100W foldable, built for two uses at once
The Allpowers SP012 is a foldable, portable solar panel at 100W with monocrystalline cells, positioned to cover two needs usually kept separate: direct USB device charging and powering a power station.
Unfolded, it reaches about 37 x 37 inches of capture surface. Folded, it fits into an included pouch at roughly 12.6 x 7.5 x 3.1 inches. Its connectivity combines two USB ports and a DC5525 connector, a pairing few nomadic panels of this output offer at the same time.
USB and DC5525 together: the SP012's real distinction
This is where the SP012 stands out most clearly. Most nomadic panels in this category pick a lane: USB output only (for direct device charging, like the Allpowers SP001 or BigBlue 28W) or DC/MC4 output only (for powering a station, like the SolarSaga 40W Mini). The SP012 offers both at once.
| Panel | Allpowers SP012 | Allpowers SP001 | BigBlue 28W |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB output | Yes, 2 ports | Yes, 2 ports | Yes, 3 ports |
| DC output to a station | Yes, DC5525 | No | No |
The included kit contains a DC5525-to-DC5521 cable and five connection adapters, widening compatibility well beyond the three explicitly named Allpowers stations (S200, S300, S700). Checking the voltage and current your own station accepts before plugging in remains essential, regardless of brand.
23.5% efficiency, built for RV and camping rather than light trekking
The claimed cell efficiency of up to 23.5% sits comfortably mid-pack for monocrystalline nomadic panels, neither exceptional nor disappointing against rivals claiming 22 to 25% in the same category. As with any solar panel, the 100W rated output is only reached under ideal orientation and full-sun conditions.
At about 4.7 lbs folded, the SP012 stays reasonable for camping or RV use, but is less suited to light hiking where every ounce counts: a lighter panel like the Allpowers SP001 (about 1.3 lbs) or the Sunslice Fusion Flex (about half a pound) would fit that specific use better, at the cost of notably lower output.
No IP rating stated: a genuine gap worth noting
This is the product's main point of caution. Unlike nearly every nomadic panel already reviewed on this site, which all show at least one IP rating (IP44 for the BigBlue 28W, IP67 for the SP001's fabric, IP68 for the Solax SE60), the SP012's spec sheet states no sealing figure at all.
That doesn't necessarily mean the panel is fragile against moisture, but the absence of that figure rules out any direct comparison with its rivals on this specific criterion. Similarly, no warranty length is stated on this product's listing, a point worth confirming directly with the seller before buying.
Who the SP012 is for
The SP012 suits anyone who wants a single panel covering two uses: everyday direct charging of a phone or tablet, and topping up a power station during a longer RV or camping trip. That's a versatile use case few nomadic panels of this output cover as directly.
For anyone prioritizing lightness above all (hiking, bikepacking), a lighter, less powerful panel remains preferable. And for anyone who places real weight on a stated, verifiable sealing rating before buying, the absence of that figure on the SP012's listing is worth clarifying directly with the seller.
