Solar power is a clean, renewable energy source. If you’re interested in lowering your bills, going off-grid or getting an energy source for camping trips, solar panels might be the perfect solution for you. However, it can be difficult to choose a solar panel now that there are so many options on the market today.
That’s why we have compiled a list of five of the best 100 watt solar panels available in 2021. We’ll be comparing them based on a number of factors:
- Quality construction
- Whether they include a MPPT charge controller
- Whether they pair with a smartphone app
- Efficiency
- Weight and size
- Ease of use
- Performance in low light conditions
- Portability
First, let’s take a look at a comparison chart of our top picks:
COMPARISON CHART
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
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Renogy 100W 12V Monocrystalline Off Grid Portable Foldable 2pcs 50W Solar Panel
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Renogy 100 Watts 12 Volts Monocrystalline Solar
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BigBlue 100W Solar Panels
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TISHI HERY 100W Portable Solar Panel
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ROCKPALS SP003 100W Foldable Solar Panel
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Specification
| Weight | 12.8 pounds |
| Dimensions | 40 by 27 by 1.5 inches when unfolded |
| Smartphone App | Yes, with purchase of controller |
| MPPT Charge Controller | Sold Separately |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Crystal Structure | Monocrystalline |
| Wattage | 100 watts |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
First up on our list is the Renogy 100W Monocrystalline Solar Panel with carrying case and kickstand. This is a sturdy, corrosion resistant solar panel pair that folds in half and fits inside an included suitcase carrier for super easy portability. Although this solar panel is the most expensive on our list, only by about $10, you get a significantly broader operating temperature range and a super rugged, built-in stand.
WHAT WE LIKE
Renogy is also the only brand on our list that has its own branded smartphone app. The one downside is that you need a controller to use it, and this panel doesn’t come with one. However, the bundle of this panel plus the 20A controller is the same price as the panel alone, so it’s no problem to get both at once and be able to use the app with the panel.
PROS
- Corrosion resistant aluminum frame and stand
- Heavy duty construction
- Reliably performance in low light conditions
- Expandable
- Portable
- Broad operating temperature range
CONS
- Controller compatible with app sold separately
- Highest price point of our list
Specification
| Weight | 12.8 pounds |
| Dimensions | 40 by 27 by 1.5 inches when unfolded |
| Smartphone App | Yes, with purchase of controller |
| MPPT Charge Controller | Sold Separately |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Crystal Structure | Monocrystalline |
| Wattage | 100 watts |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
Next is the Renogy 100W Monocrystalline Solar Panel Starter Kit. This is a great option to get you started at an affordable price. With the same thoughtful construction as the foldable Renogy solar panels, this solar starter kit can follow you anywhere.
WHAT WE LIKE
This kit comes with the latest generation of Renogy’s PWM negative ground charge controller, allowing you to connect to the Renogy BT app for increased usability. However, this isn’t a folding solar panel. While the frame is light aluminum to reduce weight, you’re stuck with a 42.4 inch long panel to travel with, if you’re using it while traveling.
PROS
- Inexpensive starter kit
- Expandable
- Corrosion resistant aluminum frame
- Upgraded controller compatible with app included
- Includes mounting brackets
CONS
- More work to install
- Heavier kit
- Less portable
Specification
| Weight | 16.9 pounds |
| Dimensions | 36.22 by 25.98 inches when unfolded |
| Smartphone App | With purchase of third party controller |
| MPPT Charge Controller | Sold Separately |
| Operating Temperature Range | -4 to 167 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Crystal Structure | Monocrystalline |
| Wattage | 100 watts |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
The BigBlue 100W Solar Panel is very similar in design to the Renogy 100W foldable solar panel. The BigBlue is also foldable, with a built-in kickstand and included carrying case. It is less expensive than the Renogy, but it’s several pounds heavier.
WHAT WE LIKE
BigBlue does not offer a kit with a controller for this solar panel, although you will be able to use an app with this solar panel if the third-party controller you choose has an associated app. The main draw of this solar panel is its affordable price and impact resistance. A lot can happen outdoors, and this solar panel is equipped with tempered glass, corner bump protectors and a sturdy carrying case to resist damage.
PROS
- Damage resistant features
- Affordable price
- Expandable
- Foldable
- Portable
CONS
- Heavier
- No option to bundle with controller
- No branded app
Specification
| Weight | 7.7 pounds |
| Dimensions | 51.2 by 21.1 by 0.3 inches when unfolded |
| Smartphone App | No |
| MPPT Charge Controller | Sold Separately |
| Operating Temperature Range | Unlisted |
| Crystal Structure | Monocrystalline |
| Wattage | 100 watts |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
Next we have the 100W portable solar panel option by TISHI HERY. This is the least expensive solar panel on our list as well as the lightest. This panel set also comes with a carrying case and folds twice as it’s made of three panels connected with heavy duty Oxford cloth.
WHAT WE LIKE
The TISHI HERY solar panel has a built-in kickstand and you can also mount it to a variety of surfaces. A standout feature of this solar panel is its smart charging chip, which can detect the device you plug into it to optimize charging and protect against overcharging. It’s also ideal for charging mobile devices as it includes a USB connector.
PROS
- Smart connection with USB ports for mobile device charging
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Compact tri-fold design
- Most affordable option on our list
- Expandable
CONS
- Fabric backing lacks the strength of a metal frame
- Carrying case is also fabric, so no hard cover protection
- No app or controller options from TISHI HERY
Specification
| Weight | 10.8 pounds |
| Dimensions | 64.5 by 20.5 by 1.2 inches when unfolded |
| Smartphone App | No |
| MPPT Charge Controller | Sold Separately |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Crystal Structure | Monocrystalline |
| Wattage | 100 watts |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
Last but not least, we have the ROCKPALS SP003 100W foldable solar panel.Much like the TISHI HERY solar panel set, the ROCKPALS set has multiple panels connected by heavy duty Oxford cloth, making it foldable and lightweight. However, this panel set folds up into its own carrying case with a unique four-panel, quad-fold design.
WHAT WE LIKE
The built-in carrying case, while not as sturdy as a hard cover case, is water resistant and comes with pockets to store wires and your mobile devices while they charge using the USB ports. This is the second most expensive solar panel on our list, which is certainly a mark against it considering the lack of solid structure in the construction. You can purchase a ROCKPALS portable power station separately to expand the usability of this panel, although there isn’t a branded app.
PROS
- Highly portable and easy to use
- USB ports built-in
- Water resistant
- Lightweight
- Expandable
- Compact quad-fold design that you don’t have to shove into a separate case
CONS
- No app from ROCKPALS
- Expensive for a lack of solid structure and protection
We have some great, portable 100W solar panel options on our list, but there’s one that stands out as the best. Our pick for the top 100W solar panel of 2021 has to be the Renogy foldable solar panel. With a lightweight but super sturdy aluminum frame, protective hard shell carrying case and light weight design, this is a highly portable but heavy duty solar panel that you can take anywhere. We also like that we have the ability to expand it with more panels and that Renogy offers a branded app when you have their controller.
Compared to the other options, you get the most bang for your buck with the Renogy foldable solar panel. Although it is the most expensive on our list, you get a quality, reliable solar panel for the price. The other Renogy solar panel on our list is also pretty great as it offers a next generation controller plus a quality solar panel for an affordable price, not to mention the app compatibility. However, the Renogy foldable panel is simply the best option.
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