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We tested 100+ watt solar panels from Goal Zero, Jackery, Ecoflow, BigBlue, Renogy, and more to power your off-grid camping setup.
Credit: Sam Schild
By Sam Schild ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Updated August 15, 2025
The right solar panel turns any campsite or road stop into a mobile office, a quiet retreat, and a home-away-from-home. Liberating you from the noise of a gassy generator, solar panels offer the freedom to roam — to charge your laptop, run your electric cooler, and store electricity overnight in a power station.
Since 2011, we have tested nearly 100 different solar panels of varying wattages and configurations. We test and retest them, side-by-side, tirelessly every time, to ensure results are comparable and accurate. Panel capabilities are tested under the blazing sun as well as beneath cloud cover to assess their full range of operation. We cart them around for months and hook them up in all sorts of configurations to assess how easy they are to use and how well they integrate into any charging system.
The best solar panel is the Jackery SolarSaga 100. It impressed our testers with its lightweight design and efficient energy conversion. The Luvknit 100W Foldable is the best value, providing great charging speed, high portability, and a low price tag.
Even the best panels are only capable of producing around 35-50% of their advertised output. Keep that in mind as you calculate how much wattage you'll need to power your devices.
Editor's Note: We updated this review on August 15, 2025, to add new models from Bluetti and Anker to our testing lineup, and update our comparative test results from retesting every panel.
The Jackery SolarSaga 100 continues to be our favorite solar panel for camping. This model was redesigned for 2025, and the newest version is lighter and just as efficient as the previous one. It's easy to use and effective in full and partial sun. It is more affordable than many competing models, and it works better than those models. On a sunny or cloudy day, this solar panel charged devices with impressive speed in our tests.
SPECIFICATIONS
Energy Generated in 1 Hour of Direct Sun
57.4 Wh
Energy Generated in 1 Hour Indirect Sun
17.4 Wh
Able to Daisy Chain
No
Measured Weight
7.9 lb
Size Folded
24.0 x 21.7 x 1.4 in
When not in use, the SolarSaga quickly folds flat and weighs under 8 pounds. Lead tester and part-time van lifer, Sam Schild, said, “I appreciate the low weight and simple fold-in-half design, which makes it easy to pack into the car for camping. This panel is impressive in almost every regard and an excellent addition to anybody's off-grid solar camping setup.” At the campsite, its built-in handle made it a breeze to carry, and fold-out legs quickly deployed so we could point it directly at the sun to make the most of those evening rays. It has a USB-A, USB-C, and a DC output to plug directly into your portable power station.
Though it's lightweight and collapses flat, the SolarSaga 100 only has a single fold. For this reason, its packed size is considerably wider than some other models we tested. Also, the newest version of this panel doesn't have a pouch to store cables. If you're in the market for an all-around great-value solar panel for your next camping adventure, this is the one we recommend.
Need More Wattage?
Though the SolarSaga is one of the most efficient panels we've ever tested, this 100-watt model maxes out at about 50% efficiency — and doesn't support being daisy-chained together. If you need to power more than 100W of devices, you'll want to size up to the 200W version instead. It's double the wattage for less than double the cost.
The Jackery SolarSaga 100 quickly and easily powers devices with energy from the sun.
The Luvknit 100W Foldable is a stellar deal for building your solar camping setup. This panel costs less than almost every other panel we tested, but it performed above average in both direct and indirect solar charging speed tests. Our main tester was shocked at how well this panel performed, saying, “I'm amazed that this inexpensive panel is working better than panels that cost over twice as much. Solar panels have come a long way in the past few years!”
SPECIFICATIONS
Energy Generated in 1 Hour of Direct Sun
55.7 Wh
Energy Generated in 1 Hour Indirect Sun
17.1 Wh
Able to Daisy Chain
No
Measured Weight
8.2 lb
Size Folded
23.6 x 20.9 x 1.1 in
The Luvknit is light, has a pouch to store charging cables, and folds once into an easy-to-carry package. It's thin enough to slide into a tightly packed trunk, and the carry handle and fold-out legs make it easy to go from packed away to charging at your campsite. It comes with tons of adaptors, so it will work with most power stations. And since you won't have to buy extra cables to plug it into your power station, you'll save even more money.
Nearly everything about the Luvknit 100W makes it portable and easy to use, but like many others of this wattage, the Luvknit only folds once, so it has a rather large packed footprint. During testing, we never found this panel to be anything but easy to lug from the car to the campsite and back. All in all, the Luvknit outperformed many more expensive models in all our charging speed tests, and is a joy to use and an exceptional value.
The Renogy 100W Foldable is a rigid, aluminum-framed panel and is as beefy as a permanently installed solar panel — but with a hinge for transport. It is seriously sturdy and feels practically bombproof compared to many of the thin, flimsy panels we tested, making it ideal for van life and long-term RVers. “One thing I appreciate about the significantly heavier weight is that it won't blow away in the wind,” our lead tester said.
SPECIFICATIONS
Energy Generated in 1 Hour of Direct Sun
60.0 Wh
Energy Generated in 1 Hour Indirect Sun
20.0 Wh
Able to Daisy Chain
Yes
Measured Weight
21.2 lb
Size Folded
26.0 x 21.0 x 3.5 in
With this level of construction, we'd be tempted to semi-permanently install it on the top of our van or camper, except that it also has some of the best angling legs we've seen. With screw adjustments and sturdy metal legs, this panel can be angled perfectly into the sun and is unlikely to blow over in anything but the most severe storms. It's one of the most efficient panels we tested in direct and indirect sunlight and is fully waterproof, so no matter the weather, this will keep the power flowing.
Due to its sturdy construction, the Renogy 100W is one of the heaviest and bulkiest models you can reasonably transport in the trunk of a car. But there's no getting around the fact that this panel is heavy. It's still light enough for one person to carry, though, and is better suited than most for leaving out all day due to that extra weight. So if you're looking for a solar panel to set up and leave up, this is a great option.
This Renogy suitcase panel is one of the most efficient solar-energy-converters we've tested — but it still tops out at around 60 watts of actual power. If you need more, you can daisy-chain panels together, or simply buy the 200W version.
The Renogy 100W Foldable is big and durable, so you can leave it set up all day without worry.
The Allpowers SP012 folds down smaller than any other 100-watt panel we tested. This model folds four times, then three more times to stow away. After all that folding, it's about the size of a large textbook. This is the only 100-watt panel we tested that will easily fit inside an average-sized hiking daypack. It features 15 small individual panels sewn together into a blanket-like package with an easy-to-hold carry handle. It unfurls easily and is so light that you can clip it to nearly anything.
SPECIFICATIONS
Energy Generated in 1 Hour of Direct Sun
56.8 Wh
Energy Generated in 1 Hour Indirect Sun
16.1 Wh
Able to Daisy Chain
No
Measured Weight
6.1 lb
Size Folded
12.5 x 7.5 x 3.5 in
The integrated velcro pouch holds all the included cables you'll need to start charging. It performs about average compared to the other solar panels we tested here, which was surprising considering this panel's unique design. “I still got some decent power from the sun even when using it on an overcast day, and it packs up like a picnic blanket when I'm done charging,” our lead tester stated.
While the Allpowers SP012 is extremely portable, the integrated pouch for carrying the charging cables and other accessories prevents the panel from rolling up properly when the pocket is full. We recommend getting a strap to keep it folded, and we definitely don't recommend stuffing the pocket full of solar accessories. It also lacks kickstand legs to angle towards the sun. It has carabiners to hang it, though, and can be draped over a rock, tent, or windshield. Ultimately, if you need a large solar panel that you can actually throw in your pack and carry into the wilderness, you can't go wrong with the SP012.
Though this is the only model from Allpowers that folds up so small, if you really need more power, they also sell a 200W portable panel that's designed more like the many other large panels in this lineup.
The Allpowers SPo12 100W Panel unfolds from the size of a textbook that will easily fit in a backpack.
Testers agree, the EcoFlow 110 is a solid panel for reliable performance in any condition — rain or shine — while still being portable enough to bring on your next adventure. “I love that it's fully waterproof, so no matter what's happening outside your tent, you don't have to worry about it,” our lead tester said. If you liked the sound of the Renogy 100W Foldable except for the part about it weighing 20 pounds, the EcoFlow is the panel for you.
SPECIFICATIONS
Energy Generated in 1 Hour of Direct Sun
43.5 Wh
Energy Generated in 1 Hour Indirect Sun
13.5 Wh
Able to Daisy Chain
Yes
Measured Weight
8.8 lb
Size Folded
21.5 x 17.25 x 1.5 in
It comes with a zippered carrying case that doubles as a support to angle the panel toward the sun. This case makes it easy to transport and carry any cables you need to connect it. While the carrying case for the EcoFlow 110 works well for transportation, it's less ideal as a kickstand support, which it's meant to double as. This is one of the best overall models considering its portability, weatherproofness, and solar charging efficiency.
If 110 watts — running at about 35% efficiency in direct sunlight — aren't enough for you, EcoFlow makes this panel in numerous other sizes, including 160 watts, 220 watts, and 400 watts.
The EcoFlow 110 is a powerful panel that's fully waterproof.
