Best Folding Solar Panels In 2023/2024

Folding solar panels are sometimes referred to as solar blankets or solar mats

They might be good for travel & portability.

Compared to glass solar panels that are permanently fixed, and flexible solar panels that might have some bend, foldable solar panels can be set up and then completely packed away by folding back up.

Camping, rv’s & caravans, hiking and backpacking, off road adventuring and other activities might all be made easier with the use of folding solar panels.

Below, we look at what might be the best folding solar panel brands & products …

 

(*Friendly Disclosure – links to retailers or brands on this page may include affiliate links, and we may receive a commission when you purchase through these links)

 

Top Rated Folding Solar Panels List

Best Small Folding Solar Panel

Goal Zero 12004 Nomad 20W Solar Panel (on Amazon)

  • Small 20 watt folding solar panel, which is portable & can be carried with you
  • For charging small USB and 12 Volt devices like mobiles/cell phones & GPS systems

 

Best Large Folding Solar Panel

Go Power! GP-PSK-120 120W Portable Folding Solar Kit with 10 Amp Solar Controller (on Amazon)

  • For powering multiple items at once like a small-medium fridge, camp lights, radios, tv’s, OR charging trailer & RV batteries & more

 

Best Folding Solar Panels: Reviews

Goal Zero 12004 Nomad 20W Solar Panel

View On Amazon

What’s Good About This Folding Solar Panel?

Can be used for a range of activities from hiking, backpacking, kayaking, camping, RV’ing, survival type situations and more!

Good for charging small handheld battery devices, USB devices, phones, GPS devices, and emergency gadgets

Highly portable and lightweight – can be carried around with you

Very easy to set up

Mono crystalline solar panels which are about 17-18% efficient

Design is durable and weather proof

Has stitches/loops that allow it to be fastened to tents, back-packs, kayaks and more

Can fit IN a backpack for hiking – when this panel folds up it’s small enough to fit in a bag/backpack

20 Watt power system – as an ESTIMATION only – will fully charge an average smartphone in 3-4 hours. Larger items like tablets and the regenerators take longer

Allows you to power handheld USB and 12 Volt devices – rated at 18 volts – so it can power 12 volt DC batteries

Can charge both USB devices like smartphone, and small handheld battery devices like radios and GPS systems

Built in junction box and smart charge chip – no external extra charging equipment needed (bigger panels might need a solar controller for example)

Very lightweight – 1.1 kg (just over 2 pounds)

Unfolded dimensions are – 30.5 x 12.99 x 0.98 inches

Folded dimensions are – 8.5 x 12.99 x 0.98 inches

If you buy a Goal Zero recharger – you can store sun energy during the day, and use it again whenever you like

Very durable and weather resistant to rain and snow

Can chain up/stack with other panels

 

What Could Be Improved?

You’ll need to buy a regenerator/power pack separately if you want to charge items when the sun isn’t out

Some iphones and Apple products might require you to get a small cheap adapter charger separately to plug into the panel if the USB connection gives you issues

 

What Else Might You Need With This Folding Solar Panel?

Generator & inverter for storing charge and converting energy – Goal Zero 22004 Yeti 150 Solar Generator (on Amazon)

40 Inch Adapter Cable – GOAL ZERO 98043 8mm Adapter Cable (on Amazon)

 

Where Can I Check Out This Panel?

View the Goal Zero 12004 Nomad 20W Solar Panel on Amazon

 

Who Are Goal Zero?

Goal Zero are a well established sustainable energy company.

Part of the proceeds from Goal Zero sales go towards combating illiteracy, poverty and hunger in under-developed countries.

Having been around for years, they have the resources to have developed their range of system which power USB, AC and DC devices.

 

What Do They Do Well With Their Solar Panels?

Goal Zero are not your one-person pop up sustainable energy company.

They are very successful, and have a diverse and extensive range of both portable power panels, and accessories.

They have made their mark by doing only the highest quality products.

Their extensive range of regenerators is also impressive – with portable solar panel users often buying Goal Zero regenerators for alternate brand panels.

 

What Could Be Improved With Their Panels?

Because of the nature of portable energy, and the quality of the Goal Zero products, they do not come cheap.

As a personal opinion, we’d like to see a dedicated completely waterproof panel from Goal Zero – the current panels are sometimes water resistant, but not completely waterproof.

 

What Would You Use The 20 Watt Panel For Specifically?

The 20 Watt panel is perfect for quick charging a smart phone, or longer charge times for tablets and solar battery regenerators.

