However, a lot of the headline discourse on environmental issues is going on at a political level, far away from the mundanities of everyday life. This means it’s easy to wonder why should we care for the environment, especially if you’re not glued to the news.

If you’re looking for the reasons why we should care for the environment, this article explores the seven key reasons why the environment and its care should matter to every person on the planet.

What do we mean when we refer to ‘the environment’?

Put plainly, the environment is the sum of all living and non-living things on Earth (including climate, radiation, electrical phenomena, and weather) and their non-artificial relationships and interactions. The natural environment exists on a continuum with environments that are artificial or at least heavily influenced by man.

The environment spans vast natural ecosystems, including rock, soil, water, and vegetation. Natural resources like fossil fuels and the atmosphere are also part. Constituent ecosystems within the environment consist of various forms of life, ranging from microorganisms to animals.

Of course, the environment we experience today has been shaped by the activity of man. Built environments are the opposite of natural environments and have been completely modified and developed to meet the requirements of man. Examples of built environments are farms and cities where the natural environment has been altered or effaced, and something else is in its place.

The environment has been impacted by the activity of mankind with contemporary challenges that include:

• Pollution
• Biodiversity loss
• Natural resource depletion
• Atmospheric and climatic changes

7 reasons why we should protect the environment?

1. Environmental degradation is destroying our health

The material benefits of the industrial revolution to much of the world are undeniable, but one of the major downsides of industrialization has been the massive amounts of pollution generated, with a catastrophic impact on human health.

Pollution generated by industrial processes such as mining, transportation, manufacturing, energy generation, and even food processing is incredibly pernicious, affecting almost every organ system in the body.

In many cases, such as the Dupont PFOA scandal, the DDT controversy, and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the environment has been deliberately damaged through the dumping of industrial waste or negligent operational procedures.

Recognized effects of environmental pollution on human health include:

Respiratory disease

Air pollution is one of the most serious environmental issues and has been suggested by the UN to cause over 7 million premature deaths each year. Urban areas are particularly affected by dense particulate pollution that can cause or exacerbate respiratory diseases like asthma, bronchitis, and COPD.

In addition, indoor air pollution due to inadequately ventilated cooking or heating puts over a quarter of the world’s population at risk of developing cardiovascular or respiratory health problems.

Reproductive disorders

In many parts of the world, the environment has been polluted by the persistence of a variety of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. These ubiquitous chemicals, which include pesticides, plastics, heavy metals, and the oral contraceptive pill, disrupt the hormone-controlled reproductive processes of humans and animals.

Reproductive disorders like infertility, subfertility, and menstrual disorders may be driven by the pernicious effects of endocrine disruptors in our environment. Sampled average male sperm counts have decreased significantly since the middle of the 20th century, and the downward trend is accelerating.

Cancer

Environmental pollution has led to the widespread dissemination of cancer-causing chemicals called carcinogens. These substances are incredibly diverse and include byproducts of combustion, pesticides, hazardous waste, and ionizing radiation.

Prolonged exposure to these agents has been implicated in the development of cancers in people of all ages. For example, people living in environments with high levels of PM2.5 particulate pollution are at an increased risk of developing lung cancer.

2. Destruction of the environment puts the global food supply at risk

Environmental welfare is a distant thought when we buy our food from grocery stores and markets, but the effects of environmental damage are evident to the food producers who rely on clean water, fertile soil, and a supportive climate to grow and raise our food.

Agriculture is reliant on the environment but can also be one of the biggest polluters due to the use of pesticides, fertilizers, and the generation of agricultural waste. This essential sector is now being threatened by environmental damage in a variety of ways. Examples include:

• Decreasing biodiversity and soil degradation because of intensive farming techniques.
• Loss of viable agricultural land because of the physical presence of a landfill.
• Long-term land and water contamination from landfill leachate.
• Soil and water contamination due to the improper disposal of hazardous waste.
• Pesticides cause the loss of natural pollinators like bees, wasps, and other insects.
• Land loss because of desertification or flooding, driven by climate change. 
• Loss of farmland to construction to accommodate urban sprawl.

The effects of environmental changes may not be apparent in economically advanced countries because they can afford to import food. But poorer countries have a greater dependence on their domestic agricultural production to supply their food. These countries may also be food exporters, putting pressure on available land and compromising food security.

3. Caring for the environment helps us to live productive lives

The welfare of the environment is also important to our ability to work and the wider economy. Pollution has tangible human and economic costs that impact the lives of communities and nations.

According to the Lancet Commission on Pollution and Health pollution and environmental damage cost the global economy up to $4.6 trillion per year, more than 6% of the total economic output of the world! A large contribution to this sum is the loss of human productivity from health problems, polluted land, and population displacement due to environmental changes.

Human activity needs to be sustainable if we are to maintain our environment long-term and lead productive healthy lives. Developing sustainable ways of living and managing the Earth’s resources is, in fact, a major economic opportunity that could lift billions of people out of poverty.

For example, the $65 billion the United States has invested in air pollution control since the 1970s has yielded over $1.5 trillion in economic benefit. New and innovative solutions for the world’s most challenging environmental problems could lead to commercial sectors that every country can access and use profitably. 

4. Environmental integrity promotes peace

Though the causes of war are multifactorial, environmental degradation can be a significant stressor as nations and communities compete for dwindling natural resources. Over the last century, there have been numerous domestic and international conflicts as nations and people fight over water, land for agriculture and grazing, and natural resources.

Environmental changes like deforestation and desertification limit the natural resources available to communities. In pastoral or subsistence farming communities, the integrity and resilience of the environment can be the difference between life and death and increases the potential for struggles for the remaining land.

Wars damage and pollute the environment, exacerbating the scarcity surviving people experience. There needs to be a global effort to ensure that environmental conditions do not deteriorate in the poorest and most challenged regions so that people are less likely to resort to conflict.

5. Protecting the environment prevents the displacement of people 

Migration is a global issue that is heavily affected by environmental degradation. Pollution, drought, and local climate and weather changes are making parts of the earth uninhabitable for existing populations and leading to involuntary migration.

Environmentally displaced people

These people termed ‘Environmentally displaced people’, have no choice but to leave regions that have been degraded by environmental degradation or natural disasters, leaving them unable to pursue their livelihoods.

