Best Solar Panel Kits Under $1000: Top 5
Have you ever wondered about solar energy? Where it comes from? What it’s used for? Why so many people have solar panel kits nowadays? In light of the fact that affordable solar power is such a hot topic in recent years, we’ve put together an ultimate guide that provides the answers to all your burning questions.
Click here to skip straight to our recommend top 5 solar panel kits under $1000
What is solar energy?
Essentially, solar energy is energy that is provided by the sun. It’s in the form of solar radiation, which makes the production of solar power/electricity possible.
Using solar energy is an environmentally friendly way of producing electricity as it creates no emissions.
This kind of power is created with the use of solar roof shingles, solar pumps, RV solar panels and other portable solar panels.
Many people opt to have solar panel kits in their homes as backup, in case of a power outage or natural disaster.
Let’s find out more about solar energy!
In this section of our article, we answer all your questions on advantages and disadvantages, pool solar panels, best portable solar power systems and whether or not you can create your own homemade solar panels… Let’s get stuck in!
Solar Energy Advantages and Disadvantages
Solar Panel Advantages:
- Renewable – Solar energy is a renewable energy source, which means we can’t run out!
- Abundant – The earth’s surface receives 20,000 times more power than what is needed to supply the entire world.
- Environmentally friendly – as we mentioned earlier, there are no damaging emissions from solar energy.
- Sustainable – there’s no way we can over-consume solar energy, which makes it a great option for now and future generations.
- Available world-wide – solar energy is available in every country!
- Reduces power bills – homeowners can rejoice with lower electricity bills by using their own homemade solar energy panels!
- Low maintenance – unlike a lot of other energy options, solar power doesn’t require much maintenance at all!
Solar Panel Disadvantages:
- Expensive – depending on who you talk to, setting up solar energy panels can sometimes prove to be expensive for some people. Do your research before committing to a brand and installation fee!
- Requires Space – depending on how many solar panels you have, and where you’re storing them, sometimes these panels and accessories can take up a fair amount of space.
- Requires access to sunlight – sometimes, our access to sunlight is limited (during the night, early morning etc.), this can effect the performance of your solar power.
Where to find the best portable solar power system
Our top 5 list is a great place to start if you’re looking for portable solar power panels and kits.
If you’re in the market for a portable kit, you’ll need to do your research and find a reputable brand that you can trust. As for speaking to the experts, here’s what you need to make sure you do:
- Know how solar energy works (we’ve helped you out with that above)!
- Be sure to compare different models and kits in order to find a portable solar power system that suits you and your power needs.
- Make sure you look into wholesale solar panels if you’re thinking of going big – is this for home, a commercial building, a factory? Know your needs and stick to them!
- Know your budget when it comes to financing your purchase and installation of your portable solar power system, you don’t want to be caught off-guard with unforeseen costs!
- Read the reviews! Places like Amazon are great for researching alternative power systems, as they allow their customers to leave in-depth reviews. Be sure to pay attention to these before you click ‘buy’!
Shopping for affordable solar power options online will do wonders for your wallet and your peace of mind. We can’t recommend it highly enough!
Could you create your own homemade solar panels?
Building your own homemade solar panels is definitely a viable option for those looking to save on their electricity bills!
You can very easily purchase cheap cells from Ebay or a similar online discounted retailer. You can also purchase the appropriate tools for installation from sites like these. In all likelihood, you’ll need protective glasses, a solar power calculator, a soldering iron, solder paste, a saw, a multimeter to measure amperage and voltage, and numerous other bits and bobs.
You’ll also need to be sure to plan the physical arrangement of your solar panel system carefully, before you make any permanent changes.
While it may seem like a lot of upfront work, the benefits are plentiful, and you’ll be sure to enjoy your power without the massive electricity bills.
Why you should use pool solar panels to heat your pool
Heating your pool via solar panels is a great idea for a number of reasons. Firstly, it extends your usual swimming season by a mile!
Haven’t you ever been frustrated by the chilly temperatures of the water, when you’re keen for a swim? That problem’s a thing of the past when you heat your pool water with solar energy.
On average, solar systems have the ability to warm the water temperature of a pool by approximately 5-8ᵒ C, and even by as much as 10ᵒ C.
The great news is that the majority of costs associated with pool solar panels are upfront, once you’ve bought the equipment and installed it, it’s practically free to run all year round.
Other facts about solar energy
- Although the sun is 90 million miles from the earth, solar energy is a free and sustainable source of energy.
- Food can be cooked using solar energy!
- Solar energy is really popular amongst travellers who use RVs, campsites and more.
- This kind of energy produces no pollution, making it a great environmentally friendly option!
- Horticulture and agriculture make the maximum use of solar energy.
- We’ve been using this kind of power for longer than you might think! For centuries, people have used it for activities such as heating, cooking food, removing salt from seawater and drying clothes.