Credit: Sam Schild
Compare Product Specifications
Specifications
Jackery SolarSaga 100
Renogy 100W Foldable
Allpowers SPo12 100W Panel
Luvknit 100W Foldable
BigBlue SolarPowa 100 ETFE
Bluetti SP100L
Anker Solix PS100
EcoFlow 110
OUPES 100W Ultra Thin
Grecell 100W Portable
Dokio 110W 18V Portable Kit
BioLite Panel 100
Goal Zero Nomad 100
Goal Zero Boulder 100 Briefcase
Topsolar 100W Foldable
Awards
Best Overall
Best Solar Panel for Vans and RVs
A Seriously Portable 100-watt Panel
Best Value
A Portable All-Weather Solar Panel
Energy Generated in 1 Hour of Direct Sun
57.4 Wh
60.0 Wh
56.8 Wh
55.7 Wh
49.6 Wh
56.6 Wh
53.1 Wh
43.5 Wh
53.1 Wh
46.1 Wh
39.2 Wh
40.9 Wh
30.1 Wh
46.2 Wh
7.2 Wh
Energy Generated in 1 Hour Indirect Sun
17.4 Wh
20.0 Wh
16.1 Wh
17.1 Wh
19.1 Wh
18.3 Wh
12.2 Wh
13.5 Wh
12.2 Wh
14.8 Wh
11.3 Wh
11.8 Wh
13.4 Wh
5.6 Wh
4.3 Wh
Able to Daisy Chain
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Measured Weight
7.9 lb
21.2 lb
6.1 lb
8.2 lb
8.8 lb
10.9 lb
10.6 lb
8.8 lb
12.5 lb
9.9 lb
5.1 lb
9.5 lb
20.1 lb
25.9 lb
5.1 lb
Size Folded
24.0 x 21.7 x 1.4 in
26.0 x 21.0 x 3.5 in
12.5 x 7.5 x 3.5 in
23.6 x 20.9 x 1.1 in
25.0 x 21.0 x 0.5 in
23.4 x 22.2 x 2.2 in
21.9 x 23.9 x 1.9 in
21.5 x 17.25 x 1.5 in
21.8 x 23.2 x 1.9 in
25.25 x 21.25 x 0.5 in
26.0 x 19.0 x 0.5 in
14.5 x 20 x 0.75 in
15.0 x 20.5 x 1.5 in
22 x 27.5 x 3.0 in
22.25 x 21.5 x 0.5 in
Measured Output in Direct Sun (Watts)
50.7 W
49.7 W
40.3 W
48.3 W
48.0 W
48.0 W
38.7 W
38.3 W
40.7 W
35.7 W
34.7 W
31.0 W
30.3 W
40.3 W
14.0 W
Measured Output in Direct Sun (Volts)
23.7 V
23.2 V
23.3 V
23.7 V
23.8 V
23.7 V
25.9 V
23.4 V
23.5 V
23.1 V
20.7 V
22.3 V
20.6 V
21.5 V
20.4 V
Measured Output in Indirect Sun (Watts)
13.3 W
12.3 W
7.0 W
10.3 W
9.0 W
8.7 W
5.3 W
9.3 W
5.7 W
6.3 W
5.0 W
5.3 W
5.7 W
8.3 W
3.0 W
Size Opened
48.0 x 21.7 x 0.8 in
40.25 x 26.0 x 1.5 in
36.8 x 36.0 x 0.25 in
47.3 x 20.9 x 0.2 in
42.0 x 25.0 x 0.25 in
44.5 x 23.4 in
44.1 x 23.9 x 11 in
62.75 x 21.0 x 0.25 in
43.7 x 23.2 x 1.4 in
50.5 x 21.15 x 0.25 in
38.0 x 26.0 x 0.25 in
57.0 x 20.0 x 0.25 in
59.25 x 20.5 x 0.25 in
44.0 x 27.0 x 1.5 in
43.0 x 22.25 x 0.25 in
DC output
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
# of USB A Outlets
1
0
2
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
2
1
0
2
# of USB C Outlets
1
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
Max USB Output Current (per port)
3 amps
N/A
2.4 amps
3 amps
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2 amps
5 amps
2.4 amps
N/A
5 amps
Laptop Charging
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
Tablet Charging
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Charge iPhone/Smartphone
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Panel Outside Material
Canvas
Canvas With Rigid Foam Clamshell Case
Canvas
Canvas
Canvas
Canvas
Canvas
Canvas
Canvas
Canvas
Canvas
Canvas
Canvas
Zippered Canvas Case
Canvas
Panel Type
Monocrystalline silicon
Monocrystalline silicon
Monocrystalline silicon
Monocrystalline silicon
Monocrystalline silicon
Monocrystalline silicon
Monocrystalline silicon
Monocrystalline silicon
Monocrystalline silicon
Monocrystalline silicon
Monocrystalline silicon
Monocrystalline silicon
Monocrystalline silicon
Monocrystalline silicon
Monocrystalline silicon
Battery Included
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Power Output Rating
100 W
100 W
100 W
100 W
100 W
100 W
100 W
110 W
100 W
100 W
110 W
100 W
100 W
100 W
100 W
We put these solar camping panels to the test on sunny days, overcast days, and on days with racing clouds.
Credit: Sam Schild
How We Tested
Since 2011, we have researched, purchased, and tested dozens of 100+ watt solar panels for camping. Our rigorous side-by-side tests pit these sun-gathering machines against each other. Much of our testing involved measuring how fast each solar panel took to charge a battery in the same location at the same time to ensure the most accurate test results. We connected each solar panel to a matching battery simultaneously to ensure identical conditions, then recorded the amount of charge each panel generated in one hour. Since everything from ambient temperature to the sun's angle to ozone levels and elevation can affect solar panel efficiency, we tested every panel side-by-side simultaneously.
