Output is one of the most crucial factors people consider when purchasing a solar panel. Essentially, the higher the solar panel wattage, the more power it can produce. Since there is a huge variety of solar panels in the market, it’s difficult picking one with the right wattage for your needs.
Installers generally recommend a watt of energy for every amp of battery storage. Therefore, 160 watts may be a good idea if you have a pair of 6V batteries. However, apart from wattage, several other factors also come into play when choosing the right solar panel.
The 5 Best 160 Watt Solar Panels
Let’s cut to the chase. In this guide, we review five best 160-watt solar panels to make your buying process easier.
1. EF ECOFLOW 160W Solar Panel
This solar panel is lightweight and compact, making it an excellent choice for those who stay outdoors for long and need a charging companion. The best feature of this solar panel is that it’s made of high-quality monocrystalline silicon cells, which means it has high heat tolerance. Therefore, these solar panels work best under any conditions, whether low light or high temperature. Another advantage is that it’s foldable so that you can carry it anywhere.
Pros
- Water and rust-resistant
- Portable
- Lightweight
- Easy to install and use
- Works best under any light conditions
Cons
- Price point is higher than the others
- Comparatively less output than other foldable panels
2. RICH SOLAR 160W 12V Polycrystalline
The panels from RICH SOLAR are known for excelling when it comes to withstanding harsh environments and impact. Moreover, they are capable of enduring snow loads and strong winds. It has an iron-tempered glass covering that ensures low reflection and high transparency. Additionally, it comes with IP65 rated junction box and MC4 connectors to provide a great level of safety from moisture and other elements. There is a variety of installation options since the panel can rest on pole and ground mounts.
Pros
- Can withstand harsh conditions
- Can endure snow loads and strong winds
- Easy to install
- Corrosion-resistant panel frame
- Waterproof
Cons
- Lack of details for installation
3. Renogy 160W Solar Panel
This product stands as one of the best 160-watt solar panels when it comes to 12V devices. Moreover, it has MC4 connectors, making it more favorable in terms of compatibility with other modules or inverters. It also has long cables, which makes connecting and disconnecting an easy process. It can endure harsh weather conditions, such as heavy winds and snowfall. The pre-drilled holes allow for an easy installation process. Additionally, it’s covered with anti-reflective glass that further helps in resisting impact.
Pros
- Compatible with on-grid and off-grid inverters
- Has bypass diodes
- Build quality is superior
- Easy connection and disconnection
- Can resist impact
Cons
- Lack of mounting equipment
4. Xantrex 160W Solar Kit
This panel is made using monocrystalline cells, which is an obvious advantage over standard solar cells because it has better module efficiency. Moreover, it has a 30A charge controller that allows easy and fast installation. To add more, it also comes with a five-year warranty and can resist different weather conditions. An added benefit of the kit is that it comes with mounting hardware such as cable clamps, tie wraps, and mounting brackets. These allow the installation process to be less pricey. Mounting panels also minimize shade issues such as neighboring houses or trees by raising the solar panels above ground level.
Pros
- Fast installation
- Weather-resistant
- Comes with mounting equipment
- Made using monocrystalline cells
Cons
- Price point is slightly higher than the rest
5. Offgridtec FSP-2 160W
The Offgridtec is a high-performance solar panel for all your outdoor expeditions such as boats, camping, and caravans, etc. It has foldable panels you can easily carry wherever you go. Overall, it’s easy to set up as you can also hang it up or mount it with a suction cup. In addition, the panel is covered with translucent ETFE, which protects it from hailstorms and rain. Since it comes with a three-year warranty, you can get any defective units replaced for free.
Pros
- Comes with a three-year warranty
- Foldable and easy to carry
- Water-resistant
- Portable power station
Cons
- Lack of mounting equipment
- Comparatively less warranty
Factors to Consider When Buying a 160w Solar Panel
What Can a 160w Solar Panel Run?
160-watt solar panels are not enough to run an entire house; however, they can work well with off-grid solar projects to power a small home. They’re also a feasible choice for outdoor activities such as RV trips and camping. If you have space, you can consider installing multiple 160W panels to meet your power needs and save on the upfront cost.
How Many Panels Do You Need?
The number of 160W panels you need highly depends on the amount of power required for your house or equipment and the space available for their installation. The output also varies depending on the shading, tilt of your panels, and geographic location. 160W panels are not your standard residential solar panels but are useful for small-scale activities like camping and mobile homes.
Our Final Thoughts
In the end, a higher output requires higher wattage and a 160W solar panel is as useful as any other solar panel, depending on your needs. Our top pick among the reviewed products is the EF ECOFLOW 160W Solar Panel. Despite the price factor, it’s an efficient and lightweight option, especially if you wish to keep your equipment charged on the go.
Additionally, it’s water-resistant and performs well under bright as well as low light conditions. We also recommend reading more reviews and consider your budget along with additional factors to take your pick among the best 160-watt solar panels.
