No doubt, features like panel power output, charge controller type, inverter type, and durability are vital in solar panel kits. But when it comes to exceptional performance, battery capacity, inverter capacity, type of solar cells, and charge controller, peak conversion efficiency matter most.
Factors That Define the Best Solar Kits
Solar panels with high power output typically charge batteries faster. Hence, their importance to the function of solar panel kits. But charging is not dependent on solar output wattage only; charge controllers are also vital.
Solar charge controllers regulate the amount of power getting to the battery bank from the solar kit. In doing this, they do not use all the power from solar panels to charge the batteries. They convert only a part of it for charging, depending on their peak conversion efficiency.
A solar charge controller with high peak conversion efficiency directs more solar power toward charging. Hence, it will charge more efficiently. Generally, an MPPT solar charge controller is more efficient than a PWM as MPPTs pull more power from solar panels.
To power your appliances with solar energy, you need a battery and an inverter. Why? Batteries discharge direct current (DC), and home appliances generally give off alternating current (AC). Trying to power AC appliances with DC power is destructive. But since inverters convert DC to AC, you can power your AC appliances with solar panel kits if there’s an inverter.
Solar panel kits with large battery capacities are useful for heavier loads and longer periods. It checks out that the more solar power a battery can store, the more it can give out. Solar cell type determines how efficiently solar panels generate solar power. There are three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin film. But of all 3, those with monocrystalline cells offer the highest efficiency.
Best Solar Panel Kits Review
#1. ECO-WORTHY 2340W – Overall Best
The ECO-WORTHY Solar Panel Kit is the best for households with relatively high power needs. It can also be used for electricity while camping and for other off-grid uses.
The solar panel kits come with a battery and inverter. The kit combines high battery capacity with high power output, high efficiency, and durability. This is why we chose it as our overall best.
Output Power and Efficiency
Each one of the 12 solar panels of this solar kit generates around 195W of solar power. So, in total, you can get up to 2340W of solar power – none of the other solar panel systems in this review come close. With such high output, you already know the charging rate of this kit would be decent at the least.
Beyond having impressive solar power generation, it uses an MPPT charge controller, monocrystalline solar panels, and a sine wave inverter. A combination of all three is the perfect recipe for efficiency. Basically, this solar energy system does a whole lot to ensure it uses all the energy it gets.
With the MPPT charge controller, expect a peak conversion efficiency of more than 95%. As for the monocrystalline solar panel, the solar energy conversion efficiency is more than 21%. Each of those ratings is pretty high in their class.
Besides its high efficiency, the charge controller has a charging current rate of up to 80A, which is pretty fast. None of the other solar panel kits in this review offer a current rate as high as this.
Battery Capacity, Inverter Rating, and Durability
This solar panel kit comes with two 48V 50Ah LiFePo4 batteries. With such high capacity, this product is suited for extended outdoor use; you can power your appliances long after the sun sets.
This solar panel kit features an inverter with a continuous power rating of 5000W. The other solar power systems in this review use inverters with lower power ratings.
This solar panel system has an aluminum frame, which resists rust, and it features multiple circuit protection features.
This product is a quality solar panel kit all-around. But if you are looking for a portable solar panel kit, this may not cut it. The 12 solar panels come with strips of portability.
Pros
- Remarkable output power.
- High battery capacity.
- Highly efficient unit.
- High-pressure resistance.
- Durable frame.
- Features multiple circuit safety elements.
- Rapid charge rate.
Cons
- It is not portable.
#2. ExpertPower – Best for Small Household
Th ExpertPower Solar Power Kit is best for homes with few appliances. This solar power kit has decent solar panel wattage, a 3KW pure sine inverter, decent battery capacity, and multiple safety features. So, it should work fine with small to medium loads.
Output Power and Efficiency
The solar panel kits come with four 100W monocrystalline panels. So, in total, you can get up to 400W of solar energy – the same as the Complete Solar Panel Kit.
Thanks to its monocrystalline solar cells, MPPT charge controller, and pure sine wave inverter, this solar system is highly efficient. You get to use more of all the solar energy the unit gets compared to some average solar energy systems.