Large population shifts because of environmental change 

The neglect of environmental issues and subsequent stress and degradation could lead to upward of 200 million people being forced to leave their homeland and resettle by 2050. According to Oxford University’s Refugees Studies Center, countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ghana, Kenya, and Somalia as well as the Pacific island are already affected by this problem.

6. Future generations will have to survive on the Earth we leave behind 

We are responsible for the environmental legacy we leave to future generations. All human activity affects the environment in some way. Sustained negative impact on ecosystems, will lead to the depletion of natural resources and loss of biodiversity, leaving the next generation to inherit our contaminated land, water, and air.

Unrestrained consumption leads to loss of resources

We are currently in the midst of a massive loss of biodiversity, with 25% of wild species facing extinction. This leaves the world a poorer and ecologically scarcer place with the absence of species that may have performed vital but unrecognized roles.

Industry and governmental stakeholders are already aware that the current rate of consumption of natural resources like oil may become critically diminished as the decades roll on. Future generations may not be able to live a lifestyle similar to the ones we’re used to.

However, the outlook isn’t all negative. Recognizing the need to care for the environment returns us precious time to remedy current environmental problems and find new ways to live more sustainably. With effort and investment, we may be able to leave the Earth better than we found it.

7. We are all called to be stewards of the environment we have received

Whatever your belief system, there is an innate understanding of our sovereignty and the need for us to become stewards of the resources that are in our care. Over millennia, mankind has cultivated and tended to its immediate environment with plant and animal husbandry continuing to be a key means of survival to the present day.

But, the mass production of goods and services and careless consumer culture has robbed many people of the sense of responsibility and moral obligation by which efforts could be made to live in a way that is less environmentally damaging. Not caring for or about the environment often serves the agenda of corporate interests that want to sell products at all costs.

Environmental damage for profit

Much of the damage to the environment has not been committed by individuals but by corporations who have exploited environmental resources for profits and polluted carelessly. Great wealth has been generated and is now held by stakeholders who have taught populations the consumerism that is now condemned. 

Control of populations 

Since the early 20th century, urbanization has accelerated. At the start of the 20th century, half of Americans lived on farms. The number of farms in the US has steadily declined from 7 million in the 1930s to 2 million today.

The impact of this massive shift in how people live, and work is that vast populations are completely disconnected from the land and obligated to be consumers of food and goods with little choice or say in how they are produced. This alienation is often the root of indifference to environmental issues across the world.

Making the individual a stakeholder

Fostering engaged, self-determining communities that care for the environment would require whole populations to regain sovereignty that has been ceded to commercial and governmental interests, with critical thinking and reflection on how the present environmental challenges have arisen. 

Many governments espouse behavioral change, sustainability, and reduced resource consumption as the key solutions to the environmental challenges of the 21st century, but without the reclamation of personal responsibility and equitable access and ownership of land, these changes are likely to be cosmetic.

The environment affects everyone

For many people, their immediate environment in a city or town is completely removed from rainforests, rivers, deserts, and the natural disasters we hear about on the news.

Caring for their environment may involve picking up litter, recycling, or choosing to drive an electric car. It is hard to see how the daily activities of running a household and feeding oneself are connected to famines and droughts.

Many countries are geographically and economically shielded from the stark consequences of environmental degradation, but they cannot be indefinitely insulated. Famine, war, and migration are capable of reaching any shore, and decades of unrestrained pollution affect the health of everyone.

Caring for our environment is a must if we want to guarantee ourselves a healthy life, as well as a good life for future generations. Our environment is life-sustaining and must be preserved for all.

How can we save our Earth?

Across the world, people are rightly concerned about the state of the environment and want to take action to make things better. The are numerous initiatives and protest movements that are pressing for urgent changes to the way we live to mitigate environmental damage. 

However, the steps that need to be taken aren’t specific actions, behavioral or lifestyle changes. These are superficial as long as the stakeholders who undertake the most polluting activities for profit on an industrial scale can continue to do so without meaningful change.

In many countries, a significant amount of the waste the people diligently separate for recycling is landfilled because it costs ‘too much’ money to recycle. Electric vehicles run on electricity generated by cutting down trees and shipping them thousands of miles to be burnt, all for profit. Groceries clock up thousands of air miles when they could have been grown locally.

Here are some thoughts on how the environment can be helped:

Regain individual sovereignty

We’re only going to care for the environment when we cultivate personal responsibility and see ourselves as stakeholders in the environment we live in. We need to push back against the disenfranchisement that comes with consumerism and dig deeper.

Take time to learn about the state of our environment and its root causes, drawing information from a range of sources that you can critically evaluate. Think objectively about the way we live and the true cost of convenience in advanced economies.

Develop productive local communities

Armed with personal sovereignty, people can come together and reason to gain a collective, objective understanding of why environmental change has happened and what needs to be done. With cooperation, productivity can shift from taking place at a national or international level to a local scale so communities become resilient and truly sustainable.

Strengthen national sovereignty

With strong, locally productive communities, nations become better equipped to manage their environment by harnessing the skills and expertise of their population to develop strong domestic economies. 

Rather than selling out to supranational interests, lawmakers and governments can hold these corporate and financial entities to account so that they have to change their polluting activities at their own expense.

As Steve Cohen from the Columbia Climate School states;

“I believe that on a more crowded planet, with instant and inexpensive global communication, a company that engages in wanton acts of environmental destruction will not survive long in the marketplace.”

Develop a less opportunistic global economy

We live in societies that are dominated by the demands of economic systems rather than what is best for individuals, communities, and the environment. This has led to the prioritization of global economic agendas and profiteering at the expense of environmental welfare and authentic sustainability.

Not everything should be done because a profit can be made, but until countries regain their sovereignty, they and their citizens are largely captive to a way of living that damages the environment and generates vast profits for a small group of people.

A step in the right direction would be nations coming together to insist that the crippling debts that prevent poorer countries from developing basic infrastructure for sanitation, waste management, and other environmental problems are canceled.

So why should we care for the environment? Because we need change!

Caring for the environment is really caring for ourselves, but it needs to be done with understanding rather than superficial choices and activities that do not contend with the sources of large-scale environmental degradation.

By making the decision to become an engaged and informed citizen, you can start to build grassroots communities that are truly sustainable and hold the sovereignty and power to hold the corporate polluters to account.

