Cutting yourself off from the power grid has many benefits. First off, you’ll be more self-sustaining and won’t have to rely on someone else for power generation. You also won’t have to worry about electricity bills piling up since the renewable energy from your solar panels will be free.
To live life sustainably and away from the grid, you need to find the best off grid solar system. Your system should have panels to absorb and convert solar energy into free energy for you to use at home, whether for appliances or lighting.
But how can you tell which off grid solar power systems for homes are the best? Here are a couple of factors you should look out for when buying an off grid solar system:
- Emits an adequate amount of power: The solar system you buy needs to be proportional to the size of your house and how much energy you and your family consume. If you have a smaller home, you can get away with a 5KW solar system off grid. If you have a three-story home with many big appliances, you might consider the 10KW off grid solar system price option, even if it can be a bit more expensive.
- Complete with accessories: You must ensure that your complete off grid solar system comes with all the necessary components it needs to run properly. These usually include several solar panels, a junction box, a charge controller, cable connectors, mounting brackets, and more.
- Solar panels have high conversion efficiency: Go for panels that can give you the highest energy conversion rates. Try purchasing solar panels made with monocrystalline solar cells, which are known to be very efficient in absorbing light energy. This will allow you to make the most out of your stand alone solar system.
Of course, these are just some of the factors you need to consider when shopping for the right off grid power systems. For other things to look out for, check out our buying guide below.
Meanwhile, the 12 reviews below should help you know what’s out there.
Best Overall
Topsolar Solar Panel
| ✅ Has two USB ports |
| ✅ Very durable solar panel |
| ✅ Lightweight at just 4.8 lbs |
Premium Choice
Renogy Solar Panel
| ✅ You can fold up the panels |
| ✅ LCD screen for charging info |
| ✅ Comes with a 20A charge controller |
Editor’s Pick
Renogy Premium Solar Panel
| ✅ IP65 waterproof |
| ✅ The panels have holes pre-drilled |
| ✅ Provides a total power output of 400W |
Table of Contents
Top 4 Off Grid Solar System Reviews
1. Topsolar 20-Watt 12-Volt Solar Panel
This solar panel kit by Topsolar is smaller than the others on this list, so it’s perfect for traveling and camping. It comes with one 20-watt solar panel made with monocrystalline cells. These solar cells are highly efficient and have the added protection against damage through multiple layers of sheet lamination.
I find that the panel is super durable because of its design. It’s made with tempered glass and a corrosion-free frame made of aluminum.
That said, it’s still lightweight at just 4.8 lbs, so it’s easy to carry around during transport. This makes it an excellent choice for mobile off grid situations, like boats and campervans.
This system comes complete with all the necessary accessories for setup, like a 10A charge controller, alligator clips, and even an O-ring terminal. It even has two USB ports where you can charge smartphones and small devices conveniently.
- Monocrystalline cells are highly efficient and protected by multiple layers
- Very durable solar panel thanks to tempered glass and aluminum framing
- Lightweight at just 4.8 lbs, so it’s easy to transport during off grid trips
- Complete with accessories like a charge controller, alligator clips
- Has two USB ports to charge our mobile devices
- 20-watt power output is enough for bigger appliances
2. Renogy 100W Off Grid Solar Panel
Portable off grid solar systems are immensely useful when traveling and camping. This foldable solar panel kit by Renogy is among the best ones out there.
The panels are made with an aluminum framing that is corrosion-free, so I’m sure they’ll last me a long time. They also come with a kickstand, making them easier to position at my campsite.
When you’re done using the panels, you can simply fold them up. This saves on storage space in your RV, off grid cabin, or trailer when they’re not in use.
This off grid solar kit comes with a 20A charge controller with an LCD screen to show you all the relevant info on your battery charging. The charge controller also protects against overcharging, minimizing fire risks. Since the entire system is low-voltage, it also prevents electric hazards.
