If you’re looking for an affordable, easy way to harness solar energy, small solar panels are a perfect solution. These compact systems are ideal for powering outdoor lights, sheds, camping gear, and small appliances. They’re easy to use, beginner-friendly, and available in various sizes and kits to suit different needs.
Whether you need a solar panel for your garden lights, want to take portable power on a camping trip, or are trying to power a small off-grid setup, this guide is for you. Let’s explore everything you need to know about sunpower solar panels—how they work, how to choose the right one, costs, and how they’re installed.
What Are Small Panels?
A Simple Definition
Small solar panels are solar energy devices that produce between 5 to 200 watts of electricity. Unlike full-sized rooftop systems, these panels are designed for smaller applications like charging gadgets, powering lights, or running small devices in sheds, boats, or campsites.
They are available in various styles, such as:
- Rigid panels for sheds and rooftops
- Foldable panels for travel
- Flexible panels for curved or portable surfaces
- solar panels Kits with built-in batteries and controllers
Why People Choose Small Solar
Compact Power, Anywhere
One of the biggest advantages of small panels is portability. You can use them almost anywhere—the backyard, a camping site, or your shed roof. They’re easy to install and don’t need major tools or professional help.
Affordable and Easy to Start
For those new to solar energy, small solar panel kits offer a great introduction. They’re more affordable than full-size systems and usually come with everything you need: the panel, battery, and charge controller.
Energy Savings and Emergency Use
Over time, these panels can help lower your power bills—especially when used for lights, fans, or charging. They’re also great backup options during power cuts, as many include battery storage.
Types of Small Solar Panels
Small Panels for Home
Perfect for outdoor areas, garden lights, security cameras, or even powering a shed. You can install them on rooftops or poles in your yard.
Small Solar for Camping
Lightweight and often foldable, small portable solar panels are ideal for charging phones, running LED lights, or powering GPS devices while outdoors.
Small Solar Panel with Battery
These setups store energy for use when the sun isn’t shining. They’re common in small solar panel kits and are ideal for off-grid or night use.
Flexible Small Panels
Thin and bendable, small flexible solar panels are made for curved or irregular surfaces like RVs, boats, and tents.
What Can You Power with Small Solar Panels?
Here’s a look at common uses:
- Garden and pathway lights
- Sheds and garages (for fans or lighting)
- Camping gear like lanterns, GPS, and phones
- Outdoor security systems
- Emergency backup for small devices
With small panels for lights, you can run garden lighting all year without paying for electricity. That’s both green and smart!
Real-Life Example: Jason’s Shed Setup
Jason lives in a rural area and wanted light and a fan in his storage shed. Instead of running electrical wiring from his house, he installed:
- A 100W small solar panel
- A 20Ah battery with a charge controller
- Two 12V LED lights
- One small 12V fan
His small solar panel installation cost about $180, took one afternoon, and now powers the shed for free. It charges during the day and gives him 6–8 hours of use every night.
How to Choose the Best Small Solar Panels
Know Your Power Needs
What are you trying to power? Add up the wattage of your devices. If you plan to run a light (10W) and a fan (30W) for 4 hours a day, that’s:
bash
CopyEdit
(10W + 30W) × 4 hours = 160Wh/day
Choose a panel that can generate this much power daily, depending on how many hours of sunlight you get.
Panel Efficiency and Durability
Look for monocrystalline panels—they offer better efficiency. Weatherproof panels with sturdy frames are great for outdoor or rooftop use.
Battery and Controller
If you plan to use power at night or during cloudy days, get a system with a battery and a charge controller. These help store and manage energy efficiently.
What Do Small Solar Panels Cost?
Average Prices by Wattage
| Wattage | Panel Only | Kit (w/ Battery) |
| 20W | $20–$40 | $60–$100 |
| 50W | $40–$80 | $100–$180 |
| 100W | $80–$120 | $150–$250 |
| 200W | $130–$200 | $250–$400 |
Small solar panel price varies by brand, build quality, and accessories included.
How to Install a Small Solar Panel
- Choose your location: Find a sunny, south-facing area (in the northern hemisphere).
- Mount the panel: Use brackets for rooftops or poles.
- Connect to charge controller: This protects your battery from overcharging.
- Connect battery and load: Power your devices from the battery, not directly from the panel.
Installation is often DIY-friendly, especially with kits.
Advantages of Small Solar Panel Kits
- All parts included—just plug and go
- Great for beginners
- Lower total cost than buying items separately
- Often include USB ports or adapters for device charging
- Easy to scale or move
Disadvantages and Limitations
- Lower wattage—not for large appliances
- Sunlight dependent
- Limited battery storage
- Not meant for whole-house use
That said, they’re perfect for targeted use—shed lighting, camping power, or garden setups.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best small solar panel for camping?
Look for foldable, waterproof 60–100W panels. Jackery and Goal Zero offer quality options.
Can I use small solar panel at home?
Yes! Use them for lights, fans, or as backup during outages.
How long do small panels last?
Typically 20–25 years for panels; batteries may need replacement every 3–7 years.
Are small solar good for sheds?
Absolutely! A 50–100W system can light a shed, run a fan, or charge small tools.
What’s the cost of small solar panel kits?
Expect to pay $100–$300 depending on size and if batteries are included.
Conclusion
This solar panels offer a smart, low-cost way to enjoy clean energy. They’re great for sheds, gardens, camping trips, and small off-grid systems. With options like small solar panels with battery storage, portable solar kits, and even flexible solar panels, there’s a setup for every need and budget.
They may not run your whole home—but for smaller tasks, they work perfectly and save money. And with so many easy-to-use kits, going solar has never been simpler.
