Best 200-Watt Solar Panels
Solar Panels are a great way to power your home without a grid connection hence, a 200-watt (W) solar panel is your best bet. You may buy 200W solar panels as standalone panels, which are commonly retrofitted to RVs for boondocking or used to charge batteries that can power portable appliances.
Because of their lower power production, 200-watt solar panels are rarely installed on rooftops. Because of their tiny size, they are more suitable for small-scale off-grid projects and portable power stations.
So, which one should you choose? Let’s find out what are the best 200-Watt solar panels. We examined the best brands, pricing ranges, and applications for 200-watt panels.
The Top 5 Brands Of 200-Watt Solar Panels
We’ve highlighted the finest option for you no matter what you need the 200-watt panels for, from desiring one that can be flexible and fit on a curving RV roof to the one you can set up outside your campsite.
1. Renogy 200 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Solar Panel Kit
Best All Around
The Renogy 200 Watt 12 Volt mono solar panel system is designed to withstand off-grid outdoor use. It’s ideal to put it on a camper or add a simple ground mount that can be pushed up outside wherever you need power.
This is the greatest solution all around because you receive everything you need for a reasonable price: two 100 W panels, a charge controller, and the wiring to set this up for a variety of off-grid usage.
Renogy is one of the most well-known names in portable solar solutions, so you can be confident that the panel is of good quality and well worth the cost.
Key Features:
- Efficiency rating of 22%
- Wind and snow resistance is guaranteed.
- Pre-drilled holes in the corrosion-resistant metal frame facilitate installation.
- 5-year warranty on materials and workmanship
2. Grape Solar 200 Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panel
Runner Up
Grape Solar is a well-known off-grid solar panel brand that is widely available – the brand is sold at retailers such as Home Depot, Amazon, and Walmart. This panel is ideal for tiny places like as RVs, sheds, or cabins, and it comes with mounting holes for simple installation.
This reputable off-grid company has a 5-year workmanship warranty as well as a 25-year linear power output warranty, which means you’re covered if the panel degrades faster than a certain pace. In this scenario, it protects your panel if your output falls below 80% in the next 25 years.
Key Features:
- Tempered glass is used to provide durability.
- Separate cable kits must be ordered.
- Capability to generate 800 watt-hours of electricity in four hours of direct sunlight
3. Renogy 200 Watt 12 Volt Flexible Monocrystalline Solar Panel
Most Versatile
Flexible panels are distinct in that they weigh less than rigid panels and are more flexible, allowing them to fit into tiny storage places. The Renogy 200 W flexible 12-volt solar panel has a bending radius of 240 degrees.
Flexible panels are less durable and less efficient than stiff panels. They are best used as backup choices or for tiny amounts of electricity. This panel will look wonderful on top of an RV’s curved roof because it can be shaped to fit the curvature of the roof.
Key Features:
- A connection box and pre-drilled holes make installation simple.
- 5-year warranty on materials and workmanship
- Performance warranty of 25 years
- Solar cells that are monocrystalline
- Efficiency rating of 16.7%
4. Goal Zero Boulder 200 Briefcase
Best Foldable Panel
The solar suitcase kit is an excellent choice for adding backup power to tiny cabins or RVs. It is advised that the Goal Zero bag solar panel be used in conjunction with a Goal Zero Yeti, a portable power station that can be charged by the luggage and give power to your appliances even when the sun is not shining.
Use this when you need to put up the panel in a sunny location distant from what you need to power up. You can leave it outside on its tilt mounts until you need to pack it up and travel somewhere fresh. It is, however, quite hefty at 42 pounds, so keep that in mind if you intend to transport it.
Key Features:
- The suitcase part of the name is accurate; it does feature a suitcase that can be packed and transported to your next destination.
- Durable and dependable for the harsh outdoors
- Product warranty of two years
5. Bluetti PV200 Solar Panel
Best Portable Panel
Bluetti sells some of the most lightweight, portable solar panels for use on outdoor adventures such as hiking or beach days. You can fold this panel up, take it with you, and simply set it up with a kickstand, directing it directly at the sun.
For short journeys, this is the finest on-the-go alternative. It can be powered by a Bluetti solar generator and used to power various gadgets. One thing to keep in mind is that Bluetti products are not intended for use in rain or snow, so anyone searching for a long-lasting choice they can leave unattended should look elsewhere.
Key Features:
- The warranty period is limited to 12 months.
- The efficiency rating is 23.4%.
- Costlier than other choices
- With a weight of only 16.1 pounds, it is easy to transport.
- Simple compatibility with Bluetti portable generators
Which 200-Watt Panel Is Right For You?
The Renogy 200W is our top option since it will meet the demands of the majority of individuals. You can easily combine it with a Renogy battery bank because it comes with a charge controller and the required wire. Another dependable brand name with an excellent warranty is the sturdy Grape Solar 200W solar panel.
Renogy’s flexible panel, which can bend with the form of the roof, will benefit owners of AirStream-style RVs. Furthermore, if you have limited storage room for panels, this one is thin enough to fit practically anywhere.