The only activity we can think of where a different small portable solar panel might be better would be kayaking.

Read this guide for solar panels for kayaking.

 

Are There Any Other Small Folding Solar Panel Brands To Look At?

There are alot! Anker, Nektek and Big Blue are just some of the more popular brands that do similar lightweight, portable, and folding solar panels around that 6-30 Watt range.

 

Go Power! GP-PSK-120 120W Portable Folding Solar Kit with 10 Amp Solar Controller

What’s Good About This Folding Solar Panel?

Easy to setup … completely folds out and very portable

Monocrystalline solar panels

Controller is 10 Amp, PWM, built-in (check the limits for bulk and absorption charging before you buy)

The 18 volt rated system can charge a range of 12 volt batteries such as cars, RV’s, trailers, marine batteries and more

Anderson style battery charging connectors – can be used for maintaining RV or trailer battery while on the road, or trickle charging your car, ATV or boat battery. You can interchange the charging accessory to best suit your needs for 12 volt battery charging

Comes with 10 Amp charge controller, battery clamps, quick connectors, ring terminal connectors, SAE solar plug adapter, XLR-style solar plug adapter, 15′ of UV 12/2 cable and heavy-duty nylon storage case

Frame is made well – silver anodized aluminum frame with built-in adjustable folding legs

25 year warranty for the solar panels, and 3 year warranty for the controller

Good for those who don’t want to fix or mount a solar panel to their Rv or boat – these are portable panels

Weighs 33 lbs – not too heavy

The 120 Watt model dimension are 32.5 x 19.9 x 2.8 in (closed), and 32.5 x 39.8 x 1.4 in open

Split warranty – 25 years for the module) / 3 years for the controller

*Make sure when buying through 3rd parties that you have access to the warranty and full support

 

What Could Be Improved?

Not a problem with the panel itself, but you’ll need to park in an area with direct sunlight, otherwise the panel won’t run to capacity

Sometimes the wires might be loose or the controller not fully snapped on when you receive the product – ring support in this case, and they can easily tell you how to remedy this

You have to make sure beforehand that you get the right connectors for your battery

You’ll most likely need to purchase the extra expansion cable to give you a bit more flexibility with moving the panel around

The 30′ expansion cable is not included in the kit – you’ll have to purchase this separately if you need it

The 7 pin trailer adapter is not included in the kit – you’ll have to purchase it separately if you need it

 

What Else Might You Need With This Folding Solar Panel?

Extension Cable (to give you more reach between your panel and battery) – GO POWER! 30 Foot Extension Cable (on Amazon)

Trailer Plug For Charging – GO POWER! 7 Pin Trailer Plug (on Amazon)

 

Where Can I Check Out This Panel?

View the Go Power! GP-PSK-120 120W Portable Folding Solar Kit on Amazon

 

Go Power! GP-PSK-80 80W Portable Folding Solar Kit with 10 Amp Solar Controller

Go Power also offer a very similar 80 watt panel – view the 80 Watt Go Power! Solar Panel on Amazon.

 

Who Are Go Power?

Go Power! is a division of the publicly traded company Carmanah.

Go Power! has more than 15 years of experience in the RV and fleet truck market, offering mobile solar systems and technology.

 

What Do They Do Well With Their Solar Panels?

Unlike say some of the pop up flexible solar panel brands and sellers, Go Power have the backing and resources of Carmanah – and many years experience.

The panels are high quality, and the customer and technical support is also good.

The built in solar controller is a good feature, and we also like how easy the panels are to set up, and the included carry case is handy for storage.

 

What Could Be Improved With Their Solar Panels?

It would be good if the panels came with the extension cord included, and a wider range of connectors for the price.

Apart from this, we don’t really have many other complaints with the panels.

Make sure you aware of how you can guarantee your warranty, and contact support before you buy the panel.

 

Are There Any Other Large Folding Solar Panel Brands To Look At?

Renogy and Ecoworthy do similar type large folding panels with a metal stand that are portable and can be set up on the ground.

If you are interested in the smaller folding solar panels for handheld devices and USB type devices, you can read more in this guide.

 

Best Folding Solar Panels: Buyer’s Guide & FAQ

What Are Folding Solar Panels?

Folding solar panels are portable solar panels that can be folded up, unfolded and packed & unpacked with ease.

They are in comparison to rigid solar panels that are permanently fixed, and flexible and bendable solar panels that are more susceptible to damage and can mostly only bend to around 30 degrees.

Folding solar panels can come in slightly different designs, but they all have the same basic design where they allow the panels to be folded up to store away after use.

