12 Best Portable Solar Chargers UK: Reviews & Where to Buy

You’re heading out for a weekend in Snowdonia, a festival field, or just keeping gadgets topped up in a power cut. Sockets are scarce. Power banks run dry. You want a portable solar charger that actually works under UK skies—ideally compact, weather‑resistant, and able to feed a phone, GPS, head torch or even a small power station without weighing you down. With dozens of panels, power banks and “solar generators” shouting big wattage and bigger claims, choosing the right one—and finding it in stock from a UK retailer—can be confusing.

In this guide we’ve shortlisted 12 of the best portable solar chargers available in the UK, from pocketable 10–28W USB panels to 60–110W slabs and 100W+ suitcase kits for power stations. For each pick you’ll see pros and cons, key specs, best use cases, UK pricing, and where to buy (Take a Hike UK, Amazon, Argos, Currys, Halfords and brand stores). We note alternatives if stock is low. Expect practical detail on weight, connections (USB‑A/C, DC, MC4), weatherproofing and performance in changeable weather—so you can stop guessing and start charging.

1. Take a Hike UK: curated portable solar chargers and bundles

If you’d rather buy with guidance than trawl endless listings, our UK team curates portable solar chargers and ready‑to‑go bundles that suit real British conditions. We match panels and storage (power banks or small power stations) across clear tiers—from lightweight 10–28W USB mats to 60–110W foldables and 100W suitcase kits—drawing on proven models praised by trusted reviews and UK retailers. Stock rotates, and when a line sells out, we point you to an equivalent in stock locally, so your trip isn’t waiting on a backorder.

Why we rate it

You get a one‑stop UK purchase with free delivery over £50, responsive 12/6 support (8am–8pm, Mon–Sat), and a 14‑day money‑back guarantee on unused items. More importantly, we do the compatibility legwork: USB‑A/USB‑C for phones and tablets, DC/MC4 for power stations, and 12V clips or controllers for vehicle batteries—plus practical advice on kickstands, panel angle and “charge a power bank first” tactics for changeable skies. Our shortlists are informed by well‑reviewed UK‑available gear such as Bluetti (PV60F 60W), Jackery (SolarSaga 100W), EcoFlow, BigBlue 28W, Goal Zero Nomad 20, BioLite SolarPanel 5+, Renogy 100W, ADDTOP 4‑panel banks, and 12V kits from Halfords and Osram.

Key specs

Below are the bundle types we typically recommend, with specs anchored to UK‑available models cited by major reviewers and retailers. Pick the tier that matches your kit and trip length.

Best use cases

If you’re unsure where to start, use these quick matches to size your portable solar charger UK purchase to your trip.

• • Backpacking and thru‑hikes: 10–20W (Forclaz 10W) or 28W (BigBlue) clipped to a pack; charge a power bank first.
• • Festivals and weekend camps: 60W foldable (Bluetti PV60F) to refill a 10–20k mAh bank between sets.
• • Car camping and family trips: 100W foldable (Jackery SolarSaga) paired with a compact power station.
• • Vehicles, boats, barges: 10W trickle maintainer (Halfords) or 100W 12V kit (Osram) for actual recharging.

Where to buy in the UK

Order directly from Take a Hike UK for curated picks, bundle advice and fast fulfilment (free delivery £50+). If a specific model is out of stock, we’ll direct you to like‑for‑like options at mainstream UK retailers such as Currys, Argos, Amazon, Halfords, and official brand stores (Bluetti, Jackery, EcoFlow).

Typical price

Real‑world UK pricing varies by wattage and brand, but these widely cited points help you budget:

• • Forclaz SLR 500 V2 10W: ~£34–35
• • BigBlue 28W USB panel: ~£68–83
• • BioLite SolarPanel 5+ (with battery): ~£85
• • Bluetti PV60F 60W: ~£89
• • Jackery SolarSaga 100W: ~£199
• • Osram BatteryCharge Solar 100W kit: ~£149
• • Halfords 10W maintainer: ~£31
• • ADDTOP 25,000mAh 4‑panel bank: ~£34
• • Heavier setups: EcoFlow 220W bifacial ~£349

Notable alternatives

If the exact bundle you want isn’t available, consider these like‑for‑like swaps many UK campers rate highly:

• Goal Zero Nomad 20: slim, backpack‑friendly 20W.
• EcoFlow 110W portable panel: weatherproof, strong in mixed light.
• Renogy 100W foldable suitcase: sturdy legs and fast 12V charging.
• FlexSolar 40W: mid‑capacity, portable six‑panel mat.
• Swarey 30W: solid budget USB panel option.

