Powering Your Tech Gear with Solar Energy Exploring Portable Solar Panels and Battery Banks

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 17, 2024

Contributions sourced from

Portable solar panels: 2023 buyer's guide

We're often asked how customers can meet their mobile energy needs when residential solar systems aren't designed for mobility. The answer to that question (a portable power station) and many others are above. We've also answered some questions below; browse our frequently asked questions to see if yours is here, or reply to this article in the comments section below.

What can portable solar panels charge?

Smaller, portable solar panels, such as smartphones or laptops, can typically charge smaller electronics. They can power some appliances, like a microwave. The more efficient a foldable solar panel is, the more energy it can provide.

Are portable solar panels effective?

Yes, they are. The same technology that allows homes to run on 100% solar energy is used, albeit in a much more compact design. Because of this, they can't provide as much energy as full-size solar panels, but they are effective.

What do you need for portable solar power?

For solar chargers, often, the kit comes complete with everything you need. When buying a larger portable solar panel, however, you'll need to ensure that you are equipped with cables, an inverter, and a battery pack for those who wish to store the power for energy outside daylight hours. It's also important to ensure you can connect your devices to the panels via USB ports or outlets.

What are the best portable solar panels?

In our research, we've found that Bluetti and Jackery portable solar panels both provide a peak power of 200 watts and have an energy rate of 23%, making them the best solar panels on our list for a portable power station.

Backpacking with Solar: Portable Power Banks & Panels

In our tiny, off-grid, rolling home, our basic solar power system is more than adequate to keep all of our personal electronics, laptops, and camera batteries charged up. But what about adventures that take us farther away from our comfy 72-square feet? When we choose to get into the backcountry on foot, by paddle, or on two-wheels, we usually take our smartphone, even though posting selfies is almost the last thing on our mind. Getting away from areas with full LTE signals is all part of the point of getting out in the first place. But this lightweight piece of modern tech (Google Pixel 2 XL) simply takes amazing photos and videos. So good sometimes, that I question the need for (and the weight of) our DSLR camera. Just as I protest, Shari takes an amazing wildlife shot with her telephoto lens, or a captivating landscape with her wide angle and were back enthusiastically lugging the extra weight. All that gear requires a little backup in the power department. As freelancers who rely on getting quality images to go along with a quality story, leaving the technology behind isnt always an option.

In 2016 we spent 18 days under human power, crossing the North Cascades ecosystem by bike, foot and paddle. We kept everything topped off with just one simple 20 Watt portable panel, no back up battery. However, we had to be strategic about our breaks, and get out the solar panel at each stop. We wished wed had a little more flexibility.

With the combination of aportable panel and power bank, you can choose a charging time that fits into your schedule (and fickle weather) rather than the other way around. These handy chargers are nothing new, and many now come with integrated solar panels. This makes it seem like it is all you need plug in, find sun, and go. The ads all over social media are a little misleading, because the integrated panels are so small it makes them impractical to use by themselves as they could take 30-60 hours in the full sun to charge up their own battery. The optimal solar charging situation is to store energy into the power bank by connecting it to a 20-30W external panel and then use that stored energy to charge your appliances.

Portable Power Banks: Whats in an Amp?

Getting your head around the ratings of an external power source can be confusing, making you wish you got a degree in Physics or Engineering. Batteries are typically rated in terms of Amp hours (Ah) and Watt hours (Wh), which gives you an understanding of the work the battery can do and for how long before needing a recharge. Small, portable batteries are rated in Wh and milliamp hours (mAh). For those of us who are math challenged, 1000 mAh = 1 Ah, so 24,000 mAh = 24 Ah. This is all nice to know, but what we really want to know, of course, is how fast will it charge our phone, tablet, etc. and how many charges can we get. The answer depends on a number of factors, including the battery size of your phone, the power output of the battery, and even the type of cord you use to charge.

E. Power Bank 10,000 mAh / 37 Wh

This lightweight (10.1 oz) power bank comes in a rugged case with some cool features including a rubber outlet cover, LED flood light (which is surprisingly bright), and an integrated clip to attach it to the outside of a backpack. The 1.21 W integrated solar panel would take approximately 30.5 hours of full sun, but it does help keep it topped up in between charges. It can be recharged by plugging it into any USB outlet or by connecting it to an external solar panel. It claims to charge a standard smartphone between 2-3 times.

E. Power Bank 24,000 mAh / 88.8 Wh

This larger battery has 2.4 times the capacity of its smaller cousin, and weighs almost twice as much, at 1.25 lbs. It also has a rugged case, rubber outlet cover, and LED flashlight with 3 settings. The integrated panel is a bit stronger at 1.5 W, but still will take approximately 60 hours to fully charge the battery. Again, these integrated panels are good for emergency power outages and keeping the battery charged while its not being used. It claims between 5-8 smart phone charges. It offers multiple charging ports, including a USB-C which can greatly increase the charging speed of whatever device you need to charge.

