Best off-grid solar system
Consumers are increasingly interested in home solar panel installation to achieve energy independence from the power grid and reduce their carbon footprint using renewable energy from the sun. Living off-grid means you are not connected to traditional power sources or public utilities and instead rely on a more sustainable source, such as solar energy.
Off-grid solar system packages have gained popularity as an alternative source to power off-grid cabins, boats, and RVs. Unlike residential solar panel systems, off-grid solar kits are smaller and typically include solar batteries. Learn more about the best off-grid solar system packages and important considerations to make prior to purchasing.
- WindyNation 400W Kit
- Renogy 100W Solar Starter Kit
- Eco-Worthy 100-200W Complete Solar Panel Kit
- Eco-Worthy 2,340W Complete Off-Grid Solar Kit
- AltE KiloVault Uniti EcoFreedom Off-grid Solar and Storage Kit
What to consider before investing in an off-grid solar system
Before purchasing an off-grid solar system kit, consider the following factors.
- Budget. Determine your budget and evaluate the cost-effectiveness of using an off-grid solar system for power. Calculate the return on investment by comparing the upfront costs with your long-term savings on electricity bills. The systems on this list provide the flexibility to add more power capacity, so you can start with a smaller capacity and add more later as your energy needs increase.
- Components and quality. When shopping for an off-grid solar system, picking a reputable brand and high-quality components is essential. Search for solar panels and batteries that are durable, reliable, and efficient, and ensure the kit comes with a warranty and customer support. All the kits reviewed in this list come with high-quality solar panels and components.
- Energy needs. Properly size your off-grid solar system to ensure it can generate enough electricity to meet your goals. Determine your energy usage by reviewing your electricity bill or calculating your consumption. If your goal is to power your entire home, a kit with a larger power output is most suitable, while a smaller system would suffice for a boat or tiny home.
- Installation and maintenance. Determine if you have the necessary skills and knowledge to install and maintain the system or need to hire a professional. Factor potential installation costs into your budget.
- Location and sun availability. Ensure off-grid solar systems are legal in your state. Check your state’s government website to confirm disconnecting from the power grid is legal. Also, if you live in an area with insufficient sunlight exposure, relying only on solar-generated electricity might not be the best option. Consider a traditional grid-tied solar system.
- Reviews. Read reviews from other customers who bought the same kits to learn about their experiences and satisfaction with the products.
Interested in solar batteries?
SaveOnEnergy partners with Haven Energy to bring you options for solar batteries. Adding storage to your solar system can protect you from power outages or periods of lower production. We’ll work with you to determine how many batteries are best for your home.
WindyNation 400W solar kit
The WindyNation solar kit includes four monocrystalline solar panels, a charge controller, an inverter, four solar batteries, cables, mounting equipment, and hardware needed for an optimal solar performance. The kit can generate a maximum of 400W, with each solar panel producing 100W. Given the output limit, it’s ideal for RVs, boats, off-grid cabins, or backup power supply.
The panels are made of high-quality monocrystalline solar cells and are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, like strong winds and heavy rain. The included 1,500W inverter can power multiple devices at once.
What we like: This kit includes 12-volt deep-cycle lead acid batteries, which allow you to store energy when your panels aren’t generating enough power. You can also expand the kit by adding more solar panels or batteries, which allows you to increase your power output as your energy needs change.
What to consider: This kit is better suited as a backup power source for small-scale use, given its 400W power output.
Explore WindyNation 400W solar kit options on Amazon.
Renogy 100W Solar Starter Kit
The Renogy 100W Solar Power Starter Kit is priced lower than competitors because the kit only includes one 100W solar panel and does not come with batteries. Batteries are essential for an off-grid solar system to store surplus power for later use. However, Renogy offers an expansion kit if you add more panels to your off-grid solar system. Due to its lower power output, this Renogy kit is best suited for RVs, boats, or as a backup power source.
What we like: The lower starting price makes this Renogy kit accessible for those interested in off-grid solar without a sizable upfront investment. You can increase power output by adding more solar panels.
What to consider: Increasing power output and adding a storage system requires purchasing an expansion kit.
Explore Renogy 100W solar kit options on Amazon.
