Modern solar power systems are more advanced than ever before. As homeowners and consumers look for more refined and affordable options, there is a significant growth in the number of advancements and the affordability offered within these panels.
Advancements in solar panel technology have meant that there are now a number of ways to provide off-grid energy to those living in tiny houses or residing in RVs or vans. Gone are the days when you would have to buy a solar panel device and pair it with a charge controller, connectors and all those pesky cables. Solar panel kits today are designed for specific purposes and come with all the required equipment in one box.
With no guesswork involved, you can buy the best solar panels for tiny houses and immediately get to the installation process without further delay. In this article, we pick out five of the best solar panels for tiny houses. These solar kits have been selected after due consideration from our in-house experts and carry some amazing features.
Stick with us as we take you through the purchase process and also study some of the factors you should consider before buying the best solar panels for tiny houses.
Things to Consider When Buying the Best Solar Panels for Tiny Houses
There are several key considerations that you should keep in mind when picking out the best solar panels for tiny houses. Below, we have covered some of the things you should consider during the purchase to ensure the perfect experience.
Type of Kit
There are two basic types of solar powered kits available in the market today; grid tied and off grid kits. Grid tied kits happen to provide optimal power levels for the electrical grid in your home, while off-grid kits charge up the battery banks and provide power through them.
We recommend off-grid kits, since they are more suitable for people living in small houses and RV enthusiasts. Off-grid kits can also work together with a grid tied system, but may require more intense wiring procedures.
Panel Type
When it comes to the solar panel itself, you have two types to choose from. These options include polycrystalline and monocrystalline. Monocrystalline panels tend to come with a single silicon crystal and have a ‘honeycomb’-esque shape. They also happen to be more expensive than poly panels because of the higher efficiency rating that they come with.
On the flip side, polycrystalline panels are suited for smaller homes and offer cost savings along with efficient performance. The efficiency may not be as much as monocrystalline panels, but it is enough to utilize the sunlight.
Mounting Hardware
Most solar panel kits come with mounting and connecting hardware of their own. You would ideally want the kit to include mounting connections that are in line with your small home. The installation process should be simple.
Price
The final factor you should consider is the price of the solar panel you buy for your tiny house. Remember that you may benefit from setting a budget and remaining within it. However, do set your budget after researching the market and the industry standards.
The 5 Best Solar Panels for Tiny Houses
Let’s go ahead and take a look at the best solar panels for tiny houses.
1. Renogy 100 Watts 12 Volts Monocrystalline Solar Starter Kit
The Renogy 100 Watts 12 Volts Monocrystalline Solar Starter Kit is the perfect kit for homeowners with a small home. The installation for this kit is easy to manage and you will get started in no time.
The kit comes at a reasonable price and is fully equipped with a controller to manage all your safety needs effectively. The kit is designed for easy installation and comes with all the mounts and connections you need for that.
2. Topsolar 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Solar Panel Kit
The Topsolar 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Solar Panel Kit is the perfect device to charge 12 V batteries and power your small home. The kit is perfect for RV lovers, small homeowners and charging boats.
The solar panel kit comes with all required mounting brackets and pre-drilled holes on the panel to make the installation process easier and more manageable.
3. WindyNation 100 Watt Solar Panel Off-Grid RV Boat Kit
This WindyNation 100 Watt Solar Panel Off-Grid RV Boat Kit comes with a unique design that makes it friendly for boats, small houses and RVs. The panel provides exceptional charging at a rating of 350 watts per hour.
The charge controller is an added bonus on this kit as it provides readings for temperature, current and voltage. The kit is weatherproof in nature and stands tall through all sorts of weather.
4. HQST 100W/12V Monocrystalline Solar Panel
Next on our list is HQST 100W/12V Monocrystalline Solar Panel. This solar panel is growing in popularity and is known for the high manufacturing standards. The price is reasonable and you get good bang for your buck.
The monocrystalline panel offers amazing efficiency and comes with tempered glass to improve the overall feel of the design. The panel also features encapsulation material on top for a longer and more durable life.
5. ACOPOWER 100W Foldable Solar Panel Kit
This ACOPOWER 100W Foldable Solar Panel Kit is next on our list and comes in a foldable design. The foldable nature of this solar panel kit makes it perfect for RV enthusiasts as well. The manufacturer has operations in over 50 countries and is known for the superior quality.
The device works best when it is set parallel to the sun. The setup and installation processes are easy as the device comes with all mounts and connectors.
Our Final Thoughts
The Renogy 100 Watts 12 Volts Monocrystalline Solar Starter Kit is our top pick for the best solar panels for tiny houses. The kit comes at a reasonable price and is fully equipped with a controller to manage all your safety needs effectively. You can look up additional reviews online to find the best solar panels for tiny houses from the 5 discussed here.
