The sun's rays are a free and renewable source of electrical energy. However, their exploitation requires the acquisition of a device centered around solar panels. In recent years, more and more English people have opted for this alternative, which has led to a significant increase in the choice. If you too would like to adopt solar energy, our buying guide should interest you.
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Our selection
"Looking for a powerful and efficient solar panel? This 42W model from BigBlue is perfect for you. It is compatible with most common electrical appliances."
"With this 10W solar panel designed by Offgridtec, you will benefit from a hail and weather resistant device. It is ideal for 12 V systems."
"Powerful, fast-charging, foldable and portable, the BigBlue solar panel has all the features of the ideal solar panel. The plus: MPPT technology that ensures faster…"
"With this solar panel offering a maximum power of 100 W, you will benefit from a solid quality at a very interesting price."
Looking for a powerful and efficient solar panel? This 42W model from BigBlue is perfect for you. It is compatible with most common electrical appliances.
See priceThis BigBlue device features a waterproof SunPower solar panel that is made with a durable fabric. Highly efficient, it can convert up to 21.5-23.5% of solar energy into free energy. Equipped with 2 USB compatible with most devices such as iPhone and other cell phones, it has a DC output that will fit some mini generators and batteries.
Its foldable side is part of the assets of the device. Weighing 935 g, it can be carried, which is a real boon for travelers and camping enthusiasts. Its designer took care to accompany it with a zippered bag, convenient for storing cables and other accessories.
With this 10W solar panel designed by Offgridtec, you will benefit from a hail and weather resistant device. It is ideal for 12 V systems.
See priceThis solar panel is equipped with monocrystalline photovoltaic solar cells, giving it a superior quality. Its anodized aluminum frame and tempered solar glass make it ideal for motor homes, boats and garden sheds. It offers an excellent resistance to hail and other weather attacks.
Unlike other panels in this power range, this one has two cable entries instead of one. This device offers a tolerance of ±3% and the yield of the cells is around 18%.
Powerful, fast-charging, foldable and portable, the BigBlue solar panel has all the features of the ideal solar panel. The plus: MPPT technology that ensures faster and smarter charging.
See priceThe main advantage of this BigBlue solar panel is the presence of MPPT, a smart technology that is 30% more efficient by offering a 22% conversion. The Bigblue folding charger is equipped with two ports, one of which is fast charging (18W), a DC port and a type C power supply.
With this device, you have the possibility to set different modes depending on the batteries used. Foldable and portable with a TPE rubber handle, it is equipped with overload, overheat and short circuit protection.
With this solar panel offering a maximum power of 100 W, you will benefit from a solid quality at a very interesting price.
117 £ on CdiscountTreat yourself to a solar panel designed by Offgridtec. This German manufacturer is a European pioneer in the sector. This 12 V solar module offers solidity and quality at a fair price. Equipped with monocrystalline photovoltaic cells, its main advantage is its weight of 7 kg, particularly rare for a model of this power.
Know that this device has an apparent power of 84 W, a nice performance to report. In short, if you want to have an efficient and durable panel, this model will suit you perfectly.
Any specific needs?
The best entry-level solar panel
Your guide :
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| TOP OF THE TOP | CHEAP | TOP OF THE LINE | EXCELLENT | |
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
9/10 |
7/10 |
7/10 |
8/10 |
| OUR SELECTION |
BigBlue SunPower Solar Panel 120W
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Offgridtec 10W Monocrystalline Photovoltaic Panel
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BigBlue Solar Panel 120W
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Panneau solaire Offgridtec Mono 100 W
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Looking for a powerful and efficient solar panel? This 42W model from BigBlue is perfect for you. It is compatible with most common electrical appliances.
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With this 10W solar panel designed by Offgridtec, you will benefit from a hail and weather resistant device. It is ideal for 12 V systems.
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Powerful, fast-charging, foldable and portable, the BigBlue solar panel has all the features of the ideal solar panel. The plus: MPPT technology that ensures faster and smarter charging.
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With this solar panel offering a maximum power of 100 W, you will benefit from a solid quality at a very interesting price.
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Dimensions
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68 x 57 x 0.5cm
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32,5x28x2,5cm
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84x28x0.5 cm
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54.0 x 120.0 x 3.5 cm
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Weight
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0.9 g
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1kg
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9kg
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7.2 kg
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Maximum power
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42 W
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12W
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120W
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100W
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Maximum conversion rate
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0.235
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0,18
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0.22
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0.23
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USB ports
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2
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2
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3
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2
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To choose your panel, you must determine the appliances to be powered. This step is the most important, so you must be precise during the calculations. Think of listing all the devices to be fed and calculate their consumptions. You will then know which type and which power of solar panel can suit you. Be careful with household appliances, as they are particularly energy consuming.
