasting.
2. Jackery 100W SolarSaga Portable Solar Panel
If you need a powerful and reliable solar panel, the Jackery 100W SolarSaga Portable Solar Panel will be an excellent option. This solar panel features a heavy-duty, flexible, and practical design. You can use it for charging your portable appliances throughout the day or for overnight power.
The small size of the panel makes it easy to handle and move from one location to another. Despite the small size, it is powerful enough to deliver up to 100 watts of power.
Due to its versatility, this panel is suitable for charging a wide range of devices, including cameras, smartphones, tablets, and more. Therefore, whenever you encounter an unexpected power outrage, this solar panel will be a perfect solution.
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Our Verdict:
The Jackery 100W SolarSaga is among the best portable Solar Panel in the market today. It not only delivers exceptional performance has many ports. The panel is also highly efficient. During your outdoor trips, it will keep your camping screen house, ALPS mountaineering tent, or beach tent well lit.
3. TP-Solar Upgrade Topsolar 100W Solar Panel Kit
The TP-Solar Upgrade Topsolar 100W Solar Panel Kit comes with everything you need to take power everywhere you go. It can juice up your electronic appliances and batteries when enjoying your outdoor adventures.
Among the items, you will find in this kit are connectors that help you create a fantastic power station. Furthermore, a DC port and USB port have a QC and IC chip charging system.
This advanced technology ensures even the distribution of power to all electronic devices connected to the panel. It is a monocrystalline material for more reliable and higher power output, even in places that have minimal sunlight.
The foldable design and case included in the package make the solar panel easy to pack and carry around.
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Our Verdict:
We recommend the TP-Solar Upgrade Topsolar 100W Solar Panel Kit since it has a lightweight design, meaning you can carry it along without it weighing you down. More importantly, it can charge a wide range of devices and batteries.
4. Renogy 12 Volt 100-Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panel
Unlike other conventional solar panels that are bulky and difficult to handle, the Renogy 100-Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panel is compact and lightweight for easy transportation.
You can also fold it to a small size and shape, making it easy to pack and carry. It also comes with a kickstand that allows you to place the panel directly into sunlight.
Moreover, this unit features water and corrosion-resistant constructions, meaning it will still work perfectly even in humid and rainy conditions. You will not need to worry about your encased devices getting damaged. Also included are MC4 connectors, which are to use and make it easy to add extension cables to your solar panel.
Renogy 100 Watts also features sturdy interlocking clips that hold the connectors securely. Therefore, on your next outdoor adventure, you do not need to panic when you see that low battery warning on your phone.
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Our Verdict:
Even in cloudy conditions, the Renogy 12 Volt 100-Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panel will still absorb a decent amount of power. The best part about this unit is that it comes with pre-drilled holes for an easy installation process.
5. Rockpals 100W SP003 Foldable Solar Panel
If you are looking for something flexible, powerful, and versatile, you will not go wrong with the Rockpals 100W SP003 Foldable Solar Panel. This unit has a high-quality construction and can power different types of devices. If it is sunny, you can trust this device to work with almost any type of solar generator. You will find a DC port and USB ports on the panel that uses an advanced IC mechanism to increase its efficiency.
The cells are monocrystalline material, making the panel powerful enough to absorb up to 23 % of the sun. We also like that this unit is water and corrosion-proof to handle even the harshest weather conditions. As the name implies, this panel is foldable and lightweight, meaning you can take it along with you for camping or other outdoor adventures. If you are going camping, do not forget to but a camping cot, an air mattress, and a screen house. They will make your outdoor life enjoyable.
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Our Verdict:
Rockpals is known for producing high-quality products, and the Rockpals SP003 Foldable Solar Panel lives up to that name. It has a USB charging port that prevents overheating and overloading.
Final Thoughts
With a solar panel, charging phones or powering lights will not be an issue for you. They churn out 2.4/3.0 amperes via plug-in USB ports that come ready to use. Some models have foldable designs that are portable and efficient, monocrystalline cells that absorb 23% of sun rays and convert them to usable power.