Our testing of solar panels for camping is divided into four rating metrics with weights corresponding to their overall importance:
Direct Charging Speed (35% of overall weighting)
Indirect Charging Speed (35% weighting)
Portability (15% weighting)
Functionality (15% weighting)
Why Trust GearLab
Our expert panel review team is led by Sam Schild. Sam is an avid outdoor adventurer who has spent thousands of nights camping far away from the nearest power outlet. He has ridden a bicycle across the country multiple times and thru-hiked several American long-distance hiking trails. Sam first used a solar panel on one of his cross-country bike treks years ago, but these solar devices have come a long way since then. You can usually find him camping somewhere in Colorado or the American Southwest, based out of his van, where his solar camping setup keeps his tech devices up and running.
We put all these solar panels through side-by-side testing to ensure consistent conditions for every panel in every test.
Analysis and Test Results
Every model we tested for this review uses monocrystalline silicon panels, as it's the most efficient at converting solar energy into electricity. We also chose to test all versions of panels as 100 or 110W, to ensure their power outputs are comparable.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
A solar camping setup can be quite expensive. With so many options, it can be difficult to know which are worth their high price tags and which fall short. Based on the results from our extensive testing, expensive solar panels aren't always the best.
The Jackery SolarSaga 100 offers the best overall value for a large solar panel for camping and off-grid living. This panel isn't the least expensive model we tested, nor is it the most expensive, but its performance and efficiency are consistently some of the best we've seen.
The Jackery SolarSaga 100 offers excellent value for your solar camping setup.
Credit: Sam Schild
The Luvknit 100W Foldable is also a great value. While not the absolute least expensive, it costs a lot less than most of the panels we tested, including the Jackery SolarSaga, while performing better than nearly every other model. The Luvknit looks extremely similar to the previous version of the Jackery SolarSaga, too, and we can't help but wonder if it is the previous version, but rebranded and sold for a discount.
The Luvknit 100W Foldable will save you money, so you can afford a power station to pair with it.
Credit: Sam Schild
The EcoFlow 110 nearly performed on par with the SolarSaga and Luvknit in terms of energy conversion efficiency. Though it has a higher list price, we often see the EcoFlow on sale, making it a great deal. It is also one of the few large, fully waterproof solar panels we've tested, which means you could leave this set up at your campsite while you're out without worrying about the weather. This versatility adds to the overall value of the EcoFlow 110.
The BigBlue SolarPowa 100 ETFE is also an excellent value. This panel costs less than almost every other panel we tested, yet it still performs nearly as well as the top models.
The BigBlue SolarPowa 100 ETFE provides a great overall value for a 100-watt solar panel.
Credit: Sam Schild
The Dokio 110W 18V Portable Kit is extremely affordable and, therefore, also a great value. This panel costs the least of any panel we've found. However, while many inexpensive solar panels aren't very efficient at converting sunlight to energy, the Dokio 110W is surprisingly effective. This panel isn't the most powerful, but it performed shockingly well, considering its incredibly low price. It also comes with a solar charge controller, so you can hook it up to any battery, not just a portable power station.
The Dokio 110W 18V Portable Kit costs less than almost every panel we tested and performed about average, making it a great value.
Credit: Sam Schild
The OUPES 100W Ultra Thin performed better in direct solar charging speed than the Dokio, and nearly as well as the top-performing models, while costing less than every panel other than the Dokio and Luvknit. So in a discussion of value, we can't leave this panel out of the conversation.
The OUPES 100W Ultra Thin is portable, efficient, and affordable, making it a great value.
Credit: Sam Schild
Direct Solar Charging Speed
The main use of a large solar panel is to convert sunlight into energy that you can use to power your life. We, therefore, weighted direct solar charging speed heavily. If the panel at the heart of your solar camping setup doesn't work well in direct sunlight, it isn't worth buying. We developed our testing with this in mind.
We used individual, identical batteries to perform our direct solar charging speed testing. We hooked up each panel to one of these batteries and set them up in the same open area, in direct sunlight, at the same time. We let each panel charge for one hour and recorded the total watt-hours generated by every panel. To compensate for any variables in the batteries, we repeated this test three times, switching them around and then averaging the results.
The best way to measure each panel's efficiency is by calculating the total watt-hours generated in one hour. This method averages over a long enough segment of time instead of focusing on only a brief moment, as measuring voltage or watt output does. We'll come back to watt and volt output below, too.
We set up every panel for every test in the same location at the same time to ensure conditions are consistent.
Credit: Sam Schild
The Renogy 100W Foldable and Jackery SolarSaga 100 performed the best in direct solar charging speed tests. These two panels are some of the most consistently efficient panels in every environment. The Renogy created 60 watt-hours of charge in one hour. The Jackery generated 57.4 watt-hours.
The Bluetti SP100L is a very efficient panel in direct sunlight.
