Best Off Road Solar Panel Options

4thD Solar

• Model: GRID- XP160 PORTABLE 160 
• Output: 160w / 8.5A
• Solar Panel Dimensions: 28” x 68” (28” x 23” x .8” folded)
• Type: Foldable

Ohio-based 4^thD Solar is an engineer-led company that strives for the most robust overland power systems.  Built around top-end Merlin panels, their systems allow portable or fixed mounting. The XP160 offers the prior in a tri-fold configuration, complete with fold out soft legs. For building its systems, 4^thD uses premium 8 AWG marine grade UV-protected cabling, and employs Anderson SB50 Powerpole connectors. Its charge controllers are no less robust.

In fact, when you dig into the construction, specs and components the company employs, you notice they are building for durability over the long haul. Using redundancies from failure resistant cell wiring provided in the Merlin cells to other components’ protection from the elements, the company prides itself in offering real-world, candid power output claims. In fact, it may be the only solar brand in this market instigated by an outstanding product—Merlin FX series cells—and a need in the overland arena and resulting in building a company. The resulting systems are aimed towards those building out uncompromising overland platforms.

An interesting aside about 4^thD is that its sister company is the N. American importer of Conqueror Off-road Trailers. These remarkably built, transformer-like “caravans” are the most impressive—that is complex and well-built—offered on our continent. 4^thD is a logical pairing, therefore, as reliable electrical power is essential for the systems that come standard in Conqueror models. In fact, those same expectations are becoming ubiquitous among those who enjoy vehicle-based exploring. As a result, 4^thD is rapidly gaining a committed customer following.

Highlights:

Full spectrum solar solutions, highest quality offerings in all components, emphasizing built-in solar power systems for overland vehicles.

Visit the official website.

Flexopower: Mojave-240 / Karoo Solar Battery Box

• Output: 240w / 12A
• Solar Panel Dimensions: 33.7” x 21.5” (10” x 12.5” x 0.9” folded)
• Type: Foldable

Out of Africa—South Africa to be specific—comes the leading overland solar brand of Flexopower. Like P3Solar, its tough, portable panels are utilized by national military forces, in this case in the continent’s vast backcountry. Started in 2005, its designs have evolved to avoid the bane of portable solar: micro cracks (that degrade hidden wiring connections) and low light performance.

The Mojave system allows daisy-chained panels. Hence the Mojave in the 240w configuration consists of a pair of 120w tri-fold flexible panels. Built for harsh African conditions, a sturdy set of 10m cables is included, allowing for the optimal arrangement: camp-in-shade/panels-in-sun. Tough and simple Anderson SB50 connectors link all system elements, including  Flexopower’s solution for deep cycle batteries. Its Karoo Battery Box easily contains a 100Ah battery, has a built-in charge controller, and offers a voltage gauge and accessory power ports.

Regrettably, new U.S. tariffs on foreign solar products have, since 2019, made the N. American market a difficult prospect for Flexopower. As a result, the company is currently taking a more limited stance on serving 4×4 consumers on our continent.

Highlights

Proven in military and civilian use in African, integrated high capacity solar/storage devices, top-tier solar cells.

Visit the official website.

Goal Zero: Nomad 100 / Yeti 400 Power Station

• Output: 100w / 8A
• Solar Panel Dimensions: 20.25” x 59.5” (20.25” x 15.25” x 1.5” folded)
• Type: Foldable

Goal Zero was born out of a journey to support the people of Africa’s Democratic Republic of Congo. Founder Robert Workman, who I’ve interviewed about the brand’s mission, describes the role of solar power as one of democratizing life essentials such as lighting and access to electricity. The resulting Goal Zero product line makes sense as you consider that focus. From LED lights to a wide selection of battery banks, the company expands solar + battery products to include small portable items like the popular Lighthouse Mini.

For a full spectrum of portable solar products, it’s hard to beat Goal Zero for diversity and plug-n-play functionality. While coming at a premium price, its products are backed by excellent customer support. For the latest generation Nomad solar panels, its extra attention to features also stand out. From magnetic flap closure to handy accessory storage pockets, this largest folding solar panel from the Utah-based company is easy to use. At least once you have the right cables; its 6mm and 8mm plugs are by no means industry standards, and require (when available) costly cables if you wish to connect to other manufacturers’ components.

For many consumers, the Goal Zero family of products offers an ideal, simplified ecosystem of portable power products, taking the guesswork out of tapping into the sun’s rays. For those liking to mix-n-match, a bit more legwork is required.

Shop For Goal Zero Products

Highlights

Extensive product line, tightly integrated systems, strong customer care, commitment to humanitarian aid.