2. Bluetti PV60F portable solar panel (60W)

If you want a packable panel that actually moves the needle under UK skies, Bluetti’s PV60F hits a sweet spot. It folds down to roughly A4, weighs just 1.4kg, and adds direct USB‑C/USB‑A outputs alongside a DC solar lead for topping a power station. The Independent named it best overall portable panel, praising its compact fold and real‑world versatility—just note there’s no kickstand, so you’ll prop or hang it to nail the angle.

Why we rate it

The PV60F’s six‑panel array delivers solid day‑to‑day charging for phones, GPS units and power banks, while remaining small enough to strap to a pack. A rugged handle, Velcro grips, button clip and metal eyelets make setup easy on a tent, rucksack or car roof. You can direct‑charge via USB‑C/USB‑A in a pinch, but for fluctuating light we recommend filling a power bank first. There’s no built‑in stand; laying it flat at midday or leaning it against kit works well.

Key specs

Best use cases

For a portable solar charger UK buyers can hike with and still run a small camp, this is a great all‑rounder.

• Backpacking/weekend camps: Strap to a pack, refill a 10–20k mAh power bank daily.
• Festivals/car camps: Reliable top‑ups for multiple phones and lights; park it on a dashboard or table.
• Power‑station companion: Feeds compact units like Bluetti’s 448Wh AC50B via DC for off‑grid evenings.
• Travel standby: Packs small for power‑cut resilience at home or in a van.

Where to buy in the UK

Available from Bluetti’s UK store and mainstream retailers. You’ll also find it in curated bundles at Take a Hike UK, where we match it with compatible power banks or compact power stations and ship free on £50+ orders.

Typical price

Commonly listed around £89 in the UK; bundles with a Bluetti power station cost more depending on battery size.

Notable alternatives

• Jackery SolarSaga 100W: More output for car camping and power stations.
• EcoFlow 110W portable panel: Weatherproof design, strong performance in mixed light.
• Goal Zero Nomad 20: Slim, backpack‑friendly 20W for lighter kits.
• BigBlue 28W USB charger: Budget‑friendly multi‑device USB charging mat.
• Renogy 100W suitcase: Rigid, fast 12V/battery‑focused camping setup.

3. Jackery SolarSaga 100W foldable panel

For car camping and family weekends, a 100W panel is the sweet spot—and Jackery’s SolarSaga 100 consistently tops UK shortlists for being efficient, easy to use and genuinely portable. Reviewers highlight its strong performance in full and partial sun, simple fold-out legs, and the rare convenience of built‑in USB‑A and USB‑C for direct device top‑ups. Do note it isn’t weatherproof, and the kickstand can topple in wind, so plan your pitch accordingly.

Why we rate it

• Proven 100W performance: Praised for efficient charging in sun and mixed light, with straightforward setup.
• Direct outputs onboard: USB‑A and USB‑C plus a DC/Anderson lead for hooking up a power station.
• Packs flat, travels well: Magnetic closure and a carry handle make it easy to stash and deploy.
• Realistic trade‑offs: Not waterproof and the lightweight kickstand isn’t the sturdiest—stake or guy it out.

Key specs

Best use cases

• Car camping and festival bases: Daily top‑ups for several phones, lanterns and a tablet without babysitting the panel.
• Portable power stations: An ideal match for compact stations—charge the battery by day, run lights and small devices by night.
• Family road trips: Flat, book‑style packability means it slides neatly behind seats or in a boot organiser.

Where to buy in the UK

Commonly available from Jackery’s UK store, Hampshire Generators, Amazon and other major retailers, plus as part of curated bundles at Take a Hike UK—where we’ll pair it with compatible power stations or power banks and ship free on £50+ orders.

Typical price

Expect around £199 for the panel alone in the UK. Bundles with power stations vary by battery capacity and accessories.

