Solar Panels – Pure Power Solar

I've rounded up some of the best small off-grid solar kits that will help you make the best decision when it comes to picking the suitable kit for your solar needs. My results are below. Please keep in mind that these systems do not include an inverter or battery. Topsolar 100W 12V Monocrystalline Solar Panel KitSUNER POWER 50W 12V Monocrystalline Solar Panel KitRenogy 200W 12V Monocrystalline Solar RV KitACOPOWER 400W Polycrystalline Solar Panel RV KitWEIZE 200W 12V Solar Panel Starter KitRICH SOLAR 200W 12V Monocrystalline Solar Starter KitWindyNation 400W Solar KitSereneLife 200W Solar Panel Starter KitXINPUGUANG 200W 12V Flexible Monocrystalline Solar Kit The best small off-grid solar kit is the Topsolar 100W Solar Panel Kit because it's inexpensive ($140) and comes with high-quality components. Its solar panel is made with efficient monocrystalline cells while its 20A charge controller has an LCD screen and supports up to 260W of solar energy. However, more powerful systems, as well as ones with different features, are available depending on your needs. Check them out below. RankingSolar KitHighlightsAmazon Price & Rating (Subject to Change) 1. Best OverallTopsolar 100W 12V Monocrystalline Solar Panel Kit- Informative LCD screen - Inexpensive$139.99 4.5/5 (400+ ratings) 2. Best-in-Class: VersatilitySUNER POWER 50W 12V Monocrystalline Solar Panel Kit- Multiple optional mounting options - Under $100$85.99 4.5/5 (1,000+ ratings) 3. Best for RVsRenogy 200W 12V Monocrystalline Solar RV Kit- Bluetooth compatible - 30ft MC4 cables$459.99 4.6/5 (300+ ratings) 4. Best-in-Class: Charge ControllerACOPOWER 400W Polycrystalline Solar Panel RV Kit- MPPT charge controller - 30ft MC4 cables$632.99 4.8/5 (90+ ratings) 5. Best ValueWEIZE 200W 12V Solar Panel Starter Kit- Inexpensive - Powerful/efficient solar panels$239.99 4.5/5 (160+ ratings) 6. Best System EfficiencyRICH SOLAR 200W 12V Monocrystalline Solar Starter Kit- MPPT charge controller - 10AWG cables (high efficiency)$379.99 4.9/5 (30+ ratings) 7. Best for CabinsWindyNation 400W Solar Kit- Relatively easy to install - 40ft MC4 cables$539.99 4.5/5 (50+ ratings) 8. Best Battery Compatibility OptionsSereneLife 200W Solar Panel Starter Kit- Informative LCD screen - Works with lithium-ion batteriesUnavailable 4.5/5 (85 ratings) 9. Best Lightweight KitXINPUGUANG 200W 12V Flexible Monocrystalline Solar Kit- Flexible solar panels - 10AWG cables (high efficiency)$249.90 4.3/5 (20+ ratings) If you're looking for a small solar panel kit for a shed or garage, I discuss what is in my opinion the best kit and highlight why in my article found here: #1 Best Solar Panel Kit for Your Shed (Analysis & Comparison). Below I'll break down the contents of each kit and give you more details on features and specifications. 1. Topsolar Solar Panel Kit 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Off-Grid System ProsConsCharge controller has LCD screenDoesn't work with lithium batteriesCan add solar panels if desiredPWM charge controller (not as efficient as an MPPT)Works with gel, sealed, and flooded batteriesTopsolar doesn't have the same solar panel for individual sale on Amazon The Topsolar 100W Solar Panel Kit is another popular package that should be considered for your cabin, RV, shed, or any other mountable surface for off-grid use. Its charge controller keeps you in the loop when there are issues with the battery and has fail-safes in place to prevent occurrences including reverse polarity and short circuits. It is a simple product to install, thanks to the pre-drilled holes on the back of the panel. This added convenience ensures you will have fast mounting and securing of your kit. Topsolar solar panel kit features The panel clocks in at 100 watts, but if you need or want to increase the size of your system to charge batteries faster, you can increase the capacity to the following: A maximum of 260 watts at 12 voltsA maximum of 520 watts at 24 volts Like the other kits on this list, this one is weather-resistant, being able to withstand high winds, rain, and snow. What Does the Topsolar 100W Solar Panel Kit Come With? 100W solar panel20A PWM charge controller16ft 12AWG MC4 cablesTray cablesZ mounting brackets The value of this system comes from its low price, ease of use, and quality components. With solar panel expansion available with this kit, it provides a great jumping-off point while allowing you the peace of mind that you can upgrade down the line. The good news is that this device comes in at a 4.5 rating out of 5.0 on Amazon with over 400 ratings, so it is a well-received product. Topsolar 100W Kit on Amazon How Many Batteries Do You Need for a 100-Watt Solar Panel? One 360Wh (12V, 30Ah) battery is large enough to use with a 100-watt solar panel. This battery will