This might take the form of a canvas blanket, or a canvas or metal frame that folds out.

 

Types Of Folding Solar Panels – Sizes, & Different Wattages

Folding solar panels are unique from the other portable solar panels as there is essentially two types – lower and higher wattage.

There are the small folding solar panels (5-40 Watts) that are light enough to be carried around for activities like hiking.

Then there are the larger 50 Watt + folding solar panels that fold out on the ground, and might be used for charging mainly 12 volt batteries in RV’s, boats, cabins, cars etc.

For the larger folding solar panels, in our opinion, there are two brands worth looking at in terms of overall value, quality and performance.

Those two are the Renogy vs. Go Power brands.

 

Small Folding Solar Panels

When it comes to off grid solar panels, the smaller 6-30 watt folding solar panels are the most portable and versatile in terms of applications.

 

Large Folding Solar Panels 

Folding solar panels that are 50 Watts and above will be good for off grid applications that involve charging 12 volt batteries.

Renogy does 60 Watt and 100 Watt folding solar panels, whilst Go Power! does the 80 Watt and 120 Watt models.

 

Here’s the individual reviews of the brands’ models if you’d like to read straight away:

 

If you only need 60-100 Watts in one panel, and you are OK with connecting the panel straight to your batteries, you might want to grab the Renogy.

View the Renogy 60 Watt Folding Solar Suitcase on Amazon

View the Renogy 100 Watt Folding Solar Suitcase (without solar controller) on Amazon

 

If having more power in one panel setup, and having two connection methods available instead of only one, you might like the Go Power better.

View the Go Power! 80 Watt Folding Solar Panel on Amazon

View the Go Power! 120 Watt Folding Solar Panel on Amazon

 

These are summary reviews of each brands’ products …

 

Renogy Folding Solar Panels

What’s Good About Them?

  • Affordable price and very good quality
  • Can be used on most 12 volt battery applications like RV, camping, boat, trailer, car, van, cabin etc.
  • Comes as 2 x Monocrystalline Solar Panels in the one setup – they are 18 volt rated so are suitable for 12 volt batteries
  • Panels are equipped with an aluminum stand, latches, and heavy duty handle
  • Is an alternative to a generator or electrical outlet (if used with an inverter)
  • Folded dimensions are 25.6 x 13.8 x 2.9 inches
  • Kit comes with one 10A Viewstar negative grounded charge controller with LCD display (4 stage charging), one 10ft tray cable and a soft protective casing
  • Panels and accessories come with separate warranties

 

What Could Be Improved?

  • 60 Watts is a decent amount of power for RV’s, cars, etc,  but for most 12 volt battery setups, a 100 watt panel is better for quicker charging.
  • Weighs almost 20 lbs – but this is a sign of the quality components its made of
  • Doesn’t come with a battery tender or expansion cable
  • Some might prefer the solar controller to come as separately attached
  • Only one connection method – straight to the battery. Doesn’t have Anderson connectors like the Go Power!
  • 100 Watt model doesn’t come with a solar controller

 

Who Are They Best For?

  • Those who want a 12 volt DC battery charger that can also be connected to an inverter
  • Those who are OK with connecting straight to the battery to charge
  • Those who are OK with a panel either 60 or 100 Watts

 

Where To Check Them Out?

Read more about the Renogy models here

 

Go Power! Folding Solar Panels

What’s Good About Them?

  • Two different connection methods – you can either connect direct to the battery, or with anderson connectors to an external input/output
  • Easy to store and set up/pack away
  • Good for those who don’t want to fix or mount a solar panel to their Rv or boat – these are portable panels
  • Have anderson style connectors – you can interchange the charging accessory to best suite your needs for 12 volt battery charging
  • The 18 volt rated system can charge a range of 12 volt batteries such as cars, RV’s, trailers, marine batteries and more
  • Comes as a kit with a solar controller (built in) so you don’t have to buy one separately
  • Monocrystalline panels are good in direct sunlight
  • Weighs 33 lbs – not too heavy
  • The 120 Watt model dimension are 32.5 x 19.9 x 2.8 in (closed), and 32.5 x 39.8 x 1.4 in open
  • Split warranty – 25 years for the module) / 3 years for the controller
  • Carmanah provide great customer support > make sure when buying through 3rd parties that you have access to the warranty and full support
  • Full kit includes 10 amp charge controller (GP-PWM-10), Battery clamps, Quick connectors, Ring terminal connectors, SAE solar plug adapter, XLR-style solar plug adapter, 15′ of UV 12/2 cable, Heavy-duty, nylon storage case

 

What Could Be Improved?

