Pros:
- Powerful 350-watt panel
- 23.4% efficiency
- Available with power outputs of 100, 120 and 200 watts
- Compatible with many generators
This powerful 350-watt portable solar panel will run you close to $800, but it’s worth the splurge. The Bluetti PV350 is one of the best in terms of power output, efficiency and milliamp hours. It’s not small—bulkiness is the price you pay for power and capacity—but it’s still quite portable, weighing in at a hair over 30 pounds and folding into a nice briefcase-style panel.
The Bluetti brand is well known for its off-grid power stations, and this one has a 23.4% conversion rate that’s close to the best in the industry. It sports an MC4 connector, so while it’s designed specifically to work with certain Bluetti power banks, it easily connects to most other solar-specific generators. Finally, this solar panel is scratch-resistant and splashproof with an IP65 rating to withstand your outdoor hobbies from fishing to camping or hunting.
What to Consider When Buying a Portable Solar Panel
Keep this solar panel guide handy as you search for the best options.
- Wattage: Wattage is a measure of pure electrical power. The higher the watt number, the more power it generates.
- Efficiency: This refers to how much sunlight the panel can convert into energy. Above 20% is best, and 25% is fantastic.
- Onboard battery: Does it have a battery attached, or will you need a power bank? If it does have an onboard battery, check the milliamp hours (mAh), which gives you a good indication of how much charging power you’ll get from it.
- Native charging ports: Can the panel charge things directly via USB ports, or do you need a power bank?
- Waterproofness: Look for something that is at least splashproof, if not resistant to rain.
- Durability: Is it dust-proof or scratch-resistant? Does it fold up to protect the panels during transport? Is there a “jacket” of fabric to protect it?
- Size and weight: More powerful panels will generally be heavier and bigger. Be sure to check these specs so you don’t end up with a 30-pound solar panel when you intended to go backpacking with it.
- Setup: Does it fold, have a kickstand, rotate, flex or bend?
- Compatibility: Before buying, check to see if the panel is compatible with various power banks and devices.
How We Found the Best Portable Solar Panels
As shopping experts, we looked through many different portable solar panels and combed through different specs to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the solar panel’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject-matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test. Learn how to make your own DIY solar panel.
FAQ
How long do portable solar panels last?
With proper care, portable solar panels can last many years. The overt lifespan depends a lot on its durability components, such as its water-resistance rating, dust-resistance rating, and whether it has a protective case or covering. However, the owners’ care plays a huge role in the lifespan of any solar panel.
How fast does a portable solar panel charge a device?
This depends on the wattage of the solar panel, its efficiency (how much sunlight it turns into energy), the charging output, its milliamp capacity, whether it has native charging ports or requires a power bank and the type of device it’s charging. A powerful and efficient solar panel can charge a cell phone in an hour on a sunny day, but a less powerful, less efficient panel could take hours to fully charge a laptop on a partially cloudy day. Here’s how to get internet when you’re living off the grid.