For solar system owners across the country, however, optimizing the production of solar energy means different things. It’s no secret that the angle of a solar panel impacts its production – but by just how much? And what’s the optimal tilt angle for solar panels?

The truth is, there is no single, ideal angle for solar panels: at different times of the year, the optimal angle may differ significantly. The optimal tilt angle is different for every location, varying due to factors like the seasons and the average position of the sun in that particular location.

So, how can you determine the best tilt angle for your solar panels? If you live in an urban area in the United States, you might simply be able to find the best solar panel direction by zip code.

Our guide will help you understand everything you need to know about why solar panels need a tilt angle, how it is calculated, and what it means for production.

Why do solar panels need to tilt at an angle?

Solar radiation is emitted by the sun in differing quantities around the world. Solar technologies, such as solar panels, serve to capture this radiation and turn it into usable energy.

Solar panels utilize photovoltaics (PV), one of the main two solar technologies. When sunlight hits a solar panel, energy from the sun is absorbed by the PV cells in the panel. This energy then creates electrical charges that cause electricity to flow.

To optimize the amount of sunlight that hits the surface of a solar panel, they are tilted vertically, at a ‘tilt angle’. This is because the sun’s position in the sky moves throughout the day, and its position and angle also changes with the seasons.

While solar panels do work in cold weather, energy production can be impacted in places where the winter is longer, and there is less sunlight and length of daylight.

In all locations, however, the goal is for solar panels to be exactly perpendicular to the incoming solar rays, so that they can produce the most electricity possible.

Generally, the sun is at a higher position during summers and a lower position during winters. However, there is an average position between the two, which is optimal for photovoltaic panels.

This average position corresponds to the latitude of the place where you are housing the panels: tilting it at that average angle would produce the highest output.

While some solar system owners opt to keep their panels at a fixed angle throughout the year, this method is not the best way to optimize solar output. Because the sun is generally higher in the summer and lower in the winter, you can capture more energy during the whole year by adjusting the tilt of the panels according to the season.

How to calculate your optimal tilt angle

Let’s dive into how to calculate the optimal tilt angle for your solar panels. As a general rule of thumb, keep in mind that the panels need to be more vertical during winter to face the lower sun directly, and more tilted towards the ground during summer to face the higher sun.

The angle of your solar panel’s tilt during the summer and winter simply depends on where you live.

There are two methods for calculating the tilt angle for solar panels. Both of these angles require latitude degrees.

1. Adding and subtracting latitude

Whatever your latitude is, you can subtract 15° from it to calculate the angle for summer.

For winter, you can calculate the angle by adding 15°. For fall or spring, you can just subtract 2.5° from the latitude. For example, if the latitude of your city is 35°, then the tilt angle for summer would be 20° (35° – 15°) and for winter 50° (35° + 15°).

2. Multiplying the latitude

The second method is more effective, and more accurate, because it calculates the angle not only for the season but also for the midday sun, which is when the sun is hottest during any day.

For winters, you multiply the latitude by 0.9 and then add 29°. For summers, you multiply the latitude by 0.9 and then subtract 23.5°.

The same latitude of 35° would have a tilt angle of 59.6° for winter and 7.1° for summer. This total calculation is about 10° more or less from the readings obtained using the first method.

Are solar trackers helpful?

Some solar system owners opt to install solar tracking systems rather than adjust the tilt of their panels themselves.

Solar tracking systems allow solar panels to follow the sun’s path as it moves from east to west. They improve solar panels’ exposure to sunlight and increase the amount of energy they produce by ensuring they face the sun for as much time as possible.

However, solar trackers are only viable on ground-mounted panels, which is not often the case in domestic use. For roof-mounted panels, it is difficult to use trackers.

Also, these systems can be costly, raising your overall budget for solar energy solutions. Whether you own or lease your solar panel, these trackers require more complex installations for domestic systems.

As a result, solar panel trackers are most commonly used in commercial solar projects, where maximum output is needed all the time. The added cost and complexity of this tracking feature generally requires more panels to make it a worthy investment.

Fortunately, if you know your optimal solar panel direction by zip code, you will not need to install a tracking system.

What other factors affect the angle of a solar panel?

Aside from your location, latitude, and season, there are a few other factors at play that can impact the output of your solar system.

Roof design

Most homeowners opt to install solar panels on the roof of their house to save space. These homeowners must take the pitch of their roof into account: most roofs have an inclination of 30 to 40 degrees. At this pitch, the solar panel can lie flat on the roof and get enough sunlight to produce adequate electricity.

When a roof is very steep, it can be difficult to achieve the most optimal tilt angle for the panel, especially if it is lower than the angle of the roof. In such a scenario, the best thing to do would be to keep the panels lying flat. 

The same is the case with a low-angled roof, which may require a special racking system to install the panels at the correct angle. Placing them flush against the roof would produce lower output.

If your roof is flat, you would need a racking system to place them at any angle you need. However, when it comes to installing solar panels on the roof, space could be an issue. You do not want the panels to be too close together as their shade might limit the exposure to the adjacent panels.

To combat this issue, some homeowners opt to replace their roof with solar panels.

Online calculators can help you determine your roof’s capacity to hold solar panels of varying weights.

Direction of the panels

The tilt angle of a solar panel is not the only angle that must be considered to produce the best outcome from photovoltaic panels, the direction the panels are facing is vital as well.

In technical terms, this measure is called the Azimuth angle, referring to the horizontal orientation of the panels in relation to the equator. 

Generally, solar panels should be facing towards the equator: 

• In the northern hemisphere, it is best to face the panels south as the sun is always in the south within the northern hemisphere. 
• If you are in the southern hemisphere, then face them north.

It’s important to note that the south or north indicated by your compass may not be the most accurate, as it is the magnetic south or north. In some places, the reading may be inaccurate by up to 25°. However, an inaccuracy of less than 10° would not make much of a difference in your Azimuth angle. 

Winter weather and snow

Winter weather can consist of snow, sleet, and hail, and the sun is at a lower position during the winter. Days are also shorter, giving less time for your solar panels to soak up the sun’s rays.

Because the sun is lower, you’ll want to keep your solar panels tilted at a lower angle during the winter to ensure they face the sun directly. However, such low angles can trap snow on the surface of the panel, reducing its output. When any material rests on the surface of a solar panel, from snow and dust to leaves, its production is hindered.

