So you want to add solar panels to your life?
That’s great because there are so many amazing benefits to solar power.
The fact that it is completely free to create electricity is quite amazing.
They say nothing in life is free, well they forgot about the sun’s energy.
And one of the best ways to do this is with a 200 watt solar panel.
Why?
Because this size solar panel provides a perfect balance of power, size, and cost.
It is surprising how cheap can get started with a solar panel kit these days without scrimping on quality.
Whether you want to instantly add renewable energy to your house, shed, cabin, van, RV, camping, or boat, you can do it without any hassle.
I am sure you know the virtues of solar panels, it’s why you’re reading this…
So let’s dive straight into this article which will give you a complete in-depth guide to solar systems and what 200 watt solar panels will power.
What Will A 200 Watt Solar Panel Run?
It’s important to understand how solar panel systems work to understand what you can run. If you are powering devices directly from a 200 watt solar panel you will be a little limited as to what you can run. You will be completely dependent on sun and weather conditions which can lead to variable power output. That being said you could run low-power appliances and charge electronics including smartphones, tablets, digital cameras, LED lights, torches, laptops, and portable games consoles.
To run a solar panel effectively is best to use it with a leisure battery or portable power station. This way you can store energy in a battery to use at a later time or in a more reliable fashion. With a 200 watt solar panel, you could generate around 60Ah of energy a day (720Wh). When stored in a battery you could then power much large appliances via a power inverter. You could run refrigerators, fans, LED TVs, tools, lights, computers, A/C units, slow cookers, and much more!
How many amps in a 200 watt solar panel?
A 200 watt solar panel will be able to produce a maximum 16 amps with a 12V battery. In reality, the average sunlight will produce more like 10 – 14 amps of energy per hour. Or 50 – 70 amps a day.
What size fuse for 200-watt solar panel?
A 20 amp fuse will work for a 200w solar panel.
What charge controller do I need for 200 watts?
You require a solar charge controller with at least 20A capacity to work with a 200 watt solar panel. If you want to connect more panels you will need a bigger charge controller. Adding to this, an MPPT controller will be much more efficient than a PWM controller.
Can you use a 200 watt solar panel for camping?
Yes, there are a few different 200 watt portable solar panels for camping. You can find the best options in the list of reviews above. Most people use them with a portable power station for an unbeatable off-grid camping electricity solution.
Can you power a house with 200 watt solar panels?
To power a house with 200 watt solar panels you will need more than one. Quite often people only partially power their houses with solar panels. Most use a grid-tie system that can switch between grid and solar power. This means you can still access electricity without the need for sunlight but reduce your power bills (and carbon footprint) during sunny periods.
What size inverter for 200 watt solar panel?
For a single 200 watt solar panel and a battery that stores 50-70Ah a 500 watt power inverter will do a good job. This enables you to run essential electronics such as lighting, phones, mini-fridges, and TVs. You could even run a games console for a while too! You could use a more powerful inverter but if you try to draw too much power you’ll quickly deplete your battery and your solar panel won’t be able to keep up.
Factors to Consider About 200 Watt Solar Panels
Now you should have a better idea of the sort of products available on the market. If you still haven’t made your choice then take the time to understand the factors that go into picking the best option. Below is everything our experts take into account when selecting and reviewing products.
Type
The type of solar panel is pretty darn crucial depending on how your planned usage. Generally, you can split these up into 3 categories – traditional rigid panels, flexible panels, and portable. Let’s go through the differences.
Rigid solar panels – This is probably what you think of when someone says the word solar panel. It’s what you’ll see on house rooftops across the nation. They are designed with metal frames and glass to protect the solar cells. They are highly durable, lasting for decades, and can be permanently mounted on a flat roof, angled stand, or other structure.
Flexible solar panels – This is a pretty cool invention and adds the attributes of being lightweight, low profile, and bendable. This type is ideal for placing on curved surfaces you find on vehicles like caravans and boats. Plus the slim design many people like them for being very stealthy. They’re not quite as durable as rigid panels but will still last for years and years.
Portable solar panels – This is probably self-explanatory, you can carry them around with you. This size of portable solar panel is probably too big for hiking, but you could happily store them in a car or campervan for remote trips. You’ll find they fold down into a neat pack too. Most commonly you use them with a portable power station.