Both of these power banks are slightly larger than the palm of your hand, making them easy to fit into a backpack, boat bag, bike cart, dry bag, or even carry-on luggage for a long plane ride. You may also consider leaving one on the dashboard of your car, so its always charged when you need it.

Portable Solar Panels

These small and easy to use solar panels are a little less complex than their portable battery counterparts. Rated in watts, the panels indicate their maximum output when set up in the full sunlight. Both models fold up easily and secure with a snap, are equipped with a built-in voltage controller, and have at least 2 USB ports.

E. Flex Portable Solar Panel 21 Watt

Folds out easily in 3 sections, has a built-in kickstand, offers 2 USB charging ports, and weighs less than 1.2 lbs. Dimensions are 11.4 x 6.2, making it slightly smaller than a sheet of standard notebook paper.

E. Flex Portable Solar Panel 30 WattFolds out into 4 sections, has 2 built-in kickstands, offers 3 USB charging ports, and weighs around 1.6 lbs. Folded dimensions are 11.8 x 6.3, and just a bit thicker than the 21W panel.

Both of these panels are small enough to easily fit into a daypack, boat bag, bike cart, dry bag, or even carry-on luggage. They are absolutely perfect for bringing along on a longer trip when a reliable power source to charge up your small electronics might be in doubt!

PerformanceWe spent 3 days and 2 nights backpacking on the Bold Coast of Maine with some of Renogys latest portable products. We opted to take the lightest weight configuration of the 10,000 mAh E. Power Bank and 21W Portable Solar Panel, which only increased my pack weight by about 2 pounds. Definitely, not bad for what it was able to do for us while out on the trail!

We started the trip with a fully charged smartphone and camera batteries and our power bank at 75%. After our first day on the trail, the phone was nearly dead from shooting numerous pictures and video. Using the E. Power bank, we plugged it in overnight. By morning, the phone was fully charged and the power bank was down to 25%. During a leisurely breakfast on the sunny cobblestone beach, we used the portable solar panel to charge up the power bank.

Within 2 hours of mostly sunny skies mixed with passing clouds, the battery indicator on the power bank showed a 75% charge. Later in the day, the phone conked out again, but we were able to charge it back up to 100% using the power bank in about 3.5 hours while hiking along the coast. After charging the phone, the power bank had less than 25% remaining, so we topped off our DSLR camera batteries overnight. It was a good thing, too, because the fog rolled in the following day, with no opportunity for solar gain.

Lightweight: Weighing in at just about 2 pounds, this configuration seemed to be the best option for the short time we were out in the field and the expected weather.

Durability: These products are made for some banging around in or on backpacks. The power bank has a rugged case to prevent breakage and can withstand some wet, foggy weather (though it is not designed to be left out in the rain or submerged in water). The portable panel is made from rugged water-resistant material, has some light padding, and is flexible enough to bend a bit, which is inevitable if you are carrying multiple things in a backpack.

Other Cool Features: We used the flood light on the back of the power bank to light up our tent, which happened to make for an incredible foreground against a full moon rising over the Gulf of Maine. Also, the built-in clip at the top allows you to easily hang the unit on the outside of a backpack and it also comes with additional carabiners.

Drawbacks: There are just 4 battery status lights on the power bank, rather than an LCD display or thermometer making it a bit difficult to know exactly how much charge is available. For instance, 1 light equals 1% to 25% battery charge, 2 lights equal 26% to 50% charge, and so forth. Thus, there is a large range between the indicator light levels. You really have to stay on top of the battery status or you might find yourself out of juice before you know it.

Overall: This set-up was great for a short trip where we were carrying the weight on our back, especially since we anticipated some sun in the forecast for recharging. Had this been a longer trip, or with less hope for sun, we might have opted for the larger, 24,000 mAh power bank. These are a nice investment for our work and adventures we get up to, and hope to use these products for many years to come. Well check back in for a long-term performance review in 2020.

Learn more about Shari & Hutchs solar powered adventures on their website and join them on the road via social media at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube!

4 Best Solar Panel Battery Banks 2024

In 2024, the quest for efficient, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions is more pressing than ever. Solar panel battery banks have emerged as key players in this arena, offering a blend of portability, power, and environmental friendliness.

Todays blog highlights the years four best solar panel battery banks, each excelling in different areas from camping adventures to whole home backup. Well explore their unique features and benefits, helping you choose the one that aligns best with your energy needs and lifestyle.