  • Not a problem with the panel itself, but you’ll need to park in an area with direct sunlight, otherwise the panel won’t run to capacity
  • You have to make sure beforehand that you get the right connectors for your battery
  • You’ll most likely need to purchase the extra expansion cable to give you a bit more flexibility with moving the panel around

 

Who Are They Best For?

  • Those who want to charge 12 volt DC battteries
  • Those who want two connection options available

 

Where To Check Them Out?

Read more about the Go Power models here

 

How Do 120 Watt Solar Panel Compare To Other Solar Panel Sizes?

As a guide, a 100 Watt solar panel is good for direct charging most 12 volt DC batteries.

120 Watt will be more than enough for most camping, RV and outdoor applications.

If you have multiple batteries to charge – you may consider multiple panels or kits.

 

What Are Folding Solar Panels Used For?

Folding solar panels will be designed to either hold a charge, or directly power items and appliances you want to use.

A smaller 20 watt setup will be suitable for smaller handheld devices, whilst a 120 Watt setup will be better for multiple bigger items like tv’s, radios and lights.

Folding solar panels are designed to charge 12 volt and USB devices. If you want to power household mains electricity items, you’ll need an inverter.

 

Folding Solar Panels Accessories

Solar Controller (usually built in)

12 volt Battery Leads/Connections

Inverter if you need to convert 12V energy to 240V house energy

 

How To Choose Which Folding Solar Panels To Get

It really depends on what items you want to charge, and how many items you have.

The 20 Watt panel kit will be good for charging 1 handheld device at a time, and are also much more lightweight to carry around.

The 120 Watt panel kit is better for charging multiple medium sized devices at a time. They are heavier and can’t be carried around hiking like a 20 Watt model can be.

You should also consider whether you get a device to store 12 volt energy, and whether you need a solar inverter.

 

Features & Things To Look For In Folding Solar Panels

Type of solar panels – mono crystalline or another type?

Look at the efficiency of the solar panels

What is the overall wattage that the panels produce?

What sort of items, and how many at a time can the kit charge?

Does the setup come with an in-built regulator or controller – if so, does it have any limits?

How much do the panels weigh? Can you carry them around hiking or backpacking?

Does the setup have any durability or protective features like being weatherproof for example?

Do you need a generator or inverter to store the energy for when the sun isn’t out, or convert to 240 volt energy?

Do you need any other accessories with the kit like an extension cable or any adapters?

What sort of connections does the panel come with? e.g. does it come with USB connections, anderson connections etc.

 

Folding solar panels are a great option for those particularly looking for portable power when going off-grid.

One of the best things about folding solar panels is that they basically require no installation.

There’s usually minimal or no set up involved, and packing away the panels is usually just as easy.

Below are 5 reasons why you might buy folding solar panels …

 

Potential Benefits of Folding Solar Panels: 5 Reasons You Would Buy A Folding Solar Panel

1. Come in a range of sizes

Folding solar panels, unlike say flexible solar panels or portable rigid solar panels, come in a wide array of sizes.

This is because there are small folding solar panels, which you can carry around with you – these range generally from 4 Watts up to around 40 watts.

And then there are large folding solar panels, which are more for setting up and leaving in the one place – these can be anywhere from 50 Watts up to 300 Watts (sometimes more).

 

2. Can be used for a range of applications

Folding solar panels, because of their array of sizes (both their physical size, and the number of watts they have), can be used for a range of activities and applications.

The smaller solar panels are ultra portable and very useful for activities like hiking, backpacking, kayaking and canoeing etc.

You can essentially attach them to a strap on your backpack, plug in you device and they start charging.

These smaller folding solar panels are better for small 12 volt DC devices like phones, tablets, radios, lights etc.

The large folding solar panels, which are sometimes called solar suitcases, generally come in a carry case.

You fold them out, attach the appropriate cables and connections, and can hook them up to an Rv, car, van, boat, bike etc.

This makes them good for the bigger batteries and applications like camping, boating, RV’ing etc. – they essentially fold out with metal stand on the ground and charge your large 12 volt battery from one position.

 

3. Require no installation

Both small and large folding solar panels require essentially no installation.

Small folding panels you clip or attach to a backpack, bike or canoe for example – and unclip, or unmount when you’re finished.

The larger folding solar panels will require some setup – usually cables, connectors and a solar controller.

