Do you want to pay less for your electricity? Would you like to protect the Earth from pollution? By installing solar panels in your home, RV, or boat, you can do both.

Today, solar panels are becoming ever more affordable, making off-grid living a viable option for many people around the world. However, with so many solar panels on the market, how do you know which are the best for you?

We will look at the top home solar panels you can find on Amazon. Depending upon how much power you need and where you want to use it, one of them will be perfect for you.

Best Home Solar Panels

	HPI Solar Complete Solar Panel Kit	WindyNation Complete Solar Panel Kit	Eco-Worthy Complete Solar Panel Kit
Panels:	8 x 280W	4 x 100W	6 x 195W
Voltage:	12V	12V	24V
Wattage:	2240W	400W	1000W
Battery:	6 x 215Ah	Optional	2 x 100Ah

For more of my off-grid power recommendations, have a look through these popular Outside Pursuits guide links: Home Wind Turbines, Solar Batteries,Solar Ovens.

Quick Answer: The 5 Best Rated Home Solar Panels

1. HPI Solar 2240W Complete Solar Panel DIY System
2. WindyNation Complete 400W Solar Panel Kit
3. Eco-Worthy 1kW Complete Solar Panel System Kit
4. Renogy Solar Premium 800W Monocrystalline Kit
5. Eco-Worthy 400W Complete Solar Panel Kit

Our reviews of the top rated home solar panels along with our comparison table and buyers guide will help you choose the right ones for you.

Home Solar Panel Reviews

#1. HPI Solar Complete Solar Panel DIY System

If you are serious about going off-grid in your home, you need a solar power system that will provide enough energy to run all the appliances you throughout the day and into the night.

The HPI Solar 2240W Complete Solar Panel DIY System includes absolutely everything you need to build your own home off-grid solar power system.

This kit includes 8 x 280W monocrystalline solar panels that are the best solar panels for home use you can find. They each provide more energy than any of the other solar panels reviewed here.

And if your home experiences an unusual period of cloudy weather and you cannot generate enough electricity, the power inverter incorporates a built-in 125A charger that can be connected to the grid or a back-up gas generator.

The HPI Solar Complete Solar Panel DIY System is capable of producing 840Ah of power every day, which is sufficient to power a small home. However, this kit can be customized to your exact requirements.

If your home requires more power, you tell HPI Solar what you need and they will ensure that the DIY kit you receive contains the number of panels and batteries required along with a solar charge controller and a power inverter suitable for that system.

Every home is unique. With a customized kit from HPI Solar, you can ensure you have all the correct components to build the ideal off-grid power system for your house backed up by customer service advice to ensure you get it right. This is the best solar panel power system kit you can buy.

#2. WindyNation Complete 400W Solar Panel Kit

The WindyNation Complete Solar Panel Kit provides everything you need to build a small off-grid solar power system except the batteries. An upgraded version of this kit does contain 4 solar batteries.

If you install this kit in a location where you receive around 4 hours of good sunlight, you’ll generate approximately 135Ah of energy each day.

That’s enough to run the lights, a 12V camping fridge, a microwave, and a few small appliances. That makes this kit ideal for installing an off-grid solar power system in an RV, hunting cabin, or garden shed.

The kit comes with a detailed, step-by-step installation manual that explains how to build your own power system from the components supplied (If you don’t find this in your bundle, it’s available on the company website).

If you have any problems with this, WindyNations also provide great customer service. You can expect a quick response to any queries.

If you need more energy than this kit provides, you can purchase more solar panels for expansion. However, you may wish to swap out the power inverter for a more powerful one if you’re planning to expand this into a larger system.

Although this is marketed as a 12V system, the installation manual provides clear instructions on how to make it a 24V system if you prefer.

The supplied wire runs from the charge controller to the panels are only 15 feet, which is fine for an RV or shed but might need replacing with a longer wire for installation inside a house.

If you’re new to solar power systems and want everything in one neat bundle to install in your RV or boat, the WindyNation Complete Solar Panel Kit provides the best solar panels for off-grid living.

#3. Eco-Worthy 1kW Complete Solar Panel System Kit

The Eco-Worthy 1kW Complete Solar Panel System Kit comprises of everything you need to put together an off-grid solar power system for a small home or large RV.

Its 6 solar panels are able to generate 4kWh of energy per day, equivalent to 167Ah on a system that runs on 24V. The batteries provided can store up to 200Ah for use after the sun goes down.

The monocrystalline design of the solar panels enables them to generate 195W each. They work more efficiently than the polycrystalline designs of many other solar panels.

The panels have an aluminum frame and are resistant to impact, making them ideal for mounting atop your RV.

The 60A charge controller provided provides ample protection for this solar power system. And the 3500W Inverter converts the input 24V DC into usable 120V AC.

There is a capacity to add more solar panels and batteries to this kit to create a larger power system in homes with more demand.

Although the main components are all included in this kit, you may have to purchase extra wire, connectors, and in-line fuses to complete your solar power system.

Otherwise, the Eco-Worthy 1kW Complete Solar Panel System Kit is one of the best solar panels with battery kits you can find.