EcoFlows Top Solar Panel Battery Bank in 2024

Best Backup Power for Camping: EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro + 220W Solar Panel
Best for Basic Home Backup: EcoFlow DELTA 2 + 220W Solar Panel
Best Expandable Option: EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max + 220W Solar Panel
Best for Whole Home Backup: EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra

Camping enthusiasts seeking the perfect blend of nature and technology will find the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro + 220W Solar Panel an ideal solution for powering their adventures. This system is designed for outdoor exploration, offering the perfect balance between portability and power. Beyond simply keeping your devices charged, this battery bank system enhances your outdoor experience without contributing to your carbon footprint.

Wake up in your tent with your smartphone fully charged, or enjoy a cold drink from a portable fridge, all powered by the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro solar generator. The systems quick charging and environmental friendliness make it a responsible choice for the eco-conscious camper. Its lightweight design and robust power make it essential gear for any camping trip, ensuring you stay connected with nature and your devices.

Specifications

Storage Capacity: 768Wh
AC Output: 800W total (surge 1600W)
Solar Charge Capacity (Maximum): 11-50V 13A, 220W Max
Weight: 17.2 lbs (7.8 kg)
Dimensions: 10.6 x 10.2 x 8.9 in (270 x 260 x 226 mm)
Operating Noise Level: ~60 decibels
Charging Options: Solar/AC/Car/USB-C Charging
Battery Chemistry: Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP/LiFePO4)
Depth of Discharge: 100%
Warranty: 5 Years
App Monitoring and Control?: Yes

Pros

Ultra-Fast Charging: Full charge in 70 minutes.
Eco-Friendly: Significantly reduces yearly carbon emissions.
Lightweight Design: Only 17.2 lbs (7.8 kg), easy to carry.
IP68 Rated: Dust and water-resistant for rugged use.
Versatile Charging: AC, car, solar, USB-C options.

Cons

Limited High-Wattage Use: Best for low to mid-range power needs.

The EcoFlow DELTA 2 + 220W Solar Panel is an exemplary solution for basic home backup needs. With growing concern about energy reliability, this system ensures that your essential home appliances remain operational during outages. Whether its keeping the lights on, your refrigerator running, or powering a home office setup, the EcoFlow DELTA 2 delivers.

Its ease of use and fast charging capabilities mean that you can stay focused on your daily life without worrying about the risk of power interruptions. This system is also an ideal companion for short-term outdoor activities, blending seamlessly into your camping or RV setup. The EcoFlow DELTA 2 + 220W Solar Panel offers a dependable and eco-friendly power solution for the modern household.

Specifications

Storage Capacity (Maximum): 3kWh
AC Output (Minimum): 1.8kW continuous output (2.7kW Surge)
AC Output (Maximum): EMPTY
Solar Charge Capacity (Maximum): 11-60V, 15A, 500W max
Weight: 27 lbs (12 kg)
Dimensions: 15.7 x 8.3 x 11.1 in (40 x 21.1 x 28.1 cm)
Operating Noise Level: ~50 decibels
Charging Options: Solar/AC/Car Charger
Battery Chemistry: Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP/LiFePO4)
Cycle Life: 3000 Cycles to +/-80% Capacity
Depth of Discharge: 100%
Warranty: Five years (no cycle life restrictions)
App Monitoring and Control?: Yes
Federal Solar Tax Credit Eligibility?: No

Pros

Expansive Power: Powers more than 90% of home appliances.
Quick Recharge: Worlds fastest recharging capability.
Dual Solar Input: Efficiently maximizes solar energy.
X-Boost Technology: High power output for larger appliances.

Cons

Size and Weight: Less portable compared to smaller units.

The EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max + 220W Solar Panel is the quintessential choice for those prioritizing flexibility and scalability. Designed to grow with your energy needs, this system effortlessly adapts to various scenarios, from augmenting your home power during outages to enhancing your off-grid living experience.

Its expandable capacity is a standout feature, allowing you to scale up your energy storage as needed. The EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max is not just about providing power; its about offering a customizable power solution that evolves with your lifestyle. Whether its home backup or outdoor adventures, its versatility and robustness make it a reliable power source for myriad uses, ensuring that youre prepared for any situation.

Specifications

Storage Capacity (Maximum): 6kWh
AC Output (Minimum): 2.4kW continuous output (4.8kW Surge)
AC Output (Maximum): EMPTY
Solar Charge Capacity (Maximum): 11-60V 15A, single port 500W; dual port 1kW
Weight: 50.7 lbs (23 kg)
Dimensions: 19.6 9.5 12 in (49.7 24.2 30.5 cm)
Operating Noise Level: ~50 decibels
Charging Options: Solar/AC/Car Charger
Battery Chemistry: Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP/LiFePO4)
Cycle Life: 3000 Cycles to +/-80% Capacity
Depth of Discharge: 100%
Warranty: Five years (no cycle life restrictions)
App Monitoring and Control?: Yes
Federal Solar Tax Credit Eligibility?: Yes w/Solar Panels & Smart Extra Batteries*

*Eligibility based on current Internal Revenue Service Guidelines for the Residential Clean Energy Credit. Subject to change and individual eligibility. Consult a tax professional before making a purchase.

