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Custom & OEM solar panels for IoT sensors, security cameras and weather stations.

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Small & Mini Solar Panels

Mini solar panels from 0.11 W to 25 W, in stock and shipped from China: bare laminated panels with solder pads for building into a device, cable and clip panels for 5 V and 12 V charging, and units with a battery bay and regulated output. Pick by power, voltage and front sheet below, or start from a use case — Arduino and ESP32 boards, IoT sensor nodes, 5 V USB charging, 12 V battery maintenance. Need a different outline, voltage or connector? Send those requirements for a custom mini solar panel review; sample availability and timing are confirmed in the quotation.

LinkSolar is a China-based B2B supplier of custom & OEM solar panels, solar cells and mounting hardware. Panels are manufactured to your drawing by partner production lines; we handle specification, samples, pre-shipment checks and export.

Mini solar panels in stock: power, voltage, size and connection

Panel Power · voltage Size Front sheet Connection
Bare panels to build into a device
0.11 W 5 V ETFE 0.11 W · 5 V (22 mA) 35 × 22 mm ETFE 2 solder pads
0.18 W 6 V ETFE 0.18 W · 6 V 45 × 45 mm ETFE 2 solder pads
0.33 W 2.75 V ring 0.33 W · 2.75 V 85 mm outer, 21 mm inner diameter Matte PET 2 solder pads
0.45 W 3 V glass 0.45 W · 3 V 60 × 45 mm Tempered glass 2 solder pads
0.9 W 5.5 V 0.9 W · 5.5 V 75 × 69.5 mm Matte PET 2 solder pads
1 W 18 V semicircular 1 W · 18 V 153 × 73 mm, 45 × 30 mm cut-out ETFE 2 solder pads
1.3 W 6 V 1.3 W · 6 V 85 × 85 mm Matte PET Solder pads
2.1 W 18 V bar 2.1 W · 18 V 247 × 44.5 mm ETFE 2 solder pads
2.3 W 5.5 V glass 2.3 W · 5.5 V 113 × 113 mm Tempered glass 2 solder pads
Panels with a cable or clips
1.2 W 6 V, 3-pack 1.2 W · 6 V 84 × 130 mm Framed, poly cells Micro-USB, about 2.8–3 m cable
6 W 5 V 6 W · 5 V 210 × 170 mm PET Alligator clips, about 500 mm lead
6 W 12 V 6 W · 12 V 210 × 170 mm PET Alligator clips, about 500 mm lead
6 W 12 V DC5521 6 W · 12 V 200 × 170 mm PET DC5521 plug, about 3 m cable
12 W battery trickle charger 12 W · for 12 V batteries — — Battery clip lead
Units with a battery bay and regulated output
4 W multi-voltage 4 W · switchable 5 / 6 / 9 / 12 V — — 5.5 × 2.1 mm DC out; up to 6 × 18650 (not included); IP66
8 W multi-voltage 8 W · switchable 5 / 6 / 9 / 12 V — — 5.5 × 2.1 mm DC out; up to 6 × 18650 (not included); IP66
12 W multi-voltage 12 W · switchable 5 / 6 / 9 / 12 V — — 5.5 × 2.1 mm DC out; up to 6 × 18650 (not included); IP66
25 W with MPPT 25 W · switchable 5 / 6 / 9 / 12 V — — Built-in MPPT; 5.5 × 2.1 mm DC out; 6-slot 18650 bay; IP66
8 W with four 18650 slots 8 W · 3.7 V or 5 V output 200 × 200 mm — Built-in charge controller; four 18650 slots

A dash means the listing does not publish that value. Other outlines, voltages, leads and connectors are made to drawing: see custom mini solar panels.

Size by power and voltage

Quick pick by use case

Four builds we see most, mapped to the in-stock panel families above. Outlines are the listed sizes of the matching products.

Your build What to pick Listed outlines Front sheet
Arduino or ESP32 project 5–5.5 V bare panel (0.9–2.3 W), or a 4 W multi-voltage unit charging its own 18650 pack 75 × 69.5 mm to 113 × 113 mm PET or tempered glass
IoT sensor node (LoRa, NB-IoT, GPS tracker) 1–2.5 W at 5.5–6 V; 18 V bar panels where cable runs are long 45 × 45 mm to 247 × 44.5 mm ETFE
5 V USB and power-bank charging 6 W 5 V panel with alligator clips, or the 4–12 W units switched to 5 V 210 × 170 mm PET
12 V battery maintenance (lead-acid, LiFePO4) 6 W 12 V panel with clips or DC5521, the 12 W trickle charger, or 1–2.1 W 18 V panels with a controller 200 × 170 mm to 247 × 44.5 mm PET or ETFE

Choose a small solar panel by power

Start with the device's daily energy use, then check its peak demand separately. Use the table to shortlist panels, and send the operating schedule, installation location, available panel area and charging-circuit requirements when requesting a selection review.

