In this buyers' guide, let's check out the 4 best 300 watt solar panels for a small to medium size solar system setup such as homes, RVs, and motor homes.
There are tons of options out there and it's important to pick the one with the right amount of output and number of panels needed, so we have done the research for you below.
Let's check them out.
4 Best 300W Solar Panels (60 & 72 Cell)
Renogy 300W 24V (60 Cell) - Best Overall
Why Use Renogy? - Renogy is one of the top solar panel producer, and the 300W 24V 60 cell solar panel is single piece large size solar panel for residential commercial rooftop & off grid use. Adding multi panel setup using this one for large scale power consumption projects.
Ideal For Home & Commercial Use - Claims up to 30% of new home solar project for tax credit & to decrease your electrical bill.
Endure Bad Weather - Withstanding heavy snow (5400 PA) and strong wind (2400PA) out by the beach, remote locations or in the mountains to keep supplying power
Simple Install - The connector leads are compatible with the Renogy Solar Adaptor Kit for a fast and simple connection. Everything is included without additional purchases
Highly Efficient Monocrystalline - Enhanced PERC cell performance for a longer service life compared to a regular 72 cell panel that is 15-20% smaller and lighter.
Off Grid & On Grid Use - Works with on grid & off grid inverters (Stick with 24V)
Water Cleaning Safe - IP65 rated junction box * IP67 rated MC4 connection provide complete protection against environmental particles and low-pressure water jets
Efficiency Timeline: First 5 years up to 95% efficiency. 10 years, 90%. 25 years, 80%
Specs
- Max Power: 300W
- Short Circuit Current: 9.71A
- Maximum System Voltage: 1000 VDC UL
- Weight: 41.3 lbs
- Open Circuit Voltage: 38.8V
- Operating Temperature: -104°F to 194°F
- Maximum Series Fuse Rating: 15A
- Dimensions: 64.57 x 39.06 x 1.57 in
Renogy 320W 24V (72 cell) - More Efficient Than #1
Why Use Renogy 320W? - Just like the one recommended above. This is a 72 cell model with a slightly larger frame for higher wattage output to take into account loss in the solar system you're trying to build.
Higher Efficiency Than 60 Cell - This 72 cell model is 15-20% shorter & lighter compared to other 72 cell panel. The extra 20W accounts for loss you might experience in the system
Specs
- Max Power: 320W
- Short Circuit Current: 9.71A
- Maximum System Voltage: 1000 VDC UL
- Weight: 41.3 lbs
- Open Circuit Voltage: 38.8V
- Operating Temperature: -104°F to 194°F
- Maximum Series Fuse Rating: 15A
- Dimensions: 76.9 x 39.0 x 2.0 in
LG 335W NeON 24V (72 cell) - Best For Reducing Loss
Why Buy A LG 335W Panel? - The LG 335W panel is designed for long lasting power, efficiency and reliablity at a low price using the new NeON2 technology to reduce electrical loss. It's aesthetically pleasing on rooftops, enhanced performance warranty and higher output per square foot even in limited space.
Lightweight & Foldable - Easy carry, bring it anywhere you go for a higher output performance. Fold it up to save space in the vehicle when transportating.
Works Just Like A Roof Top Panel - Higher output like those full size rooftop solar panel for all 12V batteries (series circuit to charge 24V, 35V and 48V with charge controller)
Specs
- Max Power: 335W
- Short Circuit Current: 10.48A
- Open Circuit Current: 41.3V
- Maximum System Voltage: 1000 V DC
- Maximum Series Fuse Rating: 20A
- Connector Type: MC4
- Dimensions: 66.38 x 40 x 1.57 in
Why Buy The DOKIO 300W Panel ? - Just like what the other 300W solar panel can do. The DOKIO can be folded for easy carry and saves space for vehicle transportation and outdoor camping events.
Easy To Store & Move Around - No one likes a cumbersome solar panel the size of a white board to carry around. The DOKIO 300W solves that problem, making it compact and easy to carry.
Direct Connection To Power Station - No controller needed when connecting directly to a power station
Waterproof - Just like others we have recommended. Use it in light rain, snow and other weather conditions
High Efficiency - Up to 23% efficiency even when it can be folded and unfold without affecting the over all solar cell performance. Use with MPPT controller for higher power generation.
Specs:
- Max Power: 300W
- Short Circuit Current: 18.3A
- Open Circuit Current: 22.5V
- Maximum System Voltage: 600 V DC
- Operating Temperature: 40°F to 176°F
- Dimensions: 41 X 21 X 1.1 in
Common FAQ
How Much Power Does A 300 Watt Solar Panel Produce?
A 300W solar panel produces about 300 watt hour of energy in an hour.
What Can A 300W Solar Panel Power?
Assuming 8 hours of sunlight per day will produce (300W X 8 hrs) 2400 wh per day and its about 2400 Wh X 365 = 870 kwh per year. If all of your appliances added up on constant use is under 870 kwh, then it's doable.
However, if an piece of appliance runs at 3700 Wh per day like a refrigerator (1350 kwh per year). Then a 300W solar panel is not enough to power that unit.
How Many 300W Solar Panels Do I Need?
Depend on the amount of power you need for your particular solar system project. Sometimes you need more wattage to supply power to your system.
You can either get a big panel or multiple smaller panels to get the same amount of output, and the only reason some people go with multi-panel setup is to have redundancy to keep the system working even if one panel is out of order.
Following the example above
In this case, just running a refrigerator for a whole year, you need:
1,350,000 Watt hour / 870,000 Watt hour = 1.55 panels, so 2 panels
When To Use Solar Panels Rated Odd Numbers Like 325W, 335W, 350W...etc?
If the solar panel brand and design are the same, there is not much differences besides the wattage based on flash tests done at the factory.
This goes back to the number of cells inside the panel during production for better efficiency.
32, 36, 48, 60, 72 and 96
There is no exact way to tell how the solar cells will turn out at the end of the production, so manufacturers do flash tests to categorize them.
For example, a 338W will be labeled as 335W, a 328W will be labeled as 325W...etc Its always rounded down to make sure the customer always get the wattage or a little more than they paid for.
60 VS 72 Cell Solar Panel
A 72 cell has more photovoltaic cells and higher wattage, thus it has a higher efficiency and larger in size than a 60 cell solar panel.
How much bigger ?
A 60 cell - 3.25ft X 5.5ft
A 72-cell panel has 5.4ft X 3.25ft
Overall, 60 cell panel is more common for residential solar panel installation. 72 cell panel is for large scale solar system projects, because it has more solar cells to produce the same amount of electricity to reduce the number of panels needed & to cut cost on roof racking systems.
Read more about solar panel sizing and output here
Polycrystalline VS Monocrystalline VS Thin Film
Monocrystalline is the most efficient (Up to 15 - 25% efficiency rating) It's rigid for durable use on RV and small home projects. Thin film (Amorphous) is recommended for flexible solar panels on curved surfaces.
Learn more about their differences here.
What Other Devices Do You Need To Complete Your Solar Panel Setup?
A solar panel inverter, a charge controller and battery are needed.
Solar panel with 12V should work with a 12V rated inverter, charge controller and battery to keep the same voltage (Different current).
