Have you been thinking about living off-the-grid and going solar? Maybe you want to install solar panels on the roof of your home, or you are an outdoor enthusiast and would like to have a cost-effective way of powering your camper or boat?
Maybe you have retired and decided it’s time to hit the road in your new RV? Whether you want to lower your electricity bills or power your vehicle for a great weekend away, solar panels allow you to harness clean energy and can save you money.
The 6 Best Solar Panels
- Renogy Eclipse Solar Panel
- HQST Solar Panel (Our Top Pick)
- Newpowa Solar Panel
- WindyNation Solar Panel Kit
- SUNGOLDPOWER Solar Panel
- RICH SOLAR Solar Panel
Our Top Pick for the Best Solar Panel
Our top pick for the best solar panel is the HQST Solar Panel. What a great way to start your off-the-grid solar power journey. The HQST solar panel is the ideal choice for home-based applications and away-from-home off-the-grid living.
So whether you install a pack of 6 solar panels on your roof, or mount 2 on the roof of your RV, each panel contains 36 highly efficient polycrystalline solar cells that can deliver reliable and consistent solar energy and the highest sunlight conversion, even in low light conditions.
If you live in a high-wind area or traveling through snowy terrain, the durable and impact-resistant, low-iron tempered glass and sturdy aluminum frame can withstand the heaviest of snowfalls and wild weather conditions.
Check the price on AmazonGetting Started on Your Solar Power Journey
Before you set out to upgrade your home to solar power or purchase some solar panels for your RV or boat, there are a few solar panel terminologies and specifications to consider. So let’s start with the basics.
What Are Solar Panels?
Solar panels draw upon the power of the sun, and they allow particles of light to be stored within photovoltaic cells that are contained in silicon crystals, which in turn convert the light into electricity.
Solar panels have three different ways of conducting electricity, either through polycrystalline or monocrystalline silicon-based crystals or via the latest technological method, thin-film solar cells.
Polycrystalline panels are bright blue in color and they are the simplest panels to manufacture, which means they are usually the cheapest option and highly effective in most lighting conditions, but they may not work very well in high-temperature climates.
Monocrystalline or single-crystalline silicon (single-crystal-Si) solar panels are black, and although they can be more expensive than polycrystalline solar panels, they are very energy-efficient and longer-lasting.
Although monocrystalline solar cells are believed to have a higher peak efficiency, their energy efficiency can depend on their perfect alignment or the “photoelectric effect” of the silicon molecules, which will ultimately determine the ability of the solar cell to convert solar energy (sunlight) into electricity.
Thin-film solar cell panels, also known as thin-film photovoltaic cells (TFPV), are made by placing one or several thin layers of photovoltaic material onto a substrate, which can be made from glass, plastic, or metal. These types of solar panels are highly energy-efficient and they are light and flexible and can withstand high temperatures, while shading has a minor effect on their energy production.
The downside is that they require a lot of space, which means you may install more cables and support structures, and they tend to degrade faster than mono and polycrystalline solar panels.
What is a DC to AC Inverter?
To turn your home into a grid-connected solar energy system, you need an inverter that “inverts” the direct current (DC) electrical output into alternating (AC) current that you can use in your home.
Monitoring or Visual Display
Some manufacturers also include a monitoring system or a visual display that allows you to see how much power you are creating and using. If you are incorporating a battery into your solar power system, the display will let you know whether your battery needs to be recharged and when it is working at full power.
100 Watt Solar Panels Are a Great Choice
If you are just starting on your solar-powered journey and remain a little skeptical about whether solar power is the best choice for your home and lifestyle, choosing a 100-watt solar panel is a great idea. 100-watt panels can introduce you to the world of green, clean, and affordable energy.
They are very versatile, as they can be easily placed on your roof by DIY installation at home, mount them on your RV, camper, or boat, or even set one up in your backyard to power a water foundation.
Although they may not be as cost-effective as solar panels that have a higher wattage of 250, 100-watt panels are very affordable in the long term and lightweight. You can buy one as a backup source of power when the electricity goes out, or install a group of 6, or even more when you decide it’s time to start living completely off-the-grid.
How Many Wattage Do You Need?
To determine how many panels you will need to install, you need to consider the amount of wattage it takes to power either your home or vehicle. For home-based applications, you also need to consider the surface area of your roof and its angle to the sun, and what kind of exposure it gets to the sun’s rays, and how much of the roof will be in shade.
Of course, the lower the wattage of the panels, the more panels you will need to install to get your required amount of power for your home. One easy way to calculate your required amount of wattage is to use a solar power calculator or use an appliance watts/amps calculator.
Maximizing Battery Power in Low-light Conditions
As well as the solar panels you also have a battery to consider, which can help you to maximize power in low-light conditions, especially in winter. Even the slightest amount of shading can cause a major impact on the panel’s output. Most panels can effectively charge a 12 or 24 Amp battery.