Notable alternatives

• EcoFlow 110W portable panel: Similar output, strong showing in mixed weather, fully waterproof design.
• Renogy 100W foldable suitcase: Rigid, very stable legs, excellent for 12V battery charging at base camp.
• Bluetti PV60F (60W): Lighter, A4‑ish fold for hikers who don’t need full 100W.
• Allpowers SP012 100W: Ultraportable blanket‑style 100W for tighter packing.
• Luvknit 100W Foldable: Good price‑to‑performance option if you’re stretching budget.

4. EcoFlow 110W portable solar panel

If you’re after a portable solar charger UK campers can rely on when the weather turns, EcoFlow’s 110W panel is built for it. GearLab’s test team picked it as a top performer in any weather thanks to fast charging in sun and overcast, fully waterproof construction and a portable four‑panel design that packs into a zip case. Trade‑offs? You’ll need to source the right charging cable, and the carry case makes a passable—but not perfect—kickstand.

Why we rate it

EcoFlow has optimised this panel for real‑world use where skies aren’t always blue. It’s light and compact for a 110W class panel, copes well with mixed conditions, and shrugs off rain with waterproof connections. The lack of a proper stand and included cable is a nuisance, but if you value weatherproofing and dependable output, this is a smart pick.

• Strong in mixed light: Notably quick in sun and under cloud.
• Weatherproof build: Panel and connections are waterproof for worry‑free setups.
• Portable format: Four‑panel blanket folds into a zippered carry case.
• Caveats: Charging cable not included; case is a subpar kickstand; priced above some rivals.

Key specs

Best use cases

Pair the 110W with a compact power station for reliable off‑grid days, or use it as a robust camp panel when showers are likely.

• All‑weather car camping: Charge a battery by day, run lights/phones by night.
• UK shoulder‑season trips: Weatherproofing means fewer dash‑outside‑and‑grab moments.
• Home resilience: Daylight top‑ups for a power station during outages.
• Vanlife add‑on: Extra harvesting alongside a roof setup when parked.

Where to buy in the UK

Look for EcoFlow panels via EcoFlow’s UK store, major marketplaces and specialist stockists; Take a Hike UK also offers curated bundles and guidance on cable compatibility. Specialist retailers such as Hampshire Generators often carry EcoFlow panels, subject to stock.

Typical price

Pricing fluctuates and generally sits above budget 100W models due to the waterproof design. For reference, US listings in testing sat around $168–$199; check current UK offers before you buy.

Notable alternatives

• Jackery SolarSaga 100W: Proven, easy 100W for car camping.
• Renogy 100W foldable suitcase: Rigid, stable legs; great for 12V charging.
• Allpowers SP012 100W: Ultraportable multi‑panel blanket.
• Luvknit 100W Foldable: High value if budget is tight.
• EcoFlow 220W bifacial: Higher output for campervans and longer stays.

5. BigBlue 28W USB solar charger

If you want a lightweight, backpack‑friendly portable solar charger UK campers actually rate, the BigBlue 28W is a standout. It’s a four‑panel USB mat that folds to about the size of a paperback, hangs neatly from a rucksack or tent using the included carabiners, and can power multiple devices at once. Independent testing highlights its reliable output for its size and good performance even when skies aren’t perfect. Like most compact mats it lacks a kickstand, so you’ll hang, lean or lay it flat—and for the smoothest charging, fill a power bank first and charge your phone from that.

Why we rate it

• Efficient for its class: Strong conversion for a compact 28W panel; performs well in full sun and under cloud.
• Multi‑device charging: Three USB ports let you share power across phones, head torches and GPS units.
• Packable and tough: Folds small, weighs manageable, with eyelets and carabiners for easy rigging.
• Real‑world practicality: No kickstand, but it’s easy to drape on a pack or tent and keep collecting watts.

Key specs

Best use cases

• Backpacking and day hikes: Clip to a pack; trickle a 10–20k mAh power bank while you walk.
• Festivals and group camps: Three ports make it easy to keep a couple of phones and a light topped up.
• Travel/back‑up power: Slim enough for a day bag; handy for trains, hostels and power cuts.

Where to buy in the UK

Frequently available on Amazon UK and through curated recommendations at Take a Hike UK. Stock also appears at mainstream UK retailers from time to time; availability can vary seasonally.

Typical price

Expect around £68–£83 in the UK depending on version and offers.