If you live in a place where it regularly snows, it may make sense to keep the panels at a steep angle, or the angle suitable for the summer, so that snow easily falls off.

Temperature

Solar panels are sturdy enough to withstand high temperatures. However, in some places where the temperatures soar very high during summer, heatwaves may negatively affect output.

Depending on where they are installed, hot temperatures can reduce the output efficiency of solar panels by 10 to 25%. But why?

Because the electricity generated by solar panels comes from a flow of electrons inside the electrical circuit, these electrons can bounce around too much when temperatures soar. This reduces the amount of electricity generated by much – and this reduces voltage, or the amount of electricity generated.

For instance, in cities like Phoenix, Arizona, solar panels require proper airflow around the panels to keep them working in their optimal state.

Solar panel angle by zip code

Now that we know all of the different factors that can impact your solar panel production, you can figure out the optimal solar panel direction by zip code.

The table below features a solar panel angle by zip code for at least one city from every state in the United States. There is an angle for both the summer and winter months that will deliver optimal results for your solar panel system.

If you live in one of these zip codes or somewhere near them, you can use the readings to set up your racking system. These have been calculated using the solar panel angle calculator for solar noon, the exact halt of the day when the sun is at its brightest.

If you don’t want to adjust your solar panel angle every few months, you should keep it at an angle suited for the season you need it to be most productive, or for the season that lasts longest in your area. Keeping your solar panels at a fixed angle can still give you efficient, clean electricity to power your home.

For most southern states and California, a fixed angle would be at the optimal angle for summer. On the other hand, for the northeast and midwestern regions where summer is shorter, the better choice would be the low winter angle.

However, if you do get the opportunity to change their angles throughout the year, you will get maximum output for the whole year. If you are installing a large amount of solar panels, you should invest in a solar tracker, which will eliminate the need to manually adjust tilt angles.

Conclusion on solar panel angling

With rising energy costs and the solar incentives offered by some U.S. states, going solar is a cost-effective decision for the majority of homeowners.

However, by installing solar panels, you are also helping protect the environment. You can make the best of your investment if you know the best angle for your solar panels.

Finding the best solar panel direction by zip code is a simple and effective solution to ensure your solar panel system is working in its most optimal state. You’ll save money and power your home more effectively when you tilt your solar panels the right way.

Going green is a term for finding a way to live your life in an environmentally-friendly way and altering your behaviors and spending habits in such a way to help preserve the planet and limit your personal impact upon it.

This could be in the form of developing simple eco-conscious habits, such as recycling or composting, or it could involve more dramatic changes like completely revamping your energy-consumption habits. 

There are many ways of going green – and we’re going to explore these and discuss their various advantages.

Looking for more information about sustainable living? These best books on green living will tell you everything you need to know.

What does going green mean?

As we’ve already touched upon, going green means embracing a way of life that helps preserve the environment by reducing, reusing, and recycling items. It can also involve us moderating our own behaviors to have a smaller impact on the environment. 

Adopting a ‘greener’ way of living means adopting an environmentally-mindful lifestyle that contributes to protecting the environment. This means the preservation and conservation of natural resources, habitats, and biodiversity.

Explained very basically, going green means adjusting your life to find a balance between living your life, and having as little of a negative impact on the environment as you possibly can. 

What are the advantages of going green?

Going green has numerous benefits at home, in the workplace, and to the economy at large. Brands and businesses have made shifts toward greener practices – from eliminating the use of plastics in certain products and packaging to growing organic foods.

The advantages are numerous, and while it might seem like common sense – it’s worth highlighting the many changes that regular people can make right now for a greener way of living.

Some of the environment-friendly practices that we can embrace include:

• Reduce energy costs and consumption through the use of renewable energy alternatives (like wind, solar, hydroelectric, and geothermal energy)
• Opt for quality appliances with low energy consumption
• Purchase eco-friendly household items 
• Recycle biodegradable products and create DIY items
• Eat green, sustainably farmed, and ethically produced organic foods
• Choose a greener mode of transportation (like carpooling)
• Use green cleaning and skin products
• Use recycled materials when building or renovating a house
• When purchasing a new home consider a greener option, such as a prefabricated house

Three advantages to going green

The advantages of going green can fall into three major categories:  economic, health, and environmental benefits.

Let’s dive into these major categories and how you can do your part in going green.

Economic benefits of going green

A significant economic benefit of going green is that it helps lower costs and save money. The use of renewable energy helps reduce energy consumption, which in turn helps save money spent on electricity bills (which is a benefit to the individual).

Going green at home helps reduce water and power bills significantly. Avoid under-filling the ashing machine, add water-saving appliances in showers and washrooms, and opt for low-flush toilets if you can – it all adds up!

Recycling is another way to go green – this can mean recycling your household items – like bedding and pillows, appliances, and even carpet – but it also means opting to buy recycled products where possible. 

Buying recycled products can be cheaper, and it obviously helps save on production costs (since it would have been more costly to use virgin raw materials). Waste reduction also helps save the costs associated with waste disposal.

Another advantage of going green is that one can receive discounts and incentives for green living, for instance, some states offer incentives to those that opt to live in green homes. Green homes create ways to consume less energy, which helps reduce utility and maintenance costs.

Health benefits of going green

Going green has collective benefits for our health. It reduces dependency on fossil fuels and other depleting resources. Organic farming boosts the economy and means that we can eat local, organic, and seasonal produce which is much better for our health.

Going green by reducing or eliminating air pollutants obviously increases the quality of the air we breathe. Just like an adage goes, “prevention is better than cure,” – reducing pollutants is cheaper than trying to clear pollution from the environment if we allow it to spread.

According to a report by the World Health Organisation (WHO), air pollution causes around 2 million premature deaths every year globally. 

It’s therefore essential to strive for green living! 

Environmental benefits of going green 

In addition to the health and economic benefits already mentioned, going green has numerous environmental benefits. Going green through organic farming leads to responsible farming practices and land use.

The cumulative effects of going green, as outlined in this article, can ultimately lead to less deforestation – which is crucial for the environment. Embracing paperless practices at home or in the workplace, for example, means there is less demand for paper, so fewer trees are cut down, and it just might mean that the rainforests have a fighting chance!

