The best foldable solar panels generate a ton of energy while still being portable enough to fit inside a backpack. These awesome devices are changing the game of portable charging and are thus becoming popular in the backpacking and camping communities.
Since these devices are becoming so popular we had to write a review on the top foldable solar panels on the market. Before looking into the below products it’s a good idea to know the amount of power you need to generate. This will be the biggest factor when choosing which solar panel you buy.
Foldable Solar Panel Comparison Guide
| Picture: | Name: | Technical Details: | Max Conversion Rate: | Price: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Anker 21W Foldable Solar Panel | - 21 Watts - 14.7 Ounces - 11.1 x 6.3 x 1.1 Inches | 23.5% | $$ |
  | Anker 15W Foldable Solar Panel | - 15 Watts - 12.5 Ounces - 11 x 6.3 x 0.8 Inches | 23.5% | $ |
  | BigBlue 28W Foldable Solar Panel | - 28 Watts - 1.4 Pounds - 11.2 x 6.3 x 0.7 Inches | 23.5% | $$ |
  | SUAOKI 60W Foldable Solar Panel | - 60 Watts - 4.5 Pounds - 11.4 x 6.3 x 2.8 Inches | 25% | $$$ |
  | ALLPOWERS 80W Foldable Solar Panel | - 80 Watts - 4.8 Pounds - 12.4 x 8.4 x 3.5 Inches | 25% | $$$ |
The Best Foldable Solar Panels
1. Anker 21W Foldable Solar Panel
First on the review is the Anker 21W foldable solar panel. This panel is by far the most popular foldable panel on the market. Reason for is because of its durable design and high energy output. Together they make it a perfect tool for any outdoor enthusiasts.
This particular product uses 3 separate mono-crystalline solar panels that produce a total of 21W. These panels are highly efficient and have a max conversion rate of 23.5%.
While this efficiency isn’t the highest on the market, it’s still very good and allows you to charge your devices in a short amount of time. You can also charge larger items like iPads with this device.
One of the best aspects about the Anker is its durable design. The panels are coated with industrial-strength PET plastic and are sewn into high-wear polyester canvas. This durable design allows the Anker to withstand the wear and tear of the outdoors.
Since the Anker can fold it very portable and easy to carry around. When folded the solar panel is only 11.1 × 6.3 Inches. Allowing you to easily store the device in most backpacks and bags. Anker also built stainless-steel eye holes on each corners of the device. Making it possible to hand the device from a backpack or a tree.
The Anker foldable solar panel also comes with 2 fast charging USB ports. These USB ports analyze the devices that you’re charging and optimize the charging flow accordingly.
Overall the Anker 21W foldable solar panel is a great option. This portable device allows you to charge most of your electronics with eco-friendly energy. Its portable, but powerful design makes it ideal for backpacking and camping trips. So check out this device and its one of the best on the market.
- Amazing design and construction.
- Has 2 USB charging ports.
- High energy conversion rate.
- Doesn’t charge laptops.
Technical Details:
Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 6.3 x 1.1 Inches
Weight: 14.7 Ounces
Power: 21 Watts
2. Anker 15W Foldable Solar Panel
Second on the review is the Anker 15W foldable solar panel. Yes, indeed this is another Anker product, but it deserves a stop on this list. It’s one of the most portable foldable solar panels and is designed for effortless transportation.
Unlike the above Anker, this device only uses 2 monocrystalline solar panels. These high efficient panels have conversion rates up to 23.5% and produce a total of 15W when using together.
While 15W isn’t a ton of energy, it’s still a sufficient amount and will surely charge most of your devices. Just don’t expect it to be able to charge laptops or iPads.
Where the Anker 15W truly shines is in portability. When folded the panel only has dimensions of 11 × 6.3 Inches and weighs only 12 ounces. This slim and compact design allows you to effortlessly transport this device. It easily fits into most bags and backpacks.
Like the above product the Anker 15W is also very durable. Its built with the same industrial-strength PET plastic that is sewn into a high-wear polyester canvas. This extreme durability allows you use the panel in the wilderness without damaging the device.
The Anker 15W also comes with 2 USB ports to charge your devices. These ports use”PowerIQ” technology. This allows the Anker to charge your devices as efficiently as possible. There are also 4 built-in bands to hang the panel off of.
In the end the Anker 15W foldable solar panel is one of the best in the industry. It’s extremely portable design makes it perfect for camping and backpacking trips. Just keep in mind since it does produce less power it will take longer for this device to charge electronics.
