Companies don’t often offer a 300 watt solar panel as a standalone range. Instead they usually offer 300 watt’s of total power as a kit, or a kit of 320 watt panels to make larger combined power outputs (click to see each option below).
In this article, we answer the most common questions surrounding your 300 watt solar panel options including best kit, best large range kit, and runner-up kit options.
If you are looking for a panel system to fit a smaller area, check out our articles on 100 watt solar panels and 200 watt solar panels, or if you think you have enough room for something a little larger using a 400 watt solar panel may be a good option to save you some cash.
Our Top 3 List
Best Kit
- Kit included
- Amazing value
- 10-year product warranty
- 25-year efficiency warranty
Best Large Range Kit
- True 320W
- 10-year product warranty
- 25-year efficiency warranty
What to Know Before you Buy
Why buy a smaller kit or a larger kit? What's the diff?
Small 300 watt solar panel kit or 300 watt solar panels to make a larger kit… you might be asking “what’s the difference and why do I care?” Well… it all comes down to what total watts you want and where you want your solar panels to fit.
Our best 300 watt solar panel kit and the runner-up are made to total 300 watts of solar output using 100 watt panels. Whereas our best large-range kit provides true 300 watt solar panels for a total output of 1200 watts or greater, depending on how many you purchase.
Bigger panels will almost always have better efficiency if you are in the same provider. So, if you go with a bigger panel size, then you will likely get better output for your money.
So long-story short, if you are looking to for 300 watts of total output, one of our suggested kits might be best. They will give you flexibility to add more panels, come with all the components included, and may fit your space better. If you are strictly looking for 300 watt solar panels then take a look at our best large-range kit which may give you better output for money.
Key considerations
- Cost – because obviously you likely aren’t looking to blow the bank. The cost typically depends on durability, efficiency, look, panel type, and where they are made.
- Warranty – the standard for warranty is 25 years. Typically, this warranty is for the percentage of power output at 25 years (e.g., 87% guarantee at 25 years).
- Size – is important when you are working with a tight space or roof/mounting angles. If you are doing a self-installation, make sure to measure twice and buy once.
- Efficiency – highly efficient panels offer more energy in a smaller area and may offer you greater economic returns, because you may need to buy less panels to hit your power needs.
We have included these details for each of our favorite panels below.
How much power does a 300 watt solar panel produce?
The amount of power a 300 watt solar panel produces is a bit of a tricky question with no straight answer. Power outputs for solar panels are based on the maximum amount of output at that moment. So a 300 watt solar panel is capable of outputting 300 watts at that moment.
But! That is under ideal conditions only, and you rarely have perfect conditions. So if you are looking to have power constantly and aren’t connected to the grid, you may wish to look into battery storage. Potential things that may reduce your maximum output include:
- Shade (e.g. clouds or trees)
- Orientation (i.e., how directly the sun shines on your panel)
- Panel age
- Time of day
- Temperature
What can a 300 watt solar panel run?
Typically, you are going to either be using 300 watt solar panels to charge something with an inbuilt battery or using them to charge a portable battery bank (boondocking). So let’s look at how much power you need to run typical items that you might be using in remote situations.
As a general rule; movement (e.g. fans) and light require less electricity, and heat requires more electricity. So if you are looking to heat the space, you still may want to look into a safe fuel source to save on the number of panels you need. Here are some examples of typical items that you may be wishing to run using your solar system:
- 10 W - Phone Charger
- 100 W - Mini Fridge
- 125 W - Laptop
- 230 W - Television
- 250 W - Crockpot
- 1500 W - Space Heater
Related Articles:
How big is a 300 watt solar panel?
The typical height of a 300 watt solar panel is between 40 inches and 65 inches.
The typical width of a 300 watt solar panel is between 25 inches and 40 inches.
The typical thickness of a 300 watt solar panel is around 1.4 inches.
How much does a 300 watt solar panel cost?
Generally, the complete kit with cables, batteries, inverters, controllers, solar panels, connectors, and mounting brackets costs between $260 to $2,000 USD depending on the size and components you get.
Our hot tips! Bigger panels get you the best bang for buck. Don’t cheap out and buy poor parts because you will have to replace them. Renogy has built-in compatibility on their website, so click around and see what works with what, and… if you are patient Renogy also has monster sales with up to 50% off or buy one get one free.
Our Top 300 watt solar panel options
Cost: ~$260 to ~$1,000 | Warranty: 25/10-year | Size: 41.8″ x 20.9″ x 1.4″ | Efficiency: 21%
We have no cons for this panel kit… unless you are looking for a panel system you can stick in your backpack. This full kit comes with everything you need, is compatible with Renogy’s range of add-ons, has great efficiency, is a reasonable cost (especially during sales!), and is easy to set up… what more could you ask for?
The only thing is if you are strictly looking for a 300 watt solar panel instead of a kit, you may want to check our next options. But, we feel this offers the best fit for RV’s, vans, or sheds looking for 300 watts of juice.