The environmental benefits of going green are almost too obvious to list here – it’s no secret that the cumulative effects of being kinder to the environment will help to preserve and protect the earth, and all those who live here. 

Going green is only the way to go

It is essential to practice green living. There are many advantages of going green and, not to sound too dramatic, but if humans don’t clean up their act soon then we’ll be in serious trouble. All the things we take for granted like clean air, drinking water, and food, will no longer be available to us. It is crucial for us to improve human-environmental interaction. 

When we strive for green living, then we significantly reduce the impact human beings have on the environment. All of these small changes really add up to a significant result, so the next time you buy single-use plastics, or under-fill your washing machine, spare a thought for the planet we all live on. And next time you get the opportunity, be sure to keep sustainability in mind and make a conscious effort to go green.

The situation is so hopeless for some that drastic measures such as selling their property seems to be one of the only solutions remaining on the table.

Fortunately, there is an alternative.

Have you considered leasing your land as a solar farm?

In this article, you’ll find out everything you need to know about solar farms as a way to create a steady income from your land for 25-50 years. 

Let that sink in for a minute.

Meeting the solar farm land requirements could set you up for early retirement today! Or maybe not. It all depends on a number of factors.

It’s all here in one blog post.

Our in-depth analysis on all the essentials about solar farm land requirements concludes with a list of the top 7 tips for farmers, ranchers, and landowners thinking about leasing their property to a solar developer or solar storage business.

What is a solar farm?

You’re used to seeing “amber waves of grain” billowing in the breeze across acres and acres of farmland as far as the eye can see.

Now just imagine rows upon rows of hundreds or hundreds of thousands of ground-mounted solar panels, often with adjoining buildings that house immense batteries to store the power generated by those photovoltaic (PV) modules for later use.

Also called solar parks, plants, fields, or power stations, solar farms are becoming commonplace throughout the world. As countries, states, and municipalities transition toward phasing out fossil fuels as energy sources, they are actively looking to expand clean energy capacity — namely, solar and wind energy — in their jurisdictions.

This is where you, as a farmer, rancher, or general landowner, come into the picture. Solar developers want you to partner with them in solar projects that generate electricity. 

Types of solar farm

There are two main types of solar projects that solar developers are actively pursuing right now all over the United States:

1. Utility solar farms

In the case of solar farms consisting of thousands or hundreds of thousands of PV modules on your property, the developers will sell the electricity created by the solar panels to a public utility in urban and suburban areas. In rural settings, the power will go to an electric cooperative. 

In these cases, the electricity generated by sun energy hitting the PV panels travels on the electric grid for widespread use by consumers or corporate entities located far from your farm.

Alternatively, the developers will sell the electricity to large corporations, institutions, or university systems that have massive demands for power in centralized settings. They also want to purchase renewable energy instead of electricity generated from fossil fuels. 

2. Community solar farms

Solar developers could also sell the electricity created on your land to locally organized groups of individuals who become subscribers to a community solar program. These people may not have the means or space to purchase their own rooftop solar system, but still wish to participate in the renewable energy revolution. 

Community solar members purchase shares of the energy created on your solar farm. Others interested in solar energy may enter into power purchase agreements (PPAs) with public utilities at a fixed cost for a certain length of time. 

Typically, utility solar power stations are huge in comparison to community solar farms. This means that your property — whether big or small — could be a candidate for leasing a solar farm.

How much land do you need for a solar farm?

Solar farms can take up a few acres of land or tens of thousands. There are many reasons for the wide differences that we’ll explain in this section. 

The size of a solar farm defines how much electricity it creates. The bigger the solar farm, the greater the power output.

In fact, instead of using a land measurement to describe the size of a solar farm, they are classified according to how much electricity they can generate from the sun. This quantity is called their capacity to generate electricity. Capacity is measured in watts, the standard unit for electrical power.

Sample calculation for determining the size of a solar farm

To illustrate how the size in acreage corresponds to the size in wattage to a solar farm, here is a sample calculation. Using it, you’ll be able to predict the largest solar farm size that your property could reasonably service.

To start, think of something more familiar: a rooftop solar array. 

For an average American family using 900 kilowatt hours (kWh) per month, (or 30 kWh/day), the solar system would be sized at about 7.5kW. This estimation assumes full sun directly hitting all the panels for 4 hrs./day. (We determine the size by dividing 30 kWh by 4 hrs.) Such a system is large enough to cover approximately all of household energy demands.

Note: In reality and to guarantee that their home energy needs are met, homeowners may opt to increase their calculated system size by 15-20% to account for:

• Occasional lack of full sun 
• Panel inefficiency 
• Energy losses in transmission and DC to AC conversion 
• Module degradation over time.

To figure out how much roof space you need for the PV panels producing 7.5kW, assume each kilowatt requires 100 sq. ft. This is the standard area used in calculations of this sort. 

So, you’ll need 100 x 7.5 = 750 sq. ft. of roof space to house a 7.5kW residential solar system.

When it comes to solar farms, everything is calculated in a similar fashion but on a much grander scale. 

For instance, a 5 MW (megawatt, where 1 MW = 1,000 kW) solar farm would require a minimum of 100 x 5,000 = 500,000 sq. ft. 

Given the equivalence of 1 acre = 43, 560 sq. ft., that works out to be about 11 ½ acres needed for a 5 MW solar park.

Note that’s just for the panels. Figure in an additional 8-10 acres more to house other solar system hardware plus the space needed between rows to avoid shading (and consequent power loss) as well as space for periodic array maintenance. 

That brings the total for a 5 MW solar farm to 11.5 + 10 acres = 21.5 acres. This is a conservative estimate.

Other sources suggest 6-8 acres for each megawatt of power produced is needed to build a profitable solar farm.

Note that as PV module technological improvements result in higher panel efficiencies, fewer acres per megawatt will be needed.

To give you a better idea of the type of solar power station that could operate on your land, consider a community solar farm. These days, it’s typically 1-10 MW in size. A utility project may be sized at 25 MW up to 1 GW (1 gigawatt = 1,000 megawatts).

Here’s a table of information that gives you a better idea of how much land is required for solar farms of various capacities. The data are derived from a National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) report.

Notes about the table: The “ac” written after the wattage unit stands for alternating current. This refers to the electricity that has already been transformed from the direct current (DC) electricity produced by the PV array. AC current is necessary for integration with electric grid power lines.