#4. Renogy Solar Premium 800W Monocrystalline Kit

This solar energy kit includes 8 high-efficiency 100W monocrystalline solar panels. Renogy Premium Solar Panels are composed of EL tested solar cells over a Tedlar Polyester Tedlar back sheet (TPT) composite layer film.

TPT provides durability, high weather-resistance, and endures temperatures between -94⁰F to 230⁰F, so TPT increases the longevity of solar panels.

The integrated junction boxes are rated IP65. This level of ingress protection (IP) makes Renogy Premium Solar Panels weatherproof in a range of climates, from dusty deserts to the heavy rainfall in Washington State.

They are even suitable for use on a boat exposed to waves and storms out at sea.

However, this kit does not include everything you need to build an off-grid solar power system. You will need to add batteries and a power inverter. Also, the charge controller supplied is only rated to 40A.

This is maxed out by the supplied 8 solar panels, so you cannot expand this kit for more power without replacing the charge controller.

The Renogy Premium Solar Kit is primarily designed for larger RVs and boats. In a small system, the power controller’s Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) technology increases charging efficiency.

This kit is undoubtedly one of the highest quality solar kits you can purchase for mobile off-grid living in a boat or RV.

#5. Eco-Worthy 400W Complete Solar Panel Kit

The Eco-Worthy Complete Solar Panel Kit uses 4 monocrystalline solar panels to generate 400W of electricity.

These panels are durable and manufactured with a corrosion-resistant, anodized aluminum frame. They are amongst the best solar panels for home use.

The panels are designed to withstand strong winds and snow loads of up to 112 lbs. per square inch. The panels feature a 3.2mm tempered glass cover to resist impacts from wind-blown objects.

The integrated IP65 junction box offers a high degree of ingress protection, so these solar panels will withstand heavy rainfalls and dust.

The kit includes a 60A charge controller, which can handle more than the 4 panels provided allowing for future upgrades.

However, the power inverter is only 1,500W, so you would have to swap it out for a 3,500W or higher inverter should you wish to expand this power system. Two 16-foot cables are provided, but it is likely that you will need to purchase extension cables for home installation.

The Eco-Worthy Complete Solar Panel Kit contains everything you need to build a solar power system for a small RV or boat. It also has the potential for expansion by adding more panels and batteries, so you could easily use this kit as the basis for a home off-grid power system.

Home Solar Panels Comparison Table

Home Solar Panel		Panels	Voltage	Wattage	Battery	Rating
HPI Solar Complete Solar Panel		8 x 280W	12V	2240W	6 x 215Ah	4.7 / 5.0
WindyNation Complete Solar Panel Kit		4 x 100W	12V	400W	Optional	4.3 / 5.0
Eco-Worthy Complete Solar Panel Kit		6 x 195W	24V	1000W	2 x 100Ah	4.0 / 5.0
Renogy Solar Premium 800W Monocrystalline Kit		8 x 100W	24V	800W	Not Included	4.3 / 5.0
Eco-Worthy Complete Solar Panel Kit		4 x 100W	24V	400W	2 x 100Ah	4.0 / 5.0

How To Choose The Best Solar Panels For Your Home – Buying Guide

Now that you’ve read all about the best solar power kits on the market, you will understand more about the importance of solar panels in a solar power system. However, you may not be sure which solar panels or which solar power kit is best for your circumstances.

This buying guide will tell you everything you need to know about solar panels to make an informed choice.

What Are Solar Panels?

Solar panels are electronic devices that convert sunlight into electricity that you can use to power appliances in your home. They generate direct current (DC) electricity.

Because they contain no moving parts and are manufactured to be durable, they are essentially maintenance-free. However, their power production can be maximized by keeping their surface dust free and aligning them with the sun.

How Do They Work?

Solar panels contain super-thin silicon crystals. Silicon is an abundant naturally occurring element with the chemical symbol Si. Silicon is also a semiconductor. When solar radiation is absorbed by a silicon crystal, electrons are released and flow away. This creates an electrical current.

Types Of Solar Panels?

Solar panels for home use come in two varieties: monocrystalline and polycrystalline.

Monocrystalline solar panels are made from a single silicon crystal. Such large and flat crystals do not occur naturally, and they are synthesized to make panels. Monocrystalline panels are more expensive than polycrystalline panels, but they are efficient. They can transform between 22% and 23% of the sunlight energy they receive into electricity.

Polycrystalline solar panels contain many small crystals fused together. They are more affordable than monocrystalline panels, but they are less efficient. They convert between 16% and 19% of sunlight into electricity.

If you have a large area in which to place your solar panels, you may decide to use polycrystalline panels because they are more affordable. You will be able to buy more for your money. However, if space is limited, monocrystalline panels are capable of producing more energy for their size and so may be preferable.

What Features Should You Look For When Choosing Solar Panels?

Output

The output of solar panels is measured in Watts (W). Many polycrystalline panels produce 100W. Some monocrystalline panels produce much more, such as the Eco-Worthy195W monocrystalline solar panels.