Charge Controller
A charge controller is used to maintain the proper voltage on the battery. When the solar panels are in very bright sunlight, the more voltage the solar cells can produce, which may damage the battery, so the charge controller helps to regulate the battery to stop any over-charging. Some charge controllers have a “low voltage” disconnect, which is a separate circuit that powers down the load to protect it from overloading.
6 Best Solar Panels – Reviews
1. Renogy Eclipse Solar Panel
Whether you want to install solar panels on your home or you need portable power at the beach, the Renogy Eclipse Solar Panel is a very good choice.
This 100-watt monocrystalline solar panel has high-efficiency SunPower cells which help to increase module efficiency between 22.2 and 24%. As the panel has no grid lines on the front of the solar cells, this design feature allows the panel to absorb more sunlight while also giving it a cleaner look.
This newly designed anti-reflective, high transparency, low-iron tempered panel is set in a durable corrosion-resistant black aluminum frame that withstands high winds up to 2400Pa and snow loads of 5400Pa. Bypass diodes in the junction box minimize a power drop that can be caused by shade or low light conditions. The panel can be mounted or secured onto the roof of a vehicle, boat, or caravan as it has pre-drilled holes, and is ideal for 12-volt battery charging.
If you want to install multiple panels on your home, the panel has a pre-installed IP65 waterproof junction box and a pair of 24-inch cables with IP67 waterproof MC4 connectors that attach directly to another panel. The Eclipse is compatible with different Renogy mounting systems such as Z-Brackets, Pole Mounts, and Tilt Mounts.
Renogy also offers a 5-year warranty on material and workmanship for long-term peace of mind.
Pros
- Very good quality for the money
- Ideal for small-sized roofs or RV’s
- High solar efficiency rate
- Reliable
- Durable weather-resistant construction
- Ideal for multiple panel installations
- Five-year warranty on material and workmanship
Cons
- Complex installation
2. HQST Solar Panel
The HQST Solar Panel is the perfect choice for off-the-grid living. Whether you need to upgrade your home to solar power or turn your camper-trailer into a cost-effective power magnet at your favorite campsite, the solar panel can deliver a consistent performance in full sun and low light conditions.
The anti-reflective, high transparency, low iron-tempered, impact-resistant glass has enhanced stiffness, and the sturdy, corrosion-resistant aluminum frame is built to last and can withstand high winds (2400 Pa) and snow loads (5400 Pa), while the IP65 rated waterproof junction box provides complete protection against environmental particles and low-pressure water jets.
You can be assured of a steady current of power up to 600-volts in full sun, as the panel has 36 highly efficient polycrystalline solar cells that are protected by a thin layer of tempered glass, which ensures superior cell performance even on the cloudiest of days.
For extra peace of mind, you do not have to worry about power dropouts caused by shade or lowlight, as the junction box on the back of the panel has bypass diodes to maximize power performance.
The HQST panel is lightweight at 5-pounds, so it is easy to transport when you are out camping in your motor home and can keep a 12-volt battery charged to provide 80% of the required power usage for smaller sized appliances.
There are pre-drilled holes on the back of the panel, which allows you to mount and secure the panel easily and the panels are compatible with different mounting systems such as Z-brackets, Pole Mounts, and Tilt Mounts. As the panel has MC4 leads, you can add additional panels to create a complete solar energy system for your home.
The panels can be purchased separately or as a 2, 4, or 6-piece set. HQST offers a 5-year warranty on material and workmanship and a 25-year power output warranty.
Pros
- Ideal for home and RV use
- High module energy conversion
- Great, consistent performance in full sunlight
- Very good performance in low light
- Sturdy, weather-resistant frame
- Good protective lens panel
- MC4 leads and pre-drilled holes to attach multiple panels
Cons
- Mounting hardware need to be purchased separately
- MC4 connectors are non-removable
3. Newpowa Solar Panel
Whether you want to go solar at home or mount some panels on your RV, the Newpowa Solar Panel is a brilliant choice.
This US-manufactured solar panel contains extra high-efficiency 36 monocrystalline cells that provide your home or vehicle with consistent, clean, powerful energy, and can easily charge a 12-volt battery. The Newpowa solar panels have a built-in bypass diode that is pre-installed in the integrated junction box and the 3-feet MC4 cable can be attached to additional solar panels.
For maximum protection against high winds, hail, and snow, each solar cell is encapsulated with ethylene-vinyl-acetate and placed in high transparent, low iron tempered glass. A durable Tedlar-polyester-Tedlar back sheet and a rugged anodized aluminum frame provide exceptional panel rigidity.
Newpowa also provides a 25-year transferable power output warranty.