- The solar panels have a corrosion-free, aluminum frame and kickstand
- You can fold up the panels to save on storage space when they’re not in use
- Comes with a 20A charge controller that protects against overcharging
- LCD screen for charging info
- Low-voltage to prevent any electric hazards while off-grid
- Can only be used for travel purposes, not permanent installation in homes
3. Renogy 400W Premium Solar Panel
The four solar panels included in this Renogy system are monocrystalline, making them more highly efficient than other panels. They can convert up to 21% of the energy they absorb and turn it into free energy for you to use.
Each panel can emit 100 watts of power. Altogether, the system has a total power output of 400 watts at any given point.
The system comes complete with all sorts of components. This includes a 40A solar charge controller, some mounting hardware and screws, and the necessary connectors. There’s also a junction box rated IP65 waterproof, so it’s protected against the elements and bad weather.
It’s super easy to mount and install these solar panels. There are pre-drilled holes at the back of each panel’s frame, so I can go straight into mounting them without stopping to drill them myself.
- Monocrystalline solar panels efficiently convert 21% of power into energy
- Provides a total power output of 400 watts using four 100-watt panels
- Comes with a solar charge controller, mounting hardware, and more
- The junction box is IP65 waterproof for protection against the elements
- The panels have holes pre-drilled into their backing
- No installation diagram in package
4. Renogy 200W Off Grid Solar Kit
This solar kit by Renogy includes two solar panels made of monocrystalline cells. These solar panels are weatherproof and can handle up to 5,400PA of snowfall and heavy rain, making them very durable. Plus, the junction box is waterproof, making the unit even more sturdy.
The high-efficiency solar cells convert 21% of the solar energy they absorb into free power for you to use as energy.
Bypass diodes are installed in each panel to ensure that they continue giving us the solar power we need even when we’re in a low-light environment.
This kit includes other top-class accessories, such as a 30A charge controller, a BT-1 Bluetooth module, sets of mounting brackets, and more. There are also some 10AWG connectors. The cables are IP67 waterproof and fireproof, making them less prone to hazards.
- Two monocrystalline solar panels convert over 20% of absorbed energy
- The panels withstand up to 5,400PA of snow and rain
- Bypass diodes to ensure we don’t lose power even when it isn’t sunny out
- Kit includes a 30A charge controller, a Bluetooth module, and more
- The 10AWG solar panel connectors are IP67 waterproof and fireproof
- Doesn’t come with fuses, so you have to buy those separately
Giosolar 1000-Watt Solar Off Grid System (Outdated)
This Giosolar hybrid solar panel kit provides you with two power sources: solar power and wind power.
It includes five solar panels that give us 120 watts of power each. The panels are made with monocrystalline solar cells, providing a higher-than-average energy conversion rate of 21%.
Each solar panel is designed with multiple sheet lamination layers, making it more durable and long-lasting.
This solar panel kit doesn’t stop at providing us solar energy. It also includes a 400-watt wind power backup generator. The turbine has six blades for maximum power.
Even the junction box is sturdy, seeing as it’s waterproof thanks to IP65 technology. It also has some bypass diodes installed inside to prevent drops in power during low-light situations.
- Hybrid kit provides you with solar power and wind power simultaneously
- The five monocrystalline panels convert 21% of solar power into energy
- The solar panels have multiple layers of sheet lamination for durability
- Comes with a six-blade, 400-watt wind power generator for extra power
- IP65 waterproof junction box is built with diodes to prevent power drops
- More complicated to set up because of the wind power generator
ACOPOWER 400-Watt Solar Panel Off Grid (Outdated)
This ACOPOWER solar system set includes four solar panels, all made of pure monocrystalline, which is known to make panels more efficient in energy conversion. Each panel gives off about 100 watts.
As a system, these panels can charge our batteries up to 1,920 watt-hours per day, given that they’re exposed to strong, direct sunlight.
The kit includes a powerful 3000-watt solar inverter to give me the AC power I need to run huge appliances. It also comes with a 40A MPPT charge controller.
The charge controller has an LCD screen so I can keep tabs on my battery’s charge. It is also compatible with many battery types, like flooded, lithium-ion, sealed, and others.
