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Portable Solar Panels

Portable Solar Panels

Portable solar panels that fold, carry and deploy in minutes for camping, RVs, boats and emergency backup. Keep batteries, lights and small appliances running quietly off-grid without permanent roof installation.

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Portable Solar Panels for Mobile & Backup Power


Portable solar panels are made to move with you. They fold, carry and deploy quickly at the campsite, beside your RV, on a dock or in the backyard during power cuts. Instead of drilling into a roof, you bring the panel to the sun, then pack it away when you leave.

This collection focuses on off-grid users who want practical, field-ready gear rather than disposable gadgets: campers, van owners, boat crews and homeowners looking for quiet backup. For typical use cases and layout ideas, see how portable modules appear in our Camping & Overlanding projects, mix with roof arrays on the RV & Campervan page, and support house loads on the Marine & Yacht applications.

Types of Portable Solar Panels in This Collection

Folding Briefcase Panels


Folding briefcase panels hinge in two or more sections with a built-in carry handle and simple kickstands. They are ideal for car camping and RV users who park in the shade but still want solar in a sunny spot. Briefcase designs balance robustness and portability, and they work well with separate batteries, power stations or 12 V systems.

Suitcase & Rigid Portable Modules


Suitcase-style and rigid portable modules are closer to traditional framed panels but packaged for transport. They tolerate rougher handling, higher power levels and longer cable runs to your battery or power box. Many users treat these as “ground deploy” panels to complement permanent roof arrays, shifting them a few times a day to chase the sun.

Lightweight Mat & Blanket Panels


Mat and blanket panels use flexible laminates to cut weight and bulk. They are a good fit for hikers, minimalist overlanders and emergency kits where every kilogram counts. These panels roll or fold into a compact shape and can be draped over vehicles, tents or railings, drawing on similar laminate technology to the products in our Flexible Solar Panels collection.

Compact Portable Panels for Small Devices


Compact portable panels target phones, radios and small electronics rather than full-size fridges or inverters. They keep communication and lighting gear alive on trips and serve as test beds for energy-harvesting ideas. When projects become more tightly integrated, many designers step toward fixed mini modules from our Mini Solar Panels collection for enclosure-mounted versions.

Using Portable Solar with Your System


Portable panels can work alone or alongside roof-mounted arrays. A clear plan for how energy flows into your batteries or power station keeps the system simple and safe.

  • Match panel and controller: Check that the panel voltage and connector type fit your charge controller or power station input, and respect maximum input ratings.
  • Think in terms of daily energy: A higher-wattage panel charges batteries faster and gives more margin on cloudy days, especially when running fridges, fans or communications gear.
  • Cable length and losses: Longer cables add voltage drop. Use appropriate wire size and keep runs as short as practical when placing panels away from your camp or vehicle.
  • Temporary vs semi-permanent use: Many users continue to treat portable panels as movable gear but later standardise brackets and tie-downs using concepts similar to the mounts in our Solar Panel Brackets & Mounts collection.

To complete a portable kit you may also need extension leads, MC4 adapters, fuses and basic DC protection. These balance-of-system parts often come from the same families of connectors, breakers and tools presented in our Accessories range, helping you build a clean, serviceable system rather than a one-off tangle of cables.

OEM & Custom Portable Solar Solutions


For brands and project teams, a portable panel is often part of a larger system: a power box, communication kit, vehicle package or recurring deployment. In those cases, you want the panel size, connectors, label and carry system to match your own product rather than using a generic off-the-shelf piece.

LinkSolar supports OEM programs where portable modules are branded, dimensioned and electrically tuned to your platform. Many customers validate their power and duty cycle with standard panels from this collection, then move to dedicated modules defined through our Custom Solar Panels program once they know what works in the field.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can I run with a portable solar panel?

Portable solar panels can power or recharge many 12 V and USB devices: phones, tablets, lights, fans, small pumps, communication gear and, with the right battery and controller, compact fridges or CPAP machines. The key is to match panel wattage and daily sun hours to the energy your loads consume.

How do I size a portable solar panel for my setup?

Add up the watt-hours your devices use in a typical day, then divide by the average number of effective sun hours at your location. That gives a rough minimum panel wattage; adding margin helps cover cloudy days and system losses. If you rely on critical loads such as medical equipment or communication gear, plan extra capacity.

Do I need a charge controller with a portable solar panel?

Yes, if you are charging batteries directly. A charge controller regulates voltage and current so you do not overcharge or damage the battery. When using a portable power station, the controller is usually built in, but you still need to ensure the panel voltage and connectors are compatible and within the unit’s input limits.

Can I use a portable panel with my existing power station?

In many cases you can, as long as the panel voltage, connector type and maximum wattage match the power station’s input specifications. Always check the manufacturer’s limits before connecting. If adapters are needed, make sure they are wired correctly and rated for the expected current.

Are portable solar panels waterproof and rugged?

Most portable panels are designed for outdoor use, but their level of protection varies. Folding briefcase and suitcase panels tend to be more rugged, while lightweight mats and blankets trade some mechanical strength for lower weight. Panels are usually weather-resistant rather than submersible, so avoid leaving junction boxes or connectors in standing water.

What is the difference between portable panels and roof-mounted panels?

Roof-mounted panels are installed permanently with brackets and wiring that stay in place, optimised for long-term output and wind resistance. Portable panels are built to be moved, folded and stored. They provide flexibility and are ideal for rentals, shaded parking and temporary sites, but they do require more user interaction to set up, aim and secure.

How should I position a portable solar panel for best performance?

Aim the panel directly toward the sun with as little shading as possible. In the middle of the day, tilt the panel so it roughly faces the sun’s height; in the morning and afternoon, you can adjust angle or orientation to follow the movement. Even partial shade from branches, poles or roof racks can significantly reduce output, so keep the surface clear.

How do I store and maintain a portable solar panel?

Let the panel dry before folding, brush off dirt or sand, and avoid trapping sharp objects between folded sections. Store it in a cool, dry place away from heavy items that could bend or crack the cells. Periodically inspect hinges, fabric, cables and connectors for wear, and clean the surface with water and a soft cloth to keep light transmission high.

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