Off-grid solar systems, they’re so useful!
You can use them in all manner of different situations from powering up your self-build campervan to supplying electricity to your shed.
If you’re just getting started with solar then buying a full solar kit is an awesome option to get you off to a flying start.
Simply buy the best off-grid solar system for your needs, hook it up to a leisure battery and let the sun do all the hard work.
In fact, there are so many benefits to the idea that’s I often wonder why more people don’t invest in solar. Particularly when prices are coming down and bills seem to be going up every day. If you don’t want to add electricity to an off-grid area or gain free electricity anywhere the sun is shining then stop reading…
If you do want the amazing advantages of a top-quality solar system, then stick around. Our off-grid power masters have been scouring the earth and reviewing the best solar panel systems available for you today.
In a rush? Check the top picks
Renogy 200 Watt Solar Starter Kit
Topping the list is the Renogy 200W Solar system, which is perfect for those customers who want to get started with solar panels.
It is an ideal kit for off-grid applications like boats, sheds, trailers, RVs. The starter kit comes with many benefits including quiet functioning and complete grid independence. Whether it’s for traveling in a van or adding electricity to a building, you can’t go wrong with this setup.
With monocrystalline panels, AWG cables, mounting brackets, and a charge controller, the kit contains everything you need to get going.
It super is easy to install as it comes with the necessary tools for the new system. It includes Renogy 100W 12V Solar Panels, a 30A PWM Wanderer Charge Controller, one 20ft 10 AWG Solar Panel Connector, one 8ft 10 AWG Tray Cable, one set of branch connectors, and two sets of Z-brackets.
For excellent durability and long life, the unit is built from corrosion-resistant aluminum. All the whole these monocrystalline solar cells deliver incredible efficiency of 21% to generate around 1000Wh per day! In good sunny conditions, it fully charges a 50Ah leisure battery (from 50% to 100%) in about 1.5 hours.
To keep you safe there’s protection with negative grounding controllers with battery reversed, power overload, short circuits, overcharging, and discharging problems.
Happily use this awesome system on a roof or on a vehicle for true off-grid power. The Renogy Wanderer 30A PWM charge controller even gives you the flexibility to expand your system up to 400 watts.
A perfect kit for those who want to start their solar adventure!
Product Specifications
- Manufacturer: Renogy
- Product Dimensions: 47.3 x 21.3 x 1.4 inches
- Item Weight: 16.34 pounds
Pros
- Ideal Starter Kit
- Easy to install
- High Efficiency
Cons
- Tech support slow to respond
WEIZE 200 Watt 12 Volt Solar Panel Starter Kit
200 watts of pure power, perfect if you want a static solar system at home or on a campervan.
WEIZE 200 watts solar panels are made with high-performance monocrystalline solar cells. These panels are designed to give you a higher efficiency of up to 21% compared to polycrystalline cells in bright sunlight. The monocrystalline solar panel cells have a long service life and do not require much maintenance at all.
You gain incredible durability over the years with anodized aluminum frames, tempered glass, and a water-sealed junction box. Completely weatherproof, corrosion-resistant, and withstands harsh weather conditions for epic outdoor performance.
Adding to this these industrial-grade panels come with 2.6 feet cables with connectors to produce 300 to 600kWh per day to charge your 12V battery. An unstoppable setup for your RV, boat, cabin, shed, and remote locations where you need power.
For great charging capabilities, it includes a 30A PWM charge controller with intelligent protection from reverse polarity, overcharging, short circuits, and reverse current.
The kit is ready to install out of the box with the essential accessories to mount it on a wall or roof.
A reliable, high-powered solar system. Nothing more, nothing less.
Product Specifications
- Manufacturer: Weize
- Product Dimensions: 39.6 x 26.3 x 1.4 inches
- Item Weight: 40.4 pounds
Pros
- High efficiency
- Durable and strong
- Versatile uses
- Installation ready
Cons
- Not portable
GOOKUURI Solar Panel Kit 20 Watts
Looking for the most efficient solar panels around? Stick around for this offering.