In this system, we’ll also get all the important cables and mounting hardware needed to have a breezy installation and setup. It even comes with two 100Ah gel batteries you can start charging immediately.
- Includes four monocrystalline solar panels that give off 100 watts each
- Provides up to 1,920 watt-hours per day
- Has a powerful 3000W inverter
- A 40A charge controller with LCD screen that fits many batteries
- Contains all the important cables and mounting hardware for setup
- Includes two 100Ah gel batteries
- Each panel weighs 12.8 lbs each, so might be too heavy for a small vehicle
WEIZE 100W 12V Solar Starter Kit (Outdated)
The 100-watt solar panel in this WEIZE solar kit is made with monocrystalline solar cells. These cells convert 21% of solar energy into free power for you to use in your home. They’re more efficient than other panel types, like polycrystalline ones.
This item’s also very high in durability. The panel is built with tempered glass and is framed with anodized aluminum for longevity. It’s also weatherproof (the junction box is IP65 waterproof) and resists corrosion.
The kit includes extension cables that are very long at 20 feet. This gives me enough flexibility to set up my solar panel and other components without stressing out about how close they are to one another. Other things you’ll find in this set are a battery tray cord, mounting brackets, and installment screws.
A small complaint I have about this starter kit is that the charge controller only has 10 amps. While it’s beneficial for this set, it’s not enough if you want to add more panels to your overall system. You’ll have to upgrade to a controller with a higher amperage if you wish to do so.
- Monocrystalline cells that convert more energy than other panel types
- Built with tempered glass and anodized aluminum for durability
- The panel is weatherproof and resistant to corrosion
- The extension cables in the set are 20 feet long for flexibility during setup
- Includes mounting brackets, screws, and other essential accessories
- 10A charge controller won’t be enough if you use more panels
- There’s only one panel in the set
WindyNation 4-Piece 400W Solar Kit (Outdated)
The biggest difference between this and the previous WindyNation solar kit in this list is that this one doesn’t have an inverter. This is a better option for customers who want to save big bucks on their solar system and can use another inverter they already have at home.
This set has four polycrystalline solar panels. Each panel can give off 100 watts of power, giving our system a total of 400 watts to run on.
You’ll also find a 30A charge controller here. The charge controller will have an LCD screen where you can find pertinent information about your charging, from amperage to voltage to temperature. There are also other adjustable settings you can find here.
The rest of the accessories in this set are just as high-quality. The 12 AWG cable is 40 feet long, which is perfect for spacious areas like backyards. You also get four 12V deep cycle batteries in this kit, each with 100Ah. Lastly, owners will enjoy complete mounting hardware, like Z-brackets.
- Includes four polycrystalline solar panels, 100 watts of power each
- The 30A charge controller has an LCD screen for settings and other info
- The 12 AWG cable is 40 feet long, enough for use in spacious areas
- Comes with four free 100Ah 12V deep cycle batteries
- Has all the pertinent mounting hardware, like Z-brackets
- Doesn’t include an inverter to complete the set
ECO-WORTHY Off-Grid Solar Power Kit (Outdated)
Working with just one solar panel may be difficult if one needs a lot of electricity, but this set by ECO-WORTHY makes it hassle-free. Though it has just one 100-watt solar panel, the system can produce up to 0.4KWH of power in just one four-hour charge.
The set comes with a 20A charge controller. It has an LCD screen to show you the state of your battery-charging. The brand also offers a one-year warranty for the controller to help users with troubleshooting and replacing if the need arises.
Buyers also get a free 12V lead-acid battery with an amperage of 100Ah. This is very useful because it’s rechargeable and can be used as our mainstay battery for an off-grid site. The battery is also spill- and leak-proof, helping to prevent damage and malfunctions.
- The 100-watt panel can provide up to 0.4KWH with a four-hour charge
- Its 20A charge controller has an LCD screen to show the state of charging
- The controller comes with a one-year warranty
- Comes with a free lead-acid battery that runs at 12 volts and 100Ah
- The rechargeable battery is spill-proof and leak-proof
- Only one 100W solar panel, so you’ll need more for stronger power
ECO LLC 900-Watt Off Grid Solar Panel (Outdated)
This kit by ECO LLC includes six solar panels that emit a whopping 150 watts each. That totals to 900-watt power as a system. With enough of these panels, you can even assemble your own 5000 watt off grid solar system. The kit also has a 1,500-watt inverter included, giving users great power output and conversion.
