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Installing solar panels on your home can be a great way to save money on electricity costs and reduce your carbon footprint. But with so many different types of solar panels on the market, how do you know which is the best option for your home? In this guide, we’ll compare the pros and cons of the main types of solar panels for home use and provide tips on how to choose the right system based on your energy needs and installation space.
Efficiency and Wattage Capacity
When considering what type of solar panel to install, one of the first things to look at is the efficiency rating, which measures what percentage of sunlight hitting the panel is converted into usable electricity. The efficiency determines the wattage capacity of the solar panels.
The wattage or power output of a solar panel indicates how much electricity it can generate per hour in ideal sunlight conditions. So a 300W solar panel in full sun for one hour would generate 300 watt-hours (Wh) of electricity.
For home solar systems, solar panels typically range from 250W to 400W. To give a sense of how much power that provides, a 100W solar panel can light a 10W LED light bulb for 10 hours!
Calculating Your Solar Energy Needs
To determine how many solar panels you need for your home, you first need to estimate your overall household electricity consumption. Look over the past year of utility bills and calculate the average monthly kilowatt-hours (kWh) used.
Then factor in that the solar panels may not receive optimal sunlight all day, every day. On average, you can expect the solar panels to produce their rated wattage for around 3-5 hours per day.
For example, if your average electricity use is 30 kWh per day, you would need a 10,000W (10kW) solar array to meet that in 5 hours of sunlight (30kWh/5hrs = 6kW x 1.5 for panel inefficiencies = 9kW or 10,000W).
With this 10kW capacity need in mind, you can then determine how many panels you need based on the wattage capacity of the models you are considering. If looking at 300W panels, you would need around 33 panels (10,000W / 300W = 33 panels).
Quickly Compare Solar Panels on Amazon
| Product | Image | Wattage | MaxPower Voltage | MaxPower Current | Size | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BougeRV 100 Watts Solar Panel |
 
|
100 watts | 18.15V Vmp | 5.50A Imp | 39.17 x 21.26 x 1.38 in | 16.97 lbs |
| BougeRV 200 Watts Solar Panel |
 
|
200 watts | 19.1V Vmp | 10.99A Imp | 58.27 x 27.76 x 1.38 in | 24 lbs |
| ECO-WORTHY 150 Watt 12 Volt Solar Panels |
 
|
150 watts | 17.25V Vmp | 9.22A Imp | 42.04 x 26.32 x 1.4 in | 17.58 lbs |
| ECO-WORTHY Bifacial 195 Watt 12 Volt Solar Panel |
 
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195 watts | 19.8V Vmp | 9.85A Imp | 52.6 x 26.4 x 1.4 in | 20.48 lbs |
| Newpowa 220W Solar Panel |
 
|
220 watts | 17.52V Vmp | 12.60A Imp | 56.69 x 30.12 x 1.38 in | 26.62 lbs |
| Newpowa 250 Watt Solar Panel |
 
|
250 watts | 23.83V Vmp | 10.51A Imp | 54.72 x 34.45 x 1.38 in | 29.10 lbs |
| Newpowa 200 Watt 24 Volt Solar Panel |
 
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200 watts | 37.20V Vmp | 5.38A Imp | 55.28 x 27.76 x 1.38 in | 24.12 lbs |
| Renogy 100 Watt 12 V Solar Panel |
 
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100 watts | 20.4V Vmp | 4.91A Imp | 41.8 x 20.9 x 1.4 in | 14.1 lbs |
| Renogy 320W 24V Solar Panel |
 
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320 watts | 33.7V Vmp | 9.5A Imp | 65.6 x 39.5 x 1.4 in | 39.7 lbs |
| Renogy 550 Watt Solar Panel |
 
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550 watts | 41.97V Vmp | 13.11A Imp | 89.7 x 44.6 x 1.4 in | 62.8 lbs |
| Renogy 550 Watt Bifacial Solar Panel |
 
|
550 Watts | ?? V Vmp | ?? A Imp | 91.73 x 47.24 x 1.4 inches | 71.8 lbs |
| RICH SOLAR 200 Watt 12V Solar Panel |
 