GOOKUURI offers this SUPER efficient solar panel system delivering an astonishing 24% conversion rate. It is made of high-grade crystalline silicon material, coated with 95% high transmittance ETFE material.
All of this means a superior charging efficiency to juice up your power supply in record speed. The solar panel comes with a honeycomb structure further improves their power generation capacity by about 10%. Due to this, you’ll achieve the ideal charging effect even in a limited space. Plus the kit includes a multi-functional controller with an upgraded algorithm.
You’ll also be able to rest easy with multi-protection features guarding you from short circuits, overcharging, over-discharging, power overload, and reverse polarity.
For ease of use, the robust controller has a large LCD screen for instant read-outs to visually monitor the operational status while adjusting the charge and discharge settings.
A waterproof and heat-resistant ETFE material coating dramatically improves its durability. (claims of 5x longer life by the company).
Finally, thanks to being relatively lightweight it makes for the ideal equipment for cars, vans, and RVs.
Product Specifications
- Brand: GOOKUURI
- Item Weight: 1.37 pounds
- Package Dimensions: 12.05 x 11.93 x 1.61 inches
Pros
- High efficiency
- Multi-functional controller
- Large LCD screen
- Robust design
- Lightweight and portable
Cons
- Small panel, just 20 watts
Topsolar Solar Panel Kit 100 Watt Off-Grid System
The Topsolar 100 watt solar charging kit gives you the freedom to produce accessible and clean electricity using the power of sunlight. These solar panels are designed for the basic system of an off-grid 12V solar energy system.
An essential feature of these panels is that they are made of high-efficiency monocrystalline solar cells. These modules give high conversion efficiency and provide excellent performance even in low-light conditions. It works with most batteries like Gel, sealed, and flooded.
This 100-watt solar panel kit is ideal for charging any 12V battery and works great for your homes, campervans, boats, RVs, and remote power desires.
Included is everything you need! You get Z mounting brackets, cables, controller, and the 100 watt panel. Pre-drilled holes on base make for effortless mounting, easy and fast to get going.
Superior protection features keep you safe from over-voltage, over-discharge, short circuit, and reverse polarity.
One thing we always love to see is the option to expand your system instantly. You’ll love the add up to 260W for a 12V battery or 520W with a 24V battery. This is great for those just getting started who might want to add 2 or 3 solar panels down the line.
Of course, this unit is durable being able to withstand high winds and snow loads. The panels are made of tempered glass and aluminum frame, making them robust for outdoor use and lasting for years.
Product Specifications
- Manufacturer: TP-solar
- Package Dimensions: 48 x 21.5 x 2.5 inches
- Item Weight: 19.06 pounds
Pros
- High-efficiency solar cells
- Build to last for decades
- PWM intelligent charge controller
- Reliable and durable
Cons
- Controller reported to be unreliable (we had no issues)
ECO-WORTHY 25 Watts 12V Off-Grid Solar Panel
For another lower-powered lightweight solar panel system that won’t break the bank then check out this Eco-worthy piece of kit.
It’s a 25 watt 12V off-grid design enabling you to produce power using sunlight. Get clean, safe, energy without any hassle, and complete comfort.
To be honest it is ideal for many off-grid applications like sheds, cabins, water pumps cars, boats, and RVs. Add in a 12V deep cycle battery and you’ll be on your way to off-grid power without any difficulties.
These solar panels are virtually maintenance-free and super easy to install. You’ll benefit from the choice of alligator clips and O-ring terminals to hook up to the battery.
Adding to this, it’s completely waterproof and durable.
Perhaps it’s the ultimate plug-and-play solar system. Even the USB charge controller offers complete protection to the battery and prevents it from damage due to short circuits, overcharging, over-discharging, reverse polarity. Plus two LED lights on the controller show the status of charging and discharging.