Panel power Typical use Example panels
0.1–0.5 W BLE beacons, sensor tags, e-ink labels, trickle-charging coin cells and small Li-ion packs 0.11 W 5 V ETFE (35×22 mm), 0.33 W 2.75 V ring panel, 0.45 W 3 V glass (60×45 mm)
1–2.5 W LoRa and NB-IoT nodes, GPS trackers, soil and weather sensors, small controllers 0.9 W 5.5 V, 1.3 W 6 V, 1 W 18 V semicircular, 2.1 W 18 V bar, 2.3 W 5.5 V glass (113×113 mm)
4–12 W Cellular trail cameras, gateways, dataloggers with radios, pumps and fans on timers 4 W / 8 W / 12 W panels with selectable 5 V, 6 V, 9 V and 12 V DC output
25 W Security cameras, routers, small monitoring cabinets, 12 V battery maintenance 25 W panel with built-in MPPT charge controller

If you are not sure which row you are in, the guide on sizing solar for cameras and sensors walks through the daily-energy method with worked numbers.

Choose by voltage

  • 2.75 V – 3 V: check the intended charging circuit's input requirements and the selected panel's electrical specifications before choosing this voltage range.
  • 5 V – 5.5 V: confirm whether the selected product provides a regulated output or needs a separate charging circuit; a voltage label alone does not establish device compatibility.
  • 6 V: check the selected panel's operating output against the charge controller's input range and the battery's charging requirements; confirm operation under the intended light conditions.
  • 12 V and 18 V: lead-acid or 12 V LiFePO4 maintenance, or long cable runs where voltage drop matters.
  • Multi-voltage 5/6/9/12 V: the 4 W, 8 W and 12 W panels include a regulated DC output you set with a switch, so one part covers several products.

Wiring several panels together? See how to connect mini solar panels in series and parallel before you buy cables.

Construction and design specs

How these panels are built

Most panels in this collection use SMT-mounted back-contact cells laminated onto a PCB, which is why they stay thin and keep a clean front surface with no ribbon shadows. You can pick the front surface for the environment:

  • ETFE for long outdoor exposure and UV resistance.
  • Matte PET for cost-sensitive products and indoor or sheltered use.
  • Tempered glass where the panel is exposed to abrasion or needs a rigid, flat face.

The engineering background is in how SMT makes mini panels efficient. If you want the cells themselves rather than a finished panel, see solar cells.

Specifications you can design around

Check the selected product's listed dimensions, lead type and electrical specifications, including the operating voltage and current. Request the available datasheet or I-V data for that model. For a custom version, confirm the revised specifications against the charging circuit and validate the assembled design with samples before production approval.

Micro solar panels for hobby builds and electronics projects

The smallest parts here are what most people mean by a micro solar panel: the 0.11 W 5 V ETFE panel is 35×22 mm, and the 0.45 W 3 V glass panel is 60×45 mm. Confirm the selected model's availability, ordering quantity and electrical specifications before ordering a sample. Validate the sample with your circuit under the intended operating conditions.

For hobby electronics, compare the selected panel's operating voltage and current with the board's charging input and the battery's charging requirements. A 5–5.5 V or 6 V label alone does not establish compatibility. The Arduino and ESP32 wiring guide covers sizing and charger choice, and the small solar panel size guide lists outlines against watts and volts.

For small-batch product development, confirm the selected panel's specifications and availability before choosing a prototype part. Recheck any custom version against the charging circuit and validate the assembled design with samples. Before you pick a charger, read when MPPT beats PWM on small panels.

From stock panel to your own part

Stock panels are the fastest way to validate a solar-powered product. Once the power budget is proven, common next steps are a different outline to fit an enclosure, a specific voltage, integrated wires or connectors, mounting holes, or a branded surface print. All of these are handled as a custom mini solar panel project; the article on custom mini solar panels for IoT devices explains what to send us and what to expect back.

Where small solar panels are used

Larger loads that outgrow 25 W move to flexible solar panels. Check the selected panel's dimensions and mounting requirements against the intended small brackets and mounts before choosing hardware.

FAQ

What solar panels work for small electronics?

Check the device's daily energy use and its peak and startup demands separately. In this collection, 0.1–0.5 W panels suit BLE beacons, sensor tags and e-ink labels; 1–2.5 W panels suit LoRa and NB-IoT nodes and GPS trackers; the 4 W, 8 W and 12 W panels have a switchable 5/6/9/12 V DC output. For boards with onboard charging, confirm the board's input range, the panel's operating output and the battery's charging requirements before selection.