Visit the official website.

Jackery: SolarSaga 60 / Explorer 240 Portable Power Station

• Output: 60w / 3.3A
• Solar Panel Dimensions: 17.5” x 34” (17.5” x 12” x 2” folded)
• Type: Foldable

Honda. Apple. What do they have in common with solar power? The answer, Jackery Power Outdoors. Co-founded in 2012 by a former battery engineer for Steve Jobs’s Cupertino giant, the brand offers power generation and storage products. Its Power Station line even drew the attention of Honda, which created a co-branding partnership with Jackery.

Jackery distinguished itself with the market-leading release of a 2015 Li-ion battery-based device. The Explorer 240, which has been powering our line-up of devices since 2019. It’s light (<7lb), small and pairs perfectly with the SolarSaga 60, Jackery’s mid-sized folding PV panel.  With ~17Ah of capacity, the Explorer isn’t going to run your fridge (for long). It will, however, recharge laptops, cameras, drones and so on quite nicely.

Though somewhat limited in its product line, Jackery offers solid performing, paired devices that compete well with other leading brands in the portable power market.

Shop For Jackery Solar Panels

Highlights

Integrated products, affordable Li-ion all-in-one storage, lightweight.

Visit the official website.

Off Grid Trek

• Model: 215w Solar Blanket
• Output: 215w /11.7A
• Solar Blanket Dimensions: 68.5” x 36.6” (12.6” x 12.6” x 2.8” folder)
• Type: Foldable

When you pick up the pack containing Off Grid Trek’s 215w Solar Blanket it’s immediately apparent this is a system built for base camp, and not backpacking. Tipping the scales at ~14lb (22lb w/ all components), the blanket’s heft comes from ETFE laminar construction housing SunPower Gen 3 Maxeon cells. The folding panel’s rubberized coating adds to its field durability, and the camo pattern allows it to blend into camp surroundings. The thoughtful touches included in its products by no means stop there. Off Grid Trek adds features like 4 USB-IC (InterChip) connections, compatibility with lithium batteries, and numerous connector types to interface with various manufacturers’ devices.

Canadian-based Off Grid Trek also provides an impressive mix of support components not always found among U.S. competitors. Its advantages are particularly evident when shopping for quality power storage. Further, the company offers a Faraday bag to protect sensitive electronic devices from damaging natural or manmade magnetic waves.

Also, what is it with trailers and solar? They seem to go hand-in-glove, as one invariably leads to needing what the other provides. Off Grid Trek is, like 4^thD Solar, in both the solar and trailer business. Its imported Echo 4×4 Trailers are the only brand that goes toe-to-toe with Conqueror for its stunning array of features, build quality, and thoughtful layout (including efficient use of space). The brainchild of aviation engineer Willie Grobler, Echo’s trailers give a glimpse of how off-road travel occurs in Africa, Australia and elsewhere. And, of course, the 215w Solar Blanket pairs easily to power the different Echo models and their internal systems.

Highlights

Stout systems ruggedized for austere applications, high output configurations, top-tier cells.

Visit the official website.

Overland Solar: Ruck

• Output: 60w / 6A
• Solar Panel Dimensions: 58” x 11.5” (6.5” x 11.5” x 2” folded)
• Type: Foldable

Family-owned by overland enthusiasts, Boise-based Overland Solar produces a select line of solutions for explorers and mission-focused field operations. The company’s products have traveled to remote corners of the globe as challenging as the South Pole (e.g., solo ski traverse to its flag-marked axis). Each of the brand’s panels are composed of SunPower’s high efficiency Maxeon Gen 3 cells. For consumers, cell composition is critical, both for the resulting power conversion efficiency (from sunlight to watts), and for the commitment to quality it reveals. Unfortunately, many manufacturers remain silent about the cells they use, instead touting lower prices, while never revealing what corners they cut.

The 60w Ruck, formerly the smallest solar panel from Overland Solar, offers a powerful system in a concise package. Its built-in charge controller and plug options do away with the tangle of cables and accessories so typical of solar power systems. Company founder, Brian Wurts, launched the company in 2013 to help fellow explorers with such simplified designs, and continues today with continuous refinements to their panels.

As user power needs have grown, so too have the company’s panel outputs. The newly updated Bugout 130 is their go-to panel for portable applications. Accordioning down to 22” x 7.5” x 3.5”, it weighs just 7lb. Overland Solar, by keeping their manufacturing at their Idaho headquarters, can R&D changes in the surrounding Sawtooth Mountains and Owyhee Desert, enabling rapid product variations. Its SAE or Anderson connector options are just one such example of how the company remains fleet and adaptive.

