Output is one of the most crucial factors people consider when purchasing a solar panel. Essentially, the higher the solar panel wattage, the more power it can produce. Since there is a huge variety of solar panels in the market, it’s difficult picking one with the right wattage for your needs.
Installers generally recommend a watt of energy for every amp of battery storage. Therefore, 160 watts may be a good idea if you have a pair of 6V batteries. However, apart from wattage, several other factors also come into play when choosing the right solar panel.
The 5 Best 160 Watt Solar Panels
Let’s cut to the chase. In this guide, we review five best 160-watt solar panels to make your buying process easier.
1. EF ECOFLOW 160W Solar Panel
- 【Portable & Foldable】 The EcoFlow 160W solar panel is portable, foldable, and compact, weighing just 15.4lbs / 7kg. From camping to outdoor activities, unfold the solar panel and start capturing solar power in seconds.
- 【Intelligent Solar Power】 The EcoFLow 160W Solar Panel is designed to produce maximum power at any time of the day when paired with an EcoFlow power station. The solar panel has a high conversion efficiency of 21-22%, and the EcoFlow MPPT power station algorithm delivers improved performance in cold and cloudy environments within the operation range.
- 【Waterproof & Durable】 The EcoFlow 160W Solar Panel is fully waterproof due to a seamless, one-piece design, making it ideal for outdoor activities like camping and hiking. An ETFE film provides extra protection against ultraviolet light, prolonging the lifespan of the product.
- 【Kickstand Case】 Provides protection for the solar panel during transportation. The carrying case also doubles up as a kickstand, which enables you to position the solar power in any direction or orientation, allowing multiple solar panels to be connected together without any obstructions.
- 【Inside the Box】 EcoFlow 160W Solar Panel ×1, Kickstand Case ×1, User Manual ×1, Warranty Card ×1.
- 【Portable & Foldable】 The EcoFlow 160W solar panel is portable, foldable, and compact, weighing just 15.4lbs / 7kg. From camping to outdoor activities, unfold the solar panel and start capturing solar power in seconds.
- 【Intelligent Solar Power】 The EcoFLow 160W Solar Panel is designed to produce maximum power at any time of the day when paired with an EcoFlow power station. The solar panel has a high conversion efficiency of 21-22%, and the EcoFlow MPPT power station algorithm delivers improved performance in cold and cloudy environments within the operation range.
- 【Waterproof & Durable】 The EcoFlow 160W Solar Panel is fully waterproof due to a seamless, one-piece design, making it ideal for outdoor activities like camping and hiking. An ETFE film provides extra protection against ultraviolet light, prolonging the lifespan of the product.
- 【Kickstand Case】 Provides protection for the solar panel during transportation. The carrying case also doubles up as a kickstand, which enables you to position the solar power in any direction or orientation, allowing multiple solar panels to be connected together without any obstructions.
- 【Inside the Box】 EcoFlow 160W Solar Panel ×1, Kickstand Case ×1, User Manual ×1, Warranty Card ×1.
- 【Portable & Foldable】 The EcoFlow 160W solar panel is portable, foldable, and compact, weighing just 15.4lbs / 7kg. From camping to outdoor activities, unfold the solar panel and start capturing solar power in seconds.
- 【Intelligent Solar Power】 The EcoFLow 160W Solar Panel is designed to produce maximum power at any time of the day when paired with an EcoFlow power station. The solar panel has a high conversion efficiency of 21-22%, and the EcoFlow MPPT power station algorithm delivers improved performance in cold and cloudy environments within the operation range.
- 【Waterproof & Durable】 The EcoFlow 160W Solar Panel is fully waterproof due to a seamless, one-piece design, making it ideal for outdoor activities like camping and hiking. An ETFE film provides extra protection against ultraviolet light, prolonging the lifespan of the product.
- 【Kickstand Case】 Provides protection for the solar panel during transportation. The carrying case also doubles up as a kickstand, which enables you to position the solar power in any direction or orientation, allowing multiple solar panels to be connected together without any obstructions.