Pros
- Very good value for money
- Great power
- Very good solar performance in cloudy weather
- High efficiency 36 monocrystalline cells
- Compact
Cons
- No charging controller or inverter
4. WindyNation Solar Panel Kit
The WindyNation Solar Panel Kit gives you everything you need to start your solar power journey and it is the ideal solution for backup and off-the-grid power.
If you want to start your shift toward a green sustainable future at home or want to harness the energy of the sun to power your RV, boat, or holiday cabin, the Windynation solar kit packs a punch. It includes:
- A 100-watt Polycrystalline Solar Panel,
- User-adjustable 30-Amp Solar Charge Controller with an LCD,
- 40-feet of UL Listed 12 AWG Solar Cable,
- A 1500-watt (3000-watt surge) VertaMax DC to AC Power Inverter,
- A 12-volt battery,
- Mounting hardware, and
- Connectors.
Once you have installed or mounted the panel on your cabin’s roof or vehicle, the DC-to-AC Power inverter provides plenty of power to run household appliances. You can also add extra panels to your home for a fully integrated solar power system.
The premium-grade solar charge controller has a digital display and adjustable settings and it lets you know whether the battery is charging or full.
The kit can provide on average 400-watt hours or 35 Amp hours of charge per day, depending on sunlight availability. WindyNation offers a 30-day refund guarantee on the solar panel kit.
Pros
- Good, inexpensive starter kit for first time solar power users
- Very good value for money
- Ideal for a small cabin, camper vans, trailers, boats
- Provides very good battery charge on overcast days
- Solar charge controller can be used with additional solar panels
- Includes a battery
Cons
- Instructions are not very clear
5. SUNGOLDPOWER Solar Panel
If you are fed up with paying expensive electrical bills and have considered going off the grid, then the SUNGOLDPOWER Solar Panel will help you to get started on your solar power journey.
The kit includes two 100-watts solar panels, a 20A PWM Solar Charge Controller with 2 USB sockets, one pair of hard plastic solar MC4 connectors, one pair of MC4 extension cables, and 2 sets of Z-brackets.
The solar panels use high-efficiency polycrystalline technology that delivers consistent solar power and the sealed anodized high corrosion-resistant aluminum frame is durable and lightweight and has a 25-year service life guarantee, which means you can be assured of a long-term performance out of this quality solar power system during most weather conditions.
All the hardware is durable and the connectors and cables have an IP67 waterproof rating and are dustproof.
Designed for a wide range of applications: commercial, rural, and home-based, the two 100-watts panels can be used to power your home, cabin, boat, or office. Each panel has pre-drilled holes that allow you to easily install the panels, but you will have to purchase a 12 or 24-volt battery separately.
Pros
- Very good solar power starter kit
- High-quality, high-efficiency polycrystalline cells
- Very good solar power output
- Durable construction
- Easy to read instructions
Cons
- Does not come with a battery
6. RICH SOLAR Solar Panel
Whether you want to use some green, sustainable energy to power your home, camper, boat, or off-grid system, the RICH SOLAR Solar Panel is a very good choice. The strong anti-reflective and high transparency tempered glass panels contain 36 high-efficiency polycrystalline crystals, which are contained within a heavy-duty impact, wind, and snow-resistant anodized aluminum frame.
Each panel has a pre-installed waterproof junction box with built-in bypass diodes and waterproof MC4 quick connectors that work in series or parallel. The installation will be fast and easy as RICH SOLAR includes pre-drilled mounting holes, Z-brackets, side pole mounts, and tilt mounts, and the panels can be connected to a 12-volt battery.
You can use the 2 panels together or add additional panels to create a complete solar power system. Extremely portable, the panels are lightweight and will fit easily into your vehicle.
As well as the 2 solar panels, you can also purchase one solar panel on its own. RICH SOLAR offers a 25-year limited power output warranty and a 5-year warranty for material and workmanship.
Pros
- Very good value for money
- Strong anti-reflective and high transparency tempered glass panels
- Lightweight and easy to store
- Very efficient power output
Cons
- Solar charge controller is sold separately
- Panels do not fit together evenly
Our Top Pick for the Best Solar Panel
Our top pick for the best solar panel is the HQST Solar Panel. What a great way to start your off-the-grid solar power journey. The HQST solar panel is the ideal choice for home-based applications and away-from-home off-the-grid living.
So whether you install a pack of 6 solar panels on your roof, or mount 2 on the roof of your RV, each panel contains 36 highly efficient polycrystalline solar cells that can deliver reliable and consistent solar energy and the highest sunlight conversion, even in low light conditions.
If you live in a high-wind area or traveling through snowy terrain, the durable and impact-resistant, low-iron tempered glass and sturdy aluminum frame can withstand the heaviest of snowfalls and wild weather conditions.
Check the price on Amazon