Overland Solar backs its lineup with an unconditional five-year warranty on manufacturing, coupled with a 20-year guarantee on each panel’s solar cell performance.

Highlights

U.S. made, integrated controller/connectors, compact, top-tier cells.

Visit the official website.

P3Solar: P3-75W

• Output: 75w / 4.6A
• Solar Panel Dimensions: 61”x24” (10” x 12.5” x 0.9” folded)
• Type: Foldable

Military performance is at the heart of P3Solar’s numerous PV systems. The company, which traces its roots back almost 20 years to Global Solar Energy, early on attracted the U.S. Marine Corps with defense contracts to provide field operatives with power. The overwhelming demands of light weight and toughness thus formed the cornerstone of the brand’s panels.

Having used the P3-75W for several years, the benefits of its thin film cells are clear. Built from CIGs (Copper Indium Gallium DiSelenide) photovoltaic material, the resulting film measures a scant .3” (~.7mm) thick. Offered in 12v or 24v configurations, this and other P3Solar panels are effectively military grade systems offered to the public. Tens of thousands of P3 panels have to date been issued to U.S. and allied troops deployed across the globe.

At under a pound, the svelte P3-75W can be taken afield with ease, kept stowed in a vehicle pocket, and deployed quickly. However, its lightweight necessitates all corners be secured if any wind is expected, or when angled layouts are timely to optimize solar gain (i.e., perpendicular to rays). P3Solar offers this and most of its panels in different camo patterns, as well as black and high vis yellow. The company also configures its thin film in rollable panels, as well as base camp systems with collapsible frames.

If there is a downside that comes with these and similar CIGs panels, it’s their conversion efficiency. Rated (perhaps conservatively) at ~14%, P3 panels give up efficiency to gain portability. For comparison, 23% is currently the utmost efficiency rate available, with anything over 20% being excellent.

Highlights

U.S. made, proven military record of applications, lightweight and compact.

Visit the official website.

Rhino Adventure Gear: SolarHawk Rooftop Tent Solar Panel

• Output: 100w / 4.4A
• Solar Panel Dimensions: 76.7” x 14.8”
• Type: Flexible

So, about those Merlin Solar panels…the San Jose leader in high performance PV cells also drew the attention of nearby California overland outfitter Rhino Adventure Gear. As the key importer of iKamper RTT’s, Rhino saw the logic of mounting a solar panel on the hardshell of a Skycamp. Having personally designed and fabricated a custom armature to stow/deploy a 200w solar array from beneath our own Skycamp, I only wish Rhino’s new SolarHawk panel had come out two years ago! For others, it’s a godsend.

The SolarHawk is essentially a 3×11 cell Merlin FX panel with industrial grade adhesives pre-applied.  In other words, it’s (currently) the pinnacle of flexible panel technology, made in the U.S., and ready to securely stick on subtle curving surfaces typical of hardshell RTT’s. Will it only work on an iKamper? Definitely not. However, the mounting surface must be large enough, be free of obstructions, and lack uneven surfaces.  And, because no charge controller is built-in, the SB50 Anderson connectors need to link up with an MPPT controller and a battery system (Li-ion compatible; see other restrictions).

While not a solar power company per se, Rhino Adventure Gear is not alone in seeing opportunities for needed solar products and working with a PV cell manufacturer to spec and sell a new offering. And that’s good for 4×4 adventurers.

Highlights

U.S. made, industrial adhesives make it ready-to-mount on RTT’s, top-tier cells.

Visit the official website.

Solbian: SP72 ALLinONE

• Output: 72w / 6A
• Solar Panel Dimensions: 33.7” x 21.5”
• Type: Semi-flexible (10% curvature)

If you want a product made for conditions harsher than offroad travel, offshore sailing is a safe bet. Italian brand Solbian has been rated among the very best solar panels for deep water sailers, and their reputation is built around the durability they provide for withstanding constant saltwater conditions, including their use of excellent SunPower cells.

Solbian’s ALLinONE is that rarest of solar panels, in that its charge controller is fully fixed and integrated (no exposed wires) into the panel, and also being fully sealed. That distinct Ferrari-red portion of the panel? That physically and visually smooth element is the entire controller unit. From it extends a generous output cable, the insulation of which is probably the most robust of any we tested here. That’s it. Connect it to a battery and you’re done.

Like other flexible panels, the SP72 is intended to mount on either flat or curved surfaces. It can comfortably sustain 10% curves in the mounting base. Permanent mounting can be achieved via adhesives or with bolts/screws using panel’s the grommets, but for several years we have secured it in temporarily mounts in camp and atop the Land Cruiser via Nite Ize’s handy Gear Ties.