Eco-Worthy 100–200W Solar Starter Kit
The Eco-Worthy Complete Off-Grid Solar Starter Kit is a comprehensive solar power system offering flexibility and customization if you seek an off-grid solar solution. Depending on your energy needs and budget, you can choose one or two 100W monocrystalline solar panels. The kit includes all the necessary hardware, such as solar panels, a controller, cables, mounting equipment, and set-up instructions. You can add critical components for off-grid solar systems, such as solar batteries and an off-grid inverter. If you opt for two 100W solar panels, the system can power an RV, boat, or tiny home.
What we like: This Eco-Worthy kit is customizable, meaning you can build your kit based on your budget and energy needs.
What to consider: The batteries and inverter are an additional cost. These components are essential to an off-grid solar system.
Explore Eco-Worthy 100-200 kW solar kit options on Amazon.
Eco-Worthy 2,340W Complete Off-Grid Solar Kit
Eco-Worthy provides a 2,340 Watt Off-Grid Solar Kit that can serve as a reliable source of electricity for your home. Due to its high power output, this kit can power larger off-grid homes or businesses with high energy demands. It includes 12 monocrystalline solar panels, a solar inverter, and options to add solar batteries. This kit also has a 4-string combiner box, which acts as a cable and wiring manager to protect the solar system from lightning strikes, short circuits, and other electrical issues. You can expand the power output by adding more solar panels or batteries.
What we like: The high-power output means the Eco-Worthy kit can generate enough electricity to power a small home or cabin.
What to consider: Solar batteries are an optional add-on and are not included in the starting price of this kit, which is already higher than most of the others on this list.
Explore Eco-Worthy 2,340W solar kit options at the Eco-Worthy store.
AltE KiloVault Off-Grid Solar and Storage Kit
AltE offers an off-grid solar kit for your home, cabin, or tiny home with options based on your energy needs and budget. You can select a kit with four, eight, or 10 solar panels, each with other necessary components such as a controller, battery storage system, inverter, racking equipment, and cables. A higher number of solar panels means you can generate, use, or store more energy to power your home.
What we like: Includes all necessary components for an off-grid solar system. Provides options based on different energy needs and budgets.
What to consider: If you are powering a boat or smaller structure, you could save money by purchasing a smaller off-grid solar system kit.
Explore AltE KiloVault Off-Grid solar kit options on the AltE website.
Off-grid solar system package components
Most off-grid solar kits include the following components or the option to add necessary parts. The most common parts of an off-grid solar system include:
- Solar panels: Convert sunlight into electricity.
- Solar inverter: Converts direct current (DC) electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity, which powers household appliances and electronics.
- Solar battery: Stores excess energy your solar panels generate for later use.
- Charge controller: Regulates electricity flow between solar panels and your battery to ensure longevity and optimal performance.
- Cables and wiring components: Interconnect the off-grid solar system components.
- Mounting equipment: Hardware to securely install solar panels.
Pros and cons of off-grid solar systems
Off-grid solar systems come with a distinct set of benefits and drawbacks. Here are some pros and cons when considering off-grid solar.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|
| Eliminate electricity bills | Can be pricey, depending on the brand and capacity |
| Achieve complete energy independence | More dependent on battery storage |
| Protection from power outages | Ineligible for participation in net metering programs |
| Electricity access in remote locations | Off-grid systems aren’t allowed in all states or counties |
Off-grid solar vs traditional residential solar
Installing solar panels is an expensive investment. If you want to live in a remote location or power your RV or boat, an off-grid solar system kit may be a good fit. If you aim to power your entire home, traditional rooftop solar systems may be a better option for stability and a higher power output. The following table compares choosing an off-grid solar kit and installing solar on your home.
| Off-Grid Solar Kits | Residential Solar |
|---|
| Energy Independence | Provides self-sufficiency from the grid | Typically remains connected to the power grid |
| Battery Storage | Requires batteries to store excess energy for use when sunlight is limited | Does not require a battery. You can participate in net-metering to earn credits toward your next energy bill |
| Location | Best for off-grid living, RVs, and boats | Best for homes connected to the power grid |
| Financing and Warranties | No financing options, shorter warranties | Multiple financing options, 25-year warranty is the industry standard |