Top 10 Best Residential Solar Power Kits of 2020

Solar energy is the amplest form of available energy and with the sun being its origin it’s sure to last for billions of years. The many benefits of implanting solar-powered appliances for daily use have urged many nations across the world to shift to this form of energy.

Solar energy is not only cheap but is the appropriate answer to all the future needs. It is gradually revolutionizing the consumer market, and for those unfamiliar with the eco-friendly industry, there’s no better place to start than with the best residential solar power kits.

Is it beneficial to install a solar power kit?

A solar power kit is fundamentally a solar panel bundled with the requisites such as a charge controller, a power inverter, a battery and everything you’ll need to gather and run your solar energy system. They are a dream come true for newbies looking to convert to renewable energy. Solar power kits are excellent for those looking to power a small off-grid cabin, RV appliances, or other small electronics. Expensive large load kits are even efficient to handle the entire energy consumption of a small household. Depending on your distinct purpose, there’s a quality kit out there that will adequately meet your energy needs. They are a foolproof alternative for smelly and loud fuel generators.

With so much pollution, it is crucial that the majority shifts to renewable sources of energy in order to undo some harm caused to the environment. Solar panels now come in an immense range of designs and one can choose an assembly fitting to their respective energy demands. Though the basic cost of installation may be a little higher it can be certainly recovered by minimal electricity bills in the future.

How to choose residential solar power kits?

Solar power kits come in various sizes and cost variants. To choose the best among them, it is effective to look at some factors:

1. Solar Panel Type:
   There are four most familiar solar panel types – monocrystalline, polycrystalline, thin-film, and concentrated PV. Monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels are suitable for residential solar power kits. However, monocrystalline is a bit costly but highly productive. Polycrystalline panels are priced lower but have less productivity. Thin-film and concentrated PV are suitable for commercial purposes.

2. Efficiency:
   It exemplifies how much amount of sunlight the solar panel can convert into electricity. Higher efficiency represents the solar panel will convert more sunlight into electricity. Solar panels come with an efficiency range of 14 to 22%. The efficiency of a solar panel is calculated by the amount of sunlight it converts into electricity per unit of area. If a solar panel is more efficient the overall efficiency of the rooftop solar system also strengthens. The efficiency of panels plays a dominant role in the effective working of the whole system and hence prudence must be applied while selecting the same. A more efficient solar panel requires a lesser number of panels to be installed and hence will call for less capital outflow.

3. Warranty:
   Preferring a solar panel based on a warranty is important as many companies might not be around to honor their promise later. The solar companies are experiencing a constant challenge in the form of lower prices of products and many of the smaller players are finding it problematic to sustain. Solar panels are a long-term investment and customers want to work with a bankable partner, hence warranty plays an important role in resolving who will be the solar panel seller.

4. Temperature coefficient:
   While sunlight is necessary for the proper functioning of solar panels, very high temperatures can lead to deterioration. The temperature coefficient is measured as the effect of high temperatures on the functioning of solar panels. The lower the temperature coefficient, the better.

5. Durability:
   The durability of a panel is predicted by its strength to endure heavy rains, hailstorms, high winds, excessive pressure,   etc. Solar   Panels in different countries go through different stress tests under varied environmental conditions and external pressure.

Considering all the required factors, below is the list of best residential solar power kits of 2020:

1. Renogy 100 Watts 12 Volts Monocrystalline Solar Starter Kit

Due to easy installation and portable nature, Renogy Solar starter Kit has topped the list. It is excellent for beginners having little or no idea about the working of solar power kits and are excited to learn the interesting concepts and apply them to real-time applications like boats, sheds, cabins, and trailers. You can get this solar power kit at a reasonable price. The kit mainly consists of a controller that facilitates monitoring the solar panel effectively and a negative ground controller that ensures its safety.

When measured to others, it can expand the power supply up to 400 watts, the input voltage of 12V DC, and also implements the Pulse Width Modulation technology. When you keep an eye on the charge controller, you will be able to see LED indicators and flooded batteries.

The effectiveness of the Renogy solar starter kit is exceptional and is specially designed for customers who are new to solar technology. A user guide is provided along with the hardware components to guide the newbie starting with an installation process to the maximum amount of power you can apply for performing the specific operations.

There should be no damage to the rear surface of the solar panel as it will not deliver power to the respective modules.

Pros

• Moderately priced
• Battery protection
• Can charge any other home appliances by supplying a maximum of 12V

Cons

• Installing a solar panel is quite problematic.
• No upgrade option for the microcontroller.

2. HQST 100W/12V Monocrystalline Solar Panel

HQST is a prominent brand for designing solar panels with high standard services. The price of the solar power starter kit is very reasonable and assures admirable performance even in low-light areas. The solar power kit makes use of monocrystalline material coated with tempered glass to provide stiffness. An advanced encapsulation material upgrades the performance by administering a long service life.

The back of the panel has holes for fast mounting, security purposes and can even combat high winds and snow loads.

Furthermore there are few specifications for installing a solar panel kit such as,

• 100W of maximum power
• 600V of DC voltage
• 75A of a short circuit
• Weighs 16.5 lbs

Pros

• Exceptionally reliable
• Flexible to install
• Moderately priced
• Uses monocrystalline panels that come with greater efficiency

Cons

• Occupies maximum space

3. ACOPOWER 100W Foldable Solar Panel Kit

ACO POWER manufacturers have 7 years of experience in selling quality products and serving customers in over 50 countries.

