100W Solar Panel Output - How Much Power?
The 100W solar panel is the most popular portable size. Lightweight and affordable, it is ideal for camping, small RV setups, and keeping batteries topped off. Expect 400-500Wh per day in good conditions.
Rated Power
100W
Daily Output (Summer)
500Wh
Voltage (Vmp)
18V
Typical Use
Portable solar
Output Calculator
Your Battery (for charging estimate)
Daily Production
425Wh
Peak Output
85W
Charge from 50%
7.1 hrs
Charge from Empty
14.1 hrs
Recommendations
* Actual output varies by location, season, panel angle, and shading.
100W Panel Output by Conditions
| Conditions | Peak Output | Daily Production |
|---|---|---|
| Full sun (summer) | 100W | 500Wh |
| Partial sun | 60W | 300Wh |
| Winter / cloudy | 40W | 200Wh |
| Overcast | 20W | 100Wh |
* Based on typical conditions. Actual output varies by location, angle, and temperature.
Battery Charging Times
| Battery Size | Voltage | Time to Full Charge |
|---|---|---|
| 50Ah | 12V | 8 hours |
| 100Ah | 12V | 15 hours |
| 200Ah | 12V | 30 hours |
* From 50% to full in ideal sun conditions. Charging slows as battery approaches full.
- ✓Weekend camping
- ✓Battery maintainer
- ✓Learning solar
- ✓Small 12V systems
- ✓Portable power
- ✗Full-time RV living
- ✗Running refrigerators 24/7
- ✗Off-grid homes
- ✗High power needs
100W Solar Panel Tips
- •Perfect starter panel for learning solar
- •One 100W panel can maintain a 100Ah battery with light use
- •Portable/folding versions are great for camping but less durable
- •Rigid panels are more efficient and last longer
- •Pair with a 10-20A PWM or MPPT charge controller
Panel Specifications
Typical Dimensions
40" x 20" (folding) or 47" x 21" (rigid)
Weight
5-15 lbs depending on type
Voltage at Max Power (Vmp)
18V
Current at Max Power (Imp)
5.56A
Frequently Asked Questions
How much power does a 100W solar panel produce per day?
In ideal summer conditions (5-6 peak sun hours), about 500Wh per day. In winter or cloudy conditions, expect 200-300Wh. Real-world average is around 400Wh/day.
What can a 100W solar panel run?
With a battery, it can run phone/laptop charging, LED lights, a small fan, and a 12V fridge for part of the day. Not enough for continuous fridge operation or high-power devices.
How long to charge a 100Ah battery with 100W solar?
From 50% to full takes about 6-8 hours in good sun. From empty to full takes 12-15 hours over 2-3 days (batteries charge slower when nearly full).