As their name indicates, solar panels produce electricity thanks to the sun's rays. It goes without saying that without the sun, their production will be weak, even almost non-existent. In sum, it is necessary to take into account the geographical location to choose the type and size of a solar installation. Indeed, depending on the country, north or south, the sunshine data vary.
You will have the choice between two major types of solar panels: photovoltaic and thermal. Here again, you will have to take into account your needs to choose which one suits you best. Thermal models provide heat energy used to have domestic hot water and power the heating system. Photovoltaic panels provide electricity thanks to the solar collectors.
The
power of a solar panel is the power provided by a solar panel at 25°C with a light similar to the sun. This standard size will allow you to compare several types of panels. It is necessary to take into account that the more powerful your panels will be, the more you will see a decrease in state aid.
The conversion rate of a solar panel or the yield designates the quantity of radiation captured by the panels. This quantity corresponds to the amount of exploitable electricity. In short, the higher the yield, the fewer panels you need to meet your electrical energy needs.
Becoming self-sufficient in terms of energy needs is a dream that many modern people have in common. Indeed, with installations such as solar panels and wind turbines, it is possible to reduce the general expenses devoted to energy bills. This will save money in the long run, while reducing the negative impacts that electricity production causes on the environment.
In other words, by adopting a solar panel, we help slow down global warming and environmental disorders while reducing our daily expenses. In short, a photovoltaic solar panel is the generator of the future and adopting it is an act of citizenship that will have great importance for the future of humanity.
Currently, there are two main types of solar panels on the market: photovoltaic and thermal models. Let's take a closer look at the differences between these two products:
This first type of panel works thanks to photovoltaic cells that capture the photons contained in the sun's rays to convert them into electricity. These cells are made of either crystalline or amorphous silicon. Crystalline silicon cells offer an average efficiency of 12% (polycrystalline) and 15% (monocrystalline).
Amorphous silicon cells that have not undergone crystallization have no real organization, which allows them to capture light more easily. Note that all the products selected for our comparison belong to the category of photovoltaic solar panels.
The
thermal solar panels are less widespread than the photovoltaic ones. They meet a specific need which is to provide heat energy to supply heating and hot water. The panels capture and absorb photons to heat a heat transfer fluid.
This fluid (glycol water) will circulate and heat the water in a storage tank equipped with a booster. As with photovoltaics, the solar thermal panel is eligible for financial aid, even if this type of panel does not produce electrical energy.
Hybrid panels combine thermal and photovoltaic panel technologies. This type of device is an effective solution for energy independence. However, its installation cost is not cheap.
The solar panel is a device designed to capture solar energy in different ways. This type of device is ideal for taking advantage of constant energy that regenerates easily. However, regeneration depends on the amount of sunlight and you need to have an efficient accumulator for periods when the sun rarely appears.
A wind turbine is a device that converts the kinetic energy of the wind into electrical energy by powering a generator. This type of device is capable of producing electricity and pumping water. In terms of alternative energy, the wind turbine is one of the best. On the other hand, its somewhat high installation cost is difficult to amortize.
The choice between a solar panel and a wind turbine depends mainly on the climatic conditions of the region where you live. Since the climate can change, you may need both types of devices to achieve full energy independence.
Be vigilant during the fall and winter seasons
During the autumn and winter periods, the sunshine is strongly reduced, or even non-existent. Also, you should consider tilting the solar panels at 45 ° to the south, to get 40% more production.
Choose places where there is sunlight
If
you use your panel in a vehicle, you will need to find the optimal positioning of the solar panel on the roof. Consider getting as close as possible to the equator to get the most production, so favor travel in the far south of Europe, the Maghreb or West Africa.
Be careful with appliances
For
all energy-consuming appliances such as hotplates, heating, hot water, air conditioning, it is recommended to use a gas or other power supply than by photovoltaic electricity. Otherwise, make sure you have a substantial budget.
Find out about financial aid
If
you decide to adopt a solar panel to improve the energy efficiency of your home, find out about the financial aid available so that you achieve your goal. Indeed, since the RT-2012, the state helps people to carry out this kind of work that allow to limit the frequent energy wastage in buildings subject to energy losses.
Clean your signs regularly
Due to their location, solar panels are very exposed to debris accumulation with leaves, dust and bugs of all kinds. Also, to ensure the optimal production of your panels, do not hesitate to clean them as often as possible.
The best solar panel depends on your needs and your budget. Read our buying guide for the best products available.
Not necessarily! It is true that French-made models are highly efficient, but Chinese solar panels are also very popular and of high quality.
This varies according to your needs. But generally speaking, the price starts at 50 euros.
It is always advisable to call in a professional to avoid surprises on your electrical installation.
You can find them in specialized stores, but buying online is recommended to take advantage of many benefits such as a wider choice and particularly low prices.
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