What is the difference between micro solar cells and mini solar panels?

A micro solar cell is bare silicon, often cut from a larger cell, with exposed contacts and no protective layer. A mini solar panel has its cells laminated behind a front sheet: most panels here use SMT-mounted back-contact cells on a PCB with an ETFE, matte PET or glass face. Cells suit your own laminates and classroom builds (see small solar cells and strips); panels fit straight into a device.

What should I look for when buying a mini solar panel for a DIY project?

Five things, all listed in the table at the top of this page. Power, checked against the device's daily energy use. Voltage, checked against the charging circuit's input range; a voltage label alone does not establish compatibility. Outline, checked against the enclosure. Front sheet: ETFE for long outdoor exposure, matte PET for cost-sensitive or sheltered use, tempered glass where the face sees abrasion. And connection: bare solder pads, a cable or clips, or a unit with its own battery bay and regulated output.

What sizes and voltages do mini solar panels come in?

In stock here, from 0.11 W at 5 V on a 35 × 22 mm panel up to 25 W. Bare panels come at 2.75 V, 3 V, 5–5.5 V, 6 V and 18 V. Cable and clip panels come at 5 V, 6 V and 12 V. The 4 W, 8 W, 12 W and 25 W units have a switchable 5 / 6 / 9 / 12 V DC output. Custom mini panels run from 3 V to 48 V, with custom outlines, cut-outs and PET, ETFE, fibreglass or glass laminates; start at custom mini solar panels.

Can I use a 6 V solar panel to charge a 12 V battery?

Match the panel to the battery. The voltage guide on this page puts 12 V lead-acid and 12 V LiFePO4 maintenance on 12 V and 18 V panels. In stock that means the 6 W 12 V panels (clips or DC5521 cable), the 1 W and 2.1 W 18 V panels, and the 12 W trickle charger made for 12 V car and boat batteries. Use a charge controller or regulator suited to the battery, and check the battery's voltage and chemistry before connecting.

Can I power an Arduino or ESP32 with a mini solar panel?

Yes, if the panel's operating voltage and current suit the board's charging input and the battery's charging requirements. Shortlist from the 5–5.5 V and 6 V rows, then check the board's input range. If you would rather not design the charging side, the 4 W, 8 W and 12 W units charge their own 18650 pack and give a regulated 5 V output on a 5.5 × 2.1 mm DC jack. Wiring and charger choice are covered in the Arduino and ESP32 wiring guide.

How small can a custom mini solar panel be?

In stock, the smallest listed panel is the 0.11 W 5 V ETFE panel at 35 × 22 mm. Custom panels are made to your drawing, so the outline is set by your enclosure rather than a stock size: common custom work includes outlines to fit a device case, cut-outs, mounting holes, integrated leads and a specific voltage from 3 V to 48 V. Confirm the achievable minimum for your design when you send the drawing.

How do I order mini solar panels in bulk?

Stock panels are ordered directly from the product pages in the quantities listed there. For volume supply, mixed formats, or panels made to your drawing, send the requirement — quantity, outline, voltage, connection and destination — and we quote from it. Minimum order quantity depends on the product; ask us for the MOQ on your item.
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Mini Solar Panels for IoT, Sensors & Embedded Devices


Mini solar panels are built for low-power loads where full-size modules are too large: wireless sensors, data loggers, beacons, trackers and small electronics. They let you test ideas quickly, keep prototypes running in the field and add solar to products without redesigning the whole enclosure.

This collection brings together different voltages, footprints and encapsulation types so you can match a panel to your device instead of forcing the device to match the panel. For deeper voltage and cell options, many builders start from our Solar Cells range, then move up to Custom Solar Panels once the electrical and mechanical requirements are locked.

Types of Mini Solar Panels in This Collection

Glass Mini Modules for Outdoor Durability


Glass-laminated mini modules offer the most robust packaging for long-term outdoor use. They are suited to exposed junction boxes, metering cabinets, small signs and sensor housings where impact resistance and UV stability matter. You will see similar panels on compact marine gear and environmental instruments like those shown in our Marine & Yacht projects and Solar for Weather Stations application.

PET & ETFE Laminated Mini Panels for Prototyping


PET and ETFE mini panels balance durability, weight and cost, making them a practical choice for prototypes, educational kits and early pilot deployments. They are easy to mount on flat plates or small housings and help you validate voltage, current and energy budget before committing to a fully custom module or enclosure.

Ring, Round & Special-Shape Mini Panels


Ring and special-shape mini panels solve mechanical problems that square modules cannot: fitting around sensors or lenses, leaving space for antennas or fasteners, or matching brand and industrial design. They are often used as accent or auxiliary generators alongside larger off-grid systems, for example topping up small devices in setups that also use our larger Portable Solar Panels.