- Extremely portable design.
- Fast charging times considering the size of the device.
- Built with durable materials.
- Doesn’t charge laptops or iPads.
- Slower charging times.
Technical Details:
Product Dimensions: 11 x 6.3 x 0.8 Inches
Weight: 12.5 Ounces
Power: 15 Watts
3. BigBlue 28W Foldable Solar Panel
Third on the list is the BigBlue 28W foldable solar panel. This is another popular option on the market due to its charging capabilities and durable design. For these reasons it landed a spot on the review.
The BigBlue uses 4 separate solar panels that produce a total of 28W. These high quality mono-crystalline solar panels are super efficient and have a max conversion rate of 23.5% (which is the same as the above solar panels).
Since the BigBlue generates a lot of energy it can power larger items such as iPads, phones, and some DSLR equipment. The only things it can’t charge is a laptop computer.
The BigBlue is possibly the most durable foldable solar panel on the market. It’s built with a special PET Polymer Surface. This PET makes the panel IPX-4 waterproof. Meaning small splashes and rain won’t harm the device. In addition to this the panel is made with Industrial-strength PET polymer fabric (which is very durable and strong).
One awesome feature that the BigBlue has that other panels don’t is the built-in ammeter and chip. This digital ammeter displays the amount of Amps present while the internal chip assures a stable charge. This ammeter is very convenient especially when you’re trying to get the fasted charge possible.
Another cool feature this device includes is a built-in pocket with a zipper. While this isn’t ground breaking, it’s very convenient as most foldable solar panels have useless velcro pouches. These pouches tend to open easily and lose whatever device you’re charging. So the BigBlue fixes this problem as your devices will stay secured.
Overall the BigBlue foldable solar charger is a great option. It has a ton of features that other panels don’t include and its also super powerful. So check out this device as it can benefit you greatly.
- Uses IPX-4 waterproof technology.
- Is extremely powerful and can charge most devices.
- Uses a built-in ammeter which displays the Amps.
- Can’t charge laptops.
Technical Details:
Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 6.3 x 0.7 Inches
Weight: 1.4 Pounds
Power: 28 Watts
4. SUAOKI 60W Foldable Solar Panel
Fourth on the review is the SUAOKI 60W foldable solar panel. This high-efficiency panel produces a ton of energy and can even charge some laptops. Since it’s so powerful it landed a spot on the list.
The SUAOKI uses a whopping 9 panels to produce a total of 60W. These panels are one of the best on the market and have a max efficiency rating of 25%. The only other panel with this high of a conversion rate is the option down below.
Since the SUAOKI produces a lot of energy, it can charge almost anything you throw at it. In fact, it can power most tablets, laptops, phones, speakers, etc. In addition this product also comes with an SAE-to-Clamp cord that allows you to charge your car battery.
The SUAOKI uses 2 Outputs to charge your devices. These outputs include a 5V USB port and a 18V DC port. Together they allow you to charge almost any electronic device in around the same time a standard wall outlet takes. In addition the SUAOKI uses a TIR-C technology (intelligent chip), to get the most efficient charge possible.
In regards to durability the SUAOKI is pretty good. It uses a waterproof layer on the output pocket and the solar panel. Allowing you to charge your devices near water without having to worry about damaging the device.
In the end the SUAOKI foldable solar panel is one most powerful on the market. It can charge most laptops and other electronic devices in around the same time as a standard wall outlet. With that being said we only recommend this charger if you need a lot of power and don’t need something that is portable. If you only need to charge your phone or a tablet the first option will be the best for you.
- Has a very high energy conversion rate of 25%.
- Can power a wide variety of electronic devices.
- Not as portable as the above options.
Technical Details:
Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 6.3 x 2.8 Inches
Weight: 4.5 Pounds
Power: 60 Watts
5. ALLPOWERS 80W Foldable Solar Panel
Last on the review is the ALLPOWERS 80W foldable solar panel. This is by far the most powerful foldable solar panel on the market. For this reason its ideal for those who need a ton of portable energy.
The ALLPOWERS uses a total of 12 small solar panels to produce a total of 80W. These monocrystalline solar panels are extremely efficient and have a conversion rate up to 25% (this conversion rate is one of the best on the market).
To charge your devices the ALLPOWERS come with a total of 3 outlets. Two of outlets are 5V USB ports. The last outlet is a 18V DC port which allows you to charge most laptops under 21V.