- 【Inside the Box】 EcoFlow 160W Solar Panel ×1, Kickstand Case ×1, User Manual ×1, Warranty Card
This solar panel is lightweight and compact, making it an excellent choice for those who stay outdoors for long and need a charging companion. The best feature of this solar panel is that it’s made of high-quality monocrystalline silicon cells, which means it has high heat tolerance. Therefore, these solar panels work best under any conditions, whether low light or high temperature. Another advantage is that it’s foldable so that you can carry it anywhere.
Pros
- Water and rust-resistant
- Portable
- Lightweight
- Easy to install and use
- Works best under any light conditions
Cons
- Price point is higher than the others
- Comparatively less output than other foldable panels
2. RICH SOLAR 160W 12V Polycrystalline
- 【Standard】 Size: 39.6 x 26.4 x 1.4, 3 cable with connectors, generate 5.4 amp power, charge 12 volt battery. Industry standard, quick connect cables, work in series or in parallel.
- 【Performance】 Excellent low light performance on cloudy days, mornings and evenings. Certified to withstand challenging environmental conditions.
- 【Durable】 Built with strong high transmission anti-reflective coated tempered glass and anodized aluminum frame.
- 【Installation】 Fast and easy installation. 14 pre-drilled holes compatible with ground mounts, Z-brackets, side pole mounts and tilt mounts.
- 【Warranty】 25-year limited power output; 5-year material and workmanship.
- 【Standard】 Size: 39.6 x 26.4 x 1.4, 3 cable with connectors, generate 5.4 amp power, charge 12 volt battery. Industry standard, quick connect cables, work in series or in parallel.
- 【Performance】 Excellent low light performance on cloudy days, mornings and evenings. Certified to withstand challenging environmental conditions.
- 【Durable】 Built with strong high transmission anti-reflective coated tempered glass and anodized aluminum frame.
- 【Installation】 Fast and easy installation. 14 pre-drilled holes compatible with ground mounts, Z-brackets, side pole mounts and tilt mounts.
- 【Warranty】 25-year limited power output; 5-year material and workmanship.
- 【Standard】 Size: 39.6 x 26.4 x 1.4, 3 cable with connectors, generate 5.4 amp power, charge 12 volt battery. Industry standard, quick connect cables, work in series or in parallel.
- 【Performance】 Excellent low light performance on cloudy days, mornings and evenings. Certified to withstand challenging environmental conditions.
- 【Durable】 Built with strong high transmission anti-reflective coated tempered glass and anodized aluminum frame.
- 【Installation】 Fast and easy installation. 14 pre-drilled holes compatible with ground mounts, Z-brackets, side pole mounts and tilt mounts.
- 【Warranty】 25-year limited power output; 5-year material and workmansh
The panels from RICH SOLAR are known for excelling when it comes to withstanding harsh environments and impact. Moreover, they are capable of enduring snow loads and strong winds. It has an iron-tempered glass covering that ensures low reflection and high transparency. Additionally, it comes with IP65 rated junction box and MC4 connectors to provide a great level of safety from moisture and other elements. There is a variety of installation options since the panel can rest on pole and ground mounts.
Pros
- Can withstand harsh conditions
- Can endure snow loads and strong winds
- Easy to install
- Corrosion-resistant panel frame
- Waterproof
Cons
- Lack of details for installation
3. Renogy 160W Solar Panel
This product stands as one of the best 160-watt solar panels when it comes to 12V devices. Moreover, it has MC4 connectors, making it more favorable in terms of compatibility with other modules or inverters. It also has long cables, which makes connecting and disconnecting an easy process. It can endure harsh weather conditions, such as heavy winds and snowfall. The pre-drilled holes allow for an easy installation process. Additionally, it’s covered with anti-reflective glass that further helps in resisting impact.
