What does the 12V/24V in the product title of the solar panel mean? Why is it different from the value on the label/specification sheet of the solar panel?

The 12V/24V in product titles (ex. 100W 12V Monocrystalline Solar panel) does not refer to the actual voltage (Voc or Vmp) of the solar panels, but rather to the voltage of the solar system or energy storage system to which the panel is best suited. The voltage of the solar panel must be higher than the solar system voltage.

What does a solar panel kit include?

A Renogy solar panel kit includes all the essentials you need to produce solar energy while ensuring everything is compatible. A standard solar panel kit includes one solar panel, a charge controller, mounting hardware, and cables. If you want to store additional energy for later use, you may need to purchase batteries separately from the kit.

Some of Renogy’s premium starter kits include a battery, making them more reliable kits for homes. Additionally, the RV starter kits come with a 30-foot 10 AWG solar adaptor kit to allow you to hook your solar panel system to your RV.

Are solar panel kits suitable for going off-grid?

For starters, it’s important to understand the difference between grid-tied solar power systems and off-grid systems. A grid-tied system simply means the solar installation connects to the electrical grid. An off-grid setup means the solar cells do not feed into an electrical grid but can still act as a battery charging system and backup power through the use of batteries.

Solar panel kits are excellent for going off-grid because they are very portable and are designed with the elements in mind. Their aluminum frames make them incredibly lightweight, and the kits can come in handy when you aren’t near any other energy supply source. They can help charge and operate all the basics when you’re on the road without compromising efficiency rates.

If you plan to be fully out in the Canadian wilderness, it will be vital to include batteries with your solar panel kit so that you have energy available at all times, even on those cloudy or rainy days.

Which solar panel kit is best for my needs?

We’ve designed each of our solar panel kits with lifestyle and energy needs in mind. For some individuals, a solar panel kit is a great way to break into the world of solar and see how this renewable energy source can power some of your at-home appliances. The kits can also work well as backup energy sources if your home frequently deals with blackouts.

Renogy’s RV and van solar panel kits will get you everything you need to travel comfortably for those looking to enjoy the nomad lifestyle that Canada’s vast lands afford. These kits also work great for tiny homes and boats.

Perhaps your version of going off-grid doesn’t include a moving vehicle, but it does have a lovely cabin in the woods. In that case, we would recommend our cabin kits. They can power all the necessities you need to enjoy the wilderness without sacrificing comfort or safety.

How many solar panels do I need?

To determine how many panels you need, you’ll first want to know how much power your setup needs to produce or store, which measures in watts (W). For instance, a standard mini-fridge will use somewhere between 50W and 100W. Each of your devices should specify this information in the owner’s manual. By multiplying each appliance’s wattage by the number of hours you intend to run it, you’ll know how much power your solar panels need to produce, which will ultimately tell you how many panels you need.