Fixed panels do not move along with the sun. Single- and dual-axis trackers move the PV modules up and down and from left to right during the day in order to capture the maximum amount of sunlight all the time. CPV is an advanced solar technology. 

Table 1. Solar farm land requirements in the United States, as measured by megawatts (MWac) of electrical power generated

How much does it cost to set up a solar farm?

According to the latest national average cost figures from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) taken from their second quarter (Q2) report of 2021, the turnkey installation cost of non-residential and fixed tilt utility PV ranges between $0.77 to $1.36 per watt.

By comparison, a residential rooftop or ground-mounted solar system costs between $2.50 and $3.50 per watt. When buying in large quantities for solar farm projects, solar developers save on equipment costs.

Generally, solar developers pay a total installation cost of $3 million per megawatt to build a solar farm (excluding the cost of land). This amounts to about $500,000 per acre.

For a quick return on investment, solar developers are usually unwilling to build a solar farm under 1 MW in capacity. However, for land that is optimally suited to yield a quick return on investment, they may consider it. See below for more on what makes your land ideally suited for a solar farm.

Solar farm lease rates

Granted your property adheres to all necessary solar farm land requirements, the typical solar farm lease rate varies between $600 – $1,200 per acre for every year of your contract. 

If you’re able to hire a savvy lawyer who will tirelessly advocate for you during contract negotiations with a solar developer, you could make sure annual rent increases are included as well as adjustments for inflation.

If your lawyer’s negotiating skills are outstanding — or the solar developer is desperate for your land — adding in partial royalty payments would increase your income even more. 

Factors that affect solar farm lease rates 

How much money you get for leasing your land for a solar farm depends on several factors. Here are the most important.

1. Interconnection proximity

If your property is located near transmission or distribution lines or a substation, that makes it super easy — and cheap — to send the power a solar farm on your property generates to the electric grid.

Two caveats:

1. The line or substation voltage is close to the voltage that your farm’s capacity delivers;
2. The line has available injection capacity to absorb what your solar farm sends to it.

2. Suitability of your land for a solar farm

Solar developers scout out flat, clear land as ideally suited for a solar farm. This means less than 5° of slope, but more may be acceptable if it’s facing south.

There shouldn’t be trees or buildings that can obstruct sunlight or cause shading issues. Nor should there be waterways.

Having a major road or two adjacent to or running through your property will make it easier for construction vehicles to access your land.

A large plot of land (hundreds of acres) is often more valuable on a per acre basis than a smaller one if a solar developer is looking to build a huge solar power station. 

However, if they wish to build numerous small solar parks in a particular region due to local tax incentives that encourage the creation of community solar projects, a small land parcel will be perfect.   

3. Market supply and demand for solar farms

Of all the major factors that influence solar farm lease rates, this one is most likely to evolve over time. Changes may happen on short notice, propelling solar developers to hunt out suitable land for solar farms and get signed contracts quickly.

If your state or county recently announced its goal for increasing renewable energy in a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) within a certain time frame, solar developers will be working fast to achieve that mandate.

Sometimes, the RPS will accompany tax incentives for solar projects, making solar farm projects even more attractive to both developers and farmers.

Or, a large corporation may release a Request for Proposal (RFP) to solicit bids from solar developers in a specific region because of their intention to build a large-capacity data center that runs only on renewable energy.

Finally, a public utility may announce an upgrade to or new construction of its infrastructure in a certain area. Solar developers will act rapidly, looking to secure commitments from local farmers, ranchers, or landowners to build solar farms on their properties.

Advantages of solar farm leasing

There are many advantages for farmers, ranchers, and general landowners if they meet solar farm land requirements and lease their property for solar farming. Here are the major pros for solar farm leasing:

• Guaranteed a steady passive income
• Long-term financial security
• Does not have a negative impact on your property’s value in rural areas
• Supports local economy through green jobs creation
• Boosts local governmental services arising from the additional property taxes paid by the solar developer
• Reduces fossil fuel consumption for home or commercial electricity
• Aids in achieving U.S. energy independence

Disadvantages of solar farm leasing

There are several disadvantages when leasing your property as a solar farm after you’ve been approved by a solar developer for satisfying solar farm land requirements. Here are the major ones:

• Your property taxes will likely increase because you may lose your Current Agricultural Use Value (CAUV) status if you stop growing crops.
• Switching from agricultural to commercial land use could result in tax penalties for you.
• The amount of money your land could generate for you over 25-50 years through traditional agricultural activities could actually work out to be more than the rent paid to you for solar energy. 
• If the solar company goes out of business before your lease is up, you could be stuck with costly PV module and cement ballast disposal before you can begin farming again. (Learn how to combine solar power generation with farming in our guide to Agrivoltaics).
• During the exploratory phase of a solar farm project, extensive testing on your land could result in significant crop damage that you’re left to repair or remove.
• Unless your property is well-maintained during the length of your lease, noxious weeds growing around and under the PV panels could spread to adjacent properties, angering neighbors.

See the next section for tips on how farmers can reduce their risks when leasing their land for solar power stations.

Top 7 tips for farmers about solar farm leases

While there are several economic advantages to farmers when leasing their land — after meeting the solar farm land requirements — for solar projects, it’s important to guard against the risks you may encounter. 

When beginning the process, in most cases, you won’t ever need to fill out applications and actively recruit a solar developer, assuming you satisfy the solar farm land requirements. They will come looking for you! 

There is a huge demand for solar energy but not enough land to situate all the PV modules on. Your land is a precious commodity to solar developers. They have much to gain from you and want you to sign on with them.

Unfortunately, if you don’t take all the necessary precautions, you could literally lose everything.

Here are the top 7 tips for farmers about solar farm leases to keep yourself in a good financial position from start to finish.

1. Get a lawyer who understands the risks incurred by landowners who lease their land as a solar farm. They will ensure that the written contract between you and the solar developer will protect your interests from beginning to end. Preferably hire someone with knowledge and experience in solar farm projects. Your attorney will make sure that certain wording in the contract that gives the upper hand to the developer is avoided. It must not, for instance, require you to relinquish your land in any case or give “easements” to the developer — whatever that means!

2. Insist on the creation of an escrow account for the solar project such that the developer must maintain a minimum balance at all times that will cover the complete removal of PV panels, equipment, and cement ballasts at the end of the lease. 