The charge controller has a charging current rate of 30A – on par with ECO-WORTHY 200 Watts and the WindyNation solar panel kits. This charging current rate might not be the fastest in our review, but it is still pretty impressive.
Battery Capacity, Inverter Rating, and Durability
Featuring two 100Ah, this solar system offers 200Ah of battery capacity, which is pretty decent. Of course, you can always get more batteries if the number of appliances you have to power increases. Its inverter has a continuous power rating of 3000W – only the ECO-WORTHY 2340W has a better wattage.
The ExpertPower is BMS-capable. In other words, it comes with protection against over-temperature, overcharge, deep discharge, low voltage, overvoltage, and deep discharge.
Pros
- Decent battery capacity.
- High solar panel wattage.
- Relatively portable – you can even use it in an RV.
- Highly efficient.
- Features a battery management system.
Cons
- Not the best if you have many appliances.
3. ECO-WORTHY 200 Watts – Best for Camping
The ECO-WORTHY 200 Watts Complete Solar Panel Kit product is the best for camping. It comes with portable batteries and efficient solar cells. So, you can carry it around easily, and it can generate power even when it does not get ample amounts of sunlight.
Output Power and Efficiency
The two PV panels are rated 100W each. So, altogether, you can get up to 200 W from the solar panels of this product. While these solar panels are not the best we have seen in this review, they are good enough for a camper’s off-grid solar kits.
While it uses monocrystalline solar panels and a sine wave inverter, this product is not as efficient as the other solar kits we have discussed so far. This is so because it uses a pulse width modulation (PWM) charge controller.
Its charge controller has a charging current rate of 30A. Considering the minimal load this product will get, the charging current rate is satisfactory.
Battery Capacity, Inverter Rating, and Durability
The solar panel kits come with two 20Ah batteries – a total of 40Ah – the lowest of all the solar systems in our review.
A battery capacity of 40Ah will only last long if you minimize load or use the batteries sparingly. But then, since you’ll be out camping, it is unlikely you will run the batteries down quickly.
This product uses a 600W inverter – the lowest rating of all the products in this review. But since the battery ratings are low, the low inverter ratings should not be an issue.
It has a 1-year warranty. It has an aluminum frame and features multiple circuit protection systems.
Pros
- Portable unit – great for outdoor power generation.
- Decent solar panel wattage.
- An efficient unit.
- Uses monocrystalline panels, so its power generation is not readily hampered by sunlight intensity.
Cons
- The battery capacity could be higher.
#4. WindyNation – Popular for RVs
The WindyNation Solar Panel Kit works best for RVs. It offers a decent battery capacity and solar panel wattage. So, overall, its function is satisfactory.
Output Power and Efficiency
The WindyNation 200 Watt comes with two 100W solar panels. So, overall, you can get up to 200W from the unit – the same as the ECO-WORTHY 200 Watts. This output is good enough for RVs with few appliances.
While the output of the solar panels of this product is decent, the overall efficiency could be better. This panel kit uses a modified sine wave inverter, polycrystalline solar panels, and a PWM controller. All of these together mean you will have less usable energy than possible.
For a brand that produces solar generators and other innovative solar technology products, you wouldn’t expect polycrystalline panels, a modified sine wave inverter, and a PWM charge controller in their solar kit. But then, the product gets the job done and that is the most important thing.
While not as efficient as an MPPT controller, the PWM of this product has a charging current rate of 30A. A charging current rate of 30A is great even for a PWM controller.
Battery Capacity, Inverter Rating, and Durability
The WindyNation comes with two 100Ah batteries. So, in total, you get a battery capacity of 200Ah – good enough for minimal load in an RV. Its inverter can handle up to 1500W of continuous, which is impressive considering its specifications.
Pros
- It is portable.
- Charging speed is okay.
- Decent solar panel wattage.
Cons
- The efficiency could be better.
#5. ShopSolarKits – Best for Low Sunlight Areas
The Complete DIY Solar Panel Kit is best for small households in areas that do not get a lot of sunlight. It is also perfect for people looking to get DIY solar panel kits. But beyond that, it offers high efficiency and a decent battery capacity.