You can install the solar kit with all the accessories in minutes!
Product Specifications
- Manufacturer: ECO-WORTHY
- Package Dimensions: 16.97 x 13.03 x 1.26 inches
- Item Weight: 4.16 pounds
Pros
- Plug and play
- Wide applications
- Durable solar panels
- Full protections
- Lightweight
Cons
- Only 25 watt
BLUETTI PV200 200W Solar Panel
Dropping into the list next is a portable solar system that is ready for your next adventure!
BLUETTI has established itself as an industry leader when it comes to portable power solutions. The company invests a lot in research, development, and advanced technology, including portable energy. Hook yourself up with a solar panel kit, plus add in a stunning portable power station for on-the-go power.
The BLUETTI PV200 is a 200 watts monocrystalline solar panel giving you a high conversion efficiency of up to 23.4%, a great result compared to market average of between 20 to 23%. You’ll even get efficient performance even in low-light conditions.
Although it’s a portable unit, you’ll still love the durability and splashproof design with a coating of long-lasting ETFE material to ward off scratches. Ideal for any outdoor activity like camping, hiking, and fishing. The versatile solar panel arrives with an MC4 connector to work with most solar generators available in the market or even hook up to a leisure battery. For better performance and compatibility, use it with Bluetti power stations.
With their small foldable size and less weight, these can be easily carried and stored anywhere. Plus an adjustable kickstand enables you to set up in second.
An ideal accessory for your off-grid adventures.
Product Specifications
- Brand: BLUETTI
- Item Dimensions: 23.2 x 24.8 x 3 inches
- Item Weight: 16.1 Pounds
Pros
- High conversion rate
- Durable and splashproof
- Widely compatible
- Foldable and portable
- Perfect for power stations
- 200 watts
Cons
- Not for mounting on roof
SUNER POWER 30 Watts 12V Solar Panel Kit
If you’re looking for a small to mid size solar system with various power options then look closer at the Suner Power options.
SUNER POWER has the strong backing of its founder team, who have worked in the solar industry for over ten years. Their collective work experience makes SUNER POWER a growing name in solar solutions. The company has worked hard to gain the trust of its users through transparency, effortless products, and competitive prices. The company commits to delivering clean, affordable, and reliable solar power.
SUPER POWER 30 watts solar is a perfect solar power kit for a large variety of off-grid applications. You can also choose 20W and 30W panels too.
Happily use this solar system with any 12V battery in your van, cabin, shed, car, or RV. It’s compatible with most AGM, deep cycle, GEL, and seal lead-acid batteries available today.
Polycrystalline solar cells make for decent efficiency while the surface is made of high-strength tempered glass, and a solid aluminum frame. It makes for reliability and durability to withstand harsh weather conditions. Plus the whole unit is IP65 waterproof, anti-rusting, and anti-erosion – built to last for a decade!
As for the controller, it comes with an optimized 3-stage charging to charge the battery more efficiently. You’ll also be guarded from overcharging, over-discharging, over-voltage, and short circuits.
For instant working status, there’s a visual monitor for the power levels and load. You can also adjust its working hours according to your requirements, a handy feature.
Quickly install the unit with multiple mounting brackets, including adjustable flat-mount brackets, Z brackets, and adjustable pole mounts. The kit also includes plug-and-play SAE connectors to hook everything up effortlessly.
Make this solar kit a part of your travel kit to enjoy the completely free and clean power on the go.
Product Specifications
- Brand: SUNER POWER
- Package Dimensions: 24.2 x 13.3 x 1.7 inches
- Item Weight: 5.89 pounds
Pros
- Multiple compatibilities
- Strong and durable panels
- Intelligent charging features
- Digital display
- Easy to install
Cons
- Small, just 50 watts
SOLPERK 50W 12V Off-Grid Solar Panel System
A 50-watt solar system with a compact size… lovely stuff!