Notable alternatives

• Goal Zero Nomad 20: Slim 20W for ounce‑counters.
• Forclaz SLR 500 V2 10W: Budget, ultralight top‑ups.
• Swarey 30W: Value‑focused USB panel with QC on one port.
• BioLite SolarPanel 5+: 5W panel with an integrated battery for emergencies.
• FlexSolar 40W: More surface area if you want faster USB charging without going to 100W.
• ADDTOP 25,000mAh (4‑panel): Power bank + fold‑out panels for all‑in‑one convenience.

6. Goal Zero Nomad 20

Backpackers who want something tougher and tidier than a bargain USB mat often land on the Nomad 20. It’s a flat, highly portable 20W panel with an adjustable kickstand, rugged frame and corner attachment points, so you can aim it at the sun or strap it to a rucksack. A flexible USB arm helps protect charging cables, and you can chain multiple Nomad panels using the included 6‑foot cable to speed things up when you’re stopped at camp.

Why we rate it

If you’re choosing a portable solar charger UK hikers can rely on, this balances weight, durability and usability well. It isn’t the cheapest 20W option, but the details make it practical on the move.

• Backpacker‑proof build: Rugged plastic frame with corner tie‑downs and a proper kickstand.
• Cable‑friendly output: USB port sits on a lightly flexible arm to reduce strain.
• Chainable for more power: Includes a 6‑foot chaining cable to link panels.
• Travel‑ready form factor: Slim, flat profile slips easily down a pack.

Key specs

The figures below reflect widely cited UK specs reported in hands‑on testing.

Best use cases

You’ll get the most from the Nomad 20 by topping up a power bank first, then charging devices from that for steady, phone‑friendly power.

• Backpacking and fast‑packing: Daily trickle into a 10–20k mAh bank while you walk.
• Bikepacking and trekking: Strap to bags; swing out the kickstand at lunch stops.
• Minimalist camping: Keep phones, head torches and GPS units alive without lugging a big panel.

Where to buy in the UK

Commonly stocked by Goal Zero’s UK store and outdoor specialists, with seasonal availability on major marketplaces. You’ll also find it recommended in curated setups at Take a Hike UK, where we can match it with the right power bank and accessories.

Typical price

Typically around £179 in the UK for the panel alone; promotions can shift this slightly through the season.

Notable alternatives

If stock or budget is tight, these offer similar roles at different sizes or price points:

• BigBlue 28W: Cheaper, three USB ports, great efficiency for its class.
• Forclaz SLR 500 V2 10W: Ultralight top‑ups on a tight budget.
• FlexSolar 40W: More surface area and faster USB charging in a portable mat.
• Bluetti PV60F 60W: Packs small with USB‑C plus DC for power stations.
• Jackery SolarSaga 100W: Step up to car‑camping power with built‑in USB and DC.

7. Forclaz SLR 500 V2 10W (Decathlon)

If you want a genuinely lightweight, low‑cost portable solar charger UK hikers can clip to a pack and forget, Decathlon’s Forclaz SLR 500 V2 10W is a smart pick. It’s a dual‑panel, USB‑A charger designed to trickle a power bank during the day, so your phone, GPS or head torch gets a steady, device‑friendly top‑up at night.

Why we rate it

At just 285g, this folds neatly into its own pouch, then straps securely to a rucksack using the supplied carabiners and eight anchor points. Independent testing calls out its “respectable” output for the size: more punch than tiny trickle mats, less than a bulky 20–28W panel—ideal for casual campers and long‑distance walkers. Like all small panels, angle matters; aim at the sun and prioritise filling a power bank first for stable charging.

Key specs

A compact, backpack‑first panel with simple, reliable I/O.

Best use cases

• Backpacking/day hikes: Clip to your pack to trickle a 10–20k mAh power bank while you move.
• Minimalist camping: Keep a phone, head torch and GPS ticking over without carrying a heavy panel.
• Travel/emergency kit: Pocketable redundancy for trains, hostels and brief power cuts.

Where to buy in the UK

Widely available through Decathlon UK online and in stores. If it’s out of stock, Take a Hike UK can point you to equivalent 10–20W mats or step‑up 28W options with similar form factors.

Typical price

Commonly around £34–35 in the UK, making it one of the best‑value branded panels for hikers.

Notable alternatives

• BigBlue 28W: Faster multi‑device USB charging if you can carry a little more.
• Goal Zero Nomad 20: Rugged 20W with a kickstand and chaining for backpackers.
• Swarey 30W: Budget USB panel with solid real‑world output.
• BioLite SolarPanel 5+: 5W panel with an integrated backup battery.
• ADDTOP 25,000mAh (4‑panel): All‑in‑one power bank that can top itself up in sun.

8. BioLite SolarPanel 5+ (integrated battery)

The BioLite SolarPanel 5+ is a smart “always‑with‑you” option: a slim 5W panel with a built‑in 2,200mAh battery, so you can harvest in daylight and dump steady power into your phone later. It’s light enough for a daypack, and the simple sundial alignment tool plus wire‑loop kickstand make it easy to aim at the sun—useful under fickle UK skies. It’s not a high‑output charger, but for emergency top‑ups and single‑device days it’s one of the most convenient portable solar charger UK buys.

Why we rate it

• Built‑in battery: 2,200mAh integrated pack stores energy; about one phone charge in reserve.
• Easy aiming: A simple sundial helps you hit the optimal angle fast.
• Versatile stand/mounts: Wire‑loop kickstand props on ground, hangs from a pack/tree; eyelets help anchor it.
• Ultra‑portable: Thin and lightweight; ideal as everyday carry.
• Know the limits: 5W and a single USB‑A port—keep expectations realistic and pre‑charge before trips.

Key specs

Best use cases

• Day hikes and city carry: Keep it in your bag; trickle the internal battery during daylight.
• Festivals and travel: Reliable emergency top‑ups without carrying a separate power bank and panel.
• Home/emergency kit: A compact, self‑contained backup for brief power cuts.
• Tip: For phone‑friendly stability, let the panel fill its internal battery first, then charge your device.

Where to buy in the UK

Commonly stocked by major outdoor retailers (e.g., GO Outdoors) and BioLite stockists, with seasonal availability on marketplaces. You’ll also find it in curated recommendations at Take a Hike UK if you prefer advice on when to choose an integrated‑battery panel versus a larger USB mat.

Typical price

Frequently listed around £85 in the UK.

Notable alternatives

• ADDTOP 25,000mAh (4‑panel): All‑in‑one power bank that can self‑charge in sun, with far larger capacity.
• BigBlue 28W: Higher output and three USB ports for multi‑device days (use with a separate power bank).
• Forclaz SLR 500 V2 10W: Ultralight budget panel for hikers who prefer a separate bank.
• Goal Zero Nomad 20: Rugged 20W with kickstand for faster back‑of‑pack charging.
• Jackery SolarSaga 100W: Step up when you’re car‑camping and want to feed a power station.

9. ADDTOP 25,000mAh solar charger power bank (4-panel)

If you want an all‑in‑one portable solar charger UK buyers can throw in a daypack and forget, the ADDTOP is hard to beat for the money. It combines a 25,000mAh power bank with a fold‑out, four‑panel solar array, so it can trickle‑recharge itself in the background at camp or while you’re pottering about. Independent testing flags the solar as slow (physics wins), but given a few days of bright sun it will refill itself; in the meantime you’ve got a big, rugged battery with multiple USB outputs and a built‑in LED torch.

Why we rate it

• All‑in‑one convenience: Big 25,000mAh bank plus four‑panel solar for background top‑ups.
• Great value: Often far cheaper than pairing a separate panel and bank.
• Practical details: Rugged casing and an integrated LED torch suit camp use.
• Set expectations: Solar input is modest; pre‑charge by mains, then let the sun maintain.

Key specs

Best use cases

• Festivals and weekend camps: Keep phones, head torches and speakers topped up without babysitting a panel.
• Day hikes and travel: Carry a big reserve; unfold panels at lunch or on a sunny windowsill.
• Backup at home or in the car: A chunky bank that can trickle itself between uses.
• Tip: Always charge to 100% from mains before trips; use solar to extend runtimes.

Where to buy in the UK

Commonly stocked on Amazon UK, with frequent promos. You’ll also see it recommended in curated picks at Take a Hike UK; if it’s out of stock, we’ll point you to similar four‑panel power banks or a small USB mat plus separate bank.

Typical price

Regularly seen around £34–£35 on offer; some listings sit closer to £51 depending on version and availability.