The output is the most important factor when choosing your solar panels because it determines how many you must buy. Underestimating how many panels are necessary may lead to power shortages. Overestimating will lead to needless expenditure buying too many panels.

A typical home may need to generate 4,000W. This requires 40 x 100W panels or, more practically, an array of 16 x 280W solar panels to generate 4,480W. This ensures you have excess energy so you are less likely to run out, and 16 panels can fit onto most roofs.

Size

If you are planning to install solar panels in a small area, such as an RV’s roof or on a boat, the size of the solar panels becomes important. Generally, monocrystalline solar panels will provide more energy compared to the space they take up. When you are planning to place a large number of solar panels on a roof, you must ensure that there is room for all of them to fit.

Durability

Solar panels are made to last. Typically, you can expect them to work for up to 25 years. However, sometimes you need to use them in extreme environments. Maybe you want to install them on a boat and sail across stormy seas. Or you might want to use them in the far north of Canada where the snow piles up high in winter.

Watch out for features like high ingress protection (IP) rating on the junction box. An IP65 rating indicates that a solar panel is capable of withstanding jets of water and dust clouds, meaning that you can use it in a wide range of environments.

Some solar panels are specially designed to withstand strong winds or heavy snow build up. An aluminum frame and a Tedlar Polyester Tedlar back sheet (TPT) are signs of a durable and long-lasting solar panel.

Cost

Building a solar power system can be expensive, but it is worth it for the many years of “free” electricity that follow. However, because the initial set-up costs can be high, affordability becomes a major factor when selecting solar panels.

But you cannot allow cost to become the major consideration. In many situations, you may be better off purchasing more expensive monocrystalline solar panels in order to build a more efficient solar power system.

You may be able to get financial assistance when building a home solar power system in the form of government grants or tax breaks. For example, the US Department of Energy offers a Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics. This scheme awards a tax credit is 26% of the cost of systems installed in 2020 and 22% of the cost of systems installed in 2021.

FAQs About Solar Panels

Q: Which type of solar panel is best for home use?

A: This depends upon the amount of energy your home requires, your budget, your location, and how much space you have to install solar panels. Generally, though, monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient, so you will be able to generate more electricity across your available roof space.

Q: How many solar panels are needed to run a house?

A: This varies from home to home depending upon your energy requirements and the wattage of the solar panels you choose to install.

The average American home uses 30kWh per day. Assuming 4 good hours of sunshine on average, this means you require a (30/4 =) 7.5kW solar power system. If you are fitting 300W solar panels, you will need (7.5 x 1,000/300 =) 25 x 300W solar panels.

However, if you live in a sunny area like southern California, you will see between 5 and 6 hours of good sunshine per day on average. That means you would only require a (30/5.5 =) 5.45kW solar power system and (5.45 x 1000/300 =) 18 x 300W solar panels.

Q: What are the main disadvantages of solar energy?

A: Solar panels only generate electricity when there is sunlight, and they generate less electricity when it is cloudy. However, this can be compensated for by utilizing the most efficient solar panels possible to capture sunlight energy for the limited time it is available and a well-designed solar battery bank to store that energy.

Q: Can a home run solely on solar power?

A: Yes, absolutely. However, there are exceptions. For example, if you live in that area of Alaska where there are 28 days of night then, no, you can’t.

To run your home solely on solar power, you must ensure that you have sufficient solar panels to generate the energy you need combined with enough solar batteries to store that energy so that it’s there when you need it.

A cautious person should always ensure that they have a back-up plan. For example, a solar power system that allows a back-up gas generator to kick in when the batteries are running low or a solar power system that is also connected to the grid to cover unexpected situations.

Q: How do I choose a solar panel?

A: Consider the features listed above that you should look for when choosing a solar panel. The panel must offer the energy output you require, fit in the space you have available, be durable enough to survive in your location, and within your budget.

Q: Is going solar really worth it?

A: Yes. You’re helping to save the planet and saving money at the same time. Even if you only construct a small system to power just a few of your appliances, you will pay less for electricity and lower your carbon footprint.

Final Thoughts

By now you should have a good understanding of what solar panels are and which one is best for your solar power system. With a well designed solar power system, you can look forward to up to 25 years of low-cost electricity and a more sustainable lifestyle.

I hope this guide helped you to find some good solar panels for your home. Feel free to leave comments below.

How We Researched

To come up with the top home solar panels, we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as Home Depot, Lowes, Target and Wayfair along with our own personal experience.

We also consulted online magazines for product research and reviews to get as much unbiased information as we could. To help weed out fake reviews we used Fakespot.com to make sure we only looked at genuine reviews.

With so much quality gear available, we had to narrow it down based on what we felt were the best options were for the price. The staff authors have a wide and varied background in yard design gardening and home repairs.

The authors have decades of experience and are eager to share their knowledge with readers.

To help narrow down the selection we used personal experiences along with recommendations from gardening enthusiasts, bloggers and contractors.

After extensive research, we came up with our list to help you choose the right one for you.

Sources