Monocrystalline vs Polycrystalline
The next thing to watch out for is the solar cells used in your panels you’ll find either monocrystalline or polycrystalline. The difference here is all about efficiency and price. In simple terms, monocrystalline is more efficient but more expensive. Polycrystalline is less efficient but cheaper. To spot the difference monocrystalline is black and polycrystalline is blue.
Personally, I’d always favor monocrystalline. Yes, you might pay a little more but you’ll come out ahead in the long run. After all, the sun’s energy is free to use!
Durability
Let’s take a step back and think about the build quality of products for a minute. It’s a consideration in every buying decision we make these days. It is particularly important with solar equipment for a number of reasons. Obviously, this is something that will be used outdoor so it should be able to resist harsh weather conditions – particularly for permanently mounted panels. You want your system to last decades so look for anti-corrosion materials like aluminum and reinforced tempered glass. Don’t just pick the cheapest product available, take the time to analyze what will serve you best in the long run. Ask yourself some questions:
Is the panel solidly built?
Is the junction box waterproof?
Price
Speaking of price, how much do 200 watt solar panels cost? There’s no single number but you should expect to pay anything between $200 and $500. You can get a decent rigid solar panel kit for as little as $200 these days. If you’re looking for a portable solar panel then prices can get up to $500.
Size & Weight
Take the time to make sure your chosen setup will fit in the space you have available. This is important for panels you plan to mount on a rooftop or vehicle. You might notice your boat or van has limited roof space once you look a little closer. Stop and measure up the area and check the dimensions of the product you are buying. A simple thing that will stop headaches down the line.
Adding to this, weight can also be a factor in smaller structures and vehicles. Many people opt for flexible panels to help reduce weight on a vehicle.
Other components
Your solar system will consist of a number of components. You need a few other bits to go with your solar panel. Here’s a list of essential equipment:
- Solar charge controller – This helps to safely charge your leisure battery.
- Battery – Solar systems work by charging a battery for you to draw power from.
- Power inverter – Converts battery energy to AC electricity to power devices and appliances.
Pros and Cons of 200W Solar Panels
If you’re not sure that this solar panel is the correct size for your needs then here’s a list of advantages and disadvantages to help you decide
Pros
- Power output – You get really great power from a single panel. In fact, you can generate more than 12Amps an hour or over 70Amps a day.
- Connect in series – It’s common to connect multiple panels together to increase electricity production. You can add to your system in the future to increase the wattage.
- Multiple types – There’s tons of different styles available no matter your needs whether you want it for a vehicle, house, or portable use.
- Accessible price – The cost is not too expensive for the results. You can get started with a solar system for less than $500 in total which is pretty awesome for free electricity!
Cons
- Size – These solar panels are quite big which can make them a little tricky to mount on smaller structures like sheds, and vans. They can measure over a meter and a half in length.
- Not so portable – Yes you can get portable solar panels but they are still quite cumbersome and heavy. You wouldn’t want to carry it far without a vehicle.
How to Install Solar Panels
One thing you might be a little nervous about is the installation of your solar panels. Obviously, this is not a problem if you use a portable one, but rigid and flexible panels will need to be installed correctly. You can do it without the help of a professional if you want. Here’s a how to do it:
- Measure out the surface you want to mount your panel and mark holes for drilling.
- Carefully drill your holes to correspond with your frame or mounting system.
- Secure the panel in place using nuts and bolts. You should add waterproof sealant around the bolts and holes fo to stop any leaks.
- Connect your solar charge controller to your leisure battery using the red (positive) and black (negative) terminals. Always do this first.
- Connect your panel cables to the solar charge controller. Your system should now be ready to charge your battery.
- Hook up a power inverter to draw AC electricity to your appliances and devices.
- Makes sure to keep your panels clean for optimal performance.
Final Words
If you’ve made it this far then you’re an expert in 200 watt solar panels and should feel comfortable making a decision on what to buy.
Having a high-quality efficient solar panel is crucial to your off-grid power setup. If you have something subpar it will be frustrating when you regularly run out of electricity.
So using and installing the most suitable equipment for your needs gives you the ultimate access to free energy from the sun.