Notable alternatives

• BioLite SolarPanel 5+: Smaller 2,200mAh integrated battery for true emergency carry.
• BigBlue 28W + separate bank: Faster solar, more flexible multi‑device charging.
• Blavor 10W combo: Lightweight budget solar‑bank option for simple setups.
• Hiluckey 25,000mAh (4‑panel): Similar all‑in‑one concept with strong user feedback.
• Forclaz SLR 500 V2 10W + bank: Ultralight panel you can clip to a pack, paired with your favourite power bank.

10. Halfords 10W solar power battery maintainer

If your car, van or boat sits for weeks, a parasitic drain can flatten the battery at the worst time. Halfords’ 10W solar power battery maintainer is a simple, budget way to keep 12V batteries topped up using daylight. It’s designed to sit on the inside of your windscreen (or outside, as it’s robust enough) and trickle charge via the 12V socket or crocodile clips. Output through glass will be reduced, but for maintenance duties it’s usually enough to keep you starting first time.

Why we rate it

This is the “fit‑and‑forget” option in our portable solar charger UK picks for vehicles. It’s easy to place on the dash or windscreen, includes both a DC plug and battery clips, and is durable enough to live outside when parked. The trade‑offs are sensible for the price: there’s no built‑in status display, so if you want to verify charging you’ll need a multimeter, and while it can replenish larger batteries (boats, barges, trucks), think slow, steady replenishment rather than a rapid recovery from flat.

Key specs

A straightforward maintainer focused on reliability and ease of use.

Best use cases

Use it to prevent discharge, not as a jump‑start substitute.

• Stored vehicles: Classics, SORN cars or campervans parked for long periods.
• Daily drivers with drain: Offset tracker/alarm drains when street‑parked.
• Marine and commercial: Boats, barges and trucks between outings.
• Winter lay‑ups: Maintain charge through short days; outside placement improves harvest versus through glass.

Where to buy in the UK

Sold by Halfords online and in UK stores. If it’s unavailable, we can advise equivalent 10W maintainers or step‑up 12V kits through our Take a Hike UK recommendations.

Typical price

Frequently listed around £31 in the UK.

Notable alternatives

If you need faster recovery or broader versatility, consider:

• Osram BatteryCharge Solar 100W: Portable 12V kit with charge controller for meaningful recharging.
• Renogy 100W foldable suitcase: Rigid, stable legs for efficient 12V charging at base camp or moorings.
• Jackery SolarSaga 100W + power station: Harvest by day, run DC/USB/AC at night.
• Bluetti PV60F 60W: Compact panel to feed a power bank or small power station for mixed gadget charging.

11. Osram BatteryCharge Solar 100W portable kit

Need more than a trickle for a leisure battery or a camper that’s been sitting all winter? Osram’s BatteryCharge Solar 100W kit is a suitcase‑style panel that includes a proper 12V/10A charge controller, battery clips and even a USB‑A port for small gadgets. Picked by UK reviewers as a top option for 12V battery charging, it’s built to live outdoors (IP65), packs into a carry case and, crucially, has enough grunt to revive flat batteries rather than just maintain them—ideal for caravans, campervans, boats and off‑grid sheds.

Why we rate it

Unlike small maintainers, this is a true portable solar charger UK drivers can use for meaningful 12V charging. The integrated controller protects your battery and shows progress, while the aluminium frame and IP65 rating stand up to campsite weather. It’s not featherweight at 8kg, but the single‑fold design and case make it easy to move between van, mooring and garage.

• Real recharge power: 100W output can bring a dead 12V battery back to life, not just maintain.
• Safe and simple: Included 12V/10A charge controller prevents overcharge and indicates status.
• Built for outdoors: Robust aluminium frame, IP65 water/dirt resistance, protective carry case.
• Handy extra port: USB‑A on the controller for topping up a phone in a pinch.

Key specs

Best use cases

Set expectations for steady solar: angle to the sun, and let the controller manage the rest.

• Caravans and campervans: Daylight recharging of leisure or starter batteries at camp.
• Boats and barges: Maintain and replenish 12V banks between trips.
• Off‑grid sheds/garages: Keep a 12V system healthy for lights and pumps.
• Vehicle recovery: More effective than 5–10W maintainers for reviving low batteries.

Where to buy in the UK

Widely available via Osram/Ring Automotive’s UK store, specialist auto and generator retailers, and major marketplaces. You’ll also find it recommended in curated setups at Take a Hike UK, where we can advise on battery compatibility and cable runs.

