The 10 Best 100 Watt Solar Panels

Editor's Notes

December 09, 2020:

When it comes to choosing a solar panel, one of the main factors to consider is exactly how and where you’re going to use it. A 100-watt model is capable of powering a few small devices and can be hooked up to a battery or a power station to charge and supply juice to a number of devices and appliances. Campers and hikers looking to run their electronics need the convenience of a portable model, such as the newly added Jackery SolarSaga, which folds in half easily and features a built-in carrying handle. It weighs just under 10 pounds and has two USB ports and a handy LED status indicator light. It’s also easy to hook up to a power station, such as several models available from the same manufacturer. For a compact and even more lightweight panel, look to the five-pound AllPowers Portable, which also features two USB ports and incorporates a built-in carrying case. The similarly portable Dokio Foldable is a selection that conveniently comes with its own charger. While the panel itself has a waterproof covering, note that that controller is vulnerable to moisture.

For the convenience of a flexible solar panel that can be installed in a non-flat spot, consider the AllPowers Bendable, which boasts a frameless design and can be bent into an arc of up to 30 degrees. It’s a good choice for placement atop a curved trailer, and it’s lighter in weight than its rigid counterparts. Speaking of which, it you are in the market for a sturdy fixed-frame option, your best choice might be the Renogy Eclipse, a highly efficient panel that uses bypass diodes to prevent the current from flowing into any cells that are covered by shade at the moment. Unlike many others, this one is made of impact-resistant, tempered glass that helps it to stand up well to heat and other harsh weather conditions. Today we say goodbye to the Unlimited UFLX, a long and highly flexible selection, but which suffers from availability issues.

January 04, 2019:

Not all solar panels are created equal! Maybe you're working on a portable setup, say, for an RV or boat, or you're planning an outdoors excursion with a thoroughly equipped base camp, or you could even be crafting a custom project like a solar-powered, motorized beverage cooler to follow you around the next tailgate (yes, those exist). 100-watt panels are generally of manageable sizes, and don't cost too much. Renogy is among the most well-known producers, and their top models here do not disappoint. On the other hand, HSQT makes very similar products, which often sell for a much lower price. We really like the AllPowers because of its extreme portability; it's one of the few that can actually be carried a reasonable distance, because it folds down smaller than the rest, and is a bit lighter. The Dokio, Tishi Hery, and Rockpals are similarly great choices for car camping and outdoor events. The Unlimited is one of the most flexible, and it's also particularly thin, so it's great for crowded or curved exteriors on RVs and boats. Make sure to be clear on which connectors your choice comes with, as some include different levels of charging and connectivity. Also, if you're using one of these with your existing battery bank or power station, double-check to be certain that every component's input and output currents are compatible.