The Best Foldable Solar Panel Options For Your RV

Collecting energy from the sun is a great way to power much of your camping outing. It’s free, usually abundant, and doesn’t emit any harmful gases or noise. One of the best ways to lasso that energy is with a foldable solar panel. You can take it with you and set it up in seconds.

These durable and easy-to-operate panels give you the freedom to have power when needed. Let’s see exactly how they work and if you should add one to your shopping list.

What Is a Foldable (aka Portable) RV Solar Panel? 

Though solar panels have been around for a long time, you can easily set up and take down foldable, also called portable, ones as needed.

These lightweight solar panels can be angled differently depending on where the sun is and how you park. When the sun hits them, they generate power that can charge a battery. Solar panels don’t supply “on-demand” power, which is why you need the battery bank.

How Does a Foldable Solar Panel Work? 

A foldable solar panel is a convenient portable way to collect the sun’s energy. Each panel has solar cells made of silicon with positive and negative layers. These layers create an electric field from sun rays. That electricity channels into a solar charge controller, which sends the current to a battery for storage. 

To use the stored energy, you can hook up an inverter to change the direct current (DC) from the battery to alternating current (AC) to use 120-volt electricity. You can also charge DC appliances directly from the battery.

Foldable solar panels come rated with a certain number of Watts that they can generate. Larger ones usually handle 60 to 180 Watts, and smaller-sized panels may only generate 5 to 20 Watts.

Foldable ones weigh less than rigged solar panels, and some have a solar charge controller built in. Smaller panels can charge cell phones and hook on a backpack, generating power as you hike in the sun. These won’t have a charge controller attached because it has no battery for storage. Simply hook small electronics directly to the panel.

Many larger panels will have kickstands to prop the unit in the sun’s direction. Then you can adjust the angle as the sun moves. These are popular for charging portable power stations like a Jackery or Bluetti, as it has an inverter. You can then use it to power AC and DC appliances like laptops, refrigerators, and more.

Who Are Foldable Solar Panels Best For?

Even though a foldable solar panel can help all RVers, it works best for weekenders who only need to charge something for a short amount of time. If you are a full-timer, then a complete roof-mounted solar panel system may be more appropriate. 

This powerful technology has come a long way, especially for portable solar panels for your RV. They have become lighter and easier to use. Ultimately, a flexible solar panel may be the perfect solution for your RV.

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How Long Does A Foldable Solar Panel Last?

In general, portable solar panels for RV use last around 25 years. However, this number really boils down to how often you use your panels and how well you care for them.

Proper and regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to their longevity. In addition, if you only use them a few times a year, they’ll last longer than someone who uses them every other weekend.

What to Look for in a Foldable Solar Panel 

Before shopping for a foldable solar panel, you should know how you’ll use it and where you’ll place it. This will help you to decide which panels will work best for you.

Cell Type: Monocrystalline Versus Polycrystalline Versus Thin-Film 

Rigid solar panels either have monocrystalline or polycrystalline cells. However flexible thin-film panels are popular for use on non-flat structures. They all come in different power output ratings, and all three types have varying uses.

Monocrystalline solar cells come from one piece of silicon, making them very uniform and efficient in energy collection. Polycrystalline cells are derived from a mixture of several silicon sources. Thus, they’re a little less efficient than monocrystalline ones. 

Thin-film solar cells are made from cadmium telluride or copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) instead of silicon. This allows them flexibility, but they don’t have the efficiency of either of the crystalline solar cells.

Power Output

How many Watts will you need to generate to power your battery or to charge devices directly? Small solar panels can charge a cell phone or tablet. But they generally produce 5 to 20 Watts over several hours under direct sunlight. Smaller wattage panels can trickle charge a car battery while in storage or provide energy for landscape lights.

If you need to charge a portable power station for AC appliances like a television, laptop, etc., you’ll likely need foldable solar panels with 100 Watts or more. Know your power station’s maximum input, or you won’t benefit from 200 Watts and up.