Pros
- Compatible with on-grid and off-grid inverters
- Has bypass diodes
- Build quality is superior
- Easy connection and disconnection
- Can resist impact
Cons
- Lack of mounting equipment
4. Xantrex 160W Solar Kit
- 160W rigid solar charging kit
- Includes 30A PWM charge controller, PV and battery cables, and mounting hardware
- Compatible with Xantrexs true sine wave FREEDOM XC and FREEDOM SW Inverters/Chargers
- Fast, worry free installation
- Fit type: Universal Fit
- 160W rigid solar charging kit
- Includes 30A PWM charge controller, PV and battery cables, and mounting hardware
- Compatible with Xantrexs true sine wave FREEDOM XC and FREEDOM SW Inverters/Chargers
- Fast, worry free installation
- Fit type: Universal Fit
- 160W rigid solar charging kit
- Includes 30A PWM charge controller, PV and battery cables, and mounting hardware
- Compatible with Xantrexs true sine wave FREEDOM XC and FREEDOM SW Inverters/Chargers
- Fast, worry free installation
- Fit type: Universal
This panel is made using monocrystalline cells, which is an obvious advantage over standard solar cells because it has better module efficiency. Moreover, it has a 30A charge controller that allows easy and fast installation. To add more, it also comes with a five-year warranty and can resist different weather conditions. An added benefit of the kit is that it comes with mounting hardware such as cable clamps, tie wraps, and mounting brackets. These allow the installation process to be less pricey. Mounting panels also minimize shade issues such as neighboring houses or trees by raising the solar panels above ground level.
Pros
- Fast installation
- Weather-resistant
- Comes with mounting equipment
- Made using monocrystalline cells
Cons
- Price point is slightly higher than the rest
5. Offgridtec FSP-2 160W
- Foldable High Performance Solarpanel with 120W Maximum Power --- Perfect Solution for Camping, Boats, RV and Caravan or on Expeditions --- This Foldable Panels will also give Power if there are not all fields in Sun --- You can use whichever model you prefer (to check the compatibility, please see the technical Specs downside)
- Connection Cable Kit: 6m from Solarpanel to Charge Controller (no Controller inclouded) --- 0.5m from Cable which can be fixed on Charge Controller and Controller can be installed can be mounted on fix-place --- Connection between the 6m and 0.5m Cable is with Anderso Plugs, so you can connect and disconnect on a easy way if it is necessary and you dont must remove cable from Charge Controller for Disconnection --- 1m Cable with Fuse from Controller to Battery with Crocodile Clamps
- Easy to Set Up because there 4 Feets integrated --- it can also be hanged up or mounted with suction cup behind Windshield --- In Offgridtecs FSP Series are US Sunpower Cells used with worldwirde one of highest performance Grade --- the result is a portable Power Station which can be used to load your batteries where ever you are
- The Surface of this Panel is translucent ETFE --- the outside Material is waterreistant so Rain or Hailstorm are no Problem --- you can Trust Offgridtec`s Quality Promise which is valid all over the World - if you have a defective unit within first 3 Years, we will replace it --- for reference please see our Reviews for this Product in European Marketplace
- Technical Specifications: Nominal Power: 160W (4x40W) --- Modul Voltage (Vmp): 20.88V --- Max. Load Current (Imp): 7.95A --- Open Circuit Voltage (Voc): 24.64V --- Short Circuit Current (Isc): 8.43A --- Dimensions Folded: 560 x 440 x 30 mm --- Dimensions Open: 560 x 1760 x 7 mm --- Weight: 6.4KG
- Foldable High Performance Solarpanel with 120W Maximum Power --- Perfect Solution for Camping, Boats, RV and Caravan or on Expeditions --- This Foldable Panels will also give Power if there are not all fields in Sun --- You can use whichever model you prefer (to check the compatibility, please see the technical Specs downside)
- Connection Cable Kit: 6m from Solarpanel to Charge Controller (no Controller inclouded) --- 0.5m from Cable which can be fixed on Charge Controller and Controller can be installed can be mounted on fix-place --- Connection between the 6m and 0.5m Cable is with Anderso Plugs, so you can connect and disconnect on a easy way if it is necessary and you dont must remove cable from Charge Controller for Disconnection --- 1m Cable with Fuse from Controller to Battery with Crocodile Clamps
- Easy to Set Up because there 4 Feets integrated --- it can also be hanged up or mounted with suction cup behind Windshield --- In Offgridtecs FSP Series are US Sunpower Cells used with worldwirde one of highest performance Grade --- the result is a portable Power Station which can be used to load your batteries where ever you are
