Emergencies can come up anywhere at any time. You never know when to expect them, and all you can do is be prepared. You can get stuck in the middle of nowhere, or get lost while camping. Moreover, with extreme weather, hurricanes, and earthquakes on the rise, most likely due to climate change, power outages have become more common than ever. Hence, we have done the research and come up with the best solar panels for emergency use because what better alternative power source than the sun.
You may not even know the causes behind power outages because they may happen hundreds of miles away from you. However, it can cause severe blackouts down the power chain. These are all reasons why you need an alternative power source to keep your devices running in such emergencies.
The 4 Best Solar Panels for Emergency Use
Portable solar panels allow you to charge essential devices, power banks, power stations, and even high energy electronic items, like power generators, portable refrigerators, and more. This high charging capacity makes them ideal for any emergency at home or away from home.
PAXCESS 120W Portable Solar Panel
PAXCESS is a fairly new yet popular and reliable brand for solar products. Their 120W Portable Solar Panels offer 18V high-efficiency solar charge with a conversion rate of up to 23 percent. It has a built-in USB QC 3.0 (24W max) and a Type C port (5V/9V/12V 2A max) to fast charge any compatible devices.
It is made from a water-resistant and very durable oxford cloth, which is perfect for any condition. All four panels have a kickstand behind them to allow up to 25 percent more sunlight absorption than flat-lying panels.
The higher price point of this product is justified by its durable and efficient design, reliable solar panels, high wattage, and versatile, fast charging capabilities. There is no doubt that the PAXCESS 120W Portable Solar Panels are the best solar panels for emergency use.
Pros:
- 120W solar panel
- Efficient panels (High conversion rate of up to 23 percent)
- Lightweight, portable and durable design
- Versatile charging capabilities
- Fast charging
- Kickstand
Cons:
- None except it is slightly more expensive than most options
Goal Zero Nomad 50
Goal Zero is a well-known American brand that produces some of the best solar products and their Nomad 50 is no exception. It is a high-efficiency foldable, mono-crystalline 50W Solar Panel with a built-in 8mm charging cable and USB Port, so you can charge your devices, power banks, or power stations easily.
It has a lightweight design at just 6.85 lbs and can fold down to just 17 x 11.25 x 2.5 inches for great portability. It is a reliable solar panel for emergencies that works well with other Goal Zero products. Being a premium product, it has a high price point compared to similar offerings from other brands.
However, many may argue that a high-quality product from a premium U.S. manufacturer with a one-year manufacturer warranty is well worth the extra dollars.
Pros:
- Reliable U.S. brand with one-year manufacturer warranty
- Lightweight and portable design
- Efficient panels
- Built-in 8mm charging cable and USB Port
- Can be hung on small hooks
Cons:
- Expensive
- Only 50W solar panel
- No kickstand (although, it can be placed vertically)
CHOETECH Portable Solar Panel, 80W Solar Charger
This 80W Solar Charger from CHOETECH is a foldable, high-efficiency mono-crystalline solar panel with dimensions 62-inches x 16-inches when unfolded, 16-inches x 14-inches when folded, and weighs just 7.8 lbs. Its four foldable solar panels, lightweight, and carry handle make it a portable option.
It comes with:
- 1 – DC output port (18V/4.44A)
- 1 – PD3.0 Type C port(30W)
- 1 – QC3.0 fast charging USB port(18W/4X Faster)
- 1 – USB output port(5V/2.4A)
- 1 – 10-in-1 connector adapter kit
- 1 – DC to Anderson cable
The ports, extensive connectors, cable, and fast charging capabilities are ideal for charging your laptop, phone, tablet, portable lights, and fans, or even a portable power bank in an emergency. Its IPX4 water resistance so you can afford to get it a little wet without worrying about damaging it.
Moreover, it is made with premium oxford cloth, which can withstand high temperatures. There are also four kickstands to adjust the angle of the panels to get maximum sunlight. These solar panels are a pocket-friendly and feature-rich option for tight budgets, with the benefit of 80W solar panels.
Pros:
- Inexpensive for an 80W solar panel
- Water-resistant (IPX4)
- Efficient panels (High conversion rate of up to 23 percent)
- Lightweight and portable design
- Versatile charging capabilities
- Fast charging
- Kickstand
Cons:
- Not as reliable as other options
Renogy 50W Portable Solar Panel Charger
The E.Flex from Renogy is a 50W foldable, high-efficiency mono-crystalline solar panel capable of up to 23 percent energy conversion. It has a single fold with kickstands to angle direct sunlight, weighs just 5.25 lbs, and folds down to 19.9 x 16.1 x 0.8 inches, making it truly portable.
It has a voltage switchable DC Port, USB-A Port, and USB-C Port, which offers versatility for charging your devices, power banks, and power stations. Its optimized charging capabilities mean it will automatically adjust output to optimize fast charging on whatever device you connect to it.
Unfortunately, the E.Flex can’t charge USB-C laptops and can only charge laptops with voltage ratings of 16V and 19V, even though it comes with 8 different DC adapter connectors. Regardless, it is a well-rounded solar panel at fair pricing, making it one of the best solar panels for emergency use.
Pros:
- Efficient (High conversion rate of up to 23 percent)
- Lightweight and portabledesign
- Optimized charging
Cons:
- Limited voltage output and can’t charge USB-C laptops
- Only 50W solar panel
- Slightly overpriced for features
Features to Consider
Here are some features to consider when buying the best solar panels for emergency use.
Wattage
Wattage is simply an expression of electrical power. A watt is a unit of electrical power, and it is used to quantify the rate of energy transfer. The more wattage a solar panel has, the more power it can produce under ideal sunlight.
While 50W solar panels are great to charge up mobile devices and power banks, you would ideally want more than 60W to charge most laptops and even more for certain laptops and heavier devices.
Design
The design of a solar panel matters because it dictates how easy it will be to use in an emergency situation. Firstly, it has to be portable and preferably lightweight to overcome mobility and logistical issues during an emergency.
Secondly, features like durability, water resistance, and kickstands make it ideal for outdoors and to absorb sunlight in tougher conditions.
Versatility
Versatility is important because you want your solar panel to charge most devices and equipment. Things like built-in ports, connector adapters, cables, and fast charging all contribute to the versatility of the solar panel. To put it simply, the more charging options, the better.
Our Final Thoughts
There is nothing scarier than being out of touch with family, friends, and the authorities in an emergency or when you’re off the grid. Hence, having the capability to charge your smartphone or laptop is a top priority.
Similarly, if your home experiences a power outage, which may last for weeks, it is always good to have an alternate power supply. The best type of alternate power supply is one that can produce energy itself rather than just store it, which is why solar panels are your best option.
You can comfortably pick any of the mentioned best solar panels for emergency use, depending on your preference and requirements. However, if we had to choose one, we would strongly recommend the PAXCESS 120W Portable Solar Panel because it has all the bells and whistles with the added advantage of reliable 120W solar panels. However, if you want the most bang for your buck, the CHOETECH Portable Solar Panel, 80W Solar Charger is also a great alternative.