But, with the large folding solar panels you won’t have to mount them with brackets like you do a rigid solar panel – they can be detached/disconnected, packed away and used again in another location.

 

4. Very portable

The small solar panels are very lightweight, and you can usually plug a USB connection straight into them. This makes them very portable.

The large folding solar panels are portable in the sense that they can be temporarily set up, and transferred to another location where you want to use them.

They are similar to flexible solar panels in this way.

 

5. Can be used off grid or on-grid

The large solar panels can be used off-grid, but also on grid if you have a plug in inverter cable.

 

11 Buyer Tips For Choosing A Folding Solar Panel

Folding solar panels are one of the more popular types of portable solar panels, and there are some very reputable brands out there now that make some super high quality products.

These brands mainly manufacture folding solar panel types come in the general ranges of:

  • Small Folding Panels – used for mobile handheld devices and USB devices
  • Large Folding Panels – used for 12v battery applications

Below, we’ve outlined buyer tips for those looking at buying folding solar panels.

They cover types of panels, what they’re designed for, warranties, brands, accessories & more!

Here’s some good money and time saving tips …

 

1. Understand the difference between the large and small type folding panels

There are large fold out solar panels with metal ground support stands, and there are the smaller folding solar panels that can be carried around hiking and backpacking with you.

The smaller panels are much lighter and much more portable, whilst the bigger panels have metal frames, are much heavier and have a lot more power.

 

You can read more about the different types of folding solar panels here.

 

2. Decide how many watts you want

The large fold out solar panels can be around 100-120 watts, 18 volts, and can be used for example to charge a 12 volt Rv battery (with a solar controller).

The smaller folding panels can be around 5-30 watts, and can be used to charge small handheld battery and USB devices.

Look at the charging requirements of your devices or batteries, and get the number of panels suitable for those requirements.

 

3. Decide what sort of panel you want – it effects efficiency

Monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels are more efficient in the direct sun that other types of panels like thin film and amorphous panels.

 

4. Check what the folding panel is designed for – what applications, and what devices

The product description should tell you what the panel is designed for.

Can it be used for a wide range of applications like camping, hiking, Rv’ing, marine use?

What devices is it meant to charge, and how many at a time?

How portable is it – can you carry it around, or does it need to be installed or positioned somewhere?

 

5. Check solar controller requirements

The smaller folding panels might come with a built in solar controller, while the bigger ones might come in a kit with a solar controller included that has to be attached separately.

Check the solar controller/regulator requirements.

 

6. Check whether the panel has been rated, or proofed/been made resistant to the elements

For example, is the panel:

Made for durability against sharp and rough objects

Is it waterproof or water resistant

Is it heat resistant

Is it rated for wind, hail, rain and/or snow?

 

7. Do you need any extras with the panel?

Common extras might include:

Extra connectors or attachments

Longer/extender cables

A backup battery regenerator

An inverter

A solar controller

 

8. Check how the panel connects to devices

A smaller folding solar panel might come with DC outlets, and USB connection ports for smartphones, tablets, radios, lights, GPS systems etc.

A bigger folding solar panel might come with anderson attachments, and the option for other types of attachments to connect to a 12 volt battery.

Make sure you have the right connections for your devices you want to charge

 

9. Specifically for small folding solar panels – does the panel have tethers for attaching to backpacks, kayaks etc?

Small folding solar panels will come with either mounting holes, or tethers for you to attach the panel to any suitable object.

If you’re getting the panel solely for one of hiking, biking, kayaking, backpacking etc. – make sure it’s suitable to attach to what you want to attach it to.

 

10. Specifically for large folding solar panels – is this a better option, or is a flexible solar panel a better option?

Large metal framed folding solar panels have very similar power output to a flexible solar panel.

Although a flexible solar panel might be bendable and made of thin plastic film, it can be used for similar applications as a larger folding panel.

You might like to read more about flexible solar panels to decide which one is best for your intended use.

 

11. Check the brand, and the warranty – and whether it’s split

Portable solar panels are still developing in their technology in some areas – so sometimes unreliable brands pop up here and there, and go out of business quickly.

Check the history and reputation of the company you buy from – Goal Zero for example are a high quality and well established company.

Don’t only check the warranty on the panel, but if it comes with a solar controller, it might have a separate warranty for that too.

Always check brand name, and warranty.

 

Basic Folding Solar Panel Kits: What Should Be Included?

Folding solar panel kits are good for off grid applications.