Shoppers will also find a 60A charge controller in this kit for their charging needs. This charge controller flaunts an LCD screen that displays pertinent information about the battery you’re charging, like temperature and voltage.
The kit comes with a complete set of mounting hardware. This includes brackets, screws, and grommets so that I don’t have to buy them separately to install my system.
The cables in this system are 16 feet long. That makes the setup much more flexible since users won’t be stressed out about making sure the panels and charge controller are right beside each other.
- Has six 150-watt solar panels and a 1,500-watt inverter for power output
- There’s a 60A charge controller with an LCD screen for charging info
- Comes with mounting hardware like brackets and screws
- The cables in this off-grid solar kit are 16 feet long
- There are no batteries included in this solar panel kit
ECO-WORTHY 1000W Off Grid System (Outdated)
This fuss-free solar panel kit by ECO-WORTHY comes with six solar panels, each one emitting 195 watts of power. This gives you over a thousand watts at any given moment. Together, this group of solar panels can provide 4KWH worth of solar energy per day.
The off grid system comes complete with a four-string combiner box that is designed for safer power conversion. It’s made with anti-backflow technology and circuit breakers to avoid short-circuiting and other electrical mishaps in your solar power system.
It also comes with a 60A charge controller with a rated voltage of 12V/24V. This controller is compatible with many kinds of batteries, including gel, lead-acid, and lithium batteries.
This solar panel kit also includes stainless steel Z brackets, complete with screws and grommets. With these, you can easily mount your panels to your home’s roof without scouring for extra tools and accessories.
An off grid solar kit like this can easily power up bigger appliances, like air conditioners, refrigerators, ceiling fans, and more.
- Contains six 195W solar panels to produce 4KWH per day
- The combiner box has an anti-backflow technology
- Circuit breakers included
- Its charge controller is compatible with various battery types
- Comes with stainless steel Z brackets, screws, and grommets
- Can power up bigger appliances, like refrigerators and air conditioners
- Don’t perform too well when they aren’t exposed to direct sunlight
WindyNation 400-Watt Solar Panel (Outdated)
This WindyNation solar panel kit has four solar panels that emit 100 watts of power each. The panels are made of polycrystalline, making our purchase more cost-effective.
The set comes with a DC to AC power inverter and four 12V SLA batteries with 100 amps per hour. With this solar power system, it’s possible to charge the batteries with 1,600 watt-hours worth of power in a day.
I also get the mounting hardware I need for the solar panels when I purchase this off grid solar kit. This includes some Z-shaped brackets as well as screws to set up your panels nice and tight.
What I love about this solar panel kit is that it’s very versatile. While it’s possible to use it for a small home, it’s also perfect for boats and RVs, which don’t require a huge amount of power to run. I can also use the batteries in these off grid systems as backup power for emergencies.
- The solar panel kit includes four 100W polycrystalline panels
- Comes with an inverter and four pieces of 12V 100Ah SLA batteries
- Can charge batteries at around 1,600 watt-hours per day
- Has mounting hardware needed to install the solar panels to the roof
- Versatile enough to be used on RVs, boats, and as backup power
- Not enough power to run a refrigerator and other bigger appliances
What to Look for When Looking for Off Grid Solar Systems
Has a significant number of solar panels that can power up your whole place
More often than not, one solar panel will not be able to cut it when it comes to powering up an entire home. Make sure the off grid solar systems you’re eyeing come with enough solar panels to power up all your home’s appliances and lights.
Designed with solar panels that are durable and high-quality
Always go for solar panels that are durable and sturdy. Check out those with multi-layered sheets for extra lamination and protection from the elements. You’ll also want a solar panel with corrosion-free aluminum framing to resist impact and damage, therefore extending the lifespan of your solar system.
