Best Solar Panels For Off-Grid Living (November 2024)

Are you looking for solar panels for your detached garage? Or maybe you want to place solar panels on your pergola? Below, you can find some of the top solar panels for different kinds of off-grid properties: 

This lightweight portable solar system is a great option for virtually any type of off-grid property. From motorhomes to boats, the foldable design of the ACOPower 120W Portable Solar Panels allows you to easily take your solar system on any of your off-grid adventures. 

This system consists of monocrystalline cells, the most efficient and durable type of solar cells. ACOPower’s portable solar panels can reach efficiency levels of up to 25%. This is highly impressive, considering that the average efficiency of monocrystalline panels is between 15 - 22%.

However, you should keep in mind that this system’s power output is quite low at just 120W. This means that you may need to invest in multiple solar panels, depending on your energy needs. Since they currently cost between £190 and £790 depending on the supplier, the ACOPower portable solar panels can prove to be quite the investment.

If you’re looking for the best solar panels for medium-sized off-grid properties, such as detached garages or workshop roofs, then the Sunstore 1290W Professional Off-Grid Kit might just be the right fit for you. 

It consists of 3 monocrystalline Eurener 430W solar panels with efficiency ratings of up to 22%, a solar inverter, a solar battery, and all the necessary wiring to connect those components. On top of that, these kits are suitable for DIY installations, but you can also opt for professional installation through Sunstore if you have any doubts. 

This carefully-crafted collection of solar energy solutions is great if you don’t know where to get started with the different system components you’d need, as it’s all included in one convenient package. However, it’s important to note that these kits don’t come cheap, as they cost between £2,100 – £5,670 depending on the specifications of each component you choose. 

Looking for solar panels for your boat? Then you should definitely consider Renogy’s 200W Flexible Monocrystalline Solar Panels. Their waterproof, lightweight, and flexible design makes this model a great option for your off-grid activities on the water. 

One of the potential downsides of this type of solar panel is that they have lower efficiency rates than the previous models we’ve mentioned, with the module efficiency being at 16.7%. Even though this is at the lower end of the efficiency range of monocrystalline panels, these Renogy solar panels can produce about 1000 Watt-hours of electricity each day if exposed to sunlight for 5 - 6 hours. 

Additionally, you may require more than one solar panel to ensure that you can power your appliances on your sailboat. One panel can cost between £180 and £270, so your investment in solar panels for your boat can add up significantly depending on your energy needs.

Solbian’s SP series of monocrystalline solar panels is a great option for larger off-grid properties, such as cabins. They have an impressive 24% efficiency and you can choose from a power output range between 54 and 150W. 

These lightweight panels are known for their weatherproof design that allows them to withstand various weather conditions, making them a suitable option regardless of your cabin’s location. Because they are both highly durable and efficient, the Solbian SP series is certainly worth considering for your off-grid property. 

While they boast these impressive features, Solbian solar panels are at the higher end of solar panel price range, as costs per panel are between £430 and £1,190 depending on the power output you opt for. As you’ll likely need more than one solar panel, investing in a system consisting of the Solbian SP series can become quite expensive. 

The Eco-Worthy 390W 12V Solar Panel Kit consists of 2 195W bifacial solar panels, a charge controller, and all the wiring necessary to set up your system. They are easy to install, particularly on motorhomes, as they can be attached to the vehicle’s roof on  mounting brackets. 

These solar panels are highly efficient, with an efficiency rating of 23%. Typically, these Eco-Worthy panels can generate up to 900Wh per day, depending on the number of sunlight hours in the region where your off-grid home is located. 

When it comes to the cost of investing in these solar panels, the kit including 2 solar panels costs around £260. This means that even if you need more than 2, investing in Eco-Worthy solar panels won’t set you back as much as some of the other models we’ve listed in this guide.

Ensuring a reliable and consistent power supply for off-grid living can also be achieved through the use of solar panel battery backups. These allow you to store any excess energy generated by your solar system for later use. This is particularly helpful at night, when your solar panels don’t actively produce electricity. 

Some of the solar panels we’ve mentioned above come with a battery included if you purchase them as part of a kit. This is the case for the Sunstore 1290W Professional Off-Grid Kit, which includes a battery with a storage capacity between 4.2 and 9.6kWh, depending on your needs. Renogy’s 200W panels can also be paired with a Pro Smart Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery battery for optimal energy storage.

High solar panel efficiency is crucial for off-grid homes, as it determines how well solar panels convert sunlight into usable electricity. The efficiency of your system will depend heavily on the type of solar panels you choose. 

The model’s we’ve listed above are all monocrystalline solar panels, which are the most efficient (between 15 and 25%), but also the most expensive. They are a great option if you’re interested in solar power for shed roofs, garden solar panels, or solar panels for boats, motorhomes, and more off-grid properties. 

The other types of solar panels available are polycrystalline panels with efficiency rates between 15 and 20% and thin-film solar panels, which are the least efficient (between 10 and 20%). While these options are less efficient, they are cheaper than monocrystalline panels. 

So, when choosing your off-grid solar panels you should carefully consider factors such as efficiency, durability, power output, and cost to choose the solar panel type for your energy needs. Doing so will ensure that you can make the most of your solar panels during their 25-year lifespan. 

Here are some things you can do to maintain the efficiency of the solar panels on your off-grid property:

Advances in solar panel technology have made it possible to purchase systems that are both reliable and affordable, providing off-grid living with a sustainable and rewarding lifestyle choice.

The solar panels we’ve covered in this guide currently cost between £180 and £1,190 per panel. Whether your expenses will be on the lower or higher end of this price range depends primarily on the make and model and the power output size you choose. 

That said, there are also some other key considerations when it comes to solar panel costs: