Portable Solar Panels in South Africa: Free Supplier Quotes
Free quotes from solar suppliers and installers across South Africa. One request, no obligation.
Portable solar panels fold up for the boot, the caravan or the bush, and give you power where there is no plug. SolarPanel.co.za is a free quote service. You send one request and we pass it to independent suppliers in your area, who quote you directly. We do not sell, supply or install anything ourselves. There is no fee and no obligation, so you can compare options before you buy, and also see what each supplier includes in the box.
Types of portable solar panels
Portable panels come in a few forms, and the right one depends on how you travel and what you want to charge.
- Foldable panels: hinged glass or fabric-backed panels with a carry handle. Common in 100W, 200W and larger sizes.
- Rigid portable panels: a single framed panel for roof racks, caravans and boats.
- Blanket-style panels: light, flexible and easy to pack, but usually less efficient and less durable.
Most connect to a portable power station or a charge controller and battery. Our page on portable power stations covers that side.
12V solar panels, voltage and connectors
Many small portable panels are described as 12V. This usually refers to the battery they are meant to charge, not the voltage the panel actually produces, which is higher in open sunlight. Between the panel and the battery there should be a charge controller, which protects the battery from overcharging. Panels meant for power stations often have a controller built into the station.
Check the connector type, as MC4, Anderson and DC barrel plugs are all used. Adapters exist, but a matching connection is better. See solar charge controllers for the options.
How much power do you really get?
A 100W panel does not give 100W all day. Output depends on sun angle, cloud, heat and dust. In good conditions you might get a useful part of the rating for several hours, so a larger panel is often a better choice than stacking small ones. Work out what you want to run, such as a fridge, lights, phones or a laptop, then ask suppliers what panel and storage size they advise.
Keep panels clean, angle them toward the sun and re-angle them through the day, and avoid shade from a single branch or camping chair, which can cut output sharply.
What to look for and what affects the price
Beyond the wattage, prices depend on build quality and extras. Compare these when you request quotes.
- Cell type and efficiency.
- Weight, folded size and carry handle or case.
- Weather resistance and the strength of the stand.
- Cable length and connector types.
- Included controller, if any, and warranty terms.
We never give prices, but suppliers will quote you directly for what suits your trips.
What to include in your request
- List the devices you want to charge
- Say if you will use a power station or battery
- Give your preferred panel size
- Mention vehicle, caravan or camp use
- Ask which connectors are included
Portable Solar Panels at different properties
- Family homes: a foldable panel for load-shedding phone, router and light charging, packed away when not needed
- Estate homes: a compact panel and power station for balcony or garden use, quiet and easy to store
- Townhouses and flats: a portable option where a fixed roof array is not allowed, placed on a balcony or patio
- Farms, smallholdings and lodges: foldable panels for fence energisers, bakkie batteries and remote tools far from any socket
- Shops, offices and schools: portable panels for market stalls, mobile workshops and site offices without a reliable supply
- Factories and warehouses: portable panels for site equipment, trailers and backup charging for tools and radios
Frequently asked questions
Does SolarPanel.co.za sell portable solar panels?
What size portable solar panel do I need for camping?
Can I run a portable panel straight into a battery?
Are portable solar panels waterproof?
Portable Solar Panels by province and city
- Johannesburg
- Pretoria
- Centurion
- Midrand
- Sandton
- Randburg
- Roodepoort
- Krugersdorp
- Randfontein
- Germiston
- Boksburg
- Benoni
- Kempton Park
- Alberton
- Vanderbijlpark
- Vereeniging
- eMalahleni (Witbank)
- Middelburg
- Secunda
- Mbombela (Nelspruit)
- Rustenburg
- Brits
- Klerksdorp
- Potchefstroom
- Polokwane
- Tzaneen
- Lephalale
- Kimberley
- Kathu
- Upington
- Bloemfontein
- Welkom
- Sasolburg
- Durban
- Pinetown
- Pietermaritzburg
- Richards Bay
- Newcastle
- Ladysmith
- Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
- East London
- Kariega (Uitenhage)
- Cape Town
- Bellville
- Paarl
- Stellenbosch
- George
- Worcester
More solar products and services
Solar panels & mounting
Solar power systems
Inverters & batteries
Solar geysers & pool heating
Solar pumps & lights
Get free solar quotes
Tell us what you need and where. An installer or supplier who works in your area quotes you directly. Free, no obligation.
Size it roughly (optional)
Tick what must keep running when the power is off. The estimate goes into your request so installers can quote closer to what you need.
5.0 kWh per kWp a day
Tick a few loads or enter your monthly units to see a size.
A rough guide only. An installer confirms the size after looking at your bill, roof and distribution board.