Credit: Sam Schild
Just behind these panels were the Allpowers SPo12 100W Panel (56.8 watt-hours), Bluetti SP100L (56.6 watt-hours), and Luvknit 100W Foldable (55.7 watt-hours). The differences in charge between these panels are so small that we're confident you'll remain fully charged whichever you choose.
The Jackery SolarSaga 100 is highly efficient at converting sunlight into electricity.
Credit: Sam Schild
The OUPES 100W Ultra Thin also performed quite well in direct solar power generation testing. This panel generated 53.1 watt-hours of power in one hour. The Anker Solix PS100 also generated 53.1 watt-hours in one hour. While these panels didn't perform quite as well as the top performers, they still generated a high amount of charge over one hour. We wouldn't hesitate to rely on either of these models, either.
Elevation, air temperature, and other factors can affect your solar panel's efficiency. Keep this in mind when choosing the location to set up your solar panel.
Since we test every panel in side-by-side testing every time we add new models to the lineup, we've seen some panels perform better or worse depending on the conditions of our testing location. For instance, when we previously tested these panels at an elevation of 8,000 feet in the mountains of southeast Utah, the daily highs were in the low 80s, and we set every panel up on the dirt ground — which is ideal temperatures for solar panels. When we tested them again in Colorado, at 5,000 feet, the temperatures were in the mid-90s, and the panels were placed on a flat concrete surface. During this second test, we saw a few panels drop off in efficiency, likely due to the high heat.
The EcoFlow 110 did not perform as well this round as it did last time. In the spring of 2025, when testing at 8,000 feet and daily highs were in the low 80s, it generated 51.2 watt-hours of power in direct sun. More recently, with highs in the mid-90s, this same panel only generated 43.5 watt-hours in one hour. This is an excellent panel, and its most recent test results are still above average. We'll keep you posted on how it performs when we test these panels again.
The highest measured output panels in peak sun were the Jackery SolarSaga 100 (50.7 watts), Renogy 100W Foldable (49.7 watts), and Luvknit 100W Foldable (48.3 watts).
The Luvknit 100W Foldable had some of the highest measured watt output under direct sunlight.
Credit: Sam Schild
Snapshots of voltage and watt output should be considered in relation to a larger picture of solar panel efficiency, which most strongly weighs total power generation over a set period of time. So while we factor in watt output in our scoring, we don't weigh it as heavily as charging speed.
Direct sunlight charging efficiency is perhaps the most important consideration for a solar panel.
Credit: Sam Schild
Using multiple adaptors can decrease electrical efficiency, so we recommend using as few adaptors as possible with any solar setup if you're looking for peak efficiency. This often means matching your portable power station (battery) to your solar panel brand, or simply using wire snippers, crimpers, and heat shrink tubing.
The Anker Solix PS100 (25.9 volts) and BigBlue SolarPowa 100 ETFE (23.8 volts) had the highest voltage when we measured their charge cables in direct sunlight with a voltmeter.
Setting up 15 panels repeated for testing is hard work, but we do it so you know which ones are the best of the best.
Credit: Sam Schild
The Bluetti SP100L (23.7 volts), Luvknit 100W Foldable (23.7 volts), and Jackery SolarSaga 100 (23.7 volts) also had high voltage readings during this test.
During testing, we found that the volt and watt outputs would shift regularly, so all of the watt and volt output readings are averages of multiple readings. But, we still don't think relying on these readings is as useful. Again, we found the most accurate way to determine the most efficient panel was always power generated over one hour rather than a brief snapshot in time, since you never know when the sun is simply going to be shining through a particularly clear patch of sky.
We tested every solar panel's output using a voltmeter.
Credit: Sam Schild
Every panel's voltage and watt outputs fluctuate consistently during testing, so these numbers, while useful for comparison, shouldn't be weighted as heavily when considering which solar panel is best to power your camping trip. We take all the data we collected into account when tabulating the overall scores, but we also keep everything we just described in mind when determining how much watt output and voltage measurements should affect a panel's overall score.
The EcoFlow 110 generated some of the most charge for our test battery as any panel.
Credit: Sam Schild
To maintain consistency, we performed most of our testing with the panels lying flat on the ground. We found that solar panels perform best when angled directly at the sun, so lying them flat on the ground at midday is ideal. But while solar panels are the most efficient when pointed directly at the sun, they're also more powerful when kept cool. And when a panel isn't lying directly on the ground, the increased airflow behind it keeps it cooler. So even though sunlight is strongest at midday, you might experience better charging in the afternoon with your panel propped up on its kickstand legs.
You might see better results with your solar panel propped up off the ground on its kickstand legs because that will allow air to flow underneath and keep it cool.
Credit: Sam Schild
We'll continue to test all of these panels in side-by-side testing because there is a massive amount of variability that subtle differences in temperature, solar radiation, elevation, and more can have on solar panel efficiency.
Indirect Solar Charging Speed
Sometimes, sunlight is obscured by a layer of clouds. While solar energy still passes through the cloud cover, many solar panels are less effective at converting sunlight into electricity on overcast days.