Since the panel produces a ton of energy it’s built with a high quality voltage regulator. This regulator is designed to ensure stable voltage and current. In addition the ALLPOWERS uses short-circuit and surge protection technology. So you don’t have to worry about damaging your devices.
To protect it from the outdoors the ALLPOWERS uses a rugged water-resistant, anti-shock, durst-proof exterior. It also utilizes plastic covers for the ports. Giving you extra protection when using this device around the pool or the beach.
Overall the ALLPOWERS 80W foldable solar panel is a great option. It produces a ton of energy and can charge up to 3 devices at once. It’s surely one of the best eco-friendly tools to use when working out in nature. So if you need the most powerful foldable solar panel on the market then this is the device for you.
- Most powerful foldable solar panel on the market.
- Can charge up to 3 devices at once.
- High efficient solar panels ensure the fastest charge times possible.
- Bulky compared to other options.
Technical Details:
Product Dimensions: 12.4 x 8.4 x 3.5 Inches
Weight: 4.8 Pounds
Power: 80 Watts
Foldable Solar Panels: What To Look For
Foldable solar panels come in many different shapes, styles, and sizes. These portable devices are typically built with 2-12 small foldable panels with energy conversion rates in the 20% range. Tied together these small solar panels generate a lot of energy. With that being said you can find the best foldable solar panel by considering the following aspects:
Wattage
One of the most important things to contemplate when looking for a foldable solar panel is the wattage. This wattage basically states how powerful the panel is. So a higher wattage solar panel means it will be more powerful. In addition to this higher wattage solar panels typically charge things faster than lower wattage panels.
The power that a solar panel produces is also very important if you plan on charging larger items such as iPads and laptops. Most solar panels using 15W or under cannot charge laptop or iPads. So if you need to power devices like these then its recommended to purchase a larger foldable solar panel.
Solar Panel Efficiency
The solar panel efficiency is another factor that you should look out for. This efficiency is simply amount of energy the solar panel can transfer from sunlight. So the higher the efficiency, the higher the conversion rate. This is important for a couple of reasons.
First, higher efficiency rates typically mean the panels are utilizing a more modern solar technology. Which is good because you want to be using the latest solar technology. Secondly, high-efficiency means you have less solar panel surface for a given wattage. This makes it so have smaller solar panels, that produce a lot more energy.
Charging Ports
A huge factor that most don’t think about when looking for foldable solar panels is the charging ports. To get the most out of your solar panel you want to be able to hook up multiple devices to it at once. Most foldable solar panels come with 2 USB charging ports while the larger ones come with more.
If you plan on charging your laptop with these devices then its recommended to purchase a panel with a DC port. The ALLPOWERS 80W solar panel is a great example of a device that can do this. It has a DC port and enough power to charge laptops under 21V.
Portability
Possibly one of the most important factors when looking at foldable solar panels is portability. Most people who purchase foldable solar panels do it because they need a portable yet powerful solar panel. This foldable design allows them to be easily transported in most backpacks or bags.
If you plan on going backpacking then buying a device with 2-3 panels is recommended. These types of devices weight very little and don’t take up very much room. Anything larger than 3 panels will simply be too heavy and bulky to take on long trips.
Materials
The materials of the solar panel is another extremely important factor. These devices are meant to be used outdoors so you must find one with quality and durable materials. Quality solar panel typically mean the device with have more power, higher efficiency rates, and a longer lifespan.
You don’t want to use a cheap solar panel that can break easily while outdoors. So do you’re self a favor and find a foldable solar panel built with quality materials and that is water, dust, or shock resistant
Foldable Solar Panel Benefits
Foldable solar panels are one of the best solar charging options as they are extremely powerful and portable. You can charge laptops with these devices and they are still small enough to fit inside a backpack. With that being said these awesome devices have a ton of benefits. Some of which we discuss down below.
The first and most obvious benefit is that they are good for the environment. Solar panels don’t emit any emissions or CO2. Meaning they generate clean eco-friendly energy that doesn’t harm the environment. In addition to this the energy you generate is completely free.
Another benefit of foldable solar panels is convenience. Solar panels give you the convenience of free energy no matter where you are. As long as you have sunshine you can generate energy. If you buy battery packs then you can even charge your devices while the sun is down.
One huge benefit of these devices is their portability. They use a foldable design that allows you to transport a large solar panel in something as small as a backpack. This portable design is perfect for when traveling, backpacking, or camping.
In the end foldable solar panels are great devices that have a ton of benefits. They allow you to generate a lot of power while miles away from an outlet. We recommend checking out the above devices as they are the top in the industry.