SOLPERK 50W solar panel is made with branded materials and promises to give its users an outstanding outdoor solar charging experience. Enjoy high-end monocrystalline cells providing high efficiency of up to 24%. These cells are ready to trickle charge your 12V battery continuously, keep it fully juiced for top performance.
For awesome performance, high-quality tempered glass, a weatherproof film, and a heavy-duty aluminum frame make them suitable for outdoor use in all kinds of weather conditions.
No solar system is complete without a decent charge controller. This kit controller comes with an improved waterproof case to provide safety leaks, rain, and spills. Its advanced PWM algorithm gives complete protection to the battery from under-voltage, over-voltage, power overload, short circuit, and reverse polarity problems.
We found these advanced protections enhance the charging efficiency by almost 20%!
A ket feature is how easy it is to install, including four mounting holes on the backside. The kit comes with complete accessories to instantly install the solar panels on a wall or a roof with any professional help. Plus, the panel can even be used as a solar battery charger and maintainer with most 12V DC batteries. (Although it is quite high capacity to use regularly on car starter batteries). For adaptability, use any wet, gel, MF, efb, or AGM battery.
An ideal device to generate solar power in your car, shed, cabin, boat, or RV. A compact 50W system you can rely on for your complete power needs.
Product Specifications
- Brand: SOLPERK
- Item Dimensions: 21.3 x 21.3 x 1 inches
Pros
- Outstanding quality
- Waterproof controller
- Easy to Install
- Wide application
- Compact
Cons
- Cables are short
Newpowa 30W 24V Solar Off Grid System
Newpowa 30watts solar panel kit is made from high-efficiency monocrystalline solar cells. These solar panels are coated with EVA film and durable, low iron tempered glass. The frame is made of anti-corrosion aluminum and a TPT back sheet.
This makes the solar panel weatherproof and gives high-efficiency output. It also comes with an IP67 waterproof battery charge controller enabling the solar charge kit to be used outdoors. Get 30 watts of power in your RV, car, or cabin for basic power needs. The smart 12V/24V auto-charge controller comes with an extension cable including Anderson connectors, making the kit easy to use and adaptable.
Get going quickly with simple installation and pre-drilled mounting holes. Effortlessly install this panel on any flat surface, wall, or pole.
An adaptable solar panel system for home and travel that works with both 12V and 24 V batteries.
Product Specifications
- Manufacturer: Newpowa
- Product Dimensions: 21.54 x 13.39 x 1.1 inches
- Item Weight: 6.14 pounds
Pros
- Waterproof
- Wide applications
- Plug-and-play Anderson connectors
- Easy to install
Cons
- Only 30 watts
Zamp solar Legacy Series 230-Watt Portable Solar Panel Kit
Pumping out the most power is this 230 watt beast from Zamp. A truly high-end portable solar panel.
Zamp Solar is a well-known American company for solar products that are made in the USA to offer superior quality. This Legacy series punches out 230 watts from the best-in-class solar cells with epic efficiency.
With this performance comes an easy-to-use solution that requires no professional installation as it comes with all the needed accessories. You can set up in minutes at home or on an adventure with a van or RV.
Either use the included kickstand to get set up quickly or mount to any flat surface. As you’d expect, it comes with an integrated charge controller and a protective carrying case.
You’ll be able to use it with most 12V batteries, including lithium. If you love Zamp products then the solar panel and charge controller are compatible with Zamp RV ports plus come with an SAE plug and alligator clips for connection. True adaptability for any situation.
The 15-amp digital charge controller offers complete protection to your battery and keeps it safe from over-charging, reverse polarity, short circuits, and under-charging. You can easily store it in the carrying case and carry it anywhere easily. This is a reliable product for your incredible solar experience with complete peace of mind.
Zamp Solar Legacy solar system is a powerful, portable and adaptable piece of kit ready for any solar power demand.