Board-Level & SMT-Ready Mini Panels


Board-level and SMT-ready mini panels are aimed at advanced DIY users who want the panel to feel like any other PCB-mounted component. These parts make it easier to integrate solar into compact electronics, and they are a natural stepping stone toward curved or surface-following laminates such as those in our Flexible Solar Panels collection when more area is available.

Integration & Design Notes


Getting good results from mini solar panels is mostly about matching the module, storage and load. A small amount of design work up front will make field performance much more predictable.

  • Define your energy budget: Estimate average current draw and hours of operation per day, including sleep current. Mini panels can deliver impressive results, but they work within tight margins.
  • Choose voltage with the regulator in mind: Decide whether you are feeding a DC/DC converter, a dedicated energy-harvesting IC or a simple charge controller, and pick panel voltage so it stays in a useful range across real-world sunlight and temperature.
  • Plan for series/parallel options: Many projects start with one panel and later need more runtime. Designing space and connectors for series or parallel expansion now avoids PCB and enclosure changes later.
  • Treat mechanics as seriously as electronics: Even small modules need secure mounting, cable strain relief and drip loops. On enclosures, you can often reuse techniques and parts from our Solar Panel Brackets & Mounts to give mini panels a clean, repeatable attachment method.

Custom Mini Solar Solutions


When the same device is being built again and again—whether it is a sensor node, tracking device or compact controller—it usually makes sense to move from generic mini panels to a dedicated module. At that point, the solar laminate becomes part of your product: tuned to the enclosure, power profile and assembly flow instead of being “bolted on” at the end.

LinkSolar supports teams that want to go from lab prototype to repeatable kit. A typical path is to validate voltage, power and duty cycle using off-the-shelf mini panels from this collection, then translate your findings into a custom footprint and encapsulation stack. The same approach applies to embedded solar on vehicles and rigs, where small auxiliaries and sensors complement larger arrays.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can I power with mini solar panels?

Mini solar panels are designed for low-power loads such as sensors, data loggers, GPS beacons, remote controls, small radios, indicator lights and microcontroller-based devices. They are ideal when your system draws milliamps to a few watts, runs duty-cycled rather than continuously, and has a battery or supercapacitor to buffer energy.

How much power do I need for my device?

Start by calculating the average power of your device: multiply its typical current draw by operating voltage to get watts, then multiply by hours of operation per day to get watt-hours. Your mini panel should be able to generate more than this on an average day in your deployment location, with margin for cloudy weather, temperature and system losses.

Can I connect mini solar panels in series or parallel?

Yes. Series connection increases voltage, while parallel connection increases current. Many projects use small panels in series-parallel combinations to hit a specific voltage window for a regulator or charger. When doing so, keep panel types and orientation the same, match cable lengths where possible, and follow the limits of your charge circuit and protection components.

Do mini solar panels work indoors or behind glass?

Mini panels still produce power under indoor light or behind windows, but output drops significantly compared with direct sun. Indoor lighting often provides only a fraction of outdoor irradiance, so power levels may be enough for ultra-low-power electronics but not for faster charging or continuous operation. Testing under realistic conditions is essential before committing to volume.

Are mini solar panels weatherproof?

Many mini panels are built for outdoor use, but not all. Glass-laminated and well-encapsulated modules are usually more tolerant of UV, moisture and temperature cycling than open cells or simple hobby laminates. Always check the product description for whether the panel is suitable for outdoor exposure, and consider additional sealing or housing if it will see harsh environments.

Can mini solar panels charge lithium batteries?

Mini panels can charge lithium-ion or LiFePO4 packs if paired with the correct charge controller. The panel itself is only an energy source; safe charging depends on limiting voltage and current, managing cell balancing and protecting against overcharge, over-discharge and temperature extremes. For robust systems, use a charger IC or module designed for your specific battery chemistry.

How should I mount mini solar panels on small devices?

On compact devices, the mounting method depends on enclosure material and access. Common options include adhesive tapes, small screws through corner holes, custom plastic clips and integrated recesses or frames in the housing. Regardless of method, ensure that the panel is supported across its back, that cables have strain relief and that water cannot pool around the edges or cable entry point.

When should I move from off-the-shelf mini panels to a custom design?

It is usually time to consider a custom mini panel when you are building the same device repeatedly, are compromising enclosure design to fit a standard panel, or need a specific combination of voltage, power and shape that off-the-shelf parts cannot provide. A custom module lets you fix electrical specs, mounting points and connectors, reducing assembly time and variation over the life of the product.

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