For pure simplicity, clean installation, and build quality, it’s hard to beat the SP72 ALLinONE.  Though middle-of-the-pack in wattage output, its right-sized for smaller fridges such as the ARB Classic 50qt or other modest draw camp needs. With its semi-rigid construction, the panel is easy to position for temporary solar capture, such as on a roof rack, against a vehicle tire, or suspended from an RTT awning. Though not equipped with legs, this lack of accoutrement means it stows easily (no bag provided) in a vehicle.  Sizes range from 23w to 104w.

Solbian is imported to North American shores via OceanPlant Energy and parent company Bruce Schwab Energy Systems, a leader in powering those who adventure with sail and rudder and sextant.

Highlights

Italian made, integrated charge controller, rated for saltwater environments.

Visit the official website.

Zamp: 90W Long / 90W Portable

• Output: 90w / 5A
• Solar Panel Dimensions: 58.3” x 13.6“ x 1.5” / 21.6″ x 43“ (21.6″ x 21.5“ x 3.1”)
• Type: Rigid / Rigid foldable suitcase

Discussing vehicle-based solar power in N. America is impossible without inclusion of Zamp.  The Bend, OR company has been charging ahead (pun intended) for the past decade, its panels and system components gracing thousands of RV’s. As so-called boondocking has grown in popularity among the Winnebago and 5^th wheel crowd, so too has off-grid power. Zamp offers primarily rigid panels for these (generally) rooftop mounting applications. What distinguishes them is, in part, their development of rail mounting systems to securely locate panels, albeit with adjustability built in.

The Zamp 90W Long panel and the 90W Portable, which we have tested, both use the industry’s traditional, very rigid but somewhat bulky framing style. Strong but somewhat heavy (14lb and 27lb, respectively), these are panels made to handle years and years of life out in the elements. The latter model, which includes an integrated charge controller, stretches the definition of “portable”. Yet its mass emerges as a benefit when winds come up. At those times, lighter panels with cloth “legs” tend to fall over, while the Zamp 90W remains in place.

Plug-n-play describes the approach Zamp takes to making solar easy (relatively speaking) and straight-forward. Their customer service, online resources and massive dealer network combine to take much of the guesswork out of building a system. As of 2020, Zamp’s new Obsidian panels go a long way towards cleaning up (visually, in bulk, and aerodynamically) the traditionally boxy aluminum frame that the industry, including Zamp, has used. The new Omni-rail system that pairs with these panels offers a low profile, adjustable foundation for securing and positioning multiple panels. Zamp offers daisy-chaining of such panels, with configurations up to 1000+ watts.

Shop For Zamp Solar Panels

Highlights

Expansive company and dealer network, predominantly U.S. made, excellent customer service, proven record in RV industry.

Visit the official website.

ALP Propane Generator

What about times when the sun is absent? From winter to canyons to stormy weather, all trips are not blessed with ample sunshine. For those times when solar isn’t reliable, a backup strategy is critical. For 4×4’s, more than one auxiliary battery isn’t likely an option. And while running the vehicle’s engine (and thus alternator) is an option of last resort, it’s better to have another trick up your sleeve.

Enter the ALP Propane Generator. While some solar brands are fond of blurring the lines by using the phrase “solar generator”, for most consumers a generator is a combustion engine-based portable device to create AC and/or DC electricity. But its gasoline that powers those generators, and the results offend both the nose and the ears (and the wallet, in many cases). ALP founder Perry Rubin provided one of the company’s newly released 1000W generators this spring, and it’s clear this isn’t your traditional camp power source.

Having owned and appreciated a Yamaha 700w generator and a Coleman 6250w unit, I’ve relied on the benefits they offer. Invariably, though, they sit idle for months (years, in fact, if not for loans to friends), and rarely are loaded in the Land Cruiser. The result? They need carb cleaning, fuel treatments, etc. to remain in good working order. And then there’s the inherent drawbacks of running one (i.e., noise, odor).

The ALP unit relies instead on that most ubiquitous camp fuel, bottled propane, and weighs only 28lb, while operating at ~50dB when in Eco-mode (aka idle). A new 1lb propane bottle will run the ALP for ~3hr, which is enough to recharge a deep cycle battery, while concurrently powering a 12v fridge-freezer. While no analog for solar, if you need/desire a generator, ALP’s 2020 addition to the market is worth researching.

Highlights

Half the price of a comparable gas generator, compact, intelligent controls, fuel efficient, not obnoxious.

Visit the official website.