- Performance warranty: 5 year (95%) | 10 year (90%) | 25 year (80%)
- 10-year material warranty
- Three 100W rigid panels
- One 30A PWM negative ground charge controller
- 16ft 10AWG tray cables (pair)
- 30ft 10AWG adaptor kit (pair)
- BT-1 Bluetooth module
- Branch Connectors
- Cable entry housing and brackets
Pros
- Great price
- High-efficiency (21%)
- Includes components
- Good warranty
- Help line
Cons
- 3x 100W solar panels
Final Verdict
We have nothing negative to say surrounding this product, except that it is not a strict 300 watt solar panel. However, we feel this is the best option for folks looking to put a combined 300 watts of solar on a van, RV, or shed.
Given the customizable options, the assistance, and the ease of set-up, it’s hard to realistically ask for more at this cost. The Renogy 300 Watt 12 Volt Solar RV Kit is our absolute go-to 300 watt solar setup.
Best Large Range Kit
2. Renogy 320W
320 Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panel, UL Certified (4x320W)
Cost: ~$980 to ~$1,600 | Warranty: 25/10-year | Size: 65.6″ x 39.4″ x 1.4″ | Efficiency: 21%
This might be the option for you if you are looking for something true to the range of 300 watts, rather than a combined output of 300 watts.
Renogy offers a great warranty, good assistance, good efficiency, and compatibility with the rest of its products. Best of all, they do it at a great price. If you are looking to save on space for more efficiency, these could be the panels for you.
- Performance warranty: 5 year (95%) | 10 year (90%) | 25 year (80%)
- 10-year material warranty
- Operating temperature: -40F to 185F / -40C to 82C
- Max system voltage: 1500V DC
- Optimum Operating Voltage: 20A
- Includes output cables and connectors
Pros
- High-efficiency (21%)
- True 300W panels
- Includes components
- Good warranty
- Help line
Cons
- Have to buy 4 or more
Final Verdict
As far as a 300 watt solar panel goes, this is one of the options that we would recommend. Best part, Renogy has a built-in savings for their panels where you don’t have to hassle them for a deal if you are purchasing more product. Just up the quantity in the purchase menu, and see the savings grow.
Cost: ~$680 | Warranty: 25-year | Size: 40.2″ x 26.4” x 1.4″ | Efficiency: 19.2%
ACOPower kit is our best runner-up. It’s warranty is competitive, it’s easily installable, it comes with all the components for installation (including tools), and it is available for order at Home Depot.
- 25-year transferable power output panel warranty
- 1-year warranty on rest of kit
- Three 100W solar panels
- 30A MPPT charge controller
- Mounting brackets
- 30ft 12AWG PV cables
- 8ft 8AWG Tray cable
- Cable entry housing and connectors
Pros
- Kit included + tools
- Good warranty
Cons
- Lower efficiency
- More costly per watt
Final Verdict
If you are looking for something with a good warranty, kit including tools, and availability from local providers, then this might be the right option for you.
Additional Resources
Frequently asked questions on solar panels
How many amps does a 300 watt solar panel produce?
Amps are not directly connected to watts alone. They are also dependent on volts. So answers may vary for the panel you pick.
Here’s how to calculate amps:
Watts (Power) / Volts (Voltage) = Amps (Current)
Do you have to clean solar panels?
Generally, the answer is yes. You should clean your panels to ensure you are getting the most out of them.
Frequency of cleaning is dependent on climate. If there is excessive dust, dirt, smog, or leaves in your area then you may have to clean your panels more often. However, if you are in an area with hard seasonal rains then you may not have to do it often because the rain will do it for you.
How much does a 300 watt solar panel produce?
The amount of power a 300 watt solar panel produces is a bit of a tricky question with no straight answer. Power outputs for solar panels are based on the maximum amount of output at that moment. So a 300 watt solar panel is capable of outputting 300 watts at that moment.
However, this output is negatively impacted by shade, time of day, direct angle to sun, age of the panel, dirt, and temperature.
What size inverter for 300 watt solar panel?
Tricky question. Our recommendation is to email your panel supplier or electrician (make sure they are experienced with solar). If you end up going with our favorite 300 watt panel supplier (Renogy), then you can check their FAQs or get in touch with one of their solar specialists (another reason we love them).
But, maybe that’s not the answer you are looking for. So let’s run you through the details.
There are different types of inverters (string inverters, microinverters, and power optimizers with central inverters). All of these have compatibility requirements and different specifications, so may not be compatible with your chosen 300 watt solar panel.
The inverter you need also depends on what you plan on doing with the solar panel. There are two types of current; Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC). Some electricity grids or objects in your house use DC and some use AC. The current type of your appliances and grid may change what inverter you need.
The size of inverter is important because large ones are more costly and inverters that are too small for your load may be damaged if you exceed their maximum power output. So knowing what you plan on running with the panel is important to picking the right inverter as well.