If you are looking for a small sized solar panel that provides decent charging power, then you may want to get a 40 – 50 watt solar panel. It provides more juice than a 15 watt solar panel but doesn’t need too much space like the larger 100 watt panels.
A 40 to 50 watt solar panel is both lightweight and portable, and meets that sweet spot between size and power.
The 5 Best 40-50 Watt Solar Panels
Let’s take a look at some of the best 40 – 50 watt solar panels available in the market.
1. Kingsolar Portable 40 w Solar Panel Charger
Kingsolar is a new name in solar panel manufacturers but considered quite reliable. This Kingsolar portable charger is highly efficient with a conversion rate of up to 23.5%.
This 40 watt solar panel comes with dual outputs of a 5V USB cable and 18V DC cable that are compatible for most electronic devices, such as laptops, tablets, power, mobiles, batteries and power stations.
The panel can be easily folded to create a stand with panels facing up to get sunlight from all directions. Once you are done, you can fold it up like a diary that is only 2 inches thick. The panel is extremely lightweight at 2.8 lbs and easy to carry around.
2. X-Dragon Portable Solar Panel Charger
The X-Dragon 40 is relatively large for a solar panel in this range. This panel would be ideal for people who want to charge a large battery that can support a bigger laptop.
Since this panel has twice the surface area of a regular solar panel it can capture more sunlight to charge up quicker. Even if a part of the panel was shaded due to cloudy weather, the rest of the PV cells would still get enough sunlight, to continue charging.
The charging unit has a built-in smart IC chip. This chip can automatically adjust the current and voltage output to give you ideal 2.8A current under direct sunlight.
3. Renogy 50 w Portable Solar Panel Charger
Renogy’s 50 w solar panel is another great model for people who need a reliable, medium sized solar panel charger. It has a 12V output and can produce more than 100 watt per hour on a bright, sunny day.
The panel is around 20” x 16” in diameter and less than 1 inch thick when fully folded. This makes it very easy to carry around or mount on a stand effortlessly. You can use the panel to power up small batteries, laptop and other devices.
The design makes it easy to mount it in tiny spaces beside your tent or on your RV while driving. The frame is made from rust-free aluminum and the cells are made of tempered glass, making it quite sturdy for outdoor use. It’s a perfect choice in this power range.
4. Newpowa 50 w Solar Panel Module
This Newpowa 50 w solar panel has hundreds of good reviews and a 4.8 star rating on Amazon, suggesting that it is quite popular with buyers. It is very efficient and can generate up to 50 w power at 16.77v
It is advertised as a highly durable panel that is fit for all kinds of weather conditions. Made from a highly-transparent, low iron tempered glass and an aluminum frame, the Newpona solar panel can withstand high winds, hail and snow without cracking.
The panel is quite versatile and great for both on-grid and off-grid portable uses.
5. Sun Energise 50 w Solar Panel Kit
This is a basic, portable kit that can be useful for 12V off grid applications. You can use it for charging on your RV, Car, Cabin, Marine Craft and Trailer etc. It is also great for charging your laptop, mobile, torch light or other electronic devices.
The panels on Sun Energise 50 w are quite efficient. They can fully charge batteries within a couple of hours, as long as the sun is shining.
The panel has anti-reflective, low-iron tempered glass with enhanced impact resistance that will last for decades. It is also quite affordable and a great option for people on a budget.
How Big Are 40 – 50 w Solar Panels?
Most solar panels in this power range are about 4-foot x 2-foot in length when fully spread out. You may find models that are slightly bigger or smaller in size.
Smaller panels are made from more efficient materials in order to produce the required power. They are easier to carry around.
On the other hand, bigger panels can produce more energy. On a bright sunny day, these panels can easily go up 70 w to 100 w.
Are These Solar Panels Portable?
Some panels in this range are designed to be fixes on a pole or the roof to generate power. However, most panels in the 40 – 50 w range are designed to be portable so that they can be carried around with ease.
What Can A 40 to 50 w Solar Panel Run?
Medium power solar panels can easily power multiple lights, fans and a gate opener. They can also charge laptops, batteries, tablets, car batteries and household items like juices, blenders and radios etc.
Our Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a combination of versatility and power, then a solar panel in the 40 to 50 w power range would be great. These panels are big enough to provide the power you need to charge electronics bigger than a mobile. At the same time, they are small enough to be portable and used off the grid.
We review a selection of some of the best solar panels on Amazon in this range, and hope that you find what you need.
