Fold, deploy, and keep devices running off-grid.
LinkSolar designs and manufactures custom foldable solar panels that double as portable solar chargers for outdoor gear, emergency kits and power stations. You specify the wattage, fold pattern, output ports and branding—we deliver a production-ready OEM solution.
Why Foldable Instead of a Generic Portable Panel?
“Portable solar panel” is great marketing language, but for product teams and engineers, the foldable structure is where the real design work happens:
- Smaller packed size – folds into a compact footprint that fits backpacks, cases or vehicle drawers.
- Larger active area when deployed – multiple segments create more surface for higher wattage.
- Controlled deployment geometry – hinges and kickstands set panel angle and stability in wind.
- Better UX – integrated handles, pockets and cable routing simplify everyday use.
With custom foldable solar panels, you decide exactly how big it packs, how far it unfolds, what it charges, and how your brand shows up on every surface.
Design & Portability Features You Can Customize
We treat the panel, fabric and mechanical parts as one system:
- Fold pattern
2-fold, 3-fold, 4-fold or suitcase styles for 20–200 W+ systems. - Packed vs. deployed size
Define maximum packed dimensions (for shelves, racks, backpacks) and deployed footprint for target wattage. - Handles, straps & mounting points
Carry handles, lash points, carabiner loops, MOLLE compatible straps, tripod or rail mounts. - Kickstands & angle control
Simple fabric kickstands or rigid legs to set common tilt angles (e.g. 25°, 35°, 45°). - Cable management
Built-in pockets, Velcro straps, grommet holes, or dedicated channels to hold leads and adapters.
Power & Port Options
Your foldable panel can be configured as a portable solar charger for specific devices, not just a generic “12 V panel”:
- Wattage range
From ~20 W (phone/power bank kits) up to 200+ W (power station and 12 V systems). - Output formats
USB-C PD (e.g. 20–60 W profiles)
USB-A QC for legacy devices
Regulated 12 V / 18 V DC for power stations and DC inputs
MC4 output for direct connection to external charge controllers - Electrical configuration
Panel voltage and current optimized for your load or existing electronics (DC-DC, MPPT, integrated controller). - Safety & protections
Over-current, reverse-polarity and temperature protections as needed.
Materials & Durability
Outdoor and field use demands more than pretty fabric:
- Cell technology
High-efficiency mono cells to keep panel size reasonable. - Laminates & backings
ETFE or PET front sheets; 600D/840D fabric or robust frame backing depending on use case. - Weather resistance
Splash-resistant or IP-rated constructions with sealed junctions and reinforced corners. - Mechanical integrity
Hinge life testing (fold cycles), pull tests on handles, and drop tests for packed units. - Thermal performance
Layout and color choices that balance aesthetics with heat management.
Typical Specification Guide
| Model example | Wattage & outputs | Packed size (approx.) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
FOLD-30-USB | ~30 W, USB-C + USB-A | 300 × 200 × 40 mm | Phone/power bank travel kit, giveaways |
FOLD-100-SUITCASE | ~100 W, USB-C PD + 18 V DC | 600 × 400 × 60 mm | Overlanding, small laptops, radio gear |
FOLD-160-FLAT | ~160 W, MC4 + DC | 900 × 450 × 70 mm | Power station bundles, 12 V systems |
* These are guideposts. Your actual design will be tailored to your devices, users and packing constraints.
Our OEM/ODM Workflow
- Project brief
Share your target markets, devices to charge, desired packed/deployed size, ports and branding guidelines. - Concept & design
We propose one or more fold patterns and electrical configurations, with sketches and basic simulations. - Prototype & testing
Build samples for field testing: check charging behavior, mechanical durability and user feedback. - Production & QC
Scale to volume with consistent cell binning, EL/IV testing and fold-life checks on each batch. - Delivery & after-sales
Packaging, documentation and support for future iterations or additional runs.
Applications & Use Cases
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Outdoor & Overlanding Gear Kits
Designed to bundle with rooftop tents, vehicle drawer systems, camp kitchens and premium camping sets.
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![A large, black foldable solar blanket fully unfolded, showing a grid of nine rectangular solar cell sections against a white background.]()
Emergency & Field Response Kits
Compact, rugged foldable panels integrated into emergency backpacks, medical kits or radio/communication sets.
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![ultra thin foldable solar charger connected to smartphone during outdoor charging]()
Mobile Work & Remote Professional Equipment
Power for laptops, tablets, drones, cameras and survey instruments used by engineers, photographers and field technicians.
FAQ
Custom Foldable Solar Panels
What is the difference between a foldable solar panel and a portable panel?
What is the difference between a foldable solar panel and a portable panel?
“Portable” describes how a panel is used; “foldable” describes how it is built. We design foldable panels so they are portable and packable, with defined folded size, hinge durability and user-friendly features.
How small can the panel fold down?
How small can the panel fold down?
It depends on power level and cell efficiency. Many 20–40 W designs pack to a tablet-size footprint; 100–160 W suitcases are closer to a slim briefcase. Tell us your target packed size and we’ll work backwards to a suitable wattage and configuration.
Can you integrate USB-C PD and DC outputs in the same design?
Can you integrate USB-C PD and DC outputs in the same design?
Yes. We can provide a combined output hub with PD profiles for phones/laptops and a regulated DC or MC4 output for power stations, as long as the power budget supports it.
How do you test durability for hinges and fabric?
How do you test durability for hinges and fabric?
We perform repeated fold/unfold cycles, handle pull tests, and environmental exposure checks (heat, humidity, UV). For critical applications, we can agree on specific test protocols and reporting.
What MOQs and lead times should we expect?
What MOQs and lead times should we expect?
Samples typically 3-5 weeks after spec lock;
Common MOQs start around 5 units. Please understand that for smaller quantities, the per-unit cost may be slightly higher.