recharge in about 4.5 hours in good sunlight and can be completely recharged in a single day. Larger batteries will take longer to recharge but may be ideal for a backup power source. Check out my table below, where I show the recharging times of different batteries with a 100W solar panel. How Fast Will a 100-Watt Solar Panel Charge a Battery? A 100-watt solar panel will charge a 12V, 30Ah battery in 4.5 hours, a 12V, 100Ah battery in 15 hours, and a 12V, 150Ah battery in 22.5 hours; however, charging times vary depending on weather conditions, solar panel and charge controller efficiency, and the length and gauge of wire used. Battery SizeCharging Time360Wh (12V, 30Ah)4.5 hours600Wh (12V, 50Ah)7.5 hours1,200Wh (12V, 100Ah)15 hours1,440Wh (12V, 120Ah)18 hours1,800Wh (12V, 150Ah)22.5 hours2,400Wh (12V, 200Ah)30 hoursCharging time is based on 80% efficiency from a 100W solar panel (80W). 12-volt solar panel systems require thicker wiring to transfer the energy (measured in amps) to the battery. The thinner the wire, the less efficient the system is as a whole. Long wires/cables also decrease the efficiency of the system because energy is lost through the power transfer from the solar panel to the battery. I have an article specifically for solar panel installation to give you a better idea of what the best installation looks like. You can find it here: Solar Panel Installation – Step-By-Step for Home and RV. 2. SUNER POWER 50 Watts Monocrystalline 12V Solar Panel Kit SUNER POWER Solar Panel Kit ProsConsInexpensive (under $100)The charge controller doesn't display exact volts or ampsOptional pole & flat mounting brackets are available Small power output (struggles on cloudy days)Comes with battery clamps and rings (most only come with one or the other)Its 10A controller is not ideal for solar panel expansion The Suner Power 50W Solar Panel Kit is a budget offering for people who won't be needing as much energy to power their equipment. This system is great for topping off batteries and running systems like electronic gates and LED lights to name a few. If you plan to be out of the cabin most days and not leaving your electricity on constantly, it could be the package you've been looking for. It is durable and robust, crafted from highly efficient solar cells, tempered glass that is made specifically for solar panels, as well as a strong aluminum frame. The company states that this product is built to last for at least 10 years. What sets this system apart from the others is its maneuverability. SUNER POWER has several optional mounting systems for your needs, as seen below. SUNER POWER Solar Panel Kit mounting options You can also add more solar panels to your system to fit your recharging needs. This SUNER POWER kit comes with a unique charging algorithm that is optimized for three stages of charging. The benefit of this is that it helps charge the battery more efficiently while preventing: Over-chargingOver-discharging Over-voltage Short circuitry While this one doesn't have a screen, it does come complete with an LED charge controller that helps you understand the status of the solar panel, load, and other vital information. This same LED monitor also has an option to choose times the device will be pulling in energy because there will be times of the day there will be no energy to pull in, so this is especially advantageous for that. The following batteries are supported: AGMFloodedGELDeep CycleSealed Lead Acid What Does the SUNER POWER 50W Solar Panel Kit Come With? Contents of SUNER POWER solar kit 50W solar panel10A PWM charge controller3-piece SAE cable kitBattery clampsBattery ringsBare wire cable This kit also comes highly recommended by people who purchased it on Amazon. The rating is 4.5 out of 5.0. SUNER POWER 50W Solar Kit on Amazon 3. Renogy 200 Watts 12 Volts Monocrystalline Solar RV Kit Renogy 200W Solar RV Kit ProsConsBT-1 module displays all data on your phone via BluetoothDoesn't include fasteners to secure wiring to RV rooftop30A charge controller allows you to add more solar panels if desired (400W max)Expensive for a 200W systemLong 30ft MC4 cables for versatilityPWM charge controller (not as efficient as MPPT controller) The Renogy 200 Watts 12 Volts Monocrystalline Solar RV Kit is another perfect product for living off-grid in an RV. One of the coolest features in this kit is its Bluetooth-compatible BT-1 Module that connects to the charge controller. This module lets you use your smartphone to access real-time data for your entire system, including the battery, solar panels, and more. The panels benefit from a corrosion-resistant aluminum frame, which helps to extend the life of the solar panel. There is also durable tempered glass on the solar panel, which is advantageous if any hard object hits the panel. What Does the