We weighted this metric just as heavily as charging speed in direct sunlight because what good is a solar panel if it only works during cloudless days? We still need to charge our gadgets when the sun disappears behind a layer of clouds.
To test indirect solar charging speed, we repeated the Direct Solar Charging Speed test but used a thin, white sheet to cover each panel and simulate conditions on a cloudy day. During this test, every model took longer to charge its battery, but some panels performed better than others. On average, most of the panels we tested experienced at least a 50% reduction in energy generation during our indirect solar charging test. This means, in general, you should expect a solar panel to perform about half as well on overcast days.
Setting up our Big White Sheet to simulate cloud cover on a sunny day in Utah.
Credit: Sam Schild
When performing this testing in sunny Colorado, where there aren't many cloudy days, we experienced a briefly overcast period. With real clouds in the sky blocking the sun, we repeated our side-by-side testing to compare the panels' outputs under actual cloud cover to their output under our simulated cloud cover (aka the Big White Sheet).
We tested every panel in a side-by-side test under a white sheet to simulate a cloudy day.
Credit: Sam Schild
Every panel registered a higher watt output under the natural cloudy conditions than under the Biug White Sheet. However, since cloud cover is extremely variable, we didn't quantify these differences in our test results.
Every panel performed worse under our Big White Sheet than in most cloudy conditions.
Credit: Sam Schild
In our indirect sun charging speed test, the Renogy 100W Foldable performed best, generating 20 watt hours of charge in one hour. The BigBlue SolarPowa 100 ETFE generated 19.1 watt hours in one hour.
You should expect to see a drop in efficiency from your solar panel on a cloudy day.
Credit: Sam Schild
Just behind the Renogy and BigBlue were the Bluetti SP100L, Jackery SolarSaga 100, and Luvknit 100W Foldable. These panels generated 18.3, 17.4,
17.1 watt-hours, respectively.
The Renogy 100W Foldable performs well in cloudy conditions, and it's completely waterproof in case those clouds create some rain.
Credit: Sam Schild
The Allpowers SPo12 100W Panel also performed well in indirect light, generating 16.1 watt-hours in one hour.
The Bluetti SP100L and Allpowers SPo12 100W Panel performed better than all but the top-performing panels in indirect solar charging.
Credit: Sam Schild
This year, Grecell 100W Portable performed better than average in indirect solar charging as well. It generated 14.8 watt-hours of charge in one hour. This is a slightly lower output than our top-performing models, but still admirable under the Big White Sheet.
The Jackery SolarSaga 100 also had the highest measured power output in watts during indirect solar testing, putting out 13.3 watts beneath the Big White Sheet.
The next highest watt-output we measured in this test came from Renogy 100W Foldable, which measured 12.3 watts. Just behind the Jackery was the Luvknit 100W Foldable, at 10.3 watts.
Close behind the top performers was the EcoFlow 110, which had a measured output of 9.3 watts. Unless you're really in a hurry to charge your devices while camping, any of these panels is a solid choice when you find yourself under heavy cloud cover. And if you are really in a hurry, you're going to need a bigger panel — or at least two 100-watt panels wired together.
The Renogy 100W Foldable performed very well under our simulated cloud.
Credit: Sam Schild
Portability
These panels aren't designed to be permanently mounted on the top of your camping rig or house. They're meant to be packed up in the back of your car or behind the seat in your RV or van and then pulled out and placed in the sun when you need them. If you're going on an extended trip, you might be cramming a lot of gear into your car, so you don't want your solar camping setup to take up any more room than it needs to.
We tested portability by weighing every panel and measuring its dimensions when folded. We packed them up and carried them around. We considered all the features that add to a solar panel's portability, such as whether it has a handle or carrying case to make transportation from your car to where you'll set up your solar charging station easier.
We measured the thickness of every panel when folding without taking into account extra bulk from zippered cable storage pouches because not every panel has one.
Credit: Sam Schild
We measure every panel ourselves during the testing process and have found several discrepancies between the manufacturer's dimensions and our own. We're not saying anyone is wrong here, but there is certainly an amount of subjectivity that goes into measuring. There are many choices you must make in terms of what to include in your measurement and what not to include.
For instance, we decided not to include the thickness of any pouches when measuring the folded size of these panels. It seemed inaccurate for panels with features that make them more portable to seem thicker and, therefore, less portable. Compared to panels without a pouch to store cables, which can cause the cables to constantly get in the way, panels with an added pouch are much more portable. So, we made the decision not to include any zipper pouches in the panel thickness.
The Allpowers SPo12 100W Panel is seriously portable and the only panel that can fit inside a standard daypack.
Credit: Sam Schild
The Allpowers SPo12 100W Panel is the only panel we tested that can fit inside an average daypack. This model is essentially a blanket of 15 small solar panels quilted together. It can fold and roll up between each panel into a package about the size of a textbook. The Allpowers measures 12.5 by 7.5 by 3.5 inches thick and only weighs 6.1 pounds. Not only is it the most packable, but it's also one of the lightest models. It also has a velcro pouch to store cables during transportation.