Typical price

Frequently listed around £149 in the UK, reflecting the bundled controller and rugged build.

Notable alternatives

• Renogy 100W foldable suitcase: Rigid, stable legs and fast 12V charging at base camp.
• Jackery SolarSaga 100W: Lighter 100W panel to pair with a portable power station.
• Halfords 10W maintainer: Budget trickle option for parked vehicles.
• EcoFlow 110W portable panel: Weatherproof panel to feed a power station in mixed UK weather.
• Bluetti PV60F 60W: Compact panel for gadget charging and small power stations when weight matters.

12. Renogy 100W foldable suitcase panel

If you need a bomb‑proof 100W panel you can set up at base camp and forget, Renogy’s foldable suitcase is a favourite among vanlifers and long‑stay campers. Tested by GearLab as “The Best for RVs and Vanlife,” it’s praised for very efficient charging in both sunny and overcast conditions, a sturdy waterproof build and rock‑solid, fully adjustable legs. It’s heavier than fabric fold‑outs, but that rigidity and stability pay off when you want consistent harvest for 12V systems or a portable power station.

Why we rate it

This is the “no‑nonsense” option in the 100W class: rugged, weatherproof, and engineered to sit at the right angle all day. If you’re sizing a portable solar charger UK campers can rely on for longer stays, the Renogy prioritises output and stability over gram‑counting.

• Highly efficient in mixed weather: Keeps watts flowing in sun and under cloud.
• Sturdy, waterproof construction: Built to live outdoors without babying.
• Stable, fully adjustable legs: Easy to dial in the optimal tilt through the day.
• Honest trade‑offs: Often sold without a charging cable and notably heavy.

Key specs

Below are the headline traits called out in independent UK/US testing.

Best use cases

Think longer stays, bigger batteries and steadier power needs. The Renogy shines when you’ll actually sit still long enough to make the most of a rigid, well‑angled array.

• Vans, RVs and campervans: Daily harvesting for leisure batteries or a power station.
• Car‑camp base camps: Stable, fast 12V charging for lights, fridges and gadgets.
• Boats and barges at moorings: Reliable top‑ups between trips in changeable weather.
• Home/outage resilience: Park it in the garden to refill a portable power station by day.

Where to buy in the UK

You’ll typically find Renogy’s 100W suitcase via Amazon UK, specialist solar and caravan retailers, and seasonal marketplace listings. If you’d like a curated setup or advice on cables and pairing with batteries or power stations, Take a Hike UK can recommend and source equivalent rigid 100W suitcase options when this exact model isn’t in stock.

Typical price

Pricing varies by bundle and whether a cable or controller is included. GearLab cites a US street price around $180 for the panel; UK pricing fluctuates with stock and configuration, so check current offers and what’s in the box before you buy.

Notable alternatives

If weight, price or availability sway your choice, these fill a similar role:

• Jackery SolarSaga 100W: Lighter 100W with built‑in USB and DC; great for power stations.
• EcoFlow 110W portable panel: Waterproof blanket design; strong in mixed weather.
• Osram BatteryCharge Solar 100W kit: Includes a 12V/10A controller for direct battery charging.
• Allpowers SP012 100W: Ultra‑portable multi‑panel blanket if space is tight.
• Luvknit 100W Foldable: High value if you’re stretching budget for 100W performance.

Conclusion

Picking the right portable solar charger is mostly about matching power to the trip. Think 10–20W for hiking top‑ups, 28W when you’ve a couple of devices to feed, 60–110W for weekend camps and small power stations, and 100W suitcase kits when you need meaningful 12V recharging. A 10W maintainer is perfect for keeping a vehicle battery alive between drives.

For smooth, phone‑friendly charging under UK skies, harvest into a power bank first, then charge devices from that. Aim the panel square at the sun, adjust through the day, and avoid window glass where you can as it cuts output. Check weatherproofing, kickstand stability and what’s in the box (USB‑A/C, DC/MC4 and any controllers) before you buy.

If you’d like help sizing a panel or building a bundle that’s ready for your next trip, our team can recommend proven, UK‑available gear and like‑for‑like alternatives if stock is tight. Enjoy free delivery over £50, 12/6 support and 14‑day returns on unused items when you shop with Take a Hike UK. Power sorted—now plan the adventure.