Solar Panels have enabled energy independence for many consumers. Mounted on homes and vehicles, today’s solar panels offer energy independence for those who choose less grid dependent lifestyles. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) envisions that “solar energy will comprise 20% of all U.S. electricity generation by 2030. The solar panels outlined below may be the most cost effective solar panels in 2021.
Flexible Panels:
Renogy Company started as a project by students at Louisiana State University and has since grown to be one of the most reputable solar companies around. The Renology 100 Watt Flexible Panel is highly recommended for RV and Vehicle applications. This panel produces power for about $1.80 per watt. This panel has a protection plan available for a nominal cost. Combined with an MTTP Charge Controller, this panel will keep batteries charged without over charging. Bluetooth connectivity lets you view all of the charging statistics. This panel is best suited for Vehicle and RV applications. We installed these Renology panels on our van and we have had nothing by great success with this panel.
Rigid Panels:
Canadian Solar seeks to foster sustainable development and to create a better and cleaner earth for future generations by bringing electricity powered by the sun to millions. The Canadian 280-Watt Panel four panel kit is suited to on and off grid uses. Combine this with a Grid Tied Microinverter to reduce your energy bill. For off grid use, this panel can easily be connected to a MTTP Charge Controller to maintain proper battery levels in remote locations. This array provides power on my own home at a cost of about $1.15 per watt and boasts a 30 year warranty.
Whole Home Systems
SunPower has become the premier manufacturer of commercial and residential solar panels. Their newest technology includes the Equinox technology. These panels come with the premier Enphase Micro-controllers integrated into the panel. These panels are a whole home kit that includes racking and monitoring hardware and comes with a whole kit 25-year warranty and free installation in California.
How Solar Works:
Solar panels capture energy from the sun. This sun power energy is inverted to Alternating Current (AC) which can then power common appliances requiring 120 volts as in your home. Solar Power can also be used as Direct Current (DC) similar to vehicle power systems. Grid connected panels require inverters with extra safety mechanisms to protect utility workers. Off grid solar arrays require different type of inverters with the ability to charge batteries while not over-charging batteries.
Solar Power Components Connections & Flow:
