5 Best 100 Watt Solar Panels
I tested for 4 weeks the most powerful 100 watt solar panels available on the market.I tested their power output, checked the quality of their construction, and then used them in my solar energy systems.
Here are my opinions and suggestions based on testing results.
Contents
- Best 100 Watt Solar Panels
- How to Choose the Best 100W Solar Panel
- Frequently asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can a 100W solar panel work on a refrigerator?
- How to connect a 100W solar panel?
- How much energy does a 100W solar panel produce?
- Can solar panels charge batteries?
- How long does it take to charge a 12V battery from a 100W solar panel?
- How many batteries can a 100W solar panel charge?
- Should I cover solar panels when not in use?
- Do solar panels need to be cleaned?
- Conclusion
Best 100 Watt Solar Panels
1. Renogy 100W 12V Monocrystalline
Technical Details
| Solar cell type: | Monocrystalline |
| Item Weight | 14.3 lbs (6.5 kg) |
| Voltage: | 12V |
| Max power: | 100W |
Renogy 100W review
The Renogy panel has proven itself to be a versatile system of the highest quality. In my power output tests, it came in second with a power output of 71 watts. If you’re starting to learn about solar power, 71 watts from a 100-watt panel might sound tinny. It is not uncommon for solar panels to produce as little as 70% of their rated power. It’s rare to see a 100-watt panel output close to 100 watts. W under ideal conditions.
I was impressed with the design and build quality of the Renogy panel. It has a solid frame and has the largest pre-drilled mounting holes of any panel I have tested, making it the easiest to install and mount right out of the box. I preferred the MC4 connectors of this panel.
It’s also the smallest panel I’ve ever tested, making it the perfect choice for homes, camper van, boats, and any other space-demanding application. This is the lightest panel if weight is an issue of all.
The only downside is its cost. At the time of writing, the panel has the most expensive retail value among the panels included in the review. Renogy is a well-known brand and has the smallest but most significant price higher than other panels. Its panel is also a monocrystalline panel priced around $10, with 100W polycrystalline panels.
The power it produces and the build quality makes it the most powerful 100W solar panel I have ever tried. This is the panel I would recommend.
2. Rich Solar 100W 12V Polycrystalline
Technical Details
| Dimensions LxWxH: | 39.6″ x 26.4″ x 1.4″ (1006mm x 671mm x 36mm) |
| Solar cell type: | Polycrystalline |
| Item Weight | 17.5 lbs (7.9 kg) |
| Voltage: | 12V |
| Max power: | 100W |
Rich Solar 100W review
The Rich Solar poly panel has the lowest average price of any panel on Amazon for any panel included in the review, according to Amazon’s price tracking tool. It also performed well in tests and made it an easy budget choice.
He gave out a maximum of 71 watts. This placed it in third place in the power output test.
The panel build quality was one of my top picks. It offered the second largest pre-drilled hole mounting option available on any panel. It also had a very thick 1.4″ frame which made mounting much easier. The back panel has an excellent waterproof seal around the edge for an extra waterproofing layer.
Rich solar panel is a poly panel. This means that it is heavier and larger than the mono panels on this list. It was the second largest panel I have ever tested.
This is a great choice if you don’t need a small monopanel. I believe this is one of the best 100W solar panels that money can buy.
3. WindyNation 100W 12V Polycrystalline
Technical Details
| Dimensions LxWxH: | 39.6″ x 26.4″ x 1.4″ (1006mm x 671mm x 36mm) |
| Solar cell type: | Polycrystalline |
| Item Weight | 17.5 lbs (7.9 kg) |
| Voltage: | 12V |
| Max power: | 100W |
WindyNation 100W review
The main function of a solar panel is to generate energy. In this regard, the WindyNation panel performed exceptionally well. It put out 72.7W during my power output test, which is the highest of any panel by a small margin.
It’s a solid panel, the only one I’ve tried that’s not made in China. It is manufactured in Canada.
I docked a few points for its weight and size. It’s the most expansive and heaviest panel I’ve ever tested, 2 pounds heavier and 200 square inches larger than my first choice, the Renogy Mono panel. If there is not enough space, this is not the best choice.
It was delivered with minimal packaging and maybe because of that. There were a few small scratches on the frame. The damage did not affect the power output. I’m all for smaller packaging; however, in this case it was too small for my taste.
At the time of this writing, this was one of the cheapest 100W panels you can get by purchasing it through the WindyNation website. This makes it a high quality panel at a reasonable price and definitely worth looking into.
4. Newpowa 100W 12V Monocrystalline
Technical Details
| Dimensions LxWxH: | 44.49″ x 19.88″ x 1.18″ (1130mm x 505mm x 30mm) |
| Solar cell type: | Monocrystalline |
| Item Weight | 14.55 lbs (6.6 kg) |
| Voltage: | 12V |
| Max power: | 100W |
Newpowa 100W review
The Newpowa panel came close to being one of my top picks. This is a fantastic monosolar panel at a reasonable price.
In fact, according to an online price tracker tool, this is, on average, the second cheapest solar panel you can find on Amazon for this review, and even more affordable than other HQST panels and WindyNation Poly panels. This makes it the best 100W monocrystalline panel for people on a budget.
The small size is perfect for those with limited mounting space. I’ve seen them installed on the panels of campers, truckers or school buses. If you live the life of a van, I would suggest a mono panel to make room.
The construction quality is very good. It has several good features, including a waterproof seal inside the back panel and larger 12 gauge cables compared to 14 gauge cables.
It did not disappoint in my inference tests. I measured a maximum output of 68.6 milliwatts, the fourth highest of the five panels. This is not a stellar performance.
