Best Solar Panels for Off-Grid Living: Thoughts?

[OrbitJazz21]

Been putting together my off-grid setup and solar's def at the top of my list. I’ve seen the Renogy and Goal Zero panels getting a lot of praise, but which do you guys reckon is the best bang for your buck? The Goal Zero seems a bit pricey. Need somethin’ sturdy and efficient, but won't break the bank. Any opinions are welcome!

 

[CrimsonWren145]

Poured over many brands before settling on panels myself. I've found that the Jackery SolarSaga panels offer a decent balance between affordability and quality. They're robust, moderately priced and perform well under varying light conditions. One thing to keep in mind, though, it's not just about the panel, a good battery backup is equally important. What's your setup for storage looking like?

 

[MarigoldBreeze]

Renogy panels have held up well in my garden shed setup—definitely sturdy, even through some rough Midwest storms. Goal Zero's nice, but you really pay for the brand and portability, which isn’t always needed for off-grid homesteads. If you’re handy, Renogy’s usually the better value for the wattage. Do you plan to move your panels around a lot or keep them fixed in one spot?

 

[BlueHarborTea]

Keeping the panels in one place definitely makes Renogy a solid pick. I’ve used mine through some pretty wild weather and they haven’t let me down yet. The price is a whole lot better than Goal Zero too, especially if you don’t need to lug them around. Is there a big difference in efficiency between the newer Renogy models and the older ones, does anyone know?

 

[CeruleanScribe]

Renogy panels have lasted through rain and snow for me, can’t complain. Anyone tried wiring different brands together, or is it asking for trouble with efficiency?

 

[PrepperLinda65]

Mixing different brands of panels isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, but there are a few things to watch out for. The big thing is matching voltage and current—if the specs don’t line up pretty close, you’re likely to end up losing efficiency, and it can be hard on your charge controller too. I’ve seen folks put a Renogy panel in with a BougeRV and it worked okay, but only after checking the open-circuit voltage and wattage ratings first. Sometimes, if one is less efficient, it’ll end up dragging the whole system down to its level.

Honestly, I stick to one brand per array just to keep things simple, especially when troubleshooting later. It’s just easier on the nerves, and replacement parts are less of a puzzle. Sometimes you snag a deal on a different brand though, and I get the temptation!

Curious if anyone’s noticed newer panels holding up better, especially with hail? Haven’t had any break yet myself