Pro Tip: So how much would installing a solar panel on your RV Cost? Click the link to find out!

Weight and Portability 

One important thing to consider when selecting portable solar panels for RV use is weight. Consider how much weight you want to add to the overall weight of your camper and how much weight you can handle during the setup and tear-down process.

If you use foldable solar panels while camping and store them in tight spaces, you might want to know just how portable they are. Some can get quite weighty or be rather large, even after folding them down.

You’re going to be setting them up and packing them away multiple times, so this is important. Take a look at the space you have for storage and shop accordingly.

Lifespan and Reliability 

Many quality foldable solar panels can last for 25 to 30 years if cared for properly. But because of their portability, they may get thrown around or damaged in various ways. Look for panels with good warranties built by reputable companies that back their products.

Benefits of a Foldable Solar Panel

Portability

Portability is excellent when you’re on the road. Portable solar panels are lightweight and easy to move around.

This portability also gives you flexibility in where and how you park. You can park anywhere you want and set your solar panels up nearby in the optimum position for maximum sun.

Better for the Environment

Solar power is better for the environment. You’re using renewable energy. Plus, if you’re in a location where you have to pay for power, you can greatly reduce that cost by using solar panels for your RV.

Ability to Park Anywhere

Portable solar panels can also be used practically anywhere, unlike generators. Some campgrounds only allow generator use during certain times and others prohibit it altogether.

Since you can move portable panels anywhere you want, you can park in the shade! This is a tremendous bonus because a rig parked in the sun gets hot fast. When you are boondocking, conserving energy is a must. So, if you park in the shade, you won’t burn through power with the air conditioner.

Can Position The Panels Anywhere

Another pro to using portable solar panels for your RV is that you can position them anywhere, unlike roof-mounted solar panels. Wherever the sun is shining, you can move the panel to create more energy.

If you have a permanent solar setup on your roof, you have to park your rig in the sun for your solar panels to work. But portable panels let you park in the shade while your solar panels stay in the sun.

Ability to Store When Not in Use

If you’re going to be traveling on the grid for a while, you can opt to leave portable panels at home.

This will cut down on weight while driving and help improve your gas mileage a little. You won’t have this option if the solar panels are permanently mounted to your RV’s roof.

Disadvantages of a Foldable Solar Panel

However, portable solar panels aren’t for everyone. If you prefer to arrive at a campsite and hit the trail, you may feel annoyed having to set up portable solar panels every trip. It can get old after making a few camping trips.

If you fear theft, you’ll probably only put them out when you’re at the campsite. If this is only in the evenings after spending your day hiking, biking, or paddling, then it’s likely they won’t get much sun.

Portable solar panels also aren’t as efficient as roof-mounted solar panels. If you’re a full-time boondocker or someone who enjoys camping off-grid for weeks at a time, you’re better off investing in roof-mounted solar panels that will generate the most energy.

Pro Tip: Here are 5 Reasons to Avoid Flexible Solar Panels for Your RV!

The Best Foldable Solar Panels 

Foldable solar panels have become quite popular, as they can provide power wherever you go. We have collected five of our favorite options. These include some metal-mounted rigid panels and ones mounted on hard plastic with magnetic closures. Which panels would work best for you?

Zamp Solar Legacy Series 

Zamp manufactures solar panels designed to last a “lifetime.” Although on the higher end of prices, they continue running for at least 25 years and are manufactured in the United States, near Bend, Oregon.

This 140-watt kit features two foldable solar panels made of rigid monocrystalline cells. It has an integrated solar charge controller and weighs 40 lbs. The panels have sturdy metal kickstands and come with a 15-foot cable, alligator clips, and a case.

Additionally, it comes with an integrated 10-amp digital charge controller. This device allows you to monitor the power and protect your battery.

Go Power! Portable Folding Solar Kit

The Go Power Kit provides 130-watt of power and has two monocrystalline panels that fold open rather than shut. They weigh 29 pounds and have metal kickstands. The kit has an attached solar charge controller, alligator clips to hook the panels to a battery, and a carrying case. The Go Power Portable Folding Solar Kit costs $512.