3. Make sure that the written contract contains — at a minimum — clauses to the effect that the solar developer is responsible for paying: (1) property taxes beyond what you’d pay as a farmer; (2) crop damage during any time during the project; (3) maintaining the areas under and around the panels to reduce noxious weed spread. 

4. Be sure that you’re entering an agreement between you and a bonafide solar developer. Thoroughly investigate their background, project history, reputation, and financial solvency before choosing a solar developer. The developer wants to form a long-term working partnership with you. They want everything to go smoothly and everyone to benefit. By contrast, land brokers or land agents simply want to buy or rent your property. They’re not interested in what happens to you after you sign on the dotted line.

5. Don’t sign anything before speaking to your lawyer! Be aware that the developer — even at an initial “exploratory” meeting — may first request that you sign what’s termed a solar option (not a solar lease). The solar option is legally binding. It does not contain an option for you to leave the deal without incurring negative consequences. It’s just an option for the solar developer to use the land.

6. Search out the advice of an agricultural economic advisor before you decide. Are you sure that over 25-50 years, the rent from solar leasing will be more than what your land could create in other ways?

7. Field multiple offers from different solar developers before deciding on one. Remember that they want something you own. Let them compete for it! Compare bids with your lawyer. Search out solar industry professionals for their input, too, before making a final decision.

Key takeaways on solar farm land requirements

Farmers, ranchers, and landowners in search of a predictable way to receive passive income should determine if they meet the solar farm land requirements for leasing a solar project on their property.

The advantages gained from satisfying the minimum of 6-8 acres of solar-ready land per megawatt needed to construct the smallest of community solar farms may outweigh any disadvantages as detailed in this article. 

One hundred sixty or more acres would satisfy the solar farm land requirements for a larger (20 MWac minimum) utility-scale solar power station.

But each case is unique. Search out legal advice before going all in.

With our top 7 tips for farmers concerning solar leasing after you’ve met the solar farm land requirements, you’ll be well on your way as a partner in a quintuple win/business opportunity for you, the solar developer, the public utility, consumers, and the planet.

One easy solution, whether you’re starting your journey into the solar world or prepping to make it through rough conditions, is a solar kit.

Top 5 off-grid solar panel kits on the market

Let’s take a look at the best off-grid solar panel kits to help you easily setup your own solar system.

1.  Best all-around off-grid large solar kit: Renogy Solar Starter Kit

Renogy 400W monocrystalline solar panels (4 pcs.) with 40A MPPT charge controller. 

Specifications and features:

• Item weight: 16.5 lbs.
• Panel dimensions: 42.2 x 19.6 x 1.38 in.
• Input voltage: 12V
• Rover charge controller peak efficiency: 98%
• Rover charge controller peak tracking efficiency: 99%
• Bluetooth module
• IP65-rated junction box
• Pre-drilled holes on panel backs
• Waterproof 10A inline fuse
• 40A ANL fuse 
• Z-brackets (4)
• 10AWG solar adaptor kit (20 ft.)
• 8AWG tray cable (8 ft.)
• 8AWG fuse cable (2 ft.)

For people who’d like to support a renewable energy company founded in the United States, Renogy is the established go-to. Most Renogy customers are extremely pleased with their solar products. 

Advantages:

This kit comes with monocrystalline panels rated at 21%, one of the highest ratings on the market today. The panels are longer and thinner than other kit panels.

The charge controller is built with a 4-stage battery charging process that increases charging efficiency and protects the battery life.

It comes with an IP65-rated junction box and water-proof fuses, making this kit suitable for marine applications.

The included bluetooth module can be paired to the DC Home app, allowing you to monitor and change your system’s settings easily from your smartphone.

Renogy offers a 25-year power output warranty with this breakdown: 5 year/95% efficiency rate, 10 year/90% efficiency rate, 25-year/80% efficiency rate.

Their material and workmanship warranty is for 5 years.

Disadvantages:

It is worth mentioning that few people have claimed Renogy customer service was not responsive and that instructions were not in the box. Reviewers on Renogy’s site made the same comment, so this is definitely something to be aware of, particularly if the possibility of having to figure things out on your own is a dealbreaker.

However, at the time of this writing, there were over 250 questions on the Amazon page for this kit, many of which were answered by Renogy reps, so it does seem that the company is making an effort to be more supportive.

A majority of reviewers had no problems assembling this kit.

2. Budget-friendly large off-grid solar kit: Acopower Solar RV Kits

Acopower 400W and 12/24V Polycrystalline Panels (4 pcs.) with 40A MPPT Charge Controller.

Specifications and features:

• Product weight: 20.94 lbs.
• Input voltage: 12V or 24V
• Panel dimensions: 40.25 x 26.5 x 1.38 in. 
• Pre-drilled holes on panel backs
• Midas Y series charge controller peak conversion efficiency 98%
• Charge controller tracking efficiency 99.5%
• Compatible with lead acid, AGM, gel, and lithium batteries
• 12 AWG PV cable (30 ft.)
• 8 AWG tray cable (8 ft.)
• T/Y connectors (3 pr.)
• Z brackets (4)
• Waterproof cable entry housing

Advantages:

The major advantage of this kit is the 40A MPPT controller. It also protects your batteries better through temperature compensation than a PWM controller, thereby extending battery life.

By comparison, PWM controllers have only a 70% efficiency. They will charge your batteries, but unless you’re on a very tight budget, always choose a MPPT controller.

All mounting hardware and cables are included in this kit. Depending on whether you wire them in parallel or in series, this kit could charge a 12V or a 24V battery bank.

Disadvantages:

There is no panel efficiency rating on the Amazon page for this kit. A search on the Acopower website states that it is 14.5%. This is average for polycrystalline panels. The panels are shorter and wider than other panels.

The PV modules carry a 5-year workmanship warranty and a 25-year 85% transferable power output warranty. The controller and all other kit components are under warranty for one year.

3. Easily expandable small off-grid solar kit: Rich Solar Starter Kit

Rich Solar offers a 200W kit ( 2 pcs.), perfect for those with fewer electrical power needs who may wish to build up later.

