Best Solar Panels for Automotive of 2025

Steven Taylor Avatar
Steven Taylor
Last Updated: Jan 4, 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Solar panels for automotive are an innovative and eco-friendly way to power vehicles. These panels are designed to convert sunlight into electricity, providing a sustainable source of power for cars, trucks, and other vehicles. They are typically installed on the roof or hood of the vehicle and work by harnessing the power of the sun to charge the battery. With the rise of electric and hybrid vehicles, solar panels have become an increasingly popular option for those who are looking to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on fuel costs. They are also a great way to extend the range of electric vehicles, making them a practical and efficient solution for everyday transportation needs.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

ECO-WORTHY 5W Solar Battery Charger Cover #TOP 1
ECO-WORTHY 5W Solar Battery Charger
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Renogy Flexible Solar Panel 100W 12V Cover #TOP 2
Renogy Flexible Solar Panel 100W 12V
ftb score rating icon 9.8
SUNER POWER 30W Solar Battery Charger Cover #TOP 3
SUNER POWER 30W Solar Battery Charger
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Solar Panels for Automotive

#TOP 1

ECO-WORTHY 5W Solar Battery Charger

US-L02EPN5BB18V-1N
Black
Upgraded 5W
ECO-WORTHY 5W Solar Battery Charger Cover
ECO-WORTHY Upgraded 5W Solar Car Battery & Trickle 12V Battery Maintainer Charger Monocrystalline Waterproof Solar Panel with Cigarette Lighter Plug & Alligator Clip for Car Boat Automotive RV

The ECO-WORTHY Solar Charger is designed to make maintaining your 12V batteries easy and efficient. With its upgraded intelligent charging system, it prevents overcharging and protects against short circuits, ensuring your battery lasts longer. You can leave it connected 24/7 without any maintenance, perfect for outdoor activities like camping or travel. The charge visualization feature keeps you informed of the charging status through indicator lights, making it simple to monitor progress. Plus, its portable design allows for easy use at home or on the go, providing greater power and efficiency compared to similar products.

What We Like
Intelligent charging protection
No maintenance needed
Charge status indicators
Portable and lightweight

Renogy Flexible Solar Panel 100W 12V

Flexible Solar Panel 100 Watt 12 Volt
Black & white
100W
Renogy Flexible Solar Panel 100W 12V Cover
Renogy Flexible Solar Panel 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Semi-Flexible Bendable Mono Off-Grid Charger for Marine RV Cabin Van Car Uneven Surfaces

The Renogy Flexible Solar Panel is an ultra-lightweight, extremely flexible, and highly durable solar panel that can be used on a variety of off-grid applications. It is made of advanced polymer materials, weighs 70% less than conventional solar panels, and is only a tenth of an inch tall when laid flat. This panel is rigorously tested to withstand extreme wind and snow loads of up to 2400 Pa and 5400 Pa respectively. The Renogy Flexible Solar Panel is ideal for mounting on curved surfaces and can be used for marine, rooftop, RV, and boat applications.

What We Like
Ultra-lightweight
Extremely flexible
Highly durable
#TOP 3

SUNER POWER 30W Solar Battery Charger

BC-30W-PB Ultra
BC-30W-PB Ultra
SUNER POWER 30W Solar Battery Charger Cover
SUNER POWER Waterproof 30W 12V Solar Battery Charger & Maintainer PRO, Built-in UltraSmart MPPT Charge Controller, 12 Volt Solar Panel Trickle Charging Kits for Car Automotive Boat Marine RV Trailer

The SUNER POWER Solar Charger is designed to enhance your battery charging experience. With its Ultra-Smart MPPT technology, it maximizes energy efficiency, ensuring you get the most out of sunlight. The improved three-stage charging system effectively charges your 12-volt battery and prolongs its lifespan, while the automatic maintenance feature means you can set it and forget it. You'll appreciate the visual charge level indicators that help you easily monitor your battery’s status, ensuring you stay informed without any hassle.

What We Like
High efficiency charging
Automatic maintenance
Visual charge indicators
Multiple battery compatibility
#TOP 4

ACOPOWER Solar Panel 5 Watt

HY-005-Mono
Mono
ACOPOWER Solar Panel 5 Watt Cover
5W-Solar-Battery-Trickle-Charger-Maintainer 12V-Solar-Panel -Charger Waterproof Built-in Blocking Diode Small Solar Panels for Car, Automotive, Motorcycle, Boat, Marine, RV,Trailer, Truck, etc.