Output Power and Efficiency
The DIY Solar Panel Kit features two 200W solar panels. So, in total, it can produce up to 400W of solar energy – only the ECO-WORTHY 2340W tops this. The high solar panel wattage makes up for low sunlight intensity. So, in the end, people who live in low sunlight areas still get enough electrical energy to power their appliances off-grid. You could make things even better if you get more solar panels.
Besides its output wattage, this product is packed with elements that optimize for efficiency. It comes with an MPPT controller, monocrystalline solar panels, and a pure sine wave inverter. So, it uses as much of all the solar power input it receives.
The charge controller of this solar kit boasts a charging current of 60A – only bettered by the ECO-WORTHY 2340W. This high charging current is another positive indicator of the charging speed of this off-grid power supply.
Battery Capacity, Inverter Rating, and Durability
With two 100Ah batteries, the kit offers 200Ah battery capacity. This puts it on par with the ExpertPower and the WindyNation solar panel kit. Also, 200Ah is decent for most solar panel kits. You can even get higher capacity batteries for extra.
The inverter of this unit can handle up to 2000W of steady electricity, which is more than enough for its functions.
It is highly durable. It has multiple circuit protection features, including overcharging, discharging, reverse polarity, short circuit, and over current protection.
Pros
- High solar panel wattage.
- Highly efficient unit.
- Rapid charging.
- Multiple safety features.
- Decent battery capacity.
Cons
- Not a portable solar kit.
Buyer’s Guide
Power Output
The wattage/power output of the solar panel of the kit you should get depends on how much power you need for appliances. Generally, with more appliances, you need solar panels of higher wattage.
Besides your load, the duration of sunlight in your region factors into selecting a solar kit with sufficient power output.
If you live in a low sunlight area, opt for a solar panel kit with a very high output. Solar panels with higher wattages can make up for low sunlight by generating a lot of power within a shorter period. You get to store some of the power they generate in batteries. So, when the sun sets, you can power your devices with batteries.
Inverter Type
If you want to maximize the power generated by your solar system, opt for kits with pure sine wave inverters over those with modified sine wave inverters. Generally, pure sine wave inverters waste less energy than modified sine wave inverters, so they are more efficient.
Besides checking the inverter type, pay attention to the continuous power rating. You should ensure that the inverter’s continuous power rating is higher than the total power consumption of all your devices by a safe margin. This way, the inverter will not readily go bad.
Battery Capacity
When buying solar panel kits, always go for the product with a large battery capacity. Kits with large battery capacities offer extended usage when there is no sun. They can also handle larger loads.
Charge Controller
When choosing solar kits, opt for MPPTs over PWMs. MPPTs are about 30% more efficient than PWMs. So, with an MPPT controller, you get to use more of the solar power in charging the batteries.
Besides checking the controller type, pay attention to the charging current rate. Generally, charge controllers with a higher charging current rate (amperage) charge faster than those with lower rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to install your own solar panels?
Installing solar panels by yourself might be cheaper at the start. But if you do not get the installation correctly or if you use substandard materials/products, you may end up spending more money and more time.
Which solar panels are the best quality?
Generally, the best solar panels are those with high output and high efficiency. In other words, a monocrystalline solar panel with high power production would be considered the best quality in many cases.
How many solar panels do I need?
The number of solar panels you need depends on your total power needs, the wattage of a single solar panel, and the space you have on your roof, RV, or wherever you want to install them.
So, if you need a total of 900W to power your devices for 8 hours daily and one solar panel produces 50W, you can calculate the number of solar panels you need as follows:
- If one panel produces 50W, you get 6 hours of sunlight daily. In a day, one solar panel will produce 300W.
- The number of solar panels you need = the total amount of power you need for devices daily ÷ the total power generated by one panel daily.
- So, in this case, the number of solar panels you need = 900 ÷ 300 = 3 solar panels.
Theoretically, you need 3 solar panels. But to account for power losses due to various factors, you can get at least 4 or more solar panels instead of 3.
Summary
For the best outcomes, when buying solar panel kits that come with a battery and an inverter, ensure the solar panels have a high wattage and use monocrystalline solar cells. Besides that, make sure the batteries have high capacity and the kits come with a pure sine wave inverter and an MPPT charge controller.
