100-watt solar panels: how many do you need for a good starting point and clean energy

Maybe you’ve heard a solar power system is a great way to save money on electrical expenses and produce clean renewable energy, but where do you start?
How many panels do you need? 100-watt solar panels are a good starting point for those who want to save money and produce clean energy.

They’re also quite simple to install if you have the right equipment and know what to do. Where to start?

The basics: It’s essential to determine whether your roof is suitable for panels before you buy them.

You’ll also need to install an AC solar inverter and mount the panels in an area with plenty of sunlight.

Once you have all of this setup, you’ll be able to start producing your energy and saving money on your electricity bill.

First, let's look at the types of panels and their benefits.

Monocrystalline solar panel

A monocrystalline solar panel is made of a single, large silicon crystal. They’re the most efficient type of solar panel, and they’re also the most expensive. However, they’ll produce more power than any other type of solar panel. A monocrystalline solar panel is the best option if you have the money to spend.

Polycrystalline Solar Panel

Polycrystalline panels are made of many tiny crystals of silicon. They’re not as efficient as monocrystalline solar panels, but they’re cheaper and still produce much power. If you’re looking to save money on your solar panel, A polycrystalline solar panel is good.

Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (PERC) panel

Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (PERC) panels are a type of solar panel becoming increasingly popular. They’re made of many tiny silicon crystals, like polycrystalline solar panels, but they’re more efficient than other types of solar. It makes them a good option for those who want to save money and produce a lot of clean energy.

Thin Film Solar Panel

Thin-film panels are made of a thin layer of solar cells. They’re not as efficient as other panels, but they’re cheaper and still produce a good amount of power. If you’re looking to save money on your solar panel, a Thin Film Solar Panel is suitable.

Solar Panel by cell performance

Power output

  • A 100-watt Monocrystalline solar panel has an efficiency rating of over 20%.
  • The PERC panel’s maximum power is slightly more efficient (5%) than a monocrystalline panel.
  • The power output for a polycrystalline panel is between 15-17%.
  • The thin-film solar panel is less efficient than its crystalline silicon counterparts. They offer a 2 to 3% efficiency advantage over carbon cells and other technologies like amorphous selenium (a thin layer semiconductor).

Start with a 100-watt solar panel or more.

You can easily use just one 100 watts solar panel to charge up a small battery bank, power LED lights, and charge phones/computers. I recommend at least four if you want to start using it for larger applications. I started with the higher efficiency renogy four 100 watts monocrystalline solar panel kit.

I can charge my batteries with four monocrystalline panels while connected to shore power when more power is needed. I chose to use rigid renogy rigid solar panels vs. flexible renogy solar panels.

My experience with seeing how much power renogys four 100-watt monocrystalline solar panels can produce 400-500 Watt-hours or 33-41Amp hours a day depending on sun availability.

How I Installed my 400-watt monocrystalline Solar Power kit

Now that we’ve looked at the different types of conventional solar panels, let’s look at how to install them. My four 400 watts monocrystalline solar panels from renogy are designed for fast and convenient installation using the provided pre-drilled mounting holes and z brackets.

I could attach the four monocrystalline solar panels to the roof of my skoolie using the brackets supplied after mounting several long aluminum rails. Once I finished drilling the hole through the ceiling provided, I fed Renogys’ kit wires through the hole, and I was able to connect all four lithium batteries. Renogys 100Ah batteries with industry-leading technology will be more than adequate for my needs.

I plan on using both DC and AC electricity in my skoolie. With my 3000-watt inverter connected to the system, I can power almost anything.

If I choose to later, I have more room to add more panels to my system. With how large the skoolie is, I could add one panel at a time until I meet my power needs with what the system produces.

If you want to install a 100-watt solar panel, you’ll need the following equipment:

  • 100-watt Solar panel check to see if they have pre-drilled holes, making it a fast and easy installation
  • solar charge controller
  • tilt mounts if you want to angle the robust solar panels for more direct sunlight power output
  • solar connector leads to connect solar panels in parallel or series

Benefits of Installing a Solar Panel

The off-grid application of installing a solar array with enough batteries is a primary driving force for most people installing the solar storm on their van/bus. After deciding on four 100 watts of solar panels, I calculated how much electrical power I wanted to store.
I thought about using a lead-acid battery but chose to go with lithium after learning how easy it would be to damage the lead acid. My next question was how many batteries I needed for what I wanted. More batteries mean more money but also more freedom for off-grid applications. Our 100-watt monocrystalline solar panel has made a massive difference in our lives.
Using our off-grid solar systems has allowed us to spend time together away from the busy life within the cities and extended outdoor use. Installing the 100-watt solar panel allowed us to go outside, enjoy life, and see the solar system!