- The largest solar power plant in the world is found in the Mojave Desert, USA.
So there you have it! Everything you need to know about solar energy and using solar panel kits!
Best Solar Panel Kits Under $1000
Whether you’re on the move, or keen to minimise your environmental impact, solar energy is a great way to go. From camping and other forms of travel, to powering and heating at home, we’ve put together an ultimate list of incredible solar panel kits to meet all your solar energy needs…
6pcs RENOGY® 100 Watt 100w Monocrystalline Photovoltaic PV Solar Panel Module 12V Battery Charging
If you’re after an easy-to-use solar panel kit, you can’t look past the Renology Solar Panel Module. Boasting maximum power yet a sleek and sophisticated design, the monocrystalline element makes it ideal for off-grid application.
Perfect for camping adventures or even trips to the beach with your family, this model will provide the most energy efficient production per space.
Offering a set of MC4 connectors, you can easily connect with other Renogy panels. Additional features include a guaranteed positive output tolerance, the ability to withstand high winds and snow loads, exceptional performance in low light areas and a durable aluminium frame with lasts for decades.
Renogy 400 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Solar Starter Kit with Wanderer
Enjoy reliable and efficient solar powered energy with the Renogy Solar Starter Kit. This model boasts four 100-Watt monocrystalline solar panels that can be connected in parallel by three pairs of branch connectors.
Offering an ideal output of 2000Wh per day and has the ability to charge a 200Ah battery from 50% in just three hours (depending on sunlight available).
This value-for-money kit now includes 8ft 10AWG Tray Cable to connect your charge controller and battery and with its adaptor kit to extend the cables, it makes the system perfect for remote control.
WINDYNATION 200 Watt Solar Panel Kit: 2pcs 100W Solar Panel + 20A LCD Display PWM Charge Controller + MC4 Connectors + Mounting Z Brackets + 100ah AGM Deep Cycle 12V Battery for Off Grid, RV, Boat
If you’re after a solar panel kit to meet every kind of solar energy need, the Windynation Solar Panel Kit is the ultimate choice for you.
This model has been especially designed for cabins, homes, boats, RVs, backup and remote power use, making it ideal for people who love to travel and/or live remotely.
The Windynation Solar Panel Kit comes with a range of specially designed components, including: 100 Watt WindyNation Solar Panel (2 pieces), WindyNation P20L 20-Amp LCD Solar Charge Controller with user adjustable settings, 40 feet of UL Listed 12 AWG Solar Cable, all necessary MC4 Connectors, solar mounting hardware + 100 amp-hour, 12 volt AGM Deep Cycle BattaMax Battery
This beauty will provide 820 Watt Hours (Wh) or 75 Amp hours of charge per day (depends on sunlight availability) on average, and the charge controller (included) can handle up to 3 pieces of 100W solar panels (12 volt system) and 6 pieces 100W solar panels (24 volt system).
RENOGY® Premium Solar Panel Kit 300W Polycrystalline Off Grid: 3pc 100W Poly solar panel UL Listed+ 40A MPPT Charge Controller+ MC4 20ft Adapter Kit+ Mounting Z Brackets
From one of the leading brands in solar energy comes a solar panel kit for the every man. The Renogy Premium Polycrystalline Off Grid brings A-Grade efficiency to your doorstep, wherever that may be!
Offering a 40 Amp MPPT Charge Controller Peak conversion efficiency of 97%, a high tracking efficiency of 99%, as well as a 4-stage charge, this model has everything you need to power your RV, cabin or backup for your home.
With especially designed Z brackets for flat surface mounting, the Renogy Premium Polycrystalline Off Grid can withstand high winds and snow loads with ease.
Offering incredible performance in low light areas, this model is a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade for their solar energy needs.
An added tray cable for connection between charge controller and battery is also included for your convenience.
WindyNation Complete 400 Watt Solar Panel Kit with 1500 Watt VertaMax Power Inverter RV, Boat, Off-Grid 12 Volt Battery
Looking for additional solar power that’s not going to let you down? The Windynation Complete 400 is the solar panel kit for you.
With a unique design especially for boats, homes, back-up, cabins, RVs and remote power use, this model is ideal for those who love to live in the outback or on the road.
The full kit includes: 100 Watt Polycrystalline Solar Panel (four pieces), 30-amp P30L Solar Charge Controller with LCD Display and easy-to-use adjustable settings, 40 feet of UL Listed 12 AWG Solar Cable, all necessary MC4 Connectors, all necessary solar mounting hardware + 1500 Watt (3000 Watt surge) VertaMax DC to AC Power Inverter, and 2 pieces of 2 AWG Battery Cables for connecting the inverter to a 12V battery.
This incredible model provides 1600 Watt Hours or 135 Amp hours of charge per day (depending on the sunlight available) on average, making it a great choice for all your solar energy needs.
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