Product Specifications
- Manufacturer: Zamp Solar
- Item Weight: 52.9 pounds
- Product Dimensions: 41.5 x 31 x 4.5 inches
Pros
- Handcrafted in the USA
- Foldable and portable
- Carrying case included
- An integrated 15-amp charge controller
- Easy to install
- 230 Watts
Cons
- Heavy for a portable unit
Education: Best Off Grid Solar System Guide
Power
When we look at off-grid power systems, power is always one of the key features as you want to make sure you have enough oomph to charge your battery or run your appliances efficiently. When it comes to solar panels, you’ll generally find they range in power from between 30 watts and 300 watts.
Solar panels with a capacity below 100 watts are generally smaller and more portable. Plus they’re cheaper if you’re on a tight budget. On the other end of the spectrum, 200 watt and more solar panels offer the most power meaning you can charge batteries and run bigger appliances. They will be bigger, more cumbersome, and expensive.
Size
Along with the power rating, size is a key factor to analyze. You might want to start by thinking about where you are using your solar panels. Will you be mounting it on a shed roof, on a van, or elsewhere? Work out how much space you have available to ensure your solar system will fit. Adding to this, you might be thinking about adding more panels in the future so ensure there is space for your panels in the long run.
Static vs Portable
Deciding on a static mounted or a portable solar system will be dependent on how you are using your setup for off-grid power. If you are keen to mount your system to a roof or flat surface then it’s best to choose a solar panel you can mount easily on a flat surface.
Alternatively, portable solar panels offer amazing versatility as you can carry them with you in a vehicle, set them up at campsites, or simply move them to meet direct sunlight. The trade-off is that you won’t be able to permanently mount them on your roof and won’t be built with such durable materials.
Included Accessories
To use a solar system you should ensure it comes with all the required parts including a solar panel, cables, charge controller, and mounting systems. Adding to this you will also have to purchase a suitable battery separately.
Durability
Solar panels are a great way to save money in the long run. Simply put, the big benefit is that using the sun’s energy is completely free! While it requires an initial investment, it saves you money on electricity bills in the future. For this reason, it is crucial that your solar system lasts a long time, even decades. If you constantly have to spend money to repair or replace parts then you’ll lose the biggest benefit. Look for reputable manufacturers plus features like tempered glass, aluminum housing, weatherproofing, and anti-rust coating.
Safety
With off-grid power systems, safety is always a concern. Poorly made and faulty products can result in serious problems like fire! Adding to this, you want to make sure your battery and appliances are protected from faults like over-charging, reverse polarity, power surges, short circuits, and under-charging.
FAQ About Off Grid Solar Panel systems
1- Does the off-grid solar panel kit comes in one part?
No. There are various parts that you will get in a kit. You need to assemble them.
2- Is it easy to assemble different parts of the solar system? Or will I require some professional to install them?
Yes, all the kits that we mentioned above are easy to install. Their system is easy to understand and does not require any expertise to install.
3- What are the essential components of a solar panel kit?
Here are some essential components that you should look for while buying a solar panel system.
1- Solar panels. Please check for cracks or damages before installation.
2- Charger controller – A solar panel may not generate constant electricity. It might vary depending on many factors. Therefore, a solar kit always has a charger controller that keeps a steady flow of electricity and prevents damage to your instruments.
4- Mounting hardware, fuses, and wiring are other vital components of a solar panel kit.
All the kits come with an installation manual that will guide you through installing your solar kit wherever you want. Some companies also have online videos and websites with instructions.
Hi, I’m Michael, the editor here at Watt A Lot.
After years of experience with off-grid power like solar panels, inverters, and batteries I decided I should share my hands-on knowledge with you. In my professional and personal life, I’ve needed to find electrical solutions for remote situations from owning a food truck, to running events at the top of mountains, to my converted campervan. So whether you’re looking for the best products or fixing an electrical problem, you can rest assured my advice comes from real hands-on experience.
