Solar Panel Size Calculator for Small Electronics
Estimate portable solar panel wattage for routers, modems, phones, tablets, laptops, lights, cameras, and small home-office outage loads.
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Fast Rule
Panel watts should cover daily watt-hours divided by good sun hours, then adjusted for real-world output and margin.
For small electronics, battery capacity and solar compatibility matter as much as panel size.
Your Daily Load
Common Starting Points
| Use case | Daily energy | Practical panel range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Router and modem backup | 150Wh to 350Wh/day | 100W to 200W | Good for internet-first outage planning. |
| Phones, lights, small gadgets | 50Wh to 200Wh/day | 60W to 120W | Battery storage still helps when sun is inconsistent. |
| Laptop work block | 300Wh to 700Wh/day | 200W to 400W | Depends heavily on laptop charging behavior. |
| Small home office | 700Wh+/day | 400W+ if supported | Check station solar input limit before adding panels. |
Related Guides
FAQ
Can a 100W solar panel run a router?
It can help recharge a battery that runs a router, but direct solar-only operation is not the right plan. Use a battery or power station between the panel and electronics.
Why does the calculator recommend more panel watts than the simple math?
Portable panels rarely produce nameplate watts all day. Margin helps account for clouds, angle, heat, and charging losses.
What else should I check before buying?
Check the power station’s solar input voltage range, open-circuit voltage limit, connector, max input watts, and current limit.