DO I NEED A 12V OR 24V SOLAR SYSTEM?

Deciding on which voltage parameter to get can be kind of confusing for many people. It all comes down to what you’ll be using your system for, whether that be for Residential, Portable, or Industrial applications. As a question that gets asked quite frequently, we’d like to take this time to answer whether you need a 12V or 24V setup for your solar system. Let’s first discuss all the pros, cons, and recommended applications for each setup.

12V solar systems are ideal for portable and residential applications as they are a relatively cheaper option compared to 24V Systems and are also a great beginner platform due to their applications and overall price points. Another added benefit of 12V systems is that they are more efficient and lightweight, and since 12V systems are more commonly found, there are plenty of compatible parts and components available in the market. One of the downsides of 12V systems though, is that you can only use them with 12V platforms. Nonetheless, they are great overall solar systems and the most common option for off-grid living.

Now, let’s look at 24V solar systems as well as their pros and cons. First off, they have relatively low voltage loss compared to that of 12V systems, and although this may be the case, both solar systems are still equally efficient. Another added benefit of a 24V system is that it can work alongside 12V and 24V components simultaneously, as opposed to 12V systems that are only compatible with 12V platforms. However, one of the downfalls to having a 24V system is that they are more expensive than 12V systems, on average. Despite this, a 24V system will end up paying for itself over the course of time, with the added benefits of living energy independent.

As we close out this blog, we are in no way saying that having a 12V or 24V is better than the other, as there are applications in which a 12V system excels in, such as RVs, small appliances, and electronics, and then there are 24V systems that are tailored more towards commercial buildings such as hospitals, businesses, and large-scale applications. So, depending on what you will use it for, the 12V system may work out better for you compared to a 24V one, or vice-versa. So, should you get a 12V or 24V setup? The answer is quite simple because it all depends on which application you will use it for as well as what your energy needs are.

For more information or help in configuring your DIY solar system, visit us at www.newpowa.com.