If you’re not sure whether a solar system you’re eyeing is sturdy enough, you can always check out simple off grid system reviews left by other users to see their experience with the system’s longevity.
The off grid solar system shouldn’t be complicated to set up and install
If you’re a newbie in setting up off grid solar systems, save yourself the hassle by going for easy-installation solar panel kits.
Go for those with easy-connect cables or panels that have pre-drilled holes to make mounting quick and convenient. Another thing that might help is longer connectors to give you the mobility to set up anywhere you want.
Components should be waterproof to prevent damage from the weather
When looking for a complete off grid solar system with batteries, it would be good to see that each component is waterproof-grade, not just the panels. That means even your junction box and cables have to be waterproof so as not to get damaged during tough weather conditions.
Off-grid systems should work efficiently even when it’s cloudy outside
One con of going off the grid and relying solely on renewable energy for your electricity is not having backup power when your area is less sunny than usual. Make sure your solar system is built to work efficiently even when the sunlight is a bit dimmed down.
Look for solar panels with bypass diodes that allow them to provide energy without drops in power, even in shaded, low-light areas.
Can a House Run On Solar Power Alone
Yes, a house can definitely be self-sustainable by running on solar power alone. High-quality off grid solar system packages with a significant number of solar panels can provide enough energy to power up all your lighting, appliances, and other electrical needs.
However, you must remember that installing a solar system from the ground up can be difficult and a bit expensive. You’ll have to invest in multiple solar panels and make space on your roof or balcony to mount them.
Installing an off grid solar panel system also requires you to set up all the necessary junction boxes and controllers inside your home, which can be quite tedious. You can choose to hire a professional to help you out with that if you’re not entirely comfortable doing it yourself.
If you feel your house needs more power than just solar energy, you can look for off grid solar and wind power kits. Wind power is another efficient source of renewable energy, although solar power remains the gold standard.
How Big of a Solar System Do I Need to Go Off Grid
It depends on how big your home is and how much electricity you and your family need to use. For a family of two or three in a small bungalow, you can get away with just several 250W solar panels. But if you have a bigger home with more floors, you’ll definitely need to invest in about 10-15 panels to get the energy you need.
Before thinking of off grid power solutions, always assess how much energy you need to get your home up and running in the first place. Otherwise, figuring out which off grid battery system to get may be tricky and confusing.
How Much Does an Off-Grid Solar System Cost
The price of your off grid solar system will depend on how much power it emits. For example, a system that emits a thousand kilo-watts will be less expensive than the more powerful 5KW off grid solar system price.
A small off grid solar system can go between $500-10,000, depending on how many panels you use. For bigger homes that need more panels and accessories to complete the solar system, you may have to spend more money. You can even pay around $40,000 for a home that needs a 20KW system.
Yes, these prices seem a little hefty. But remember that it’s an investment. By going off-grid with these systems, you won’t pay another electricity bill again.
But if you want to save money, you don’t have to spend on brand new off grid solar systems. You can always look through online marketplaces to shop for a used off grid solar system for sale. However, note that you may come across issues with wear and tear if you don’t go for a brand new solar system.
Do You Have to Pay Taxes If You Live off the Grid
Living off the grid isn’t without its expenses. Obviously, you will still need to pay your property taxes and income taxes. But because you won’t have to pay monthly electricity bills after installing the top-tier off grid solar power system, you can still end up saving money.
Conclusion
Going off the grid is a bold choice. But if being self-sustainable and avoiding crazy electricity bills is a priority for you, purchase the best off grid solar system you can find.
Opting to go off the grid is also perfect if you’re serious about using renewable energy to do your part in reducing carbon emissions to save the planet. Next time you’re thinking of reasons to get an off the grid solar system, remember the impact you’ll have on the environment.
It’s hard to go wrong with any of the off the grid electricity systems above. They’re beneficial for homes with different sizes and energy consumption.
I am Kathleen Miller, staff writer and reviewer of the Avasolar team. Working with the team has been a pleasure for me so far, I hope to bring readers useful information by creating detailed and easy-to-follow contents.