Solar panels and accessories for charging portable power stations, running caravans and cabins, and building small home solar systems. Our range includes rigid and foldable panels from brands such as Qoltec, EcoFlow, Trina Solar and ALLPOWERS, plus related products from several other makers.
How to choose solar panels and accessories
Decide where the panel will be used. Foldable panels with a carry handle suit camping, boats and keeping a power station topped up. Rigid glass modules are made for fixed mounting on a roof, shed or ground frame, and they cope with years of weather better.
Match the wattage to your battery and daily use. Add up what you want to run in watt-hours per day, then remember that a panel rarely delivers its rated output. A 100 W panel might add a few hundred watt-hours on a good sunny day, so larger systems need several panels or a higher-rated module.
Check voltage and connectors. Portable power stations accept a limited input voltage range, and the panel must stay within it. Common connectors include MC4, XT60, Anderson and DC barrel plugs, so check what the station uses and whether an adapter cable is needed.
Look at panel technology and build. Monocrystalline cells generally give more power from a smaller area than older polycrystalline cells, which matters when roof or luggage space is limited. For outdoor use, check the frame, the glass or fabric surface and the protection rating against rain and dust.
Plan the extras. Fixed systems usually need a charge controller, extension cables, mounting brackets and sometimes an inverter. Buying cables with the correct cross-section for the distance keeps power losses down.
Brands we carry
- Qoltec: a European brand of power accessories, with solar products that suit small domestic and hobby installations.
- EcoFlow: known for portable power stations and matching foldable solar panels that plug in directly.
- Trina Solar: one of the world's largest manufacturers of photovoltaic modules, mainly for fixed home and commercial installations.
- ALLPOWERS and Vtoman: makers of portable power stations and foldable panels for camping, vans and backup use.
- Anker: a charging specialist that also builds portable power stations and solar charging gear.
- LONGi: a major producer of monocrystalline solar modules.
- Reolink: best known for security cameras, with solar panels designed to keep wireless cameras powered.
Also in our range: Fossibot, GCL and Sandberg.
Solar panels and accessories FAQ
How many watts of solar panel do I need?
It depends on how much energy you use per day and how many hours of good sun you get. Divide your daily watt-hours by the usable sun hours, then add a margin for losses. For topping up a small power station, 100 to 200 W is a common starting point, while a household system needs considerably more.
Can I connect any solar panel to a portable power station?
No, the panel must fit the station's input voltage and current limits and use a compatible connector. Many stations list a maximum solar input in volts and watts, and exceeding the voltage can cause the charging to fail or damage the unit. Adapter cables solve connector differences but not voltage mismatches.
Do solar panels work on cloudy days?
Yes, but they produce much less, often only a fraction of their rated output. Light cloud reduces power moderately, while heavy overcast can cut it sharply. Angling the panel towards the sun and avoiding shade on even part of the panel makes a noticeable difference.
What is the difference between foldable and rigid solar panels?
Foldable panels are lightweight, easy to carry and can be set up in minutes, but they usually suit temporary use. Rigid panels with an aluminium frame and glass front are heavier and meant to be mounted permanently. They tend to last longer outdoors and are the usual choice for roofs and fixed installations.
