Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panels

How much electricity can a portable solar panel produce per day?

The amount of electricity a portable solar panel can produce each day depends on several factors: its rated power (in watts), the duration of sunlight exposure, the panel's orientation, and actual usage conditions.

Assuming the region receives an average of 5 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day under good conditions, here is the theoretical output of different AFERIY solar panel models, along with estimated real-world performance after accounting for typical losses of 10% to 25%:

The large AF-S400A1 model (400W, foldable) can produce over 2000 Wh/day in theory, which translates to around 1500 to 1800 Wh/day in real conditions.

The AF-S200A1 (200W, foldable) delivers 1000 to 1200 Wh/day theoretically, and approximately 750 to 1080 Wh/day in usable output.

The AF-SG120 (120W, rigid) can generate between 600 and 720 Wh/day, with real output estimated at 450 to 650 Wh/day.

The AF-S100A1 (100W, foldable) offers a theoretical output of 500 to 600 Wh/day, which corresponds to about 375 to 540 Wh/day after losses.

These estimates take into account typical losses due to energy conversion (MPPT or PWM charge controllers), battery charging efficiency, ambient temperature, dust, shading, and cable quality. These factors can reduce effective performance by up to 25%.

All AFERIY portable solar panels are designed for versatile outdoor use — whether for camping, van life, remote sites, or home emergency backup.

The AF-S100A1, AF-S200A1, and AF-S400A1 models are compact, foldable solar panels that are easy to transport.

The AF-SG120, on the other hand, is a rigid solar panel, ideal for fixed or semi-permanent installations.

What is the maximum solar input power and voltage for a portable solar panel?

The AFERIY AF-S100A1 portable solar panel delivers a maximum power output of 100 watts. Its optimal operating voltage (Vmp) is 19.8 volts. While the open-circuit voltage (Voc) is not precisely specified, it typically ranges between 22 and 24 volts for this type of portable solar panel.

The AF-SG120 is a portable solar panel that provides up to 120 watts of power. Its maximum operating voltage is 18.9 volts, and its open-circuit voltage can reach around 21.6 volts.

The AFERIY AF‑S200A1 portable solar panel offers a maximum power output of 200 watts. Its optimal voltage (Vmp) is 21.5 volts, with an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 26.5 volts.

The AFERIY AF‑S400A1 portable solar panel delivers an impressive 400 watts of power. It operates at 26.4 volts (Vmp) and has an open-circuit voltage of 32 volts.

Can a solar panel be installed on a roof? What are the other possible installation options?

Yes, it is absolutely possible to install a portable solar panel on a roof. Our AFERIY AF‑S100A1, AF‑S200A1, and AF‑S400A1 models are foldable and lightweight solar panels designed for flexible use. They do not require permanent installation—you can simply set them up on a flat roof, balcony, RV, garden, or any outdoor area. Thanks to their foldable design and simple connectivity, they are ideal for quickly recharging your portable power station with ease and without tools.

These foldable solar panels are perfect for short-term or mobile use, especially during travel, camping, or as a backup power solution for the home.

If you are considering a long-term fixed solar installation—whether on a vehicle roof, house roof, terrace, or balcony—we recommend our AF‑SG120 120W rigid solar panel. Equipped with mounting holes, this model is specifically designed for secure installation on stable surfaces such as house rooftops, camper van roofs, balconies, or other durable outdoor structures. It is an excellent choice for extended use and is fully compatible with a wide range of portable power stations.

Which power station models are compatible with each solar panel?

AFERIY AF‑S100A1 (100 watts) is a highly flexible foldable solar panel. It can be used alone with the Nano100 power station or in a single or double setup connected in series or parallel with the AF‑P010 power station.

AFERIY AF‑SG120 (120 watts) is a rigid solar panel designed for fixed installations, featuring excellent protection (IP68), ideal for long-term outdoor use. It is compatible with the AF‑P040 and AF‑P010 stations (single-panel direct connection), as well as with the AF‑P210 and AF‑P110D stations, supporting the use of one or two panels connected in series or parallel, or even four panels configured as two series-connected pairs in parallel (2 in series × 2 in parallel).

AFERIY AF‑S200A1 (200 watts) is a foldable solar panel suited for medium-to-high power needs. It is compatible with the AF‑P010 800W station (direct connection of a single panel), or with the AF‑P210 2400W and AF‑P110D 1200W stations, supporting one or two panels connected in series or parallel.

AFERIY AF‑S400A1 (400 watts) is the most powerful foldable panel in this range. It is compatible with the AF‑P210 2400W and AF‑P110D 1200W stations (direct connection of a single panel), and with the AF‑P310 3600W station, which supports 1 to 5 AF‑S400A1 panels connected in series, for a total power output ranging from 400W to 2000W.

Additionally, all AFERIY portable solar panels, whether foldable or rigid, are compatible not only with AFERIY power stations but also with other brands, as long as the solar input interface of the station (such as MC4) is compatible, and the input voltage range, maximum current, and maximum power match the output parameters of the solar panel. This ensures stable and safe operation.