Depending on the size of the panel you get, they will generally be used for different things:

  • A Large 120 Watt type folding solar panel (such as the Go-Power 120 Panel) – will be better for 12 volt battery set ups like RV’s, cars, boats and ATVs
  • Small 5-30 Watt folding solar panel – better for small handheld battery devices, and USB type devices like smartphones, tablets, radios, GPS systems etc.

How do you know what should be included in each of these different types of folding solar panel kits if you’re a first time buyer?

Below, we discuss what to look for & what you might need to get set up, including panel and accessories

 

Folding Solar Panel Kits: A Starters Guide Of You’ll Need To Get Going

Small Folding Solar Panel Kits

These kits are usually VERY straightforward. Even the most technologically challenged user should find them a breeze.

Let’s take the Goal Zero 20 Watt Folding Solar Panel for example.

You buy the panel, and it comes with everything you need to get charging.

The in-built charging chip allows you to connect DC battery and USB devices directly to it.

There are two accessories or extras you may choose to get with it that some users choose suits their needs:

  1. Solar Generator – a battery essentially that allows you to store charge in it to use when the sun isn’t out or it’s a coudy day for example
  2. Adapter Cable – provides a different type of connection to charge from your car or from your re-generator, or panel.

 

Large Folding Solar Panel Kits

We are talking about a kit like the Go Power! GP-PSK-120 120W Portable Folding Solar Kit with 10 Amp Solar Controller.

Already you can probably see this panel kit includes a solar controller. But, you should know a full kit will look something like this:

 

1. The Panel

Large folding solar panels come in sizes of generally around 100-120 Watts, but do come in smaller sizes around 50-60 Watts too.

Generally, 1 x 100 or 120 watt folding solar panel will be enough to charge 1 x 12 volt DC battery – as long as you are getting plenty of sunlight during the days.

From a compatibility perspective, you want to make sure the panel is at least an 18 volt panel, as a a standard 12V re-chargeable battery needs roughly 13.6 volts to charge.

This makes them great for charging banks of RV batteries.

If you want more information on how to estimate the amount of Watts and number of panels you will need for your battery set up – you can read more in this guide.

It’s worth noting with a folding solar panel – they fold out with a metal stand on the ground, so you don’t have to worry about fixings.

They also usually come with a travel case that you can pack them away in.

 

2. Junction box and connectors

The junction box is usually built into the panel and comes with diodes on either end. Check that the junction box is sealed and waterproof.

The connectors are usually MC4 connectors, or Anderson connectors.

MC4 connectors make it easy to connect from the panel to other connectors when you are connecting more than one panel together (as long as you have male and female connectors).

You can also connect from the panel to a solar controller if you are just using one panel.

If using Anderson connectors, check to make sure they are compatible with your battery set up that you are charging.

 

3. Solar controller

Without getting technical – a solar controller balances/regulates the charge coming from the panel/s into your batteries.

There are two types of solar controller’s – the PWM type, and the MPPT type.

9 times out of 10, for a basic folding solar panel setup with 50 or 100 watt panels, you’ll be fine with the cheaper PWM controllers.

The Go Power! folding panel actually comes with a PWM solar controller included.

Two other things with the solar controller to look out for:

They usually come with some type of LCD display to measure the panel performance. You may choose to get a separate display device to track panel and battery health and performance, as these controller displays can be basic

You may choose to have several panel connected together that funnel into the one connector, OR, you can choose to have each panel connected up to their own solar controller

 

4. Cables – trey cables or extension cables

Cables are pretty self explanatory – they connect the controller to your batteries, wherever they are located.

Make sure you look at the length of the cables that come with the solar panel (if they come with any).

Also, look at the distance between where your panels and controller are located, and where your batteries are that you want to charge.

You want to have long enough cables to span this distance – so extension cables are a good idea

 

5. Batteries

Batteries are not a part of what you usually get with a solar kit, but they are the end part of the system where the solar power travels to.

We are talking RV batteries for example.

Usually, they are 12 volt batteries assembled in a bank of batteries – so, you need to make sure that the total voltage of your solar panel bank is enough for the total voltage of your battery bank.

 

6. Other Accessories

Sometimes a pin trailer type connection is used to charge a camper trailer for example.

You can get other specialty type connections too.

 

7. AC Inverter (optional)

If you want to convert the DC energy your folding solar panel produces into AC household energy for household items – you’ll need an inverter.

 

8. Regenerator (optional)

A regenerator is a box or device to store the DC energy from your solar panel.

The panel sends energy to the regenerator – which stores the energy – so that you can use it whenever you like, for example, at night or when it’s a cloudy day.

 

 

 

 

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