The Dokio 110W 18V Portable Kit is another very portable panel. This panel only folds once, unlike the Allpowers, but the Dokio weighs a mere 5.1 pounds and is incredibly thin when folded. This model is the lightest of any we tested. Some of the panels we tested weigh five times as much as the Dokio, and we appreciated its lightweight portability when lugging it up flights of stairs or lifting it to store on a high shelf in the garage. This model also has a velcro pouch on the outside to store cables, which makes it even easier to transport.
The Dokio 110W 18V Portable Kit only weighs 5 pounds so it's incredibly easy to carry.
Credit: Sam Schild
The BioLite Solar Panel 100 is another highly portable solar panel to bring on your next camping trip. This model folds down to a small size, measuring 14.5 by 20 by 0.75 inches. At 9.5 pounds, this is one of the lighter panels we tested, too. It also has a zippered pouch on the outside to ensure you won't have to deal with a mess of cables when stuffing things into your trunk (Reminder: we didn't account for the zipper pouch in the panel thickness measurement when folded).
We measured the dimensions and weight of every solar panel.
Credit: Sam Schild
The Jackery SolarSaga also performs well in portability. This panel only folds once, so its footprint is larger than the BioLite's, but it's not as thick. The Jackery measures 24 by 21 inches and is half an inch thick when folded. The newest version of the SolarSaga weighs a scant 7.9 pounds and has a comfortable carry handle.
The newest version of the Jackery SolarSaga 100 doesn't have a zipper pouch for storing cables, unlike the previous version.
Credit: Sam Schild
The newest version of the SolarSaga, however, doesn't have a zippered pouch to hold charging cables. This makes it slightly less convenient for packing away than the previous version.
The Allpowers SPo12 100W Panel weighs a mere 6.1 pounds and folds down to the size of a textbook.
Credit: Sam Schild
The BigBlue SolarPowa 100 ETFE is quite light at 8.8 pounds. This panel only folds once, so its packed size isn't as small, but it is very thin. It doesn't have a place to store charging cables, though, which made it less pleasant to pack and unpack in our cars.
The BigBlue SolarPowa 100 ETFE was one of the lightest panels we tested, but it doesn't have a place to store the charging cable.
Credit: Sam Schild
The Topsolar 100W Foldable is tied with the Dokio for the lightest 100+ watt panel we tested, weighing just 5.1 pounds. The Topsolar doesn't fold down as small as some others, though, and lacks other attributes that would make it a good pick overall.
The EcoFlow 110 is another one of the lightweight models we tested, weighing 8.8 pounds. It comes with a zippered carrying case to make transporting it from your vehicle easy.
The EcoFlow 110 comes with a carrying case that zips shut for portability.
Credit: Sam Schild
The Goal Zero Nomad 100 folds up impressively small and is one of the smallest packed models among all the panels we tested. However, it's also one of the heaviest panels in our lineup — doubling or tripling the weight of many other panels, at just over 20 pounds — and doesn't have a handle to carry it. However, this is one of the easiest panels to stash in especially tight spaces, fitting into a small, jam-packed trunk or even a large backpack if you're up for a challenge.
Goal Zero Nomad 100 folds to the smallest size of any panel we tested, but is also the heaviest.
Credit: Sam Schild
The Renogy 100W Foldable and Goal Zero Boulder 100 Briefcase are the least portable models we tested. These panels both weigh over 20 pounds and have a large packed size. The Boulder 100 is almost impossible to get into the included carrying case by yourself, as it only unzips at the top, barely opening wider than the panel itself. The Renogy carrying case is hard-sided and opens like a clamshell, making it much easier to load this panel into its case compared to the Goal Zero Boulder 100.
The Renogy 100W Foldable has a hard-sided carrying case the opens like a clamshell, but it's one of the heavier panels we tested.
Credit: Sam Schild
Functionality
Our functionality metric evaluates how user-friendly a camping solar panel is. To test this fairly broad metric, we considered aspects such as ease of setup, multiple device charging capabilities, fold-out supports to angle the panel toward the sun, and any other factors that contribute to how well a solar panel functions during real-world testing.
The BioLite 100 and Jackery SolarSaga 100 were two of the most functional models overall. Both panels are super easy to set up, so you can spend your time enjoying your camping trip and not simply messing with solar panels.
The Jackery SolarSaga has USB-A, USB-C, and a waterproof DC charging cord for all your charging needs.
Credit: Sam Schild
The BioLite Solar Panel 100 has many functional features. It has a direct DC charging output, a USB-C port, and two USB-A ports. It also has a pair of fold-out legs to angle at the sun and a sundial to take the guesswork out of angling it directly at the sun. You can also chain it with other BioLite Panels to multiply your charging abilities.
If you need to charge a phone or camera, see our portable solar charger review, which compares smaller and more packable panels. You might also want to pair your panel with a power bank for charging at night or capturing extra generated electricity.
