Best solar panels for your home in 2023: power up with green and clean
We’re well-versed in the benefits of solar power, and many homes are now choosing a greener path when it comes to generating power for day-to-day appliances. By placing solar panels on your roof, you can power your home with the clean, versatile and increasingly affordable form of renewable energy. You’ll likely have seen a few solar panels making an appearance on your street, and if you’re looking to join the club, you’re in the right place.
Solar panels are perhaps more accessible than you may think, with sets available from energy companies, online retailers and specialty stores. We’ve gathered a list of solar panel options, so you can find the right fit for your home. Whether you’re looking to power up a garden office, or create your own electricity in an off-grid location, we’ve got you covered.
You can also jump to our short buyer’s guide on what to consider when buying solar panels.
Fancy charging on the go? Check out the best caravan solar powers.
Best solar panels for 2023
Eco-Worthy 2250W solar system
Eco-Worthy’s 2550W system can generate 10kWh a day under four hours of sunshine, which is a decent amount of power considering the average UK household uses around 8kWh of electricity a day, according to Ofgem. So if you want to make the most of your clean energy, this fifteen solar panel set could be a worthwhile investment.
The IP65 waterproof panels are designed for long-term, outdoor use, so while this set is a hefty purchase, expect a durable kit that’ll see you through the years. Plus, there’s an app you can download for monitoring purposes.
As well as solar panels, Eco-Worthy sells accessories such as charge controllers, mounting brackets and lithium batteries, so you’re covered for all of the extras too.
Kit includes:
- 15 170W solar panels
- 5000W hybrid solar charge inverter
- 4 100Ah LiFePO4 Batteries
- Extension cables
- Mounting brackets
Photonic Universe Complete Off-Grid Solar Power System
Photonic Universe sell a range of solar power products, as well as wind power and other battery charging solutions. This is the brand’s off-grid system which is designed to provide electricty for areas with no access to mains power, so if you’re doing up an old hut in the sticks, you’re covered for your cuppas, radio listening and TV viewing.
In the kit you’ll find two 410W solar panels, a 3000W 24V hybrid inverter and two 100Ah AGM batteries. There’s also a circuit breaker and solar extension cables, so you’ve got everything you need to start generating electricity (as long as the sun has made an appearance). Plus, you can remotely monitor and adjust charging parameters, allowing for a degree of flexibility and control when using this solar power system.
Kit includes:
- 2 x 410W solar panels
- 3000W 24V hybrid inverter
- 2 x 100Ah AGM batteries
- 125A circuit breaker
- solar extension cables and battery cables
Folding Portable Solar Panel
If you’re in the market for a neat solar panel you can pack away with ease, and take on your camping or campervan adventures, this compact device could do the job.
There’s a folding metal stand which lets you keep the panels propped up, and in an ideal position. So even if you’re in a tent for the night and roof-less, you can still enjoy the benefits of solar power.
This kit comes with two 50W solar panels, a built-in regulator and a connection cable. Plus, at under £200, this is a budget-friendly model. A nice option if you’re looking to trial out solar panels before investing in an expensive kit for the home.
Kit includes:
- Built-in regulator
- 5 Metre Cable with Crocodile Clip Type Terminals
- Foldable 100W solar panel
E.On Energy Solar Panels
- Buy now from E.On Energy
For a larger installation, such as six solar power roof panels, many energy companies offer a more personalised service by providing a specific quote. E.On Energy offer a straightforward survey with questions on home ownership, levels of shade, and number of panels, to provide you with a personalised offer.
You can choose up to 20 panels, so this could be a solid option if you’ve got a large roof to cover. Prices will of course vary, depending on your home setup, but you’re looking at around £8,000 for 10 panels.
EDF Energy solar panels
- Buy now from EDF Energy
EDF Energy offer a similar service – plug in your postcode and feed in your house details for a specific quote. This survey gets down to the nitty gritty with questions on specific house type, and whether your building is listed, so expect a tailored experience. They can also tell you whether your home is suitable or not, so it’s a handy service to make use of if your household is at the beginning of the solar panel discussion.
EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max Solar Generator
- Buy now from EcoFlow (£2,348)
If you’re solar panel shopping online, you’ll likely find that portable solar panels are easier to come by, and they’re incredibly useful if you’re partial to a weekend exploring the wilderness. Plus, if you invest in more batteries, they make for handy home back-ups.
EcoFlow has lots of options to consider, of varying kWh capacities.The brand’s DELTA 2 Max Solar Generator set comes with the Delta 2 max – an LFP battery – and the 220W solar panel.
The solar panel packs away in a sleek carry case for easy transportation, and the battery boasts an impressive lifespan of 3000 cycles, which would mean 10 years of power, even if you use it every day.
Kit includes:
- 220W bifacial solar panel
- Protective case
- Solar to XT60 charging cable
- Snap hooks
What to consider when buying solar panels
Energy consumption: think about how much energy your household uses to determine how much electricity you’d like your solar panels to generate. You can then decide on the correct size and capacity of solar power system best suited to your home. On average, households use around 8kWh per day, and of course you can use a smart meter or energy monitor to track your usage. It’s also worth thinking about the appliances you’re hoping to power – are you looking to generate enough power for your whole home, or just a mini fridge in your garden office?
Roof space: solar panels come in a range of sizes, so you’ll need to measure up and make sure you’re getting the right fit. It’s also important to think about shading – are there any obstacles nearby, such as a tree, or chimney, that may impact the efficiency of your solar panels? Don’t forget to consider the weight of the solar panels, as well as the condition of your roof.
Budget: solar powers are an expensive investment – with many around the £6,000 to £9,000 mark – and you’ll have installation costs to consider too, but once you’re all set up, you can enjoy clean energy free of charge.
from BBC Science Focus Magazine https://ift.tt/nBA4zxL
People who need to charge their electronic devices in places without electricity might use solar panels as a convenience. The majority of us rely on computers and phones to keep connected to the rest of the world; without these, you only feel alone in comparison to your loved ones and the rest of humanity. One of the most adaptable, practical, and portable power sources currently accessible is portable solar power. Today, they are significantly more cheap than they were in the past (PowerBegin).
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