Are you looking for the best solar panel kits for your home, RV, or campsite? Are you looking for a reliable backup power source? If yes, you are in the right place! In this article, we'll give you everything you need to know about solar panel kits.

In addition, we will show you the best solar energy system available on the market today. But let's discuss the basics. 

What are Solar Panel Kits?

Solar Panel kits generates power by using solar panels to capture sun's rays and turn it into electricity. It is clean, reliable, and free from noxious emissions. A lot of solar panel kits are portable and made for beginners who want to try it out initially without making huge investment right away.

Solar panel kits tend to be a lot smaller than industrial-size solar panel systems. Some models are portable and can be brought anywhere, while some just need basic tools to screw the panels on a roof or frame. 

In some situations, solar panel kit provide a reliable source of power for off-grid applications, such as outdoor camps, RV, small houses, and even boats. It is also perfect as a backup power source at homes. With added components, solar panel kits can be used as a sole power source in a home, which is entirely free and does not cause pollution.

What are Watts?

Solar panel kits typically display the wattage or the watts. Watts is a unit of power, and it denotes how much the kit can generate (a 220-watt solar panel can give out up to 220 watts in optimal conditions). Kits can generate from 100 watts to up to 1,000 watts or more, depending on the number and design of the solar panels. Generally, more expensive solar kits have more/better solar panels and can generate more watts.

The next question is how many watts do you need? Well, that depends on your usage. A 100-watt kit is enough to charge a smartphone or power a couple of LED lights. Electric fans, LED TV’s, and laptop computers require at least 500 watts and higher. Kits that can make 1,500 watts and higher are the minimum for powering energy-hungry devices such as airconditioners, mini-fridges, electric cookers, desktop computers, and power tools. Do note that you have to pick a solar kit that has a much higher generating wattage than you need to compensate for losses during transmission and sudden power surges.

Capability and Features

In capability and features, not all solar panel kits are created equal. Some have various protection features against overload, over-voltage, high temperature, short circuit, low voltage, and overcurrent. These things protect your expensive solar kit and stops any problem from causing catastrophic events like fire or damage to your appliances. Any decent model or brand has these features at a minimum.

Another thing you have to look for in solar kits is the number and variety of outputs or sockets. Brands that are on the low-cost side tend to have few USB ports for phones while more expensive ones will have several types of USBs and a 110-watt outlet. Models with high watts may have several 110-watt outlets in addition to USBs, and even a 240-watt outlet. Consider choosing a model that will fit your needs.

Lastly, do not forget the overall size of the package. Will you bring it to other locations? You may need a more portable solar kit with foldable panels.

Kit Inclusions

Check the included components in the kit, like the number of solar panels, wires, connectors, metal hardware, etc. Most models itemize them in the description. 

Lastly, see if the solar kit is easy to use or install. Many portable solar kits are simply plug-and-play devices that require nothing more than plugging wires into sockets. Large kits that connect to your mains and have multiple rigid solar panels may require additional help for installation.

Best Solar Panel Kits

Jackery Explorer 290 + 1x SolarSaga 100W Solar Panel Solar Generator Kit

For those who are looking for a practical solar kit, this Jackery Explorer portable solar panel kit is the right choice. The Jackery SolarSaga 100W Monocrystalline Solar Panel will allow you to stay fully charged wherever you are! This solar power kit boasts a high conversion efficiency of up to 23%, which makes it ideal for outdoor adventures and during sudden and emergency power outages. In terms of portability, this solar panel weighs only 9.1 lbs - it's lightweight, foldable, and comes with an easy-carry handle, making it one of the best portable solar panel kits on the market.

While the Jackery Explorer 290 is made to be portable and compact, it's fully able to provide enough power to run many of your gadgets/electronics such as cameras, laptop, and a drone.

TOP FEATURES:

• Capacity: 290Wh (14.4V, 20.3Ah)

• Pure sine wave AC outlet at 200W (400W Surge Peak)

• 4 appliances charge simultaneously

• Recharged by SolarSaga 100W within 5 hours

• LCD screen with charge/discharge and battery life status

Jackery Explorer 1500 Portable Power Station

Are you looking for the most portable, powerful, and environmentally friendly power generator? Then look no further, check out this Jackery Explorer 1500! The Jackery Explorer 1500 Power Station offers three AC outlets and three USB ports that allows you to power several devices at once. Aside from its powerful capacity, this power station offers full safety features, including a battery management system with over-voltage and heat protection. In addition, it comes with a smart LCD screen, so you can closely monitor its power level. It's certainly the better alternative to gas/fuel powered generators.