Both the GoalZero suitcase and the Bluetti 200-watt folding panel are portable. However, if you require durability, GoalZero is the superior option. Choose the Bluetti if you need something light for a hiking excursion.
| Band | Efficiency | Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| Renogy 200 W | 22% | 5-year product and material warranty |
| Grape Solar 200 W | Not provided | 5-year product, 25-year power output |
| Renogy Flexible | 16.7% | 5-year product, 25-year output |
| Goal Zero Boulder | Not proided | 2-year product warranty |
| Bluetti | 23.4% | 12-month product warranty |
What Additional Supplies Are Required To Use A 200-Watt Panel?
Because 200 W panels are intended to be used off-grid or to power small spaces such as a shed, they are designed to be self-installing. DIY installations can be enjoyable, but it’s critical to understand what you require so that you get the power from those panels to where it has to go.
If you’re starting from scratch, you might need to invest in a $50 accessory package. Adapter cables and other connectors required to connect a panel and charge controller to a battery bank are often included in kits. You may also need to purchase accessories such as Z-brackets to attach the panels where you want them. Some of this equipment may come standard with your panel, so double-check the item description before purchasing any more pieces.
You’re in luck if you need to pair the panels with a battery bank. Many 200 W solar panel manufacturers also produce portable battery banks and solar generators, allowing you to conveniently pair them together. Popular portable solar battery brands include GoalZero, Renogy, and Jackery. Batteries are normally priced between $500 and $1,000.
An inverter and a charge controller are also required for off-grid setups. A charge controller ensures that a battery is charged at the correct rate and stops charging when it is full, hence ensuring the battery’s health and longevity. The Renogy Wanderer, which costs around $40, is a viable solution for small off-grid use.
A 200-watt solar panel array, including a battery, should cost at least $1,000. However, that is a modest amount to pay for reliable power.
What Is The Best Way To Put A 200-Watt Solar Panel To Use?
200 W solar panels are best utilized as a battery charger, such as when charging an RV battery or when camping or boating.
These panels will not power a house since they are too small to meet household energy needs. When compared to normal residential solar panels, you’d need to install nearly twice as many 200-watt solar panels on your roof. They are only for small appliances and compact places.
Although 200 W panels are ideally suited for off-grid use, they face the same issue as all solar panels. They can’t produce power if the sun isn’t shining. This is why you’ll need a battery bank to store the solar energy generated by the panels so you can use it around the clock.
How Much Power Can A 200-Watt Panel Produce?
A 200 W panel will generate 200 W of maximum power per hour under ideal conditions, which can only be achieved in a lab. The quantity of energy a panel can generate is determined by several factors, including the panel’s wattage, efficiency, and the amount of sunshine it gets.
Kilowatt-hours are electricity measurement units (kWh) and a kWh contains 1,000 watts hence, a 200 W panel would ideally produce 200 W of electricity every hour. However, this is not always the case because clouds might obscure the view, or a panel can overheat, limiting the panel’s generating potential.
If you park your RV in a bright location with 5 hours of peak sunshine during the day, you may expect your panel to create approximately 1,000 watt-hours of electricity or 1 kWh of electricity.
Look for a 200 W solar panel with excellent solar cell efficiency to maximize the quantity of sunlight you can convert into power. When choosing a 200-watt panel solution, you should examine all of your other requirements, such as what you intend to use the panel for.
What Can A 200-Watt Solar Panel Power?
A 200 W solar panel in conjunction with a battery can power electronics, charge mobile phones, and even run small kitchen appliances. Here’s how long a 200 W solar panel and the battery can power various appliances:
| Gadgets | Typical power usage | Run Time (Based on a 1,000 Wh battery) |
|---|---|---|
| Phone Charger | 20W | 40 Hours |
| Mini Fridge | 70W | 14 Hours |
| WiFi Router | 6W | 166 Hours |
| Laptop Chatger | 60W | 16 Hours |
| 40” LED TV | 50W | 20 Hours |
Kindly note that, this is the amount of time these gadgets could function on a battery charged by a 200 W solar panel that was exclusively used to power that device. For example, if you solely charged your phone with the battery, you could use it for 50 hours before it died. If you were running a phone charger and a mini-fridge at the same time, the running time would be reduced.
You Can Take Solar With You Anywhere! Thanks To 200-Watt Solar Panels
First, decide how you will use the 200 W panels. Is it necessary to drill it into your RV? Do you require something for multi-day hikes? Once those questions have been answered, it is simply a matter of selecting a brand, pricing, and warranty.
Whether you want durability, portability, or storage, our top five picks have you covered. Furthermore, several businesses offer batteries that can be used in conjunction with the panels, allowing you to use solar energy all of the time, not just when the sun is shining.
In conclusion, for the sake of convenience and saving time, purchasing a 200W panel is the best option. Whilst there are many factors to consider in choosing a 200 W panel such as power requirements, battery capacity, ease of installation, storage requirements, warranty, efficiency, portability, and cost.
A 200 W solar panel seems to be the most convenient option as it will give you the power that you need if you are camping for more than a day, furthermore, it can be used in the house and to charge your gadgets. With all of that in mind, selecting the one you require should be simple and remember purchasing a 200 W panel to make your off-grid lifestyle more convenient.