If you are interested in Grape Solar reviews, our blog is what you need.
We've studied at details the Oregon-based solar panel manufacturer, Grape Solar, solar panel kits and products more closely.
Despite their relatively new appearance in the market (Grape Solar was launched in 2009), the company has built a reputation as an affordable and durable kit maker.
Grape Solar has in-house installation service, but since they are available in major retailers like Home Depot and Costco, they are able to accommodate the DIY-loving public as well.
Interested in getting an off-grid solar panel for your home? Check the top 3 Grape Solar products:
1. Grape Solar GS-400-KIT 400-Watt Off-Grid Solar Panel Kit
- Ideal for running small pumps and lights or charging your...
- Grape Solar GS-STAR-100W polycrystalline panel features a two...
- 40 Amp Comet PWM charge controller allows you to add up to 1 more...
- Battery not included, a minimum of one 12 Volt deep cycle battery...
Features:
This is fantastic for those who already posses some equipment, because the Grape Solar GS-400 Kit is the complete kit, with inverter, control unit, including the panels. That means you have to assemble your own mounting brackets and the batteries to use this off-grid solar panel kit.
For Grape Solar's GS-400 kit, users will receive their components separately and manuals for each component as well. Installation is straightforward and even beginners can easily follow all the given instructions. The operation is even as user-friendly and it is possible to add more and you can use it as a backup power source in the future.
This kit comprises of an 800-watt inverter with two outlets and 1 USB port, a 35-Amp charge controller, a manual and cables. Keep in mind that you might need to buy extra things like more wires, MC4 connectors, a battery box, and so on, according to what you already have and how you would like to set up your project.
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2. Grape Solar GS-100-KIT 100-Watt Off-Grid Solar Panel Kit
- Includes Grape Solar panels, 40A PWM charge controller, inline...
- Complete with cables from solar panel to deep-cycle or lithium...
- Easy-to-read LCD display shows charging and battery parameters,...
- Includes 15' cable to be cut in half to obtain 7.5' male/female...
- 5-year factory warranty on panels, 1-year factory warranty on...
Features:
The GS-100 Solar Grape is a necessity if you are going to sleep at your cabin and do not have enough power needed for low voltage charging devices like the batteries and solar cells.
This kit is one of the cheapest ones available but includes a good set of components for the beginners which includes one 100-watt polycrystalline solar panel with two performance-boosting junction boxes. You can earn up to 300 watt-hours when you use it on a daily basis. However, the number will depend on the panel location as well as the weather conditions.
The Grape Solar GS-100 kit is also inclusive of a Xantrex C35 Charge Controller, 5 feet of charge controller-to-battery cables, and 6 inches of PV cables with Mc4/Bare Ends.
Thanks to the Xantrex's 35 Amp charge controller, you can install more solar panels whenever your budget allows. With it having more cables, it can accept up to 3 other panels. Just purchase one 12-volt deep-cycle battery and everything will be functional.
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3. Grape Solar GS-200-KIT 200-Watt Off-Grid Solar Panel Kit
- Ideal for running small pumps and lights or charging your...
- Grape Solar GS-STAR-100W polycrystalline panel features a two...
- 40 Amp Comet PWM charge controller allows you to add up to 3 more...
- Battery not included, a minimum of one 12 Volt deep cycle battery...
Features:
Perfect if you're mindful of the budget, but want the option to expand the system in the future. This off-grid Grape Solar kit with 200W power already comes with two Grape Solar 100W polycrystalline solar panels, a 35A Xantrex charge controller, 450W Xantrex inverter, cables, two outlets, and manuals for all the components.
If you buy just this kit alone, Grape Solar GS-200 kit can generate 50 amp hours daily, which is about 600-watt hours. Of course, you can make it more powerful if you want to. Simply plug in more panels and wires once you're up for it.
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Factors to Consider When Buying Grape Solar Panel
Price
One of the most important aspects of people switching to solar panels is the price. It is a valid concern because price isn't as tangible as when buying a generator. Are you going to save money in the long run if you buy that particular kit? The following things could answer this question:
- Components included - The Grape solar panel kits are differentiated by the type and number of components displayed. Surely, the type of components installed also contribute to the tag price.
- Professional installation costs - Lamentably, some of the states forbid do-it-yourself solar panel installations. You have to pay for properly installing solar panels otherwise you cant do it on your own.
- Tax credits and other types of monetary incentives - There is a solar federal tax credit of 30% (if you install the equipment from 2016 to 2019), even up to 26% for 2020.
Performance
- Solar panel efficiency - What amount of usable electricity can your solar panel convert from sunlight? Solar panel efficiency is the answer and the higher the number, the better. As a rule, solar panels operate with the efficiency between 14% and 18%, although the best ones may reach 24 %.
- Temperature coefficient - This coefficient shows how solar panels work at non-favorable temperatures. Try to find solar panels with lower temperature coefficient (about -0. 25 to 0. Generally Grape Solar modules belong to the band in the middle of temperature coefficients. For instance, if your kit says it is -0. 0.25 temperature coefficient, which is the symbol of many solar panels. They will produce . 25% for every 1°C rise in temperature.
Warranty
The majority of the solar panel producers, such as Grape Solar, are generally reckoned to provide a 10 year warranty against defects on the parts. Some kits have different warranty policies depending on the brand, so please inquire details first before purchasing. This is a very important consideration since nobody would like to be left with a defective solar panel after only 5 years of using it when the panel has not yet delivered its complete worth.
Wrap Up: Which is the Best Grape Solar Panel for My Home?
The key factor here is choosing a solar panel kit that can meet your necessary needs, particularly, if you intend to use them in places like your cabin that are far from town.
Also keep in mind that these three Grape Solar reviews gives you the idea how other people used them regarding their installations. The decision of using solar panel kits for your home power needs should take into account the criteria mentioned above.
Furthermore, you might have an idea of other expenses apart from the cost of the solar panel kits. These types of Grape Solar Kits listed above don’t include batteries yet, so you need to add another 200 dollars if you want to start fresh.
