This solar hack lets you work from national parks while camping

Summer is here, and so is road trip season. Whether you’re tent camping for the weekend, packing the whole family in an RV, or giving van life a go, you no longer have to sacrifice all the conveniences of electricity to truly unplug.

Portable solar panels offer sustainable, on-the-go power beyond the reach of traditional outlets. They’re ideal for small off-grid setups—whether you’re charging devices at a campsite, keeping a fridge running during a long drive, or topping off a battery pack on a hike.

Or, in Aaron Nichols’s case, working remotely from the road. “The thing I love about solar energy is that it enables lifestyles that were before unimaginable,” he told EnergySage from the comfort of his truck while camping. “Being able to work and drive to national parks during the week, and not having to stress about catching a flight and cramming it into the weekend, has been a very unexpected, wonderful pleasure.”

While portable panels can’t match the power output of rooftop solar systems, they offer a low-cost, eco-friendly way to stay connected off the beaten path.

Portable solar panels are smaller and produce less electricity than traditional rooftop systems, making them perfect for off-grid and mobile energy needs—like camping, road tripping, or van life. When paired with a battery, they allow you to ditch the noisy gas-powered generator and enjoy the peace of nature while still powering your essentials.

Portable solar setups are also one of the few solar applications where a DIY installation is practical. That said, ensuring everything is connected safely and correctly is essential—especially when relying on your setup in remote locations. If you’re unsure, it’s worth consulting an electrician.

“I wouldn’t say anyone can do it, but anyone who's motivated can definitely try,” Remy, an HVAC technician and avid camper and climber from California, told EnergySage. “It’s probably about entry level—maybe intermediate. There are some little details that are pretty important.”

Remy said he takes multiple trips a month to camp, hike, and rock climb, all while relying on his van for shelter and power. “I want to be as self-sustaining as possible,” he said. “I don’t always have access to help from other people when I’m out traveling.”

Before installing a 200-watt solar panel on his van, he said he relied on the starter battery to run everything—something that made him nervous at times. If he drained it too far, he risked being stranded without a way to drive or call for help.

“Now, if there’s a problem with the panel and I don’t have power, I can still drive home,” he said. “If there’s a problem with the van battery, my refrigerator will still work.”

Want to be like Aaron and Remy and design your own portable solar setup? Consider the following when selecting which solar panels to buy:

• Efficiency: In the portable panel market, the goal is to have a solar panel that reaches maximum efficiency while taking up as little space as possible. Your portable solar panel's effectiveness can be affected by shade and weather patterns during your trip, so choosing an efficient panel is vital to getting the best output. 

• Size: The right panel size depends on how—and where—you plan to use it. If you're hiking, walking, etc., you may need a smaller panel than if you're cooking at a campsite. And if you plan on attaching a solar panel to your RV or camper, weight is also a factor.

Portable solar panels can look really different and be used for various applications. But there are two main types to choose from: 

• Rigid panels: These are typically mounted on vans, RVs, or small cabins. They’re often more durable and come with longer warranties than foldable options.

• Foldable panels: Popular for tent and car camping, foldable panels offer greater flexibility in how and where you set them up—so you’re not stuck parking in the sun just to charge up.

Best rigid portable solar panels

1. Rich Solar Mega 200 Pro Rigid Solar Panel

The Rich Solar Mega 200 Pro 200-watt rigid solar panel is best for mounted RV and van solar setups. With a 24.8% efficiency, it’s highly efficient for a portable solar panel. It also comes at an affordable price with a great 10-year warranty. 

2. EcoFlow 175W Rigid Solar Panel

The EcoFlow 175W Rigid Solar Panel makes up for its lower output with its 25% conversion efficiency and affordability. At $179, it’s the least expensive product on our list. However, it only comes with a five-year warranty, as opposed to Rich Solar and Renogy’s 10-year term.

3. Renogy 200 W Monocrystalline Solar Panel

Renogy solar panels are highly rated and great for camping, RV, hiking, or other outdoor needs. The 200 W Monocrystalline solar panel is less efficient, more expensive, and a bit heavier than our other rigid options, but it does come with a solid warranty. 

Best foldable portable solar panels

1. EcoFlow NextGen 220W Bifacial Portable Solar Panel

EcoFlow offers a foldable solar panel option with the same high efficiency as its rigid panel. The NextGen 220W Bifacial Portable Solar Panel converts sunlight into electricity on both sides of the panel for even more generation. It has the highest output, the lowest price, and is the lightest panel on our foldable list. The biggest downside is that the NextGen 220W only has a short 12-month warranty. 

2. Bluetti 200W Portable Solar Panel

The Bluetti 200W Solar Portable Solar Panel comes in second place for foldable panels. With a 23.4% efficiency rating, it beats Rich Solar but falls short of EcoFlow. It’s lightweight but not the lightest option. While it’s cheaper than the Mega 200 Portable Briefcase, Bluetti has a much shorter warranty. Overall, Bluetti is a solid option, but depending on your needs, another option may fit the bill.

