The best part of solar panels is it is available in different sizes. Hence, according to your need, you can add the panels. 100w solar panels are typically smaller than those you use for residential setup.
They are portable and easy to operate. If you are going camping, this panel can serve adequate power. These solar panels can be compared with battery storage.
If you are planning to buy one, this guide will help you understand everything you should be aware of!
How many kWh does a 100w solar panel produce per day?
The amount of power produced by a solar panel depends entirely on the climate. However, the highest capacity of a 100-watt solar panel is the maximum output of 100-watt DC output in an ideal condition. The panels cannot produce maximum energy all the time.
Hence, the different amount of the total power relies upon the location and time (morning or afternoon). For example, the panels produce maximum energy during peak-sun 12 pm to 3 pm.
On a sunny day, a 100w solar panel can produce up to 600watt. To be more precise, every panel can generate 4-6 hours of energy. Hence, placing the panels pointed in the south will generate around 400-600 watt-hours.
To calculate the total number of amps, you have to follow the equation:
Amps x volts = watts.
If you have a 100w and 12v solar panel, the equation will be like this:
Amps x 12 volts = 100 watts
Therefore, a 100-watt solar panel can generate eight amps.
If the panel receives eight hours of sunlight uninterruptedly, it is likely to produce 1 kilowatt every day. Therefore, if you multiply it by 365 days, you can have 365 kilowatts annually.
Nowadays, this type of portable solar panel is widely used by consumers. As they are convenient and easy to install, it is an ideal choice for running small electrical devices.
What can I run using a 100-watt solar panel?
The next question that pop-up one’s mind is, what can I run using this power? It’s a legit question, of course! Unlike your residential solar panel, this has low capacity. Hence, you should know what to run! The limitation of appliances depends on the capacity of the battery as well.
With a small amount of power, you can only run small appliances like lights, WiFi, changers, and low-voltage fans. If you can install a deep cycle battery, you will be able to run the following appliances:
- Laptop of 60 wh
- Fan of 35 wh
- Low capacity lights of 14 wh (for example, CFL)
- LED of 10 wh
- WiFi router
- Smartphone charger 5 wh
You can also use an energy calculator to learn more about the lists of devices. However, unlike the residential solar panel, you cannot run an air conditioner, microwave, or refrigerator using a 100-watt solar panel.
How much does it cost to buy a 100-watt solar panel?
The price of 100-watt panels depends on the size, efficiency, and design of the panel. If you have decided to purchase one, you will have two options. Either you can go for an entire 100-watt kit, where you will get other tools for installation. Here you will get a 100-watt solar module, cables, and a charge controller. Or, you can choose the panel alone.
If you go for a good brand, you will get better efficiency. You have to spend around $100 and even less for a standalone panel. However, for the entire kit, the cost would be at least $300.
Again, the price and effectiveness of the panels vary from brand to brand.
Can I pair a battery with a 100-watt panel?
Yes, of course! I would suggest you must integrate a battery ion the system. I have already mentioned that solar panels produce different amounts of energy throughout the year. Even it makes most energy during noon and nothing during the night.
Without a battery, how will you power your devices during the night? Even you can also import and store electricity from the grid as well. Why will you waste the excess energy when you can store them by spending a few bucks on a battery.
Approximately for an average production of 300 wh, you will need a 600 wh battery. And lead-acid batteries are always a good option for solar panels.
To Wrap Up
If the limitation of produced power cannot satisfy your need, you can always include one-two more panels. Moreover, adding a panel is a convenient solution and easy to install.
These panels are truly excellent for enhanced efficiency and portability. If you plan camping, 100-watt solar panels are worth enough to dip your toes.
Eng. Matthew Joseph Nandirio is the Founder of walkingsolar.
After graduating from the University of Houston in 2002, matt started working as a Solar Electrical Engineer for several multi-national solar energy companies.
He has a wide range of experiences including solar system requirement analysis, planning, maintaining, debugging and even solar device development through research.
He now shares his 20 years of expertise through his articles on the walkingsolar website.
Further, he is also the author of two books on Solar Technology, “Solar Power for Villages” and “DIY Solar System for Dummies”.