- The Surface of this Panel is translucent ETFE --- the outside Material is waterreistant so Rain or Hailstorm are no Problem --- you can Trust Offgridtec`s Quality Promise which is valid all over the World - if you have a defective unit within first 3 Years, we will replace it --- for reference please see our Reviews for this Product in European Marketplace
- Technical Specifications: Nominal Power: 160W (4x40W) --- Modul Voltage (Vmp): 20.88V --- Max. Load Current (Imp): 7.95A --- Open Circuit Voltage (Voc): 24.64V --- Short Circuit Current (Isc): 8.43A --- Dimensions Folded: 560 x 440 x 30 mm --- Dimensions Open: 560 x 1760 x 7 mm --- Weight: 6.4KG
- Foldable High Performance Solarpanel with 120W Maximum Power --- Perfect Solution for Camping, Boats, RV and Caravan or on Expeditions --- This Foldable Panels will also give Power if there are not all fields in Sun --- You can use whichever model you prefer (to check the compatibility, please see the technical Specs downside)
- Connection Cable Kit: 6m from Solarpanel to Charge Controller (no Controller inclouded) --- 0.5m from Cable which can be fixed on Charge Controller and Controller can be installed can be mounted on fix-place --- Connection between the 6m and 0.5m Cable is with Anderso Plugs, so you can connect and disconnect on a easy way if it is necessary and you dont must remove cable from Charge Controller for Disconnection --- 1m Cable with Fuse from Controller to Battery with Crocodile Clamps
- Easy to Set Up because there 4 Feets integrated --- it can also be hanged up or mounted with suction cup behind Windshield --- In Offgridtecs FSP Series are US Sunpower Cells used with worldwirde one of highest performance Grade --- the result is a portable Power Station which can be used to load your batteries where ever you are
- The Surface of this Panel is translucent ETFE --- the outside Material is waterreistant so Rain or Hailstorm are no Problem --- you can Trust Offgridtec`s Quality Promise which is valid all over the World - if you have a defective unit within first 3 Years, we will replace it --- for reference please see our Reviews for this Product in European Marketplace
- Technical Specifications: Nominal Power: 160W (4x40W) --- Modul Voltage (Vmp): 20.88V --- Max. Load Current (Imp): 7.95A --- Open Circuit Voltage (Voc): 24.64V --- Short Circuit Current (Isc): 8.43A --- Dimensions Folded: 560 x 440 x 30 mm --- Dimensions Open: 560 x 1760 x 7 mm --- Weight: 6.
The Offgridtec is a high-performance solar panel for all your outdoor expeditions such as boats, camping, and caravans, etc. It has foldable panels you can easily carry wherever you go. Overall, it’s easy to set up as you can also hang it up or mount it with a suction cup. In addition, the panel is covered with translucent ETFE, which protects it from hailstorms and rain. Since it comes with a three-year warranty, you can get any defective units replaced for free.
Pros
- Comes with a three-year warranty
- Foldable and easy to carry
- Water-resistant
- Portable power station
Cons
- Lack of mounting equipment
- Comparatively less warranty
Factors to Consider When Buying a 160w Solar Panel
What Can a 160w Solar Panel Run?
160-watt solar panels are not enough to run an entire house; however, they can work well with off-grid solar projects to power a small home. They’re also a feasible choice for outdoor activities such as RV trips and camping. If you have space, you can consider installing multiple 160W panels to meet your power needs and save on the upfront cost.
How Many Panels Do You Need?
The number of 160W panels you need highly depends on the amount of power required for your house or equipment and the space available for their installation. The output also varies depending on the shading, tilt of your panels, and geographic location. 160W panels are not your standard residential solar panels but are useful for small-scale activities like camping and mobile homes.
Our Final Thoughts
In the end, a higher output requires higher wattage and a 160W solar panel is as useful as any other solar panel, depending on your needs. Our top pick among the reviewed products is the EF ECOFLOW 160W Solar Panel. Despite the price factor, it’s an efficient and lightweight option, especially if you wish to keep your equipment charged on the go.
Additionally, it’s water-resistant and performs well under bright as well as low light conditions. We also recommend reading more reviews and consider your budget along with additional factors to take your pick among the best 160-watt solar panels.
