1) Which power to choose: 60/100/120/160/200 W

• 60–80 W : hiking/bivouac, maintenance of a 200–300 Wh mini-station , slow but regular charging of 10k–20k power banks & smartphones/tablets via USB.
• 100–120 W : portable sweet spot . Good weight/production balance for 300–512 Wh stations . Allows you to make up for a day of moderate use in 4–6 hours of good sun.
• 160–200 W : Van/basecamp or home backup. Suitable for 512–700 Wh stations (or even more in favorable weather), reduced charging times and better cloud tolerance.
• Simple rule : aim for ~0.3 to 0.5 C of solar power compared to the capacity (Wh) of your station for comfortable charging over a day (e.g. 512 Wh → 160–200 W).

Choose by power (60→200 W)

2) Actual performance: sun, angle, shade & heat

• Irradiation : The actual power of a 100W foldable panel is often 70–85W in full sunlight, less if there are clouds/haze.
• Angle : Orients the panel perpendicular to the sun. Built-in kickstands provide a useful 25–45°; a tripod allows for all-day adjustment.
• Shading : A small shadow (branch, antenna) can cause a drop in production due to the cell strings (even with bypass diodes). Avoid any partial shading.
• Temperature : the hotter it is, the lower the voltage (thermal coefficient). Ventilates the panel; avoids sticking to a hot surface.
• Glazing : behind a window, massive losses. Always better product outside .

3) MPPT integrated into stations: why it is decisive

• MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking): The controller optimizes the panel voltage/current in real time to recover up to 15–30% more energy than a simple PWM, especially in variable weather.
• Most modern power stations (300–1000 W) incorporate an MPPT. Connect the panel directly to the dedicated solar input (voltage range respected).
• If your power bank doesn't have a dedicated solar input, use a panel with integrated USB-A/USB-C outputs (5–20V) to charge your phone/tablet/power bank without going through the station.
• Tip : an internal MPPT + well-oriented panel > “large poorly oriented panel”.

Power stations with MPPT | MPPT compatible panels

4) Connectors & polarities: MC4 , DC, Anderson, USB-C

• MC4 : solar standard (outdoor). Robust, waterproof, ideal for extension cords & series/parallel.
• DC 5521/5525/7909 : Common round outlets on folding panels (adapter kits provided). Check polarity (+center most often).
• Anderson/XT60 : present on some stations; very good for strong currents.
• USB-A/USB-C on the panel: practical for phone/power bank without station (5V/9V/12V, sometimes PD 18–45 W depending on models).
• Adapters : Use quality short adapters to convert MC4→DC/Anderson/XT60 and avoid losses/haphazard Meccanos.

5) Voltage & current: Voc , Vmp , Imp & series/parallel

• Voc (open-circuit voltage): maximum panel voltage without load. Your station specifies an input range (e.g., 12–28V, 12–30V, etc.). Never exceed it.
• Vmp/Imp : voltage/current at max power point. A typical 100W is around Vmp ~18–20V , Imp ~5–6A .
• Series = addition of voltages (V), same current. Parallel = same voltage, currents add together. Do not do series if the total Voc may exceed the station's MPPT input.
• Simple advice : for portable foldable panels, stick to a single 120–200 W panel or in parallel with a suitable cable if the station accepts more amps.

6) Cables, voltage drops & sections (AWG)

• Length : The longer the cable, the more you lose (voltage drop). Keep it short (3–5 m) and only add more if necessary.
• Cross-section : Aim for 16–14 AWG for 5–10A (100–200W at ~18–20V) to limit losses and heating.
• Quality : UV/outdoor solar cables, tight MC4 connectors (click). Avoids questionable Y-connectors.
• Routing : No cable pinching in the door; uses cable grommets/cable clips.

7) Field assembly: tripod, kickstands, wind & rain

• Built-in kickstands : fast, stable on grass/flat ground.
• Tripod : Best angle adjustment, follows the sun (morning/noon/afternoon).
• Wind : ballasted with pegs/bags, light shrouds. Avoid exposing the sail to the wind.
• Rain : Many foldable panels are splash resistant (ETFE/PET), but the connectors/ports must remain dry.
• Cleaning : A simple soft cloth improves production (dust/salt). No solvents.

8) Compatibility: energy stations & power banks

• Power stations : direct connection panel→station solar input (via MC4/DC/Anderson depending on model). The internal MPPT takes care of the rest.
• Power banks : two options:
  • Panel with integrated USB-A/USB-C → direct charging of power bank/phone.
  • MC4/DC panel → dedicated USB-C controller (if you want PD), but the simplest remains a “with ports” panel.
• Priority order (field): recharges the station first (tank), then power banks via USB-C from the station if needed.

60–100W USB-C Compatible Docks |10k/20k/30k power banks

9) Ready scenarios

10) Sizing tables (order of magnitude)

10.1 Estimated daily production (full sun)

10.2 Indicative charging time of a station

Notes : Values ​​at optimal angle/sunlight, efficient MPPT, short cables. Clouds/shade = longer times.

11) Express shopping checklist

1. Power : 60–80 W (ultralight), 100–120 W (nomad), 160–200 W (van/base).
2. MPPT compatibility : check your station's input range (max voltage).
3. Connectors : MC4 + DC/Anderson/XT60 adapter kit depending on your station.
4. Angle : kickstands/tripod to follow the sun.
5. Cables : short & thick (16–14 AWG). Avoid thin extension cords.
6. Shading : Place it away from any shade (even partial).
7. Envelope : Durable ETFE/PET, pockets for connectors, sturdy handle.
8. Built-in USB : useful if you want to charge your phone/power bank directly .
9. Transport : weight/folded size, cover, waterproof.

12) LymobileShop Selection (60→200 W)

13) FAQ folding panels

14) Trust & Services LymobileShop

• Delivery : free in France, fast shipping.
• Payment : secure, several methods to choose from.
• After-sales service : team in France, panel + station sizing according to your use.
• Returns & Warranty : 14 days to change your mind, 2 year warranty .

See all our folding panels | See all our energy stations