Renogy 200W Solar RV Kit Come With? The kit is comprised of the following components: 2x 100W solar panel30A PWM charge controller30ft 10AWG MC4 cables16ft 10AWG tray cableSet of parallel connectorsBT-1 Bluetooth moduleRenogy cable entry housing This is another well-reviewed product, garnering 4.5 stars out of 5.0 with over 300 ratings. Renogy 200W Solar RV Kit on Amazon Similar: What Kind of Solar Panel Do You Need for Your RV? (Basic Guide) How Many Batteries Do You Need for a 200-Watt Solar Panel? Two 360Wh (12V, 30Ah) batteries are ideal to use with a 200-watt solar panel. This setup can be completely recharged in a single day in good sunlight. A single 1,200Wh (12V, 100Ah) battery will work well if more battery storage is needed and will take about 7.5 hours to recharge. The most important calculation to review is your estimated power consumption from the appliances/devices you intend to power with your batteries. If you use more power than your batteries can handle in a day, it may be best to get a bigger battery along with more solar panels. My table below shows the recharging times of different batteries with a 200W solar panel input. How Long Does It Take a 200W Solar Panel to Charge a 12V Battery? A 200-watt solar panel will charge a 12V, 30Ah battery in 2.25 hours, a 12V, 100Ah battery in 7.5 hours, and a 12V, 150Ah battery in 11.25 hours. Sunlight conditions as well as the solar panel's angle to the sun drastically affect battery recharging times. Battery SizeCharging Time360Wh (12V, 30Ah)2.25 hours600Wh (12V, 50Ah)3.75 hours1,200Wh (12V, 100Ah)7.5 hours1,440Wh (12V, 120Ah)9 hours1,800Wh (12V, 150Ah)11.25 hours2,400Wh (12V, 200Ah)15 hoursCharging time is based on 80% efficiency from a 200W solar panel (160W). What Will a 200W Solar Panel Run? A 200W solar panel system will run the following appliances: 40W box fan for 17+ hours60W CPAP machine for 13 hours100W LED TV for 6.8 hours1,000W microwave for 40 minutes These run times are based on 800Wh of usable battery storage, which is the average daily energy output from a 200W solar panel. A solar panel alone cannot run any devices unless it comes with USB ports. A battery is recommended for nearly any solar panel setup. I calculated 800Wh of usable energy based on a daily average of five hours of full sunlight and about 80% solar panel efficiency (160W). 4. ACOPOWER 400W Polycrystalline Panel Solar RV Kit ACOPOWER 400W Solar RV Kit ProsCons40A MPPT charge controllerComes with polycrystalline panels (not as efficient as monocrystalline)Works with lead-acid, AGM, gel, and lithium batteriesIts 12AWG MC4 (PV) cables are sufficient, but 10AWG cables are ideal for this type of kit The ACOPOWER 400 watts Polycrystalline Panel Solar RV Kit is another kit you should not cast aside. This is another high-capacity kit that boasts a wealth of features that will be perfect for an RV or small cabin. With four polycrystalline panels, this system is one of the most powerful in this list. If you need more power to run appliances and devices, this kit will output around 2,000Wh per day. If you want to know more about the differences between monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels, I break it down in my article here: Monocrystalline Vs. Polycrystalline Solar Panels – What’s the Difference? The ACOPOWER kit benefits from a multi-function LCD display to put you in control of how the machine operates while also giving valuable information about the temperature, the power inputs and outputs, and everything in between. ACOPOWER charge controller This product is compatible with the following batteries: Lead-acidAGMGelLithium With this being an all-in-one selection, it also comes with all of the appropriate items to complete your installation except for the inverter and battery. What Does the ACOPOWER 400W Solar RV Kit Come With? 4x 100W solar panels40A MPPT charge controller30ft 12AWG MC4 cables8FT 8AWG tray cable4x sets of Z bracketsWaterproof cable entry housing3x sets of parallel connectors On the review front, this one boasts a 4.8 rating out of 5.0 on Amazon, giving peace of mind that this is a stellar product if it fits your needs. ACOPOWER 400W Solar RV Kit on Amazon Similar: Top 5 Fastest Charging Solar Generators (Via AC Outlet & Solar Panels) 5. WEIZE 200 Watt 12 Volt Solar Panel Starter Kit WEIZE 200W Solar Panel Starter Kit ProsConsHigh-quality solar panels (high output)Has an average charge controllerGood value for the priceNo warranty information is available The WEIZE 200 Watt 12 Volt Solar Panel Starter Kit is another solid option because it comes with a wealth of features that make it a worthwhile product to own for your cabin. The panel itself is corrosion-resistant due to its: Sealed junction box Anodized frames Tempered glassAluminum frame So you don't have to worry