The ACOPOWER 5W Solar Panel is a high-efficiency module that provides up to 5W power, making it perfect for battery charging in off-grid solar panel systems. It is a basic component for various applications such as caravans, RVs, cars, boats, greenhouses, solar lights, and solar pumps. With its fast and easy installation, thanks to the pre-drilled holes and long 90cm cable with quick connectors, you can start harnessing solar energy in no time. The panel is built to withstand high wind and snow loads, thanks to its lightweight anodized aluminum frame and reinforced safety glass. Additionally, the waterproof junction box and anti-reflection coated glass ensure long-lasting performance. With a warranty of 5 years for material and workmanship and 25 years for power output, the ACOPOWER 5W Solar Panel is a reliable and durable choice for your solar needs.

What We Like
High conversion efficiency
Fast and easy installation
Durable and long-lasting

SOLPERK 20W Solar Panel Kit

FD-EP-230201-1688
SOLPERK 20W Solar Panel Kit Cover
SOLPERK Solar Panel Kit 20W 12V, Solar Battery Trickle Charger Maintainer + Upgrade Controller + Adjustable Mount Bracket for Boat Car RV Motorcycle Marine Automotive

The SOLPERK 20W Solar Panel Kit is an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable and efficient solar panel system. It features a 20W upgraded solar module with a high conversion efficiency, a 2022 upgraded intelligent maintenance controller, and a 360-degree adjustable mounting bracket. It is suitable for a variety of applications, including RV, car, boat, marine, camper, lawnmower, and more. The kit includes a solar panel, a solar charger regulator controller, two alligator clips, an SAE extension cable, and a set of mounting pieces.

What We Like
Reliable and efficient
Responsive seller
Easy setup and installation
Works well in various weather conditions
Durable construction
#TOP 6

SUNER POWER 50W Solar Panel Kit

SP-50W-M PRO
Gray
SUNER POWER 50W Solar Panel Kit Cover
SUNER POWER 12V Solar Panel Kit 50W, High Efficiency 50 Watt Solar Panel + Ultra-Smart 10A MPPT Charge Controller, Solar Battery Trickle Charger Maintainer for Boat Car RV Motorcycle Marine Automotive

The SUNER POWER Solar Panel Kit offers advanced features for efficient energy management. With its Ultra-Smart MPPT technology, you can enjoy superior energy tracking and higher conversion rates, making your solar power system more effective. The improved 3-stage charging ensures your 12-volt battery is charged safely and extends its lifespan. Full safety protections guard against common issues like overcharging and short circuits, giving you peace of mind. Plus, the three battery modes allow you to charge various battery types, making this kit versatile for all your solar needs.

What We Like
High energy conversion efficiency
Safe battery charging
Versatile battery compatibility
Advanced safety features
#TOP 7

SUNER POWER 30W Solar Charger

BC-30W-Ultra
BC-30W-P
SUNER POWER 30W Solar Charger Cover
SUNER POWER 30W 12V Solar Battery Charger Maintainer, Built-in Smart MPPT Charge Controller, Adjustable Mount Bracket, Waterproof 30 Watt Solar Panel Kits for Car Automotive Boat Marine RV Trailer

The SUNER POWER Solar Charger is designed to enhance your battery charging experience. With its advanced MPPT technology, it efficiently converts solar energy, ensuring you get the most out of your solar panel. The improved three-stage charging process is tailored to recharge your 12-volt battery effectively, maximizing its lifespan. You’ll appreciate the maintenance-free operation, as the charger automatically stops when the battery is full and resumes when needed. Plus, with built-in safety protections, your battery is safeguarded against overcharging and other risks, giving you peace of mind.

What We Like
High charging efficiency
Maintenance-free operation
Multiple safety protections
Wide compatibility

Topsolar Solar Panel Kit 20W

TOPSPM
White
Topsolar Solar Panel Kit 20W Cover
Topsolar Solar Panel Kit 20W 12V Monocrystalline with 10A Solar Charge Controller + Extension Cable with Battery Clips O-Ring Terminal for RV Marine Boat Off Grid System

Topsolar Solar Panel Kit 20W is perfect for maintaining 12 volt batteries in car, RVs, cabins, boats, marine, battery operated gates, back-up power and remote power use. This solar panel kit includes a 20 watts solar panel, 12V/24V solar charger regulator controller and two 6.5ft cable with alligator clips and O-ring terminal for battery charging connection. With the 10A solar charger controller, it can prevent the battery from overcharging, overvoltage, discharge and short circuit, and reversed polarity protection provides full protection to the battery. The small size and lightweight design make it easy to carry for camping or other outdoor activities. The pre-drilled holes on the back of panels make it easy to install and secure. The strong tempered glass and aluminum frame provide durability.

