If you regularly travel with a motorhome and sometimes camp off-grid for longer periods, you've probably realized how important a reliable energy source is. But what if there isn't enough roof space or you want to stay flexible? That's exactly why we decided to get a foldable solar panel. While it's not a cheap investment, it can prove very useful in the long run. After 8 months of intensive use during our full-time travels, we can confidently say we don't regret the investment.
A foldable solar panel is the perfect solution for campers who want to combine flexibility with performance. Read our experience report to learn everything you need to know about the pros and cons, installation, and usage.
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What is a foldable solar panel?
A foldable solar bag* or foldable solar module consists of several lightweight solar panels that are unfolded for use and aligned with the sun. After use, it is folded up again and stored in the vehicle. Solar bags are available in different sizes and wattages, similar to fixed solar modules.
What are the pros and cons of a foldable solar panel?
| Advantages of a foldable solar panel | Disadvantages of a foldable solar panel |
| + No installation required, the modules are easy to set up. | – Higher price compared to fixed solar modules. |
| Can be oriented toward the sun , allowing for higher energy yield in the morning and evening. | – Requires storage space inside the camper. |
| + Saves space on the camper roof, which is often crucial for smaller vehicles. | Needs to be set up before use, which takes time. |
| + No drilling into the roof required. | Increased risk of theftwhen the panel is set up outside. |
| – Prone to wind; often can only be placed flat on the ground. | |
| – Not waterproof, can withstand at most a shower, must be brought inside the vehicle during rain (depending on the model). |
Connection of the foldable solar panel
Connecting a foldable solar module* is uncomplicated. In addition to the module, you will need a suitable charge controller to optimally charge the battery. Make sure that the controller matches both your module and your battery type. We recommend using an MPPT controller, as it works more efficiently than a PWM controller and charges the battery faster and more effectively. We use the Victron Smartsolar 100/20 for our foldable solar module. You can calculate which controller is suitable for your module using the MPPT size calculator When connecting the charge controller, positive and negative cables must be routed to the battery. The controller should be as close to the battery as possible to avoid voltage drops. The connection to the solar bag is made via Anderson connectors, which allow for a secure and easy connection.
Our foldable solar panel
We opted for the FSP-2 225W Ultra foldable solar module* from Offgridtec. This combines the optimum of performance (24% efficiency, 225 watts) and size for us. This panel already includes a cable with an Anderson connector. The cable is 6 meters long, which is long enough to flexibly align the module according to the sun's position. In addition, a second 0.5 m connecting cable was supplied, which must be screwed directly to the solar input of the charge controller and is also equipped with an Anderson connector on the other side. Thanks to the Andersson plug connection, the module can be easily connected at any time. Our module is set up and connected in 2 minutes.
For connecting the charge controller to the battery, a 1-meter cable was also included, which was equipped with crocodile clips on the battery side. These fit most common battery terminals. The battery cable also came with a blade fuse and the corresponding ATO fuse.
Important Note: When connecting the cables to the charge controller, the solar panel should not already be connected to the cable while it is in the sun and producing electricity. This could cause damage.
Two charge controllers for one battery?
If you want to operate permanently installed solar modules and an additional foldable module simultaneously, using two charge controllers* is the simplest solution. In contrast to several permanently installed modules, which are connected in series or parallel, it makes sense for a flexible module to control it independently. Two charge controllers prevent power losses and inefficient charging. Both controllers can communicate with each other via the Victron app in a virtual network. This allows charging processes to be optimized and ensures that the battery is always charged in the best possible way, based on the respective conditions of the solar modules. We have installed the Victron Smartsolar MPPT 75/15* for the permanently installed modules and the Victron Smartsolar 100/20* for the foldable module. You can find more information in our article Solar system in the camper.
Conclusion: Is it worth investing in a foldable solar panel?
For us, the answer is a clear yes. Since we work on the go and sometimes need to use 2 laptops and Starlink on certain days, the limited space on the roof is not enough to collect enough solar energy. Thanks to the additional foldable module*, we can charge our battery sufficiently without having to rely on driving between workdays.