about the weather causing damage to the product. WEIZE solar panel features When it comes to the size of the product, here is what you need to know: Each solar panel clocks in at 36.4 inches x 26.7 inches x 1.2 inches. Each panel produces 300 to 600 watt-hours per day (dependent on sun conditions) What Does the WEIZE 200W Solar Starter Kit Come With? 2x 100W solar panels30A PWM charger controllerPair of 20ft 12AWG MC4 cables8ft battery tray cableMounting brackets & screws Another benefit is that it is another well-reviewed product, garnering a rating of 4.5 out of 5.0, with praise coming for its small form factor and robust features. WEIZE 200W Solar Kit on Amazon Similar: ELECAENTA 120W Foldable Solar Panel Review (Testing & Comparison) 6. RICH SOLAR 200 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Solar Starter Kit RICH SOLAR 200W Solar Starter Kit ProsConsHas MPPT charge controller with LCD displayCannot add more solar panels (200W max for 12V systems)Comes with 10AWG cables for higher efficiencyRICH SOLAR sells a Bluetooth-compatible BT-1 module to access all solar data via smartphone, but it doesn't come with this kit The RICH SOLAR 200 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Solar Starter Kit is an excellent system to have for three main reasons: It has an MPPT charge controller - More efficient than PWM controllersMonocrystalline solar panels - Most efficient solar cells out there10AWG cables - These wires are thicker than 12AWG cables, making them transfer power efficiently As you can see, this system is efficient. This allows peace of mind to know that this is working the best for you and that you are getting the most power possible. Its LCD screen is also a major upside as you'll see the amount of power running through the system. The company also sells a BT-1 Module on their website, which allows you to access several data points while your system is running via Bluetooth. What Does the RICH SOLAR 200W Solar Starter Kit Come With? 2x 100W solar panels20A MPPT charge controller20ft 10AWG MC4 cables8ft 10AWG tray cable2x sets of Z bracketsSet of parallel connectors This product clocks in at 4.9 stars out of 5.0 on Amazon, so if you like the idea of increasing the product into something more down the line, this could be the one for you. RICH SOLAR 200W Solar Kit on Amazon Similar: Solar Generator vs Battery – Which Is Ideal? 7. WindyNation 400 Watt Solar Kit WindyNation 400W Solar Kit ProsConsComes with 40ft MC4 cables for added versatilityIts 12AWG MC4 (PV) cables are sufficient, but 10AWG cables are ideal for this type of kitManual is straightforward and guides you through installationComes with polycrystalline panels (not as efficient as monocrystalline panels - especially in shady weather)Easy to install (comes with all needed hardware)Has a PWM charge controller (not as efficient as an MPPT) The WindyNation 400 Watt Solar Kit is the ideal kit for a small cabin system because it is: Powerful - 400W of panels produces about 2,000Wh of energy daily in good sunlightCost-effective - About $100 less than the ACOPOWER 400W systemManeuverable - Its 40ft MC4 cables give you room to work with when configuring the system What Does the WindyNation 400W Solar Kit Come With? The complete kit is comprised of: 4x 100W solar panels30A PWM charge controller40 feet of 12AWG MC4 cablesTray cable3x sets of parallel connectors4x sets of Z brackets The LCD display grants the user the ability to change settings, but it will also show the amperage, voltage, DC load draw, and temperature. WindyNation charge controller Because of the higher wattage of the panels compared to some of the others on this list, this one can give 1,600-2,000Wh every single day, so this one should be in contention if more than one person is residing in the cabin, or if you will be using power all day. For example, a full-size refrigerator uses about 1,800-2,000Wh per day, so this system is ideal for running power to a small refrigerator. I have an article showing more details on refrigerator power consumption and how they work with solar generators for off-grid use. This may give you some insights on what size battery you will need for your solar setup. Find it here: 3 Best Solar Generators for Your Fridge (With Run Times). The Amazon reviews for this kit also come in at a rock-solid 4.4 out of 5.0, so this is another powerful system you should consider. WindyNation 400W Solar Kit on Amazon Similar: Monocrystalline Vs. Polycrystalline Solar Panels – What’s the Difference? How Long Will It Take a 400 Watt Solar Panel to Charge Your Battery? A 100-watt solar panel will charge a 12V, 100Ah battery in 3.75 hours, a 12V, 150Ah battery in 5.6 hours, and a 12V, 200Ah battery in 7.5 hours. These numbers are based on quality sunlight conditions with 80% solar panel efficiency. Battery SizeCharging Time600Wh (12V, 50Ah)1.9 hours1,200Wh (12V, 100Ah)3.75 hours1,440Wh (12V, 120Ah)4.5 hours1,800Wh (12V, 150Ah)5.6 hours2,400Wh (12V, 200Ah)7.5 hoursCharging time is based on 80% efficiency from a 400W solar panel array (320W). 