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When camping is on the agenda, nothing can make a campsite feel a little more like home than having power for your most essential devices and camping appliances. By bringing along the right solar panel and the other necessary components, you could enjoy a warm cup of coffee, a fan, a cooktop, and more on your next camping trip.
Every camping trip is different, so we’re sharing the five best camping solar panels for different camping experiences so you can get the most out of your time in nature with some comforts of home. Read on to learn how to find the perfect solar panel to bring along for your next camping adventure!
EcoFlow’s Top Camping Solar Panels in 2024
- Best for Dry Camping: 220W Bifacial Portable Solar Panel
- Best for Backpacking: 110W Portable Solar Panel
- Best for Extended Camping: 400W Portable Solar Panel
- Best for Weekend Trips: 160W Portable Solar Panel
- Best for RV Camping: 400W Rigid Solar Panel
Best for Dry Camping: 220W Bifacial Portable Solar Panel
When you’re dry camping and have no other hookups to rely on, you need serious power in a portable package. The EcoFlow 220W Bifacial Portable Solar Panel helps you maximize sunlight capture with a unique bifacial monocrystalline design that features a 220W primary side and a 155W side on the back to capture ambient light.
Pair the bifacial panel with a robust yet compact portable power station like the RIVER 2 Pro to get the most from the bifacial panel. In addition, this panel’s IP68 rating means it’s tough enough to withstand wind, rain, or shine.
Specifications
- Rated Power: 220W Front Side/155W Rear Side
- Efficiency: 22-23%
- Open Circuit Voltage: 21.8V (Vmp 18.4V)
- Panel Weight: Approx. 9.5kg (20.9lbs)
- Dimensions: 82 x 183 x 2.5cm (32.3 x 72.0 x 1.0 in)
- Short Circuit Current: 13A (Imp 12.0A) Front Side/ 8.8A (Imp8.4A) Rear Side
Pros
- Captures up to 25% more solar energy thanks to the bifacial design
- Easy to take anywhere with a carrying case that doubles as a kickstand
- Has an IP68 waterproof rating
Cons
- Can be heavy
Best for Backpacking: 110W Portable Solar Panel
When you need a bit of power for a backpack camping trip and can’t be bothered to carry along anything that will weigh your backpack down too much, look no further than the 110W Portable Solar Panel. It’s lightweight and foldable so that you can carry it around and set it up anywhere – ideal when you have limited space in your pack.
The 110W panel is a great companion for the RIVER 2, which provides enough power to keep your personal devices charged. This solar panel comes with a case that also works as a stand, allowing for easy setup.
EcoFlow’s 110W Portable Solar Panel is durable and built for your adventurous lifestyle with an IP68 waterproof rating.
Specifications
- Rated Power: 110W (±5W)
- Efficiency: 22%–23%
- Open Circuit Voltage: 21.8V (Vmp 18.4V)
- Panel Weight: Solar Panel 4 kg / Solar Panel 8.8 lbs
- Dimensions: 178.5 × 42.0 × 2.5 cm unfolded / 42.0 × 48.0 × 2.5 cm folded
- Short Circuit Current: 6.5A (Imp 6.0A)
Pros
- Small and lightweight enough for a backpack
- A good entry point, approachable cost
- Up to 23% conversion rate
Cons
- Limited power generation
Best for Extended Camping Trips: 400W Portable Solar Panel
If you’re heading out on an extended camping trip or going on one with a larger group of friends or your family, you’ll likely have greater power needs than you would on a solo or shorter trip. When you require ample power but still need to maintain portability for your on-the-go adventures, the EcoFlow 400W Portable Solar Panel is just what you’re looking for.
It’s a great option for those with slightly higher power needs (like you might have on an extended camping trip) or for those who want to charge up a portable power station faster. Pack it into its carrying case for next time when you’re done with it! Its IP68 waterproof rating makes it durable and waterproof, so it’s ready to go with you, and it’s protected from dust, debris, and water.
Specifications
- Rated Power: 400W
- Efficiency: 22.60%
- Open Circuit Voltage: 48V (Vmp 41V)
- Panel Weight: Approx. 35.3 lbs (16.0 kg)
- Dimensions: 105.8 x 236.5 x 2.5cm / 41.7 x 93.1 x 0.98 in
- Short Circuit Current: 11A (Imp 9.8A)
Pros
- High rated power
- Charges your portable power station quickly
- IP68 waterproof rating
Cons
- More costly than other options
Best for Weekend Trips: 160W Portable Solar Panel
The EcoFlow 160W Portable Solar Panel makes an excellent option for weekend trips with modest power needs. With a conversion rate of 21-22%, you’ll capture energy quickly, allowing you to recharge your portable power station swiftly.
This portable solar panel is ready to go with you on your next adventure, with an ETFE film to protect it against ultraviolet rays, and it boasts an IP68 waterproof rating. With a one-piece folding design, it’s easily portable, so you can bring it with you with ease.
