Short on Time? Here’s The Article Summary

The article discusses various specifications of 100-watt solar panels sold through Shop Solar Kits. It highlights differences in weight, dimensions, cell type, maximum power, voltage, current, system voltage, and warranty among different models. These specifications are crucial in determining the suitability of a solar panel for specific needs.

The article also mentions functional specifications like the need for batteries, charge controllers, inverters, and electrical wires to make solar panels operational. It explains how to calculate the size of these components based on the wattage of the solar panel and the voltage of the battery. The article emphasizes the importance of considering both technical and functional specifications when purchasing and installing 100-watt solar panels.

Introduction

There are so many different 100-watt solar panels available for you to choose from. Even though you might assume that they are the same, there are different features and specifications that each of them have.

Slight differences in specifications can determine whether or not the solar panel will be the right fit for what you need it for.

In this article, we will be discussing 100-watt solar panel specifications for solar panels that are sold through Shop Solar Kits 

Specifications of 100-Watt Solar Panels

The main specifications that you want to look out for when purchasing a 100-watt solar panel would be the weight, the dimensions, cell type maximum power, maximum power voltage, maximum power current, maximum system voltage, and the warranty.

Lion Energy 100-Watt Solar Panel Suitcase

Weight: 20lb

Dimensions Folded: 26.5 x 20 x 2 in

Dimensions Open: 26.5 x 40 x 1 in

Cell Type: Monocrystalline

Maximum Power: 100W

Maximum Power Voltage: 18V

Average Output Current: 6A @ 12V DC

Warranty: 1 Year

100 Watt 12V Monocrystalline Solar Panel All-Black

Weight: 15lb 

Dimensions: 45.5 x 20.5 x 1.4 in

Cell Type: Monocrystalline

Maximum Power: 100W

Maximum Power Voltage: 18.4V

Maximum Power Current: 5.43A

Maximum System Voltage: 1000V DC

Warranty: 25 years 80% power output and 5 years for materials and workmanship

Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Solar Suitcase | Monocrystalline | Portable | Folding Solar Panel

Weight: 26.6lb

Dimensions: 19.9 x 27.2 x 2.8 in

Cell Type: Monocrystalline

Maximum Power: 100W

Maximum Power Voltage: 18V

Maximum Power Current: 5.56A

Warranty: 25-year output warranty on panels and 3-year warranty on materials and workmanship

Inergy Linx 100-Watt Solar Panel Suitcase

Weight: 8lb

Dimensions: 26 x 40 x 0.75 in

Cell Type: Monocrystalline

Maximum Power: 100W

Maximum Power Voltage: 17.6V

Maximum Power Current: 5.68A

Functional Specifications of 100-Watt Solar Panels

Now that we have discussed the more technical and manufacture-related specifications, you can see how different 100-watt solar panels can be, and why it is important to assess the specs.

We will now be moving on to more functional specifications that are required for a 100-watt solar panel to run and generate power.

Accessories Needed to Make Solar Panels Generate Power 

Batteries

To capture and use the power produced from solar panels, you need batteries to store it in. 

The most often asked question around this topic is “how many batteries do I need for a 100-watt solar panel?”

The answer to this depends on how many appliances you are wanting to power. The more appliances you need, the more batteries you need, too. 

Although solar panels can be run without them, batteries are a specification that makes solar panels more economical and useful, so they are highly recommended.

Charge Controllers

Charge controllers are necessary when batteries are involved. A charge controller helps to prevent a battery from overcharging when it is connected to a solar panel.

Most people will wonder “what size charge controller do I need for a 100W solar panel?”, and there is a very simple way to figure this out. 

The formula that you need to follow is the wattage of the solar panel, divided by the voltage of the battery, plus 25%.

For example, if you have a 100W solar panel and a 12V battery, the formula would be 100/12 +25%. This will give you 10A as the size of your charge controller.

Inverter

An inverter is necessary as it helps convert DC to AC. This is important, as most appliances only run on AC and not DC. 

Although this is helpful information, you still need to know “what size inverter do I need for a 100-watt solar panel?”

The size of your inverter depends on the number of appliances you want to run and how much wattage they use. 

It is recommended that you add on an extra 50% to the total watts that you calculated to account for any power surges that may occur.

Electrical Wires

Electrical wires are crucial because they help carry current in your solar system. 

If a wire has a larger diameter, there is less resistance to flow, but in the same instance, there will be better flow in shorter wires than long wires, even if the diameter is larger for both.

This is why it’s important to know what size gauge wire for 100-watt solar panel. If you have ones that are longer than needed, or not big enough, the resistance will be higher and fewer watts will go into your batteries.

American Wire Gauge (AWG) is used to size copper wires. If the gauge number is lower, there will be less resistance and it can handle a higher current.

Connection And Installation

Connection and installation is another important specification of solar panel systems. 

When you purchase your 100-watt solar panels, it is important to know how to install 100-watt solar panels, as well as how to connect 2 100-watt solar panels if you are planning to use more than one.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, it is important to realize that 100-watt solar panels have different specifications when purchasing yours. 

And even though the “functional specifications” we spoke about aren’t related to the actual makeup of the solar panels, they are important factors to consider in the running of your solar panels.

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