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200 watts | 20.4V Vmp | 9.8A Imp | 58.7 x 26.8 x1.4 in | 26.5 lbs |
| RICH SOLAR 200 Watt 24V Solar Panel |
 
|
200 watts | 37.6V Vmp | 5.32A Imp | 58.7 x 26.8 x1.4 in | 26.5 lbs |
| RICH SOLAR 250 Watt Solar Panel |
 
|
250 watts | 23.2V Vmp | 10.8A Imp | 55.1 x 34.5 x 1.4 in | 28.6 lbs |
BougeRV 100 Watts 12V Solar Panel
100W 9BB
Unleash the full potential of solar energy with our 100W 12V 9BB Mono Solar Panel! Crafted with premium 9BB monocrystalline cells, this panel delivers superior conversion efficiency and features a sturdy aluminum frame that can handle the toughest conditions. Perfect for off-grid setups such as RVs, boats, and cabins, this panel is a must-have for any solar enthusiast looking to go green and save money.
Unmatched Conversion Efficiency: Our 9BB cell design boasts the highest conversion rate of 21.9%, ensuring maximum power output and longer service life and allowing you to charge 12V, 24V or 48V batteries by wiring multiple panels in series. Plus, a thinner ribbon reduces the covered area by 22%.
Features
- Efficiency 21.9%
- Pre-installed bypass diodes inside junction box that minimize power drops caused by shading
- 18 month Limited Material and Parts Workmanship Warranty
- 25-Year 80% Output Warranty
BougeRV 200 Watts 12V Solar Panel
200W 9BB
Unleash the full potential of solar energy with our 200W 12V 9BB Mono Solar Panel! Crafted with premium 9BB monocrystalline cells, this panel delivers superior conversion efficiency and features a sturdy aluminum frame that can handle the toughest conditions. Perfect for off-grid setups such as RVs, boats, and cabins, this panel is a must-have for any solar enthusiast looking to go green and save money.
Unmatched Conversion Efficiency: Our 9BB cell design boasts the highest conversion rate of 22.8%, ensuring maximum power output and longer service life and allowing you to charge 12V, 24V or 48V batteries by wiring multiple panels in series. Plus, a thinner ribbon reduces the covered area by 22%.
More Power in a Compact Design: Our 200W 9BB mono solar panel is approximately 8% smaller than others, yet generates more power. Compared to 100W panels, it’s about 48% larger but produces 200% more power, giving you more power in limited space on your RV, van or trailer roof.
Features
- Efficiency 22.8%
- Size 8% smaller than other 200W panels
- Pre-installed bypass diodes inside junction box that minimize power drops caused by shading
- 18 month Limited Material and Parts Workmanship Warranty
- 25-Year 80% Output Warranty
ECO-WORTHY 150 Watt 12V Monocrystalline Solar Panel
L02DWM150-1
ECO-WORTHY’s 150W 12V Monocrystalline Solar Panel is primarily used on off-grid situations that include RV, boat, sailboat, yacht, truck, cabin, camper, tent, trailer, golf cart. Daily output 600WH depends on the sunlight availability. Eco-Worthy solar panels use high-performance monocrystalline A+ grade solar cells, which can provide up to 21.5% electricity conversion rate. Our solar panel has cells closely arranged for space usage maximization. Increase the cell receiving surface while reducing current and resistance loss with a thinner ribbon design. This panel covered by tempered glass and aluminum frame, able to withstands 5400pa snow and 2400pa wind, and have IP65 junction box, good corrosion resistance to keep sturdy in all kinds of weather.
- Same Power but More Compact: With its compact solar cell arrangement, this panel has same power but 7% smaller than other 150W panels, brings you 600Wh of electricity per day (under four hours of full sunshine).
- All Black Design: The all-black panel & aluminum frame design, have an excellent decorative effect on the roof and RV, and can form a unique fashion style.
- Advanced Solar Cell Tech: Eco-Worthy solar panels use high-performance monocrystalline A+ grade solar cells, which can provide up to 21.5% electricity conversion rate. The solar panel has closely cells arranged for space usage maximization. Increase the cell receiving surface while reducing current and resistance loss with a thinner ribbon design.
- Suitable in All Weathers: This panel covered by tempered glass and aluminum frame, able to withstands 5400pa snow and 2400pa wind, and have IP65 junction box, good corrosion resistance to keep sturdy in all kinds of weathers.
- Easy set up: Plug & play designed Connector in the cables for quick installation and pre-drilled holes on the back of the panel allow for easily mounted on the roof or ground with brackets, which is ideal for off-grid applications.
Features
- Efficiency 21.5%
- Pre-installed bypass diodes inside junction box that minimize power drops caused by shading
- 1-Year Limited Material and Parts Workmanship Warranty
- 14 Days DOA Product Guarantee
- 30 Days No Reason Return
ECO-WORTHY Bifacial 195W 12V Monocrystalline Solar Panel
US-L02M195TM-1