What are the advantages of rigid solar panels and portable solar panels, and when is it recommended to use both?

Rigid solar panels are known for their durability and stability. They are designed for permanent installation on a roof, terrace, or camper van, and provide a reliable and continuous energy source for everyday use. They are the ideal solution for residential or semi-permanent setups, such as our AF‑SG120 model.

Portable solar panels, on the other hand, stand out for their lightness, flexibility, and ease of use. These foldable models require no complex installation: they can be set up in seconds, connect directly to your power station, and can be adjusted for tilt or moved to follow the sunlight and maximize energy production. They are especially suitable for camping, outdoor travel, or emergency situations — like our AFERIY AF‑S100A1, AF‑S200A1, and AF‑S400A1 models.

In many cases, it's wise to combine a portable solar panel with a rigid one. The rigid panel provides stable, long-term power, while the foldable panel helps optimize charging while on the move or outdoors.

For example, this combination is particularly useful:

• If you live year-round in a camper van or converted van, a rigid panel fixed to the roof ensures your basic power supply, while a portable solar panel placed on the ground boosts your charging capacity when parked in the sun.

• If you have a home equipped with a rigid panel, but enjoy weekend getaways or vacations, you can take a power station and a portable solar panel with you to stay self-sufficient while away.

• If you want a backup solution in case of power outages at home: the rigid panel can cover essential needs, while a portable solar panel can be moved depending on sunlight exposure.

Are the solar panels waterproof?

This range of AFERIY solar panels offers excellent resistance to wind and rain and has been specially designed for use in various outdoor environments.

The AF‑S100A1, AF‑S200A1, and AF‑S400A1 models are lightweight, foldable solar panels rated IP65 or equivalent, meaning they are resistant to splashes and light rain. These portable solar panels are perfectly suited for mobile and temporary use in situations such as:

Camping in the wilderness, with a foldable solar panel deployed on the ground, on a van roof, or next to a tent;

Hiking and mobile expeditions, with lightweight models like the AF‑S100A1 easily carried in a backpack;

Outdoor work or leisure activities, such as markets, outdoor photo shoots, or off-grid job sites;

Emergency situations where you need to charge a power station independently, without access to the grid.

The AF‑SG120, a rigid solar panel, stands out with its IP68 waterproof rating, offering superior protection even during prolonged exposure to water or humidity. This rigid portable solar panel is ideal for:

Fixed installation on the roof of a camper van or shelter, for long-term stable solar power;

Use in humid or rainy regions where reliability is essential;

Outdoor activities on a yacht or boat, where it can operate in extreme conditions.

In summary, these AFERIY portable solar panels meet a wide range of needs: the foldable models are ideal for travel and flexible usage, while the rigid AF‑SG120 is the perfect solution for stable installations or demanding environments.

What are the requirements for connecting solar panels in series?

To connect multiple solar panels in series, it is important that all panels have compatible electrical characteristics, particularly similar voltage and current ratings. This ensures the optimal performance of your solar system.

It is not recommended to connect in series panels with different voltages, currents, or from different brands, as this can lead to efficiency losses or even damage your setup.

In summary, avoid mixing solar panels with differing specifications in series connections to ensure the longevity and performance of your installation.

Can you connect a solar panel to a power station at night?

Technically, yes — but it is not recommended to connect a solar panel to your power station at night. Here’s why:

Solar panels do not produce energy at night, so they can’t recharge the battery.

Leaving a panel connected overnight may lead to abnormal voltage input or battery drain, potentially harming your station.

Prolonged nighttime connection may shorten battery life or affect system stability.

Best practice: Only connect solar panels during daylight hours and disconnect them at night for safety and longevity.

What accessories are included with AFERIY solar panels?

Each AFERIY solar panel comes with specific accessories for immediate use:

AF-S100A1 / AF-S200A1 / AF-S400A1:

Built-in 3-meter MC-4 cable

Package contents:

1 × 0.6-meter MC-4 to Anderson adapter cable

1 × user manual

1 × warranty card

What solar panel accessories are available for purchase on the website?

Our official website offers several accessories compatible with your portable solar panel. These accessories can be used not only with AFERIY models but also with your own solar panels. Here are the main products currently available:

AFERIY 4-in-1 Solar Adapter Cable:

A multi-interface adapter (Anderson, XT60, XT90, DC5521) compatible with many power stations, allowing you to easily connect different models of portable solar panels.

AFERIY Parallel Connection Cable for Solar Panels:

This cable allows you to connect two foldable solar panels in parallel to increase input power and speed up charging. It includes two pairs of 30 cm cables, easy to use and compatible with most portable solar panels.

AFERIY Solar Panel Extension Cable – 5m / 10m:

This extension cable can be used in series, allowing you to connect multiple cables together to extend the distance between your foldable solar panels and the power station. It’s ideal when your station needs to be placed far from the optimal sunlight zone — for example, if the sunniest location isn’t suitable for placing your power station. This way, you can position your solar panel in the sunniest spot while keeping the station in a convenient location.

These accessories are perfect for optimizing the use of AFERIY solar panels in any situation: camping, van life, home use, or outdoor activities.