Final Thoughts: Where To Buy Solar Panels
Installing solar panels involves a number of decisions, starting with where to buy your panels. Are you qualified to install solar panels yourself? What type of solar panel is best for your energy needs? What other equipment will you need to buy along with your panels?
If you choose to go with a solar company, make sure you do your research and hire a vetted, experienced solar contractor with a track record of success. Ask any friends or neighbors with solar who they hired and how their experience was. Some solar companies have programs that reward $1,000 or more for referrals. You can also continue your research on the best solar companies, or look for local solar installers in your area.
If you want to know more about installing a solar panel system, you can click below to connect with an EcoWatch-vetted installer and get a free estimate.
Compare Solar Quotes For Your Property On Energysage
For smaller solar projects, lower wattage panels can be a great way to avoid starting up a gas generator. Additionally, small panels make for easy portable power on camping trips, RV trips, or long hikes. When it comes to providing power an entire home or business, the best way to get the right solar energy setup is to register your property on the EnergySage Marketplace. Through our platform, qualified solar installers can submit quotes on your property. If the type and size of panel used for your installation is an important factor, you can easily view your quotes and the equipment they include side-by-side through the Marketplace.
Renogy 100w Foldable Solar Suitcase With Voyager Best Value
Wattage: 100W | Panel Type: Monocrystalline | Foldable: Yes | Weight: 26.6 lbs
The Renogy 100W Solar Suitcase is ideal if you want an all-in-one solution.
Apart from the foldable panels and connectors, this package comes with the Voyager Charge Controller with a backlit LCD display.
This basically means you can charge any type of 12V battery directly, as the controller lets you choose the type of battery with a few clicks.
The solar charge controller is also packed with intelligent protection functions and gives you several charging modes to keep your battery healthy.
If youre not planning to get a power station, this Renogy 100W Foldable Solar suitcase is an offer you cant refuse.
On the downside, these portable folding solar panels are almost twice as heavy as the Bluetti and Jackery, and yet deliver half the wattage only 100W.
- Only 100 watts of solar power
Why Do I Like It?
If you already have a 12V battery at hand, these portable solar panels are everything you need, as the charge controller is already in the package. Definitely my choice of all 100W portable solar panels.
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Selection Criteria: How We Ranked The Best Solar Panel Kits
Based on our specified criteria, weve narrowed down a competitive list of options to feature the 7 best solar panel kits.
Our rankings place a special emphasis on reliability and value for the money. They also take into consideration the quality of the equipment, the wattage, the volts, and the designated use.
Goal Zero Boulder 100 Solar Panel Briefcase The Toughest
Wattage: 100W | Panel Type: Monocrystalline | Foldable: Yes | Weight: 25.9 lbs
I could hardly think of a better name for this portable solar panel.
The Boulder is designed as a self-contained rugged and durable briefcase, just like something youd expect to see in a Michael Bay movie.
I mean, tempered glass is not something youd expect from a
The two 50-watt monocrystalline solar panels are connected by a sturdy hinge while the integral kickstand lets you set the optimal angle to the sun.
And as if reinforced aluminum and corner protection wasnt enough, the panels are covered with tempered glass.
So why is this solar panel tank the last on the list?
First, its got a very limited application. Youd be pressed hard to find a way to strap it to your RV or boat.
The rigid construction prevents you from placing it flush with any kind of curving roof or surface. You can always use the kickstand, but if the ground is soft and wet, theres little you can do about it.
Finally, its too heavy to haul it around. This ironically beats the whole end-of-days suitcase design.
- Too bulky for carrying around
- No direct USB charging
Why Do I Like It?
So who are these portable solar panels for? Id say prepper types and people living in areas that are prone to extreme weather events like hurricanes and floods. The GoalZero Boulder will survive.
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Bluetti Pv200 200w Solar Best Overall
Wattage: 200W | Panel Type: Monocrystalline | Foldable: Yes | Weight: 16.1 lbs.
Bluetti has forced me to become a fanboy thanks to the their Bluetti AC200P solar generator.
While I was looking some dependable solar panels for my AC200P, the obvious choice was these PV200 200W solar panels.
I wanted higher wattage from my portable solar panels as I needed 2400Wh of juice for my generator. And, Bluetti PV200 200W solar panels didnt disappoint me.
With 4 of these 200W panels, I can fully charge my Bluetti AC200 power station in less than 3 hours. And thats about 2400Wh of capacity.
Initially, I wanted to go for SP200 but they were out of stock. With a high conversion rate and anti-scratch ETFE coating, these portable solar panels let me charge my power station even in less-than-ideal weather conditions.