ECO-WORTHY’s latest innovative 195W bifacial solar panel is among the best solar panels for marine and RV applications, offering up to 33% higher energy output than traditional solar panels thanks to its bifacial design that captures sunlight from both sides. Featuring premium Grade A+ monocrystalline solar cells, PERC technology, half-cut cells, and bypass diode network, this monocrystalline solar panel ensures high solar cell efficiency and solar panel output. It is a great option that can provide power even in the toughest environmental conditions.
Features
- 12BB busbar panel
- Bifacial added power up to 33%
- Efficiency 23%
- Pre-installed bypass diodes inside junction box that minimize power drops caused by shading
- 1-Year Limited Material and Parts Workmanship Warranty
- 14 Days DOA Product Guarantee
- 30 Days No Reason Return
NEWPOWA 200 Watt 24V Monocrystalline Solar Panel
NPA200S-24I
Newpowa’s New 200W 24V Monocrystalline High-efficiency Solar Panel is ideal for bringing power to applications when away from the grid. It is commonly used in RV, Marine, Boat, Camping, Traffic signals, and many other applications.
New Design: Built with higher efficiency cells that allow for a better solar conversion rate.
Under ideal conditions, 9 busbar PV module will outperform the dated 5 and 6 busbar technology. The void space reduction between the 9BB solar cells is designed to enhance the overall efficiency of the PV module by lowering current lengths and mitigating against loss of output.
9 BusBar Features
- Newpowa’s 200W 24V Monocrystalline High-efficiency Solar Panel is ideal for bringing power to applications when away from the grid. It is commonly used in RV, Marine, Boat, Camping, Traffic signals and many other applications.
Key Features
- 200W/24V Monocrystalline High-efficiency solar panel
- High-performance cells encapsulated in EVA (ethylene-vinyl-acetate)
- Nominal 24V DC for standard output
- High-transparent, low iron tempered glass
- Durable TPT back sheet – dissipates heat to insure better panel performance and lifespan
- Pre-installed bypass diodes inside junction box that minimize power drops caused by shading
- 2-Year Limited Material and Parts Workmanship Warranty
- 10-Year 90% Output Warranty
- 25-Year 80% Output Warranty
NEWPOWA 220 Watt 12V Monocrystalline Solar Panel
NPA220S-12J
Newpowa’s New 220W 12V Monocrystalline High-efficiency Solar Panel is ideal for bringing power to applications when away from the grid. It is commonly used in RV, Marine, Boat, Camping, Traffic signals, and many other applications.
New Design: Built with higher efficiency cells that allow for a better solar conversion rate.
10 BusBar Features
- Under ideal conditions, a 10 busbar PV module design will outperform the dated 5 and 6 busbar technology. The void space reduction between the 10BB solar cells is designed to enhance the overall efficiency of the PV module by lowering current lengths and mitigating against loss of output.
Key Features
- Higher cells efficiency, better light converting rate
- Maximum Efficiency: 22.4%
- Heavy-duty anodized frame with pre-drilled holes for mounting
- Rugged design to withstand high winds (2400Pa), hail, and snow load (5400Pa)
- High-transparent, low iron tempered glass
- Durable TPT back sheet – dissipates heat to insure better panel performance and lifespan
- Pre-installed bypass diodes inside junction box that minimize power drops caused by shading
- 2-Year Limited Material and Parts Workmanship Warranty
- 10-Year 90% Output Warranty
- 25-Year 80% Output Warranty
NEWPOWA 250 Watt 12V Monocrystalline Solar Panel
NPA250S-15I
The Newpowa 250W 12V 9BB Black-Frame Solar Panel is by far the most popular solar panel for Ford Transit and Mercedes Sprinter vans because it fits PERFECTLY in between two roof vent fans, and covers the van roof almost completely side to side. The All-black frame made with corrosion-resistant aluminum will reduce the risk of rust accumulating on the panel.
Under ideal conditions, a 9 busbar PV module will outperform the dated 5 and 6 busbar technology. The void space reduction between the 9BB solar cells is designed to enhance the overall efficiency of the PV module by lowering current lengths and mitigating against loss of output.
The Newpowa 250W 12V Monocrystalline Solar Panel is ideal for bringing power to applications when away from the grid. Perfect for larger off-grid solar systems, sheds, cabins, boats, and camper vans!
This 250W Solar Panel is commonly used in RV, marine, overlanding, traffic signals and various off-grid applications. The solar panel comes with higher efficiency solar cells which significantly reduced the overall footprint and allows for a broader energy conversion rate.
Key Features
- Higher cells efficiency, better light converting rate
- Maximum Efficiency: 22.3%
- Heavy-duty anodized frame with pre-drilled holes for mounting