Pros

Scalable Power: Easily expandable energy storage.
Long Battery Life: Durable with a 10-year usage span.
High Power Output: Capable of running 90% of appliances.
Fast Dual Charging: Quick recharge with solar and AC power.
Robust Design: Durable for various environments.

Cons

Weight: Less portable compared to smaller models.

The EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra is the worlds most comprehensive whole-home backup solution. Maximizing power, security, and independence, this system is suitable for any power need, from managing prolonged power outages to maintaining uninterrupted power for professional work. Its large capacity and adaptability make it perfect for ensuring all your critical home appliances and devices operate smoothly, even during continuous power disruptions.

This system is the cornerstone of a self-sufficient lifestyle, providing peace of mind and reliability in every situation. Suitable for your home, a remote work setup, or even outdoor adventurers, the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra delivers unmatched performance, embodying the ethos of modern, versatile energy solutions.

Specifications

Storage Capacity (Minimum): 6kWh
Storage Capacity (Maximum): 90kWh
AC Output (Minimum): 7.2kW continuous output and 10.8kW peak output for 10 seconds.
AC Output (Maximum): AC output expandable up to 21.6kW with three inverters connected.
Solar Charge Capacity (Maximum): 16.8kW with 3 inverters and 42 x 400W Rigid Solar Panels
Weight: Inverter: 70 lbs (32.7kg); Battery: 116.4 lbs (52.8kg)
Dimensions: Inverter: 27.2 x 18.9 x 8.4 in (69.1 x 48 x 21.3 cm); Battery: 26 x 18 x 8 in (66. x 45.7 x 20.3 cm)
Operating Level Noise: ~50 decibels
Charging Options: Solar/AC/Car Charger/Smart Home Panel/EV Charge Station
Battery Chemistry: Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP/LiFePO4)
Cycle Life: 3000 Cycles to +/-80% Capacity
Depth of Discharge: 100%
Warranty: Five years (no cycle life restrictions)
App Monitoring and Control?: Yes
Federal Solar Tax Credit Eligibility?: Yes with Solar Panels*

Pros

High Capacity: Ideal for extensive power needs for month-long backup
Rapid Charging: Industrys fastest charging speeds.
Versatile Use: Suitable for home, RV, or professional work, covering every appliance
Durability & Conditioning: Operates in extreme temperatures, with IP54 protection from dust and water
Robust Battery Life: Long-lasting LFP battery.

Cons

Size: Larger and less portable than smaller models.
Investment: Higher upfront cost for comprehensive backup.

How To Choose the Right Solar Panel Battery Bank

Power Output

When selecting a solar panel battery bank or solar generator, power output is fundamental. It determines how many devices you can run simultaneously and the type of appliances it can support. A lower output is sufficient for basic needs like charging phones or laptops. However, for running multiple or high-power devices like refrigerators or power tools, opt for a higher output, and be sure to choose your battery bank based on your calculated power requirements.

Portability

Portability is another crucial factor, especially if you plan to use your solar battery bank for camping, RV trips, or remote work locations. Consider the weight and size of the unit, with lighter and more compact models being better suited for on-the-go use, while larger units excel at providing stationary home backup. Look for features like carrying handles or wheels, which enhance portability and ease of use. Lastly, consider whether a portable power station or a solar generator best suits your on-the-go needs.

Charging Speed

The speed at which a solar panel battery bank recharges is often a priority consideration. A faster charging unit means less downtime and quicker readiness for use, so look for models with advanced charging technologies that offer rapid charging. This is particularly important if you require short turnaround times or have limited opportunities to charge the unit.

Battery Type and Lifespan

Consider the batterys lifespan and type for long-term value and safety. Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries are known for their longevity and safety compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries, offering more charge cycles and durability. Assess the total lifecycle and frequency of use to determine the best long-term investment.

Expandability

Expandability is an essential feature for users anticipating growing energy needs. Solar panel battery banks allow for extra battery units, offering the flexibility to increase your energy storage capacity as required. This feature is ideal for scaling up power resources for home backup or outdoor activities as your power requirements change and grow.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Battery Bank for Solar?

The best battery bank for solar depends on your specific power needs and usage scenario. For portability and light usage, a compact, lightweight model is ideal. For home backup or extensive power needs, opt for a unit with higher capacity and expandability. Key factors include battery lifespan, charging speed, and power output.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the ideal solar generator is about balancing a range of considerations that meet your needs, from budget to power requirements. Whether for camping, home backup, or professional use, theres an EcoFlow solution tailored for you. Explore our range of solar generators and take the first step towards reliable and sustainable power wherever life takes you.