However, when viewed from the right perspective, that’s three watts less than my top pick: the Renogy Mono. Considering the cost and price of the Newpowa panel, it seems like a good deal. I certainly don’t think you’d be stupid if you didn’t notice just a few watts to save a few bucks.
If you buy multiple panels to build a solar array, those savings can add up until you can’t even buy an extra Newpowa panel. The more solar panels you have the better no matter how much they produce.
5. HQST 100W 12V Polycrystalline
HQST 100 Watt Polycrystalline 12V Solar Panel.
Technical Details
| Dimensions LxWxH: | 35.6″ x 25.9″ x 1.18″ (904mm x 657mm x 30mm) |
| Solar cell type: | Polycrystalline |
| Item Weight | 14.3 lbs (6.5 kg) |
| Voltage: | 12V |
| Max power: | 100W |
HQST 100W review
The HQST panel has a special place in my heart because it is one of the first 100W solar panels I have purchased. However, it was second in my test.
First, the frame quality is average. It comes with basic mounting options and frame thicknesses. Standard 14 gauge cable, MC4 connectors and junction boxes.
In my power test, it put out a maximum of 68 watts, which is the lowest of any panel. Although it is not as powerful, it does makeup with small size and cost. This is the lightest and smallest poly panel I have ever tried. In fact, it is larger than the Newpowa Mono panel. It is surprisingly compact for a full PVC panel.
Its price is usually very low when you shop on Amazon. If you can get it on sale, it’s definitely worth a look. If not, I would recommend sticking with my best options.
How to Choose the Best 100W Solar Panel
If you are looking for 100W solar panels, you are probably looking for portable solutions.
The following aspects are important:
1. Weight
The weight of a solar panel determines how portable it is. If you are planning to install them on the roof of a trailer, it is better to carry this solar panel with you, which is more convenient.
These flexible solar panels have no competition because they only weigh 2kg compared to other solar panels that weigh between 7 and 10kg. A heavier roof is also needed when you’re walking through snow or hail. The added weight of snow, hail wind blows and module can significantly affect the roof.
2. Dimensions
The 100W solar panels should be the same size as their power output should be the same. But solar panels with a higher efficiency rating may be smaller and suitable for areas where low-cost, low-efficiency solar panels may not work.
Review the module datasheet to determine if the required number of solar panels matches the module area.
3. Output power
Each 100-watt solar panel can produce roughly the same amount of power, whether they are poly or mono panels.
All panels produce approximately the same amount of energy. They are all 100-watt panels, which is to be expected.
NOTE. This is just a reminder that panels typically produce about 70% of their planned capacity. So you should expect 100 watt panels putting out 70 watts. I also tried these panels in November when the sun is not as bright in the northern hemisphere.
Do you want more or less power? You will need to purchase a larger and smaller solar panel. You can also buy 300 watt solar panel kit or build enough 100 watt panels and connect them in parallel or in series.
4. Price
Like any other product you buy, price can be an important element. Choosing a cheap solar panel may seem attractive. If you think your solar panel should last 25 years, choosing a cheaper option may not be the best choice.
5. Efficiency
When it comes to portable solar panels, this is not the way to save money.
Every square inch counts for power generation in the small space available.
In addition, the power generated by the module decreases over time, so choosing a model with low efficiency, which is unlikely to provide the required power in the first year of operation, is not the best investment option.
Choosing the most efficient model that can be customized to fit your budget is the best option you can make to have enough power to keep your devices running over time.
6. Color
One of the main differences between poly and mono panels is the color.
The monocrystalline panel includes black solar cells. They also have a continuous color.
The polycrystalline panels are equipped with blue solar cells. They can vary in color from dark blue to light blue. The cells are made from pieces of silicon that have been fused, so up close they appear to be fragmented.
The choice depends on your personal preference. Some people are concerned about the color of their roof. Roof panels of their roof.
Frequently asked Questions (FAQs)
Can a 100W solar panel work on a refrigerator?
A single 100W solar panel is not enough to power a typical American refrigerator.
How to connect a 100W solar panel?
It is possible to power a 100W solar panel by connecting it to a charge controller, inverter, or any type of deep cycle battery. Keep in mind that each device has a different setup and you should refer to the specific product manuals.
How much energy does a 100W solar panel produce?
A 100W solar panel generates about 18V, 5.55A under ideal conditions. However, the actual output is about 3.5 or 4 amps per day.
Can solar panels charge batteries?
Yes, a 12V battery is charged by a 100W solar panel, often without causing any harm.
How long does it take to charge a 12V battery from a 100W solar panel?
The 100W solar panel can charge a 12V battery for 14 hours under ideal conditions. But most people don’t have optimal sunlight conditions; so it may take longer.
How many batteries can a 100W solar panel charge?
It can charge up to 3-5 batteries, depending on the weather conditions of the day.
Should I cover solar panels when not in use?
There is no need to protect solar panels when not in use.
Do solar panels need to be cleaned?
It is not recommended to clean the solar panel unless it is in an area with a lot of dirt. Naturally, rain will clean the panels.
Conclusion
We have reviewed some of the most popular 100W solar panels available on the market for a variety of needs such as camping trailers and marine applications.
Featured top brands Renogy, Rich Solar and WindyNation are the best choice on the market.
Whichever option you choose, you should keep in mind that weight, dimensions, cost, efficiency and of course the name are important aspects to consider when deciding which panels to purchase.
Never mix a 100 watt solar panel from one manufacturer with a panel from another manufacturer. They may have the same power output, but the electrical specifications are different. In addition, the quality of a lower quality panel may affect the performance of others.