What We Like
Easy to install and secure
Prevents battery overcharging and short circuit
Lightweight and portable

ECO-WORTHY 25W Solar Panel Kit with Charge Controller and Mount Bracket

L02M25X-CBW-1
Black
ECO-WORTHY 25W Solar Panel Kit with Charge Controller and Mount Bracket Cover
ECO-WORTHY 25 Watts 12V Off Grid Solar Panel SAE Connector Kit: Waterproof 25W Solar Panel + Adjustable Mount Bracket + SAE Connection Cable +10A Charge Controller for Car RV Marine Boat 12V Battery

The ECO-WORTHY Portable Solar Panel Kit is a durable and efficient off-grid solar kit for charging and maintaining 12V batteries. Its 25W solar panel produces 100Wh of electricity in full sunlight and is equipped with monocrystalline cells for high conversion efficiency. The included 10A PWM charge controller prevents battery overcharging, over-discharging, over-voltage, short circuit, and reverse current issues. The kit also comes with a 360° adjustable mount for better sunlight reception and is waterproof for outdoor and winter use.

What We Like
Durable and efficient off-grid solar kit
Equipped with 10A PWM charge controller to prevent battery issues
360° adjustable mount for better sunlight reception
#TOP 10

Generic Solar Panel Car Heater

Generic
MKF6EA905L6DO2MTKLZK
Generic Solar Panel Car Heater Cover
Solar Panel Car Heater,30W Winter Poultry Warmer Coop Heater Car Defroster Winter Portable Car Heater Defroster, Solar Power Kit for Drying and Heating Car Demister for Small Vehicles

The Generic Solar Car Heater is designed for easy use, making your outdoor activities more enjoyable. Whether you're camping, skiing, or on a road trip, this heater provides essential warmth. Built from durable materials, it's resistant to harsh weather, ensuring reliable heating when you need it most. Its portable design means you can effortlessly bring it along on your adventures. Additionally, this versatile heater can power various devices like fans and cell phones, keeping your gadgets charged while you stay warm in the cold.

What We Like
Easy to use
Durable materials
Portable design
Versatile charging options
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can solar panels be used for cars?

Solar panels can be used in cars, but typically in limited capacities. For example, some vehicles may have a small solar panel on the roof to charge the engine's starter motor, or to power a small fan to keep the interior cool. However, these solar panels are not powerful enough to fully power a car.

2. How big of a solar panel do I need for a car?

The size of the solar panel needed for a car depends on your charging needs. On average, a driver travels about 39 miles per day, which requires approximately 12 kWh of electricity. To meet this demand, you would need around 12 standard-efficiency solar panels.

3. Are solar panels on cars worth it?

Solar panels on cars have limitations. While each solar cell can generate energy, only some cells will receive full sun at any given time due to the car's design. This limits the overall power output. As a result, the effectiveness of solar panels on cars is limited, and their contribution to powering the vehicle is minimal.

4. How can a car run on solar power?

A solar-powered car converts energy from the sun into electricity, which is then used to power the car's motor. The electricity is stored in a battery, which provides the necessary power for the motor. Some solar cars may skip the battery and directly power an electric motor with the solar energy.

5. What will a 100 solar panel run?

A 100-Watt solar panel can power small devices such as cell phones, lamps, ceiling fans, routers, laptops, and other similar devices. However, larger appliances like heaters, TVs, air conditioning systems, and others require more than one 100-Watt solar panel.

6. Why do Tesla's not have solar panels?

Tesla cars do not have solar panels due to space limitations. There isn't enough space on the car's surface to install a large enough solar collection system to make a significant contribution to charging the battery. Therefore, Tesla focuses on other technologies and methods to extend the range and efficiency of their electric vehicles.

7. How many miles can a solar powered car go?

A solar-powered car can have a range of up to 400 miles with built-in solar cells. These solar cells can provide about 40 miles of travel per day. However, it's important to note that the range and performance of solar-powered cars can vary, and further advancements and funding are needed to make them more widely available.

Editor's Notes

During our solar panel for automotive research, we found 24 solar panel for automotive products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 52,300 customer reviews through our big data system to write the solar panels for automotive list. We found that most customers choose solar panels for automotive with an average price of $43.22.

The solar panels for automotive are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of solar panels for automotive, including ECO-WORTHY, Renogy, SUNER POWER, ACOPOWER, SOLPERK. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Steven Taylor Avatar

Steven Taylor grew up in a small town called Beaufort in South Carolina and his passion for building and woodworking has led him to master the latest garden gadgets. He always holds every chance to patch up or sand down his beloved garden. There are various novel technologies in his articles.