Solar panels are an increasingly popular way to generate renewable energy for homes and businesses. A 200 watt solar panel system is considered a relatively small setup, but it can still power a variety of devices and appliances. In this article, we’ll take a look at what types of things a 200 watt solar panel system can run.
Quick Overview of 200 Watts
To start with, let’s quickly go over some key facts about 200 watts of solar panels:
– 200 watts is 0.2 kilowatts (kW) of power.
– The output of solar panels is measured in watts. This indicates how much power they can produce at peak performance.
– A typical solar panel is around 250-400 watts, so a 200 watt system may consist of one panel or two smaller 100 watt panels.
– Factors like the hours of sunlight, geographical location, and shading can impact the real-world energy production of a 200 watt solar system.
– Under ideal conditions, 200 watts of solar panels could produce around 1-1.5 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy per day. This varies significantly depending on location and sunlight exposure.
So in summary, 200 watts is a relatively small solar power system. It won’t run large appliances by itself, but it can be useful for supplementing energy needs for smaller devices.
Running Small Electronics and Devices
One of the most straightforward uses for a 200 watt solar panel system is to provide power for small electronics. Items like lights, phones, laptops and tablets don’t require much energy to operate.
Here are some examples of low-power devices that a 200 watt solar system could effectively power:
– LED light bulbs – A typical 5W LED light bulb consumes just 5-8 watts. A 200 watt system could power 25-40 LED bulbs.
– Smartphones – Charging a smartphone uses around 5-10 watts. You could charge 20 phones per day with a 200 watt solar system.
– Laptop computer – A laptop may use between 15-100 watts depending on its components. A 200 watt system could charge 2-5 laptops daily.
– Tablet or e-reader – These use very little energy, often below 10 watts while charging. A 200 watt system could handle charging 20 tablets per day.
– Internet router or modem – Routers and modems use 5-15 watts. A 200 watt system can easily power the networking devices for a home or office.
– Electric fan – A small 5-inch desk fan uses only 10-35 watts on lower settings. Fans are a great solar-powered device.
So in general, electronics that use less than 100 watts each are well suited for being powered by a 200 watt solar panel system. The key is staying under the total 200 watt output capacity.
Powering Small Appliances
In addition to powering small electronics, a 200 watt solar system can also effectively run certain small household appliances. Here are some examples:
– Mini-refrigerator – An energy efficient mini-fridge may use 50-100 watts. A 200 watt system could run 1-2 small refrigerators.
– LED TV – Newer LED TVs consume 30-80 watts depending on size. A 200 watt system can power a smaller TV for 4-6 hours per day.
– Home speaker system – Wireless Bluetooth speakers use 10-30 watts depending on volume. A 200 watt system could power several speakers.
– CPAP machine – Some CPAP machines use less than 50 watts. A 200 watt system could handle one CPAP device.
– Electric coffee maker – Many compact coffee makers use around 600-1200 watts. With a 200 watt solar system, you could use a coffee maker for 10-30 minutes per day.
The key specifications to look for are power consumption under 200 watts and intermittent, short-duration usage since the solar panels can’t provide full power 24/7. With the right appliances, a 200 watt system can provide supplemental solar power throughout the day.
Running Small Electronics and Appliances Simultaneously
For the most benefit, a 200 watt solar system is ideal for running multiple smaller electronics and appliances simultaneously. Here are two examples of ways you could run different devices throughout the day:
Daytime Example
– 2 LED light bulbs (10 watts total)
– Laptop computer (50 watts)
– Electric fan (30 watts)
– WiFi router (10 watts)
– Total watts used: 100
Evening Example
– 5 LED light bulbs (25 watts total)
– 32″ LED TV (60 watts)
– Internet modem (10 watts)
– Phone charging (10 watts total)
– Total watts used: 105
As you can see, combining multiple lower-power devices allows a 200 watt solar system to effectively power a variety of needs throughout the day and evening. The key is balancing the consumption to stay near or under 200 watts at any given time.
Running Higher-Power Devices with Battery Storage
One way to extend the capabilities of a 200 watt solar system is by adding battery storage. This allows you to store the energy produced during the day in batteries, then use it to run higher-power devices for limited time periods.
Here are some examples of what’s possible with 200 watts of solar and batteries:
– Run a 500 watt refrigerator/freezer for 2-3 hours per day.
– Power a 1000 watt microwave or toaster oven for 10-15 minutes.
– Operate a heavy-duty 1300 watt electric tool for up to 10 minutes.
– Watch television for 3-4 hours per evening on a 250 watt TV.
With proper battery storage capacity, a 200 watt solar system can effectively handle brief high-power loads. The batteries recharge during daylight hours when demand is lower. This setup allows you to tap into the stored energy at night or on cloudy days.