Thanks to their water-resistance rating, now I dont have to worry about a sudden shower of rain.
Why Do I Like It?
These portable solar panels have four adjustable kickstands so I can easily set them on uneven ground. Also, Bluetti has a very strong market recognition. All credit goes to their superior products with top-shelf build quality.
Decide Between Professional Vs Diy Solar Installation
Depending on your experience, skill level, and even how much time you have, youll first need to determine if its better to hire a professional installer or try a DIY installation.
Its important to know that it is possible to purchase your solar energy system from a distributor and then choose an installer you dont necessarily have to buy the products from the installation team. Some installers are willing to work with products you buy independently, so long as they approve of the items and all components are present.
Whichever you choose, your next steps will be to determine which solar products to buy.
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Portable Solar Panel Use Cases
The way you see yourself using your portable solar panels will help you make the right choice.
If youre an RV fan like me, the good news is that many great portable options are available these days. The right portable solar panel kit can meet your whole RV needs for electricity, including the kitchen appliances and the TV.
Youre looking to charge your phone and camera while camping?
Go for soft-lined foldable solar panels you can strap over your tent roof for the best exposure.
When it comes to boats, you can go either foldable or rigid frame. The most important is to choose a product with IP67 protection that can handle a few splashes and even a dip.
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Trusted Manufacturers & Low Wholesale Solar Panel Prices
After thorough review, we have selectedsolar panels from top manufacturers for system performance, quality, track record, field history andlow cost. We offer packaged, complete solar panel systems for the contractor and self install do it yourself homeowner. We also offer lowwholesale priced components and systems for commercial and government. For complete systems atlow prices, please view oursolar system price guide. We encourage you tocontact us forsolar panel reviews, latestlow price or to ask any questions you may have.
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What Solar Incentives Are Available To Me
There are many local state and utility solar incentives that you can research while planning your solar installation.
One of the best incentives is the federal solar tax credit, which is 26% until 2023. This incentive works by reducing your federal income taxes by 26% of your systems value – which works out to essentially be a 26% discount!
Some utility companies also offer rebates on the purchase of a solar system, to view your local solar incentives enter your zip code below for a free estimate.
How much could you save on solar with local incentives?
Solar energy also saves you money by offsetting the cost of energy that you would otherwise have to purchase from your utility. In most states, this is done through a program called net metering. Incentives vary state by state so be sure to research the options that are available to you.
How Do I Maintain Solar Panels
Solar panels are low-maintenance. We encourage you to wash off the panels at least once a year to remove any dirt or other residue that may have collected. In the winter, use snow brush to snow from the panels In the fall, wed recommend brushing off any leaves that may collect on the surface of the panels.
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What Is The Best Placement For Solar Panels
A key factor in the effective use of solar electricity is the proper placement of solar panels. Make sure to locate the panels where they will receive full sunlight between 10 am and 3 pm. Be sure that the solar panels will not be shaded by shadows from tree branches, chimneys, other structures, etc. Once again AVOID SHADE! You will be mounting the solar panels on the roof, the ground, or a pole.
Best For Camping: Ecoflow 110w Solar Panel
Courtesy of EcoFlow
When bringing a solar panel on camping trips, youll want to look for something lightweight, durable, and powerful enough to charge your cameras, portable speakers, lights, and other camping gadgets. The Eco Flow Portable Solar Panel has two different sizes: 110 watt or 160 watts with a high conversion efficiency of up to 22%. It also includes an MC4 cable connector and carry case.
If your camping trip takes you across rivers or kayaking across lakes, the panel has an IP67 waterproof rating, so it can hold up to Mother Nature better than many of its competitors. The unit consists of four folding panels and weighs around 14 pounds.
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Where To Buy Solar Panels: 2022 Solar Purchasing Guide
Installing solar panels on your home can dramatically reduce both your dependence on traditional utility companies and your environmental impact. One of the first steps in switching to renewable energy is figuring out where to buy solar panels. It can be a little confusing at first.
In this article, well help you figure out how to identify and purchase the best solar panels for your home, as well as give tips on other equipment youll need to complete your solar power system. Read on for a full explanation of the process of buying solar panels. Or, to consult with a professional and start designing your system right away, you can click the buttons below to get connected with one of the best installers in the nation.
Top 5 Recommended Cheap Solar Panels
Using SolarReviews solar panel reviews, you can find a lot of important information about solar panel brands and products. At the time of writing, these are the panels that stood out as the best quality of the cheapest panels in terms of efficiency rating, pricing per panel and wattage.
