I'm diving into solar energy for the first time and could use your insights! I've just purchased a Bluetti 100 V2 electric power station that can handle up to 500 watts of solar input, but I've spent most of my budget on that. I'm on the hunt for a simple, affordable solar panel for some small emergency backups. Ideally, I'm looking for something in the 200 to 300-watt range that won't break the bank since I just want to get my feet wet. I've heard mixed things about the Bluetti panels being fragile, so I'm open to recommendations!
3 Answers
YouTube is your best friend for learning about DIY solar setups! There are so many tutorials on there. Just remember, there's no one-size-fits-all solution, so explore what works for you!
I have a Dokio folding panel and I really like it! Just a heads up, it’s a bit on the heavier side for a portable panel. To get the most output, I usually rotate it to face the sun during the day. If you’re going to use it mainly at home, you might want to consider a full-sized panel instead since portability might not be a big deal for you.
Thanks so much for the tips! The panels would not be permanently installed, but they would pretty much stay with us at the house. So I'll check that out.
Check Facebook Marketplace! You can often find better deals on panels there than buying new ones. Look for prices under 40 cents per watt, that way you're not overpaying.
Ok, good to know.
Thanks! I'm just starting out and of course I should have thought of this sooner. I just concentrated first on the smaller electric generators or household use and looked like a good intro to solar.