- Rugged design to withstand high winds (2400Pa), hail, and snow load (5400Pa)
- High-transparent, low iron tempered glass
- Durable TPT back sheet – dissipates heat to insure better panel performance and lifespan
- Pre-installed bypass diodes inside junction box that minimize power drops caused by shading
- 2-Year Limited Material and Parts Workmanship Warranty
- 10-Year 90% Output Warranty
- 25-Year 80% Output Warranty
RICH SOLAR 200 Watt 24V Monocrystalline Solar Panel
Have you been looking for the best RV off grid solar system? This MEGA 200 Watt 24V Solar Panel will help start your camper solar setup. Get this to start your solar adventure today!
- 25 year limited power output Warranty
- UL Certified
Features
- Lightweight anodized aluminum frame
- High Transmission, AR (anti-reflective) Coated Tempered Glass
- Plug and play junction box
- Industry standard quick connect cables work in series or in parallel
- Pre-drilled holes compatible with ground mounts, Z brackets, pole mounts and tilt mounts
- Certified to withstand challenging environmental conditions
RICH SOLAR 250 Watt 12V Monocrystalline Solar Panel
Have you been looking for the best RV off grid solar system? This MEGA 250 Watt 12V Solar Panel will help start your camper solar setup. Get this to start your solar adventure today!
- 25 year limited power output Warranty
- UL Certified
Features
- 9 buss bar solar cell configuration
- Lightweight anodized aluminum frame
- High Transmission, AR (anti-reflective) Coated Tempered Glass
- Plug and play junction box
- Industry standard quick connect cables work in series or in parallel
- Pre-drilled holes compatible with ground mounts, Z brackets, pole mounts and tilt mounts
- Certified to withstand challenging environmental conditions
- Excellent low light performance on cloudy days, mornings and evenings
Renogy 100W 12V Monocrystalline Solar Panel
RSP100D-BK
Key Features
Sleek black frame design and durable construction, the Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Panel provides you with the highest efficiency per surface area.
- 25 years Power Output Warranty
- 5 years Material and Workmanship Warranty
- Module Efficiency = 17.9%
Potential Uses
The Renogy 100W solar panel can be used in various off-grid applications that include 12 and 24 volt arrays, water pumping systems, signaling systems and other off-grid applications.
Renogy 320W Monocrystalline Solar Panel
RNG-320D
Key Features
The Renogy 320W Monocrystalline Solar Panel is the first step to convert your residence to an energy-producing home. The 320W solar panel features a black frame and substantial power output.
- 25 years Power Output Warranty
- 10 years Material and Workmanship Warranty
- Module Efficiency = 19.2%
Potential Uses
The Renogy 320W monocrystalline solar panel has uses in various off-grid systems. That includes 12 and 24 volt arrays, water pumping systems, signaling systems, and other off-grid applications.
Renogy 550W Monocrystalline Solar Panel
RSP550D-144
Key Features
Renogy’s 550-Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panel features substantial conversion efficiency and immense power output. This solar panel is equipped with exceptionally efficient (PERC) monocrystalline silicon solar cells, providing both cost savings and better power output performance. This product promotes renewable energy deployment.
- 25 years Power Output Warranty
- 10 years Material and Workmanship Warranty
- Module Efficiency = 21.3 %
Potential Uses
Renogy solar panels are used in solar power arrays, water pumping systems, signaling systems and in plenty other applications. The Renogy 550 W Mono-crystalline Solar Panel is ideal for larger sized off-grid solar array power systems, and heavy power consumption applications. Applications include residential, utility, and commercial power systems.
Renogy 550W Bifacial 24V Monocrystalline Solar Panel
RSP550DT-144×2-US
Key Features
Renogy’s new 550-Watt Bifacial Monocrystalline Solar Panel features substantial conversion efficiency and immense power output. This solar panel is equipped with exceptionally efficient (PERC) monocrystalline silicon solar cells, providing both cost savings and better power output performance. This product promotes renewable energy deployment.
Bifacial panels can provide up to 30% additional power from back side reflected light – depending on mounting angle and surface reflectivity.
- 25 years Power Output Warranty
- 10 years Material and Workmanship Warranty
- Module Efficiency = ?? %
Potential Uses
Renogy solar panels are used in solar power arrays, water pumping systems, signaling systems and in plenty other applications. The Renogy 550 W Mono-crystalline Bifacial Solar Panel is ideal for larger sized off-grid solar array power systems, and heavy power consumption applications. Applications include residential, utility, and commercial power systems.
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