3. Rich Solar Mega 200 Portable Briefcase

Like EcoFlow, Rich Solar also sells a portable solar panel that folds up and can be stored away. The Mega 200 Portable Briefcase is the priciest on our list, but its five-year warranty dwarfs EcoFlow and Bluetti’s one-year term. However, of our foldable picks, it’s the heaviest panel with the lowest efficiency.

Like rooftop solar systems, portable solar panels don’t work alone. You’ll need a few additional components to actually generate and use electricity. These include adapter cables, a battery or solar generator, an inverter, and mounting equipment to keep your panels secure while in use.

Aaron, who works at Exact Solar, a solar installation company in Pennsylvania, recommends sticking to one brand when possible. “They’re designed to be plug-and-play,” he told EnergySage. “If you're just piecing it together with a bunch of random components, it's going to be a lot more difficult.”

Solar panel kits often come complete with everything you need. If you want to store the power for energy outside daylight hours, equip yourself with cables, an inverter, and a battery pack in addition to your portable solar panel. You should also ensure you can connect your devices to the panels via USB ports or outlets.

What about solar generators?

The best way for DIYers, campers, and RV owners to reap the benefits of a portable solar setup is to pair panels with a solar generator, which is really just a battery that works with portable solar panels. With a solar generator system, you can use your solar setup to produce free energy whenever the sun is shining and store it for use later on—like at night.

Charging your phone on the go

For those who aren’t looking for a full portable solar setup, don’t worry: Some portable solar options are pocket-sized. Compact solar phone chargers harness sunlight to power phones, tablets, and other small devices, making them perfect for hiking, festivals, or emergency kits.

Unlike larger portable solar systems for camping or RV use, these solar phone chargers are typically all-in-one. There’s no setup required—just place the panel in the sun to collect energy, then plug in your phone via USB when you need a charge.

Products like the X-Dragon Solar Charger and BigBlue Portable Charger offer affordable, lightweight solar power for basic needs. While they won’t run your appliances, they can keep your phone charged when an outlet isn’t an option.

Portable solar panels aren’t just for road trips

On the other end of the spectrum are people looking to power stationary setups with solar. The good news is that portable solar panels don’t just need to be used for portable applications—they’re also great for powering low-demand off-grid setups like cabins, sheds, barns, or outdoor lighting. But while panels are the most visible part of the system, you’ll still need other components to generate usable electricity, such as wiring, a battery, and an inverter.

Just keep in mind that small panels won't do the job if you're looking to save money by offsetting your entire home energy use with solar. In that case, the best option is to get quotes for a professional installation that produces much more energy than smaller panels can.

The number of portable solar panels you’ll need depends entirely on what you’re trying to power. Since panels come in different wattages, you’ll want to match your energy needs with the total output of your solar setup. For example, if you’re powering a 200-watt mini fridge in your RV, you’ll need either one 200-watt panel or two 100-watt panels.

Space is often the biggest constraint when planning a portable setup—sometimes even more so than with rooftop solar.

“Try to get absolutely as much [solar] as you can with the space that you have, so you always have enough power,” Remy advised. “It’s just one less thing to worry about. If I have to charge something big, it’s not an issue. If I leave the fan on all day, it’s not an issue.”

Remy said his single Renogy 200-watt monocrystalline panel gets the job done and then some. “I have a second panel, but it’s not on the rack. I don’t really need it at this point, and I like having the extra space to toss other things on the rack.” 

Portable panels vary in size based on their wattage. On the lower end of the wattage scale, panels can be close to 1 foot by 1 foot, and many 200-watt rigid solar panels tend to have dimensions of about 2 feet by 3 to 4 feet.

While Aaron also uses a 200-watt rigid solar panel paired with a battery, his setup is free-standing and deployed at each stop, rather than mounted on top of his truck. This frees up his roof for a tent, but requires a bit more planning.

“I’d recommend using an MC4 to DC connector—and make sure it’s a long one,” Aaron said. “Mine is about six, maybe eight feet. Sometimes the battery bank ends up in the sun, which makes it overheat, so I have to throw together a little shade structure pretty quickly.”

Portable solar panels are worth it if you need to power small appliances like toasters, lights, and microwaves, or keep your devices charged during off-grid excursions. They can make your trips more comfortable and convenient, especially if you’re camping in remote areas or living on the road. But if you're fine going without electricity, you may not need to invest in a full portable solar setup.

For Remy and Aaron, portable solar has been a game-changer.

“Having the fridge makes prepping meals so much easier,” Remy shared. “It’s so nice not having to get ice every day.”

Aaron agrees: “Solar equals freedom. I can set up on dispersed land near trailheads and take video calls, record a podcast, and do everything I do at home. Then, as soon as I’m done working, hike the trail.”

If you value flexibility, self-sufficiency, and spending time outdoors, portable solar panels can enhance your travels. Even a minimalist setup can go a long way, according to Aaron. “You could do this in a Honda Civic.”