Sizing Batteries for a 200 Watt Solar System
When adding batteries to a solar setup, you’ll need to select the proper battery capacity to match your energy needs and the panels’ output. Here are some sizing guidelines:
– Calculate your needed daily energy usage in watt-hours (Wh). For example, powering a 50 watt device for 4 hours requires 200 Wh per day.
– Factor in days with less sunlight by increasing capacity by 30-50%. This ensures you get enough charge.
– Determine the full watts and amp-hour rating for your batteries. Calculate the total energy storage capacity.
– Size your batteries to hold at least 2-3 days of storage capacity at minimum. More days of capacity provides longer backup, but is costlier.
– For a 200 watt system, a good starting point is a 24V battery bank with 400-600 amp-hours of capacity. This provides 1,500 – 2,500 Wh per day.
Properly sizing the batteries ensures your solar system can power your highest energy needs while recharging each day from the panel’s output.
Example 200 Watt Off-Grid Solar Setup
Here is an overview of a sample 200 watt, off-grid solar powered system with battery storage:
– 200 watts of solar panels (typically 1-2 panels)
– Solar charge controller to regulate charging and prevent overcharging
– 400 Ah 24V deep cycle battery bank – approx. 1600 Wh per day capacity
– Low voltage disconnect to prevent over-discharging the batteries
– Inverter for converting DC battery power to standard 120V AC electricity
– Wiring and circuit protection devices
This type of setup would allow you to power a range of devices and appliances for several hours per day, even without grid connectivity. The system could provide essential electricity for a tiny house, RV, or off-grid cabin using the power of the sun.
Advantages and Disadvantages of a 200 Watt Solar System
Here’s a quick look at some of the main pros and cons associated with a 200 watt solar panel system:
Advantages:
– Low cost – Relatively affordable setup, can save on energy bills long-term
– Simple installation – Easy to mount and wire 200 watts of panels on a roof or ground mount
– Lightweight – Compact panels are easy to handle and require minimal roof support
– Modular – System can be expanded over time by adding more panels
– Control usage – Turn devices on when power is available, off when not needed
Disadvantages:
– Limited daytime power – Can’t run high-power devices continuously throughout the day
– No sunlight at night – Requires battery storage to power devices after sunset
– Dependent on weather – Cloudy days reduce power output significantly
– Not suitable for large energy loads – Larger systems often needed for whole house power
– Batteries require maintenance and eventual replacement
So while 200 watts of solar has great perks, it does have limitations. For small to medium energy needs, it can be an economical starting solar system.
Typical 200 Watt Solar Panel Specifications
When purchasing a 200 watt solar panel or system, here are some of the key specifications you’ll see:
Power Output
– Watt rating – Typically 180 to 220 watts per panel
– 18-22 volts open circuit voltage (Voc)
– 9-11 amps short circuit current (Isc)
Panel Efficiency
– 15% to 22% is typical
Dimensions
– 65 to 70 inches long
– 39 to 41 inches wide
– 1.3 to 2 inches thick
Weight
– 44 to 55 pounds per panel
Durability
– Aluminum frame protects panel
– Can withstand wind, snow and hail
– Designed for rooftop or ground mounting
Understanding the specs helps ensure you get a properly sized solar panel and check that your electrical setup can handle the voltage and amperage output.
Cost of a 200 Watt Solar Panel System
A complete 200 watt solar panel system costs around $600 to $1200 depending on the components included in the kit. Here’s a breakdown of typical pricing:
– 200W solar panel – $180 to $300
– Charge controller – $60 to $140
– Wiring and connectors – $50 to $150
– Mounting equipment – $30 to $250
– Batteries – $150 to $500
– Inverter (if needed) – $100 to $300
There are also full kits available that include all the parts you need in one package. Pre-configured kits save time and ensure all components are compatible. Overall, installing a small solar system yourself can save thousands compared to hiring an installer. The return on investment can come within 3-7 years.
Expanding Your Solar System Over Time
One of the great benefits of starting with a 200 watt solar setup is that it can be easily expanded. As your energy needs and budget grow, you can add more panels to your system over time.
Most charge controllers and inverters can accommodate up to 1000-2000 watts. So you can add 1-3 more panels down the road. To expand, you would:
– Get panels with identical specifications to your existing ones
– Mount the new panels adjacent or near your current setup
– Connect the new panels in parallel to add to your system’s total wattage
– Make sure your equipment can handle the increased power output
– Upgrade batteries and equipment if needed for larger systems
With this incremental approach, you can conveniently increase your solar power generation as your budget allows.
Conclusion
A 200 watt solar panel system provides a practical starting point for generating your own solar electricity. While it has limits in the devices it can continuously power, it can effectively run a variety of small electronics, appliances, lights, and other low-power equipment. With battery storage, brief high-power usage is also possible. And expanding the system over time is straightforward. For many homes and business, 200 watts of solar represents an economical way to take control of your electricity costs and utilize renewable energy.