Find out if going solar is worth it where you live
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Best Foldable Option: Dokio 110w 18v Portable Foldable Solar Panel Kit
Product Ratings
| Practicality: | 5/5 |
Dimensions: 27.95 x 13.78 x 0.2 inches | Weight: 6 pounds | Watts: 110 Watt | Volts: 18 Volts | Panel Type: Monocrystalline | Includes Battery: No | Solar Charge Controller Included: Yes
What We Liked
- You can charge 12V batteries or portable power stations
- Compatible with several types of batteries
- Affordable for most budgets
What We DidntLike
- Not built for extreme environments even though it comes with an built-in waterproof case. The wires are also not suited for rough environments
- At 110 watts, it provides less solar energy than other solar panel kits within the same price range
- Charge controller is more fragile than we expected it to be
Admittedly, this isnt the best option for those looking for an ultra-durable solar panel kit . If youre thinking about traveling with it to areas with high wind or extreme seasonal conditions, youll most likely return with a scratched panel because of its less than impressive stand.
Though, the panel does come with a thin plastic layer to protect the panel from scratching.
On the other hand, if you plan to use this solar panel kit in areas that dont see many weather extremes, we couldnt recommend this panel more. Its one of the most lightweight panels on the market making it easy to carry and it comes with a waterproof case to protect it in storage or while traveling.
Our Experience
This panel is promoted by the manufacturer as a great choice for power in emergency situations.
Where Can You Buy Solar Panels
The most common source for solar panels is a solar company, which serves as a certified dealer and installer of solar products from major manufacturers. If you have friends, family, or neighbors that recently installed solar panels, you might have opted for this route.
However, many people dont realize that you can also buy solar panels directly from a distributor. When you purchase from a solar distributor, youll typically have the option to purchase either a solar panel kit or the individual components for a solar energy system. Then, you can hire an installer or do a DIY solar installation if you are qualified and feel comfortable.
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Do You Need A Charge Controller For Your Portable Solar Generator
A charge controller is a voltage/current regulator that keeps your battery from overcharging. It regulates the voltage and current coming from the solar panels to the battery.
Luckily, todays best portable solar generators Like the Jackery 1000 and Bluetti AC200P come with advanced MPPT charge controllers that ensure the best match between your portable solar panel and the battery.
This basically means that very little energy is lost in the charging process.
Best Overall: Renogy 12 Volt Monocrystalline Portable Foldable Solar Panel
For a portable panel thats ideal for van life and recharging RV or boat batteries, the Renogy folding 100-watt panel is built to withstand the elements. It tops our list because it’s a versatile, sturdy, and efficient panel at a moderate price. Measuring 40 inches long x 27 inches wide , the panel is extremely efficienteven in low-light areas or cloudy days. The unit includes a corrosion-resistant aluminum stand and a rugged protective case with heavy-duty handles and latches.
The Renogy panel can be purchased with or without the solar controller and can be combined with a power station for the full off-grid package. The panel weighs just under 27 pounds.
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How Many Solar Panels Do You Need
The number of solar panels youll need to meet your power needs depends on a few main factors: the wattage of the individual panels, your average power consumption, and the amount of light you receive daily.
This all requires a bit of math.
Your total daily electricity load = total wattage of your appliances X number of hours theyll be turned on.
Number of solar panels = total daily electricity load / hours of sunlight X individual panel wattage
For example, running 4 50W light bulbs for 8 hours would mean a total daily electricity load of 1.6-kilowatt hours . If you receive an average of 5 hours of sun per day and are purchasing 100W panels, then youd need 3.2 panels. This means 4 100W panels would easily power your light bulbs.
Other Equipment Youll Need To Buy For Your Solar Panel System
If youre doing your own installation, youll need to consider purchasing the following when you buy your solar panels:
- Inverter: This converts direct current solar energy into the alternating current electricity needed to power your home. Most options will be string inverters or microinverters.
- Battery: A solar battery allows you to store excess energy for future use rather than feeding it back into the electrical grid. Having a battery maximizes your solar energy use.
- Mounting system: This stabilizes your solar panels and ensures they stay in their proper rooftop position.
- Wiring: Wiring is used to connect your solar system to your electrical panel.
- Solar charge controller: A charge controller regulates voltage and prevents batteries from overcharging.
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Whats The Difference Between Monocrystalline And Polycrystalline Panels
Renogy offers both monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels. Polycrystalline panels, which are light blue in color, are less efficient than monocrystalline panels, but they are also cheaper. Monocrystalline panels, which are darker in color, are more space-efficient. If you have limited area on a roof, wed recommend monocrystalline panels to be able to make the most out of a small space.