The Jackery SolarSaga 100 is also one of the easiest solar panels to use. It only folds once, whereas most other panels fold two or three times. This makes the SolarSaga a little larger, but it was consistently the easiest to set up. It also features a pair of folding legs that allow it to be angled toward the sun, and the newest version's folding legs are more adjustable than previous versions. Since there are only two sections of the panel to support, the two legs of this panel are among the sturdiest of the lightweight panels in our testing lineup. The newest version also features a sundial to eliminate the guesswork of angling the panel directly at the sun. The SolarSaga features a USB-A, USB-C, and removable waterproof DC charging cable, allowing for simultaneous charging of a large battery and two other devices.
The BioLite Solar Panel 100 has a sundial to help you angle this panel directly at the sun.
Credit: Sam Schild
The Dokio 110W 18V Portable Kit comes with a separate solar charge controller. This extra feature, quite frankly, makes the panel seem more complicated and, therefore, less functional. However, the solar charge controller included makes it possible to charge any DC battery with this panel. You don't need a fancy power station with an integrated solar charge controller to use this model, which can save you money and make it more functional overall.
The Dokio 110W 18V Portable Kit comes with a solar charge controller so you can use it with any battery, not just a portable power station with a solar charge controller.
Credit: Sam Schild
The Dokio 110W 18V Portable Kit and Allpowers SPo12 100W Panel don't have legs to angle at the sun. The Dokio is light and rigid enough to be easily propped up against a tree, bush, or other object, but won't stand up on its own.
The Allpowers, however, is a challenge to angle at the sun. You can hang it using the included carabiners, but angling it at 45 degrees towards the sun requires a large, flat, angled surface to rest the panel on top of or some creativity and rope.
Since Allpowers SPo12 100W Panel is essentially a blanket with a grid of solar panels on it, you'll need a large, flat, and angled surface to angle it towards low angled sun.
Credit: Sam Schild
The Renogy 100W Foldable legs are some of the most secure of any model we tested. They adjust and secure in place with threaded handles, allowing you to easily angle this panel exactly where it needs to be for maximum efficiency, and ensure your adjustment won't move. They're made of stiff metal, making this one of the last panels to ever blow over — and it would take a really strong storm to do so.
The Renogy 100W is a durable and efficient panel to set up at your campsite and leave out all day.
Credit: Sam Schild
The Anker Solix PS100 and Bluetti SP100L have highly adjustable kickstand legs that allow you to more precisely adjust the panels' angle to point directly at the sun. They each use a similar system of webbing and snaps to secure the kickstand legs at an angle.
The Anker Solix PS100 has adjustable kickstand legs that securely snap in place with webbing to hold the panels at the desired angle.
Credit: Sam Schild
We love the design of each of these panels, but no matter how adjustable a panel's kickstand legs are, they will still blow over in a stiff wind. If you're looking for the absolute most adjustable kickstand legs in a solar panel, we recommend the Renogy 100W Foldable.
The Bluetti SP100L's adjustable kickstand legs make it easy to secure the panel at the angle you need.
Credit: Sam Schild
At first glance, the EcoFlow 110 doesn't have a way to point it at low-angled sunlight, like during the early morning and near dusk, making it less convenient to use when you're away from camp all day. In actuality, you can use the included carrying case to prop up one side of the panel, but this is much less convenient or sturdy than models with included legs for more accurate angling.
The EcoFlow 110's carrying case doubles as a stand to angle the panel.
Credit: Sam Schild
It's also worth noting that every panel we tested comes with the necessary cable to hook up to a battery, except the EcoFlow 110 and Renogy 100W Foldable. These panels feature a universal standard solar cable connector, also known as MC4, but you'll need to obtain the correct adapter to connect them to your preferred power station. To charge most large batteries or power stations, you'll need to purchase an MC4-to-XT60 cable. The MC4 universal connection is waterproof, though, so this is likely a benefit for some people, even if it is inconvenient — not to mention more expensive — to purchase extra cables for your solar camping setup.
Universal standard solar connectors like these (found on the EcoFlow 110 and Renogy 100W) are fully waterproof and very efficient, but will require extra adaptors depending on your power station's input.
Credit: sam schild
While this style of cable connection has the least amount of energy loss (and therefore yields more efficient energy gathering), it does require some extra cables for plugging into most large power stations. This style of connection also allows you to chain multiple solar panels together, thereby multiplying the power generated from the sun. MC4 connectors are also a fully waterproof connection, which is a benefit for permanently installed solar panels, but less important for the folding style of panels we're talking about here.
A good solar camping setup involves the right solar panel to charge your tech.
Credit: Sam Schild
Conclusion
Choosing the right panel for your solar camping setup can seem daunting. There are tons of solar panels out there, and choosing the right one can be the difference between having a piece of gear that lasts a long time and one that leaves you short on electricity and money. Armed with the info we've provided, we hope you have what you need to decide which camping solar panel is best for you. Whether you're camping in a front-country campsite or boondocking far off the grid, having the right solar camping setup can make or break your experience.