When it comes to capacity - this power station can generate power output to operate devices such as mini-coolers (21 hours), pressure cooker (75 mins), coffee maker (68 mins), electric grills (60 mins), laptops, and phones (more than 100 charges). Plus, you have several options to recharge it either on wall outlets or solar panels.

TOP FEATURES:

• Capacity: 1534Wh (25.2V 60.9Ah)

• Comes with SolarPeak™ Technology that improves its recharging efficiency from solar panels, allowing for a full charge in just four hours under the sun.

• Weighs only 35.2 lbs.

• Equipped with overvoltage, overcurrent, short circuit, high-temperature, and over-charging protection

• Has three AC outlets and three USB ports to power several devices simultaneously

EcoFlow Smart Generator

We have to include the EcoFlow Smart Generator as an alternative for off-grid power at night or during the rain, you have to get this. It is also a choice if you don't necessarily want to fully shift to solar panels and are merely looking for a reliable and powerful generator in cases of emergency and when going out for adventure trips. 

When it comes to emergency power outages, you can fully rely on this EcoFlow Smart Generator. This power generator is built to provide its users with long-lasting emergency power. What makes it stand out from other power generators is that it comes with smart features. This smart generator has auto-start depending on your set charge level, and you can easily control & monitor it via the app. Plus, it also has auto-shutdown - it's simply the smartest power generator on the market.

TOP FEATURES:

• Continuous Working Time:3.5 hrs (full load)

• Rated Power: 1800W (1900W peak)

• Weighs around 28.5 kg / 62.8 lbs

• Features an AC output so you can power devices during emergencies while your power station charges up. 

• Offers better fuel efficiency and less energy loss when you charge DELTA Pro or DELTA Max

• Easily managed through the EcoFlow app

Jackery Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station

Another practical choice for solar generators is this Jackery Explorer 1000 power station. This power station is perfect if you're looking for a powerful yet practical power station that you can use for all kinds of adventures outdoors.

The Jackery Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station features a portable, lightweight build that offers an incredible 1,002 watt-hours of energy. It's powerful enough to power most power tools and appliances including electric cookers, speakers, TV, kitchen appliances, and computer electronics. The Explorer 1000 is one of the lightest, most practical, and simply the best portable power stations you can buy in the market today.

TOP FEATURES:

• Capacity: 1002Wh (21.6V, 46.4Ah)

• Weighs around 22.04 lbs/10 kg

• Has three AC outlets and four USB ports to power several devices at once.

• Full set of safety features, including a battery management system with over-voltage and heat protection

• Provides a 1,000 watt-hour capacity and delivers 1,000 watts of continuous power with up to 2000-watts of surge peak

• 3 ways to recharge - solar panel, wall outlet, or car outlet

Jackery 880_1SS100 + 1x SolarSaga 100W Solar Panel Solar Generator Kit

Here's another complete set of solar panel kit - the Jackery 880 solar generator kit. This solar power system is perfect for those who are looking for a reliable yet powerful solar kit that's capable of powering even big appliances wherever and whenever.

This solar panel kit comes in a bigger and heavier form, which makes it a better alternative to traditional fuel-powered generators that tend to be very loud, have carbon emissions, and require costly maintenance. This solar system is very useful in powering up your electronics and appliances. Plus, it's also designed for beginners, which makes it easy to operate. But don't worry, while it may be bigger than the other portable models, you can still take it with you during hiking, outdoor adventures, fieldwork, gatherings, organizing parties and events, DIY projects, and even use it as backup power at home.

TOP FEATURES:

• Capacity: 880Wh (21.6V, 40.8Ah)

• Offers an 880 watt-hour capacity and delivers 1000 watts of continuous power with up to 2000-watts of surge peak

• The portable station weighs 21.8 lbs., while a single solar panel weighs 9.1 lbs.

• Equipped with safety features including overvoltage, overcurrent, short circuit, high-temperature, and over-charging protection.

• Shuts down automatically when too much power is drawn to preserve the battery capacity.