Specifications
- Rated Power: 160W(±5W)
- Efficiency: 21%–22%
- Open Circuit Voltage: 21.4V (Vmp 18.2V)
- Panel Weight: Solar Panel 5 kg / 11 lbs
- Dimensions: 157 x 68 x 2.4 cm (26.8 x 61.8 x 1 in) unfolded / 42 x 68 x 2.4 cm (26.8 x 16.5 x 1 in) folded
- Short Circuit Current: 9.6A (Imp 8.8A)
Pros
- High 21-22% efficiency
- Easy to transport
- Lightweight
Cons
- Limited power generation
Best for RV Camping: 400W Rigid Solar Panel
Portable solar panels aren’t always ideal, especially in cases like RV camping, where you may prefer something more permanent to mount on your RV to use whenever needed. For these cases, the EcoFlow 400W Rigid Solar Panel is an excellent solution built to last, thanks to its IP68 waterproof rating.
The all-black style of this design looks elevated and chic, adding a touch of class to any RV installation. And, with a 23% conversion rate, you’ll get the most out of every bit of sunlight and turn it into usable power.
It’s an ideal off-grid solution for RV owners who want to take self-generated power wherever they go.
Specifications
- Rated Power: 400W
- Efficiency: 23%
- Open Circuit Voltage: 37.10V
- Panel Weight: 21.8kg / 48.1 lbs
- Dimensions: 172.2 x 113.4 x 3.5 cm / 67.8 x 44.6 x 1.38 in
- Short Circuit Current: 13.79A
Pros
- Permanent off-grid installation
- High efficiency rating of 23%
- IP68 rating
Cons
- Costly
- Not portable
What to Look for When Buying Camping Solar Panels
When buying camping solar panels, you’ll need to pay attention to specific specs and functions of your options, including rated power, size/weight, efficiency, weather durability, power station compatibility, solar charging speed, and how easy it is to use them.
So much of what makes a solar panel right for you depends on your unique circumstances. A solo backpacking trip versus a family RV camping trip will have very different needs and, therefore, will have different priorities when looking for the right solar panel.
Below, we’ll cover certain aspects to keep in mind when selecting your ideal camping solar panel.
Rated Power
The rated power for solar panels reflects the maximum amount of solar power your panel can generate under ideal conditions – which, of course, rarely exist in the real world. While the actual output varies depending on a number of factors, rated power is useful in comparing solar panels.
A higher-rated power won’t be that important if you don’t need much energy to be generated, but if you have greater power needs, you’ll want a solar panel with a higher-rated power such as the EcoFlow 400W Portable Solar Panel or the EcoFlow 400W Rigid Solar Panel.
Size and Weight
The size and weight are essential factors, especially when you’re looking for a solar panel for your next camping trip. The dimensions will impact how much space it takes up and how much additional load it will add. Portability might be of the utmost importance to you, so make sure the dimensions are suitable for your car, backpack, or anywhere else it needs to fit.
Also, ensure that the weight won’t be too cumbersome on your adventures, which may vary drastically depending on what type of trip you have in mind. For backpacking trips, weight is crucial, and the lighter your solar panel is, the better. Weight may not matter as much for RV or short weekend car camping trips.
Efficiency
Solar panel efficiency is a measurement of what percentage of direct sunlight it receives that it converts into electricity. The higher the percentage, the more efficient the panel is.
The efficiency can vary depending on the type of solar cell used, with monocrystalline solar cells generally being more efficient.
Weather Durability
Durability in weather impacts how well the panel will withstand the elements. Choose a panel made from durable materials with a higher waterproof rating to make sure that your solar panels are up to the task for your next outdoor adventure.
Ease of Use
Finally, you’ll also want to consider the ease of use of a camping solar panel. You don’t want to waste time setting up your solar panel when you could be out enjoying your camping trip. Ideally, you want something easy to set up, connect, and use.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best type of solar panel for camping will depend on how long your camping trip is, what kind of camping trip you’re taking (dry camping, backpacking, RV camping, etc.), what your power needs are, and how much space you have in your pack or vehicle.
The right size for your solar panel on a camping trip depends on several factors, such as what type of camping trip you’re going on. You’ll want to select the rated power based on your power needs and compatibility with the rest of your gear. For backpacking, you’ll want to make sure the weight and dimensions work for your needs, while for an RV camping trip, this may not be a concern.
Final Thoughts
Camping is an excellent way to enjoy the great outdoors – but who says you have to leave behind your favorite devices? By bringing along a solar panel along with the necessary additional components, you can harness the power of solar energy to still enjoy certain electronics and devices on your next camping adventure.
There are many factors to consider when choosing a camping solar panel, such as weight, efficiency, weather durability, solar charging speed, and ease of use. As a result, the right solar panel for you depends heavily on your situation. By selecting the right panel for your needs, you can ensure you have a reliable power source for your next camping trip, no matter what kind.
EcoFlow has camping solar panels for every type of camping trip, from dry camping and backpacking to short trips and longer, extended adventures. We even offer a 400W Rigid Solar Panel perfect for RV camping, as well as portable options for those who want something suitable for their on-the-go trips.
Check out our portable solar panels to find the perfect panel to bring along on your next camping trip.