The solar power kit consists of 2 pieces of monocrystalline panels with 10A charge controller and alligator clips. Besides, you can also connect to the panel via MC4 connectors to charge the battery faster.

To make the solar panel device work excellently, it should be faced directly to the sunlight. It generally works with 2-different batteries at the same time.

The components incorporated in designing the solar panel for home or other appliances are:

• Anderson plug
• MC4 connectors
• Solar charge controller
• Handle
• Latches
• Diodes
• Fuse
• Carrying bag and
• Aluminum frame

Though the cost is quite high, the performance of the ACO Power solar power kit is admirable. The best part of this product is that it can be attached to different components and still produces stable power at the output.

Pros

• Effortless to set up
• Portable nature
• High-efficiency output
• Angle adjustment feature

Cons

• High-cost
• Made of exotic materials
• The charge controller is not waterproof

4. WindyNation 100 Watt Solar Panel Off-Grid RV Boat Kit

WindyNation 100W Solar panel kit is a budget-friendly kit, which can be charged to an average of 350Wh per day or frequently it may depend on the availability of sunlight.

The solar power kit comprises of screws, clips, connecting wires, and controller. The charge controller has flexible settings to display the readings of voltage, current, and temperature. The controller, featuring the best marine wiring components, can handle up a maximum of 4/8-pieces of a solar panel.

The specifications of the solar power kit are as follows:

• 100 watts of maximum power
• The open-circuit voltage is 21.60V
• The short circuit current is 6.32A

Pros

• Weatherproof
• Panels are made up of polycrystalline materials
• Warranty is provided by the product manufacturer
• Adjustable settings of voltages, currents, and temperature

Cons

• Solar energy isn’t consistent

5. Flexible Solar Panel MOHOO 100W 18V 12V Ultra-Thin Lightweight Cells Solar Charger

This is an updated variant of the traditional solar power kits with a junction box at the front side, unique frameless features, and 4-metal mounting holes. It is very efficient with a durable nature.

Although solar panels are not much bigger than the traditional model, it helps to prevent the interlocking diodes at night. However, when compared to others, it is very economical and provides high-efficiency results.

The performance of the solar panel kit is great and mostly used for residential use, bikes, cars, boats, aircraft, solar street lamps, and satellites.

Pros

• High productivity
• Greater power supply
• Water-resistant solar panel
• Very powerful and light-weighted

Cons

• Warranty not provided

6. ECO-WORTHY 100 Watts 12 Volts Polycrystalline PV Solar Panel

The solar power kit comes with a 12V- battery, pre-drilled holes, and M/F connectors. It has an advanced water and dust protection system against the environmental parameters.

The polycrystalline panels are optimal for many grid-applications and the corrosion-resistant aluminum frame is extended for outdoor use also.

Pros

• Waterproof
• Uncomplicated to install and set up
• Economical to buy
• High module conversion efficiency

Cons

• The quality of materials is not up to the mark

7. Dokio 200 Watts 12 Volts Monocrystalline foldable Solar Panel

Dokio is famous for designing high-quality electronic components. This solar power kit comes with thick fabric protection and a carrying handle to shift components to other places. It is made up of durable materials, easy to install, and make ideal for long-term usages.

If you wish to use solar power kits at home or other premises then consider the following parameters:

• Maximum power is 80Watts
• Operating current is 4.44A
• Operating voltage is 18.9V
• Short-Circuit Current is 4.60
• Open-Circuit Voltage is 21.6V
• Package weighs 2.2kg

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• Low-maintenance cost
• Can use without batteries
• 5-years of material warranty and 25-years of output warranty

Cons

• Occupies more space
• Solar energy is not consistent

8. Solar Panel, MOHOO 100W Bendable Foldable Thin Lightweight Solar Panel Battery Charger

When it comes to solar panels, MOHOO has established a great brand name by providing the finest features available in the market.

Compared with other solar power kits, it has a high conversion rate and foldable option. This water-resistant solar panel is more durable than traditional models making the panel easy to carry to different places.

Pros

• Foldable
• Waterproof
• Flexible nature
• High conversion rate

Cons

• Costly compared to other solar power kits
• Requires more space

9. WINDYNATION Complete Solar 100 Watt Panel Kit

The windy nation solar power kit is a residential solar power kit, providing 100 watts of renewable power. The LCD screen flashes the voltage reading, panel status, battery charging state, and DC load line.

Solar panels are compatible with lead-acid, gel, and lithium batteries. Also, it incorporates the controller to monitor the power supply.

Pros

• Fairly priced
• Low-maintenance cost
• Upgradable options

Cons

• No warranty information

10. Renogy 50 Watt 12 Volt Polycrystalline Solar Starter Kit

Renogy 50 Watt residential solar power kit which again is budget-friendly and has all the necessary components to convert the solar (light) energy into electrical energy. A user-manual is given along with the hardware components to guide the users by providing electronic concepts.

This Renogy polycrystalline residential solar power kit comes with a cable, solar panel, PWM charge controller, MC4 Connector (M/F) and power adapter.

Pros

• Reduces electricity bill.
• Budget-friendly.
• Offers an instruction manual.

Cons

• Less effective polycrystalline material

Content Writer

Muskan Behune

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