Renogy Portable Foldable Solar Panel Suitcase

Renogy solar panels are “the culmination of cutting-edge technology and precision.” This 100-watt kit with two rigid, folding monocrystalline panels weighs 20 pounds.

The panels have metal frames with kickstands. It also includes a 20-amp solar charge controller, alligator clips for battery hookup, and a canvas carrying case.

Jackery SolarSaga Portable Solar Panel

Jackery offers a 100-Watt portable solar panel mounted on hard plastic with covered kickstands. These monocrystalline cells can fold together, and a magnetic catch holds them closed.

The panels have a USB-C and a USB-A port. This means you can plug small electronic devices directly into the panel for charging. It weighs 5.5 pounds and is a solid budget-friendly option.

Goal Zero Nomad Portable Solar Panel

Goal Zero produces a four-panel, accordion-folded setup rated at 100 Watts to complement their Yeti power stations. These hard-plastic mounted monocrystalline panels can chain together to increase your power output. It has a plug-and-play adapter cable for the Goal Zero Yeti power stations. These weatherproof panels weigh 10 pounds.

Keep in Mind: You’ll probably want internet for your RV. Can You Get Satellite Internet for Your RV?

Goal Zero Boulder 200 Briefcase

The Goal Zero Boulder 200 Briefcase weighs about 42 pounds. It’s one of the heaviest units, but it’s also built with tempered glass and aluminum-frame construction to withstand regular use. Two 100-watt flexible solar panels are connected by a hinge.

Goal Zero is also a company focused on providing a sustainable future. By offsetting 100% of carbon emissions from shipping and using 100% renewable energy at the corporate headquarters and warehouse, it’s not only producing environmentally friendly products but also living out its mission to reduce its carbon footprint.

ACOPOWER Portable Solar Suitcase

This portable solar panel for RVs comes in its suitcase. You can fold and store the ACOPOWER solar panel inside the provided bag. Then, when you need extra power or want to recharge a battery, you simply open the suitcase and point it towards the sun. 

This unit can power or charge any 12V device. Additionally, it has a controller that protects the system from overloading, over-charging, or discharging and reverse connections.

ALLPOWERS Foldable Solar Panel

Since 2010, AllPowers has focused all its time and money on researching, developing, and manufacturing portable and foldable power stations. The ALLPOWERS 200W foldable solar panel is 22% more efficient and one-third lighter than similar silicon ones. 

In addition, ALLPOWERS solar panels work with most solar generators and can provide limitless power for power stations, and other electronic devices such as cell phones or laptops, and can charge other 12V batteries.

ECOFLOW Portable Solar Panel

The 160-watt ECOFLOW portable solar panel is made of monocrystalline silicon and weighs just over 15 pounds. It has a high conversion efficiency of 21-22%, similar to the ALLPOWERS option. It’s also waterproof, so it’s ready for outdoor use.

Plus, the carrying case doubles as a kickstand, which means fewer items you have to keep track of and transport. You can position the solar panel in any direction or orientation.

Are Portable Solar Panels for RV Worth It?

If you don’t like the idea of having roof-mounted solar panels but want to have the freedom to travel anywhere, portable solar panels for RV use may be a great option.

Weekenders who want to park as close to the trailhead as possible will appreciate their portability. Friends who tent camp will enjoy having access to power without having to set up in a campground.

Pro Tip: If you think you’re ready to upgrade from a foldable solar panel to a full system, read Are Solar Panels Worth It first!

Foldable Solar Panels Are a Great Introduction to Boondocking

When you don’t need a complete solar setup on your RV, a foldable solar panel could fill the gap in times of trouble. In fact, every trailer, motorhome, and even tent camper should have one onboard.

You can use one as a backup for power outages or when you want to get off the grid. Charge your phone or spend some time on the laptop with your foldable solar panel and a power station. Make them your “Plan B” on every excursion.

Last update on 2024-09-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API