The Best Solar Panels That Help You Slash Your Energy Costs

Max power output: 400 watts | Weight: 14.1 pounds| Warranty: 5 years | Type: Monocrystalline | Guaranteed capacity at 25 years: Yes

Renogy’s 400-watt kit is a popular choice for homeowners who want to install solar panels on their own. The kit contains four 100-watt panels, charge controllers, electrical wiring, fuses and monitoring—everything you need to get up and running. The set will create up to 2,500kWh of electricity a day, which is enough to power lights, your TV and kitchen appliances. This isn’t just for home use, though: You can use this set on an RV or boat, or use it to power outdoor appliances. An anti-corrosion frame and EVA film help protect your panels, regardless of where you put them.

Pros:

• Designed for home installation
• Flexible uses
• Generates ample power

Cons:

• Expensive
• Can be intimidating to set up

Max power output: 200 watts | Weight: 26.5 pounds| Warranty: 5 years | Type: Monocrystalline | Guaranteed capacity at 25 years: Yes

Grape Solar’s 200-Watt panels are made of monocrystalline (a single piece of silicon that makes it easier for electricity to flow through) and designed for residents with smaller roofs, like cabins. At 28 x 62 inches, the panels are on the more petite side, allowing you to fit a few on your roof. These panels have 0 to 3% positive output power tolerance, along with multilayer sheet lamination to enhance cell performance over time. It’s also designed to work in weaker light conditions, as well as high temperatures. This panel can hold up to 50 pounds per square foot of wind and snow, making it a good choice for a range of climates, plus built-in mounting holes make it easy to install.

Pros:

• Durable
• Can hold up to 50 pounds per square foot of snow

Cons:

• May not pull in power for larger homes

Max power output: 100 watts | Weight: 15.8 pounds| Warranty: Unspecified | Type: Monocrystalline | Guaranteed capacity at 25 years: No

With a 100-watt capacity, the Topsolar Solar Panel Kit isn’t your best bet for serving the power needs of a large home. But it’s a good choice for powering up RVs, boats, vans and smaller residences, or for experimenting with solar power to see what you do and don’t like. The kit has all the elements to get you set up, including Z mounting brackets, cables and a controller. The panels have pre-drilled holes for easy installation and are designed to stand up to higher winds and moderate snow loads. Keep in mind that, while this particular kit is 100 watts, Topsolar also has panels that go up to 340 watts to give you options.

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Predrilled holes
• Full kit

Cons:

• Not designed for larger homes
• Smaller capacity

Max power output: 100 watts | Weight: 10.33 pounds| Warranty: 2 years | Type: Monocrystalline | Guaranteed capacity at 25 years: No

Taking your solar power on the road is simple with the Jackery SolarSaga panel. This kit can be propped and angled toward the sun in 60 seconds thanks to a built-in stand. It’s also just over 10 pounds, making it simple to move. This panel has a conversion efficiency of up to 24.3% to minimize waste. It also has ETFE material on the surface to protect your cells. While the 100 watt capacity isn’t huge, it’s enough to power up your phone, tablet and other devices when you’re on the go. When you want to pack it up, simply fold the panel flat. Built-in handles allow for easy carrying from spot to spot.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Highly portable
• Built-in stand

Cons:

• Doesn’t work for homes
• Water resistant, but not waterproof

Max power output: 100 watts | Weight: 11 pounds| Warranty: 18 months | Type: Monocrystalline | Guaranteed capacity at 25 years: No

Power is helpful when you’re camping, even if it’s just to make sure your phone stays charged. This solar panel from Anker converts up to 23% of sunlight into solar energy to keep you juiced up away from home. This kit features specialized Suncast technology to allow you to adjust your panel to snag the most direct sunlight. It also boasts a built-in adjustable kickstand to help you set up practically anywhere. The panel has a USB-C and a USB-A output port, so you can charge two devices at once directly from your panel. Plus, it’s scratch- and water-resistant to withstand time in the elements. At just 11 pounds, the panel is relatively easy to carry to your campsite.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Built-in kickstand
• USB-C and USB-A ports

Cons:

• Pricey
• Not waterproof

Max power output: 440 watts | Weight: 18.3 pounds| Warranty: 25 year limited on panel | Type: Polycrystalline | Guaranteed capacity at 25 years: Yes

Nature Power’s 440-watt kit has all the tools you need to get your home up and running on solar energy. It features four 110-watt panels, along with a 750-watt power inverter, a 30-amp charge controller and wiring. This kit is designed for home use but flexible enough to be installed on boats, RVs and sheds. It’s made from polycrystalline silicon, which is less expensive and more sustainable than monocrystalline. The panel is encased in a sturdy aluminum frame, with a scratch-resistant and anti-reflective coating for durability.

Pros:

• All-in-one kit
• Can be used several ways
• Generates enough to power most homes

Cons:

• Expensive
• Set-up takes time

Max power output: 550 watts | Weight: 62.8 pounds| Warranty: 10 years | Type: Monocrystalline | Guaranteed capacity at 25 years: Yes

These panels from Renogy are powerhouses. At 550 watts a piece, they pull in more power than most and have a nearly 23% conversion efficiency. The panels are built tough, too—they’re designed to operate between -40 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit, making them a good fit for most climates. The panels are made using half-cell technology, which is more flexible in shady situations and performs better in low light than its larger-paneled counterparts. Each panel in this set can create up to 2750 Wh of power in a day, which should be plenty to fuel your home. The frames are corrosion-resistant for durability. Keep in mind that these panels are heavier than most—you’ll want to ensure your roof can easily support their weight before purchasing.

Pros:

• High wattage
• Generates plenty of power
• Works well in low-light

Cons:

• Expensive
• Heavy