8. SereneLife 200W Solar Panel Starter Kit SereneLife 200W Solar Panel Starter Kit ProsConsInformative LCD charge controllerNot currently available on AmazonWorks with lithium-ion batteriesInstallation is not easy for beginners The SereneLife 200W Solar Panel Start Kit is another robust product that benefits from some great features to keep your cabin, RV, van, etc. powered. Unfortunately, this kit is not currently available on Amazon. Sometimes the company will restock their products, so it is still on this list. If this kit is ideal for you, I recommend checking Amazon for the product to see if it's back in stock. The kit comes with two reliable 100-watt solar panels, which work together to provide 800 watt-hours of daily power into a 12-volt battery. Another positive of this kit is that it comes complete with an LCD screen, allowing you to keep track of how much power is coming and, as importantly, how much power is being used. What Does the SereneLife 200W Solar Starter Kit Come With? 2x 100W solar panels30A PWM charge controller2x sets of mounting brackets10x wire fixers3ft 11AWG solar panel connection cable20ft 11AWG sheathed cable set w/ aviation connector8ft 11AWG tray cable w/ 15A fuse This product comes in at 4.4 stars out of 5.0 on Amazon, with people complimenting the small form factor and the ease of installation. Similar: Portable Solar Panels: Advantages and Disadvantages 9. XINPUGUANG Solar Panel 100W 12V Monocrystalline Flexible 200W System Kit XINPUGUANG 200W Flexible Solar Kit ProsConsOne of the most affordable 200W solar kits availableComes with alligator clips to connect to the battery but doesn't include a tray cableComes with efficient 10AWG cablesBoth 10ft cables may be too small for some installationsSolar panels weigh about 4 lbs each (typical rigid panels are about 15 lbs each)Doesn't come with mounting hardware The Xinpuguang Flexible 200W Solar Kit is a solid option because it consists of high-efficiency solar panels, which immensely help convert those rays into energy. The product is also thin and lightweight, boasting the following measurements: The solar panel weighs four pounds, which will be an optimal weight for installation on any rooftop. In fact, they weigh 70% less than conventional solar panels.The thickness comes in at 0.1 inches. XINPUGUANG 100W solar panel features What Does the XINPUGUANG 200W Solar Kit Include? 2x 100W solar panels20A PWM charge controller10ft 10AWG cable w/ alligator clips10ft 10AWG MC4 cablesSet of parallel connectors This particular product is well-reviewed, clocking in at an average of 4.3 out of 5.0 on Amazon, with the versatility drawing much praise from the people who have bought and used it. XINPUGUANG 200W Solar Kit on Amazon Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Solar Kits Can You Overcharge a Battery With a Solar Panel? You can overcharge a battery with a solar panel if you connect the panel directly to the battery. A charge controller protects the battery from overcharging. The battery, solar panel(s), and electrical load connect to the charge controller for a safe and efficient transfer of power. Can Solar Power Run a Fridge? Solar power can run a full-size fridge for an unlimited amount of time with a 2,000Wh battery and 1,000W of solar panels in good sunlight. A full-size fridge consumes about 1,900Wh daily. The battery recharges from solar during the day which allows it to run the fridge throughout the night. For more detailed information, I have an article that discusses solar generators for fridges that breaks down: The power consumption of various full-size fridgesThe number of hours that each fridge can run for with specific battery sizes and solar panel arraysHow to calculate the above two points for yourself I recommend checking it out here: 3 Best Solar Generators for Your Fridge (With Run Times). Pick the Best Solar Grid for Your Needs Above is an excellent list of some of the most popular off-grid solar kits, but it will come down to your individual needs. We've included several different offerings for all budgets and cabin/RV/van sizes. The beauty of most of the solar kits on our list is that you can pick one and increase the capacity with more panels and batteries. For a more in-depth look into solar panel kits, my article on the best solar panel kit for your shed highlights the specifics on: Solar kit installation and configurationComplete solar kits (with battery, fuse box, and inverter)200W solar kits comparisons Check it out here: #1 Best Solar Panel Kit for Your Shed (Analysis & Comparison).