Specifications and features:

• Product weight: 15 lbs.
• Input voltage: 12V or 24V
• Panel dimensions: 45.5 x 20.5 x 1.25 in. 
• Rich Solar charge controller peak conversion efficiency 97%
• 10AWG PV cable (20 ft.)
• 10AWG tray cable (10 ft.) 
• Parallel connectors (1 pr.)
• Z brackets (4)
• 15A inline fuse holder with fuse

Advantages:

At 200W, the panels will charge a 12V battery easily. This may be all you’re looking for so you can keep your solar array simple. 

However, because of the powerful 40A MPPT charge controller, you can easily expand your system and add on more PV modules for a total wattage of 800W.

The monocrystalline panels in the Rich Solar kit are rated at 18.4% efficiency, which is on the low end for monocrystalline panels but still quite good. 

A bluetooth module is included in this kit for remote monitoring of your system.

Disadvantages:

On the Amazon question page, Rich Solar stated that y connectors (to connect the panels) are not included. But they pointed out that they’d send them for free if asked after purchasing.

Rich Solar also responded to a question by saying that the controller does not have a temperature sensor.  

On the Rich Solar website, the only warranty information listed for this kit was for 25-year output performance.

4. Budget-friendly small off-grid solar starter kit; water-proof: SereneLife Solar Starter Kit

SereneLife sells a monocrystalline panel starter kit with two panels, each rated at 100W and a 30A PWM charge controller. 

Specifications and features:

• Product weight: 42.3 lbs.
• Input voltage: 12V or 24V
• Panel dimensions: 35.4 x 26.4 x 1.25 in. 
• Charge controller peak conversion efficiency not given
• Compatible with lead-acid and lithium ion batteries
• 11AWG cable set (3 ft.) connected to panels
• 11AWG cable (20 ft.)
• 10AWG PV cable (8 ft.) 
• Parallel connectors (1 pr.)
• Mounting brackets (2 sets)
• Wire fixers (10)
• 15A fuse

Serene Life is a company that features many different products for home and garden. On its website, all of its photovoltaic kits are “unavailable,” although they are for sale on Amazon.

Advantages:

All Amazon reviewers raved about this product, so it merited a place in this list.

Several reviewers attached photos of what they had received out of the box and their final setups. One reviewer included his own video of how this system is working so far. He noticed that the controller has two USB ports so you’d be able to charge small devices with no problem.

Another reviewer mentioned that the instruction manual is very user-friendly, including detailed information on the charge controller settings.

For boaters: This kit comes with an IP67 rating which means it’s waterproof so suitable for marine applications.

Disadvantages: 

This system comes with a less efficient 30A PWM charge controller. However, it may meet all of your needs. 

There is no warranty information or PV panel efficiency rating on the Serene Life website. Given that this company is not exclusively dealing with renewable energy products, you may not receive technical help if you have questions.

5. Budget-friendly large off-grid solar kit: Windy Nation Solar Kit

WindyNation 400W polycrystalline solar panels (4 pcs.) with 30A PWM charge controller.

Specifications and features:

• Product weight: 17.6 lbs.
• Input voltage: 12V or 24V
• Panel dimensions: 40 x 26.4 x 1.2 in. 
• P30L WindyNation charge controller: peak conversion efficiency not given
• 12AWG cable (40 ft.)
• Connectors (1 pr.)
• Branch connectors (3 pr.)
• Z mounting brackets (16)
• Fasteners (16 sets)

Windy Nation is an established clean energy company specializing in both wind and solar DIY power. The company website is full of testimonials (with photos) from DIYers. The website is also home to an active forum for customers on all things solar and wind energy related.

Advantages:

Even though the controller is only rated at 30A, all four 100W panels could be connected to it without risk of damaging it or an attached battery. However, to add more than four 100W panels, you must upgrade the controller to a device that can support at least 40A.

In other words, the cheaper and lower-rated PWM controller is adequate in this system making it a budget-friendly option.

The charge controller comes equipped with a temperature sensor for battery protection.

Windy Nation offers three warranties: 

1. 25-year power output
2. 5-year solar panel 
3. 1-year on all other kit components

As of this writing, there are close to 100 questions on the Amazon page for this product, many of which are answered by Windy Nation. So, customer support is not lacking.

Disadvantage:

For newbies looking to snap pre-attached connectors together, this kit is not for you. Users must cut the cable to length and attach connectors.

Although the website provides links to all the manuals for each part of the installation process, the efficiency ratings of the panels and the charge controller were not listed. Nor was it located after searching on multiple website pages. Without knowing these values, it’s difficult to determine if this really is a good deal or not.

What is a solar panel kit?

A solar panel kit is an easy-to-assemble set of materials sold as an individual package. After assembly, you’ll have a functional solar power system, usually off-grid.

While every solar kit is unique, there are some commonalities. At the bare minimum, you’ll find:

• Photovoltaic (PV) panels
• Charge controller (Not needed for solar trickle chargers)
• Mounting hardware
• Wiring
• Fuses

Optional materials in a solar kit include:

• Battery
• PV disconnects
• Inverter
• Power optimizers

Not included in most solar kits, but likely needed in installation are:

• Mechanical tools (wrenches, screwdrivers, etc.)
• Electric drill and bits (if holes aren’t already precut in the frames or placed where you’d like them to be)
• Wire crimping and cutting tools

While it’s true there is some sophisticated componentry in a solar system, purchasing a solar kit removes a lot of the technical mystery about necessary equipment. If a kit includes a detailed instruction manual, you’ll also know the correct way to set up the system. 

Hopefully, the solar kit manufacturer will be available to help with any questions on a dedicated customer service line or on their website.

A big advantage of using a solar kit is that you don’t need to be a certified electrician to get powered by the sun. However, if your system is connected to the utility power grid, you will need a professional to sign off on it in addition to getting proper permitting.

Why buy a solar panel kit?

For newbies to the solar world, a good quality solar kit provides peace of mind that your setup is complete and efficient. Everything you need comes in one box. There’s no need to purchase individual pieces and wonder if they’re compatible.

A solar kit may save you money, too. To check, you can price individual components to see if they’d be cheaper when purchased as a kit or separately. 

However, if you’re a DIYer who likes a challenge, designing your own solar system from scratch may be the way to go.

And there’s always the option of professional installation for those who want to do their part for the planet but don’t wish to get too hands-on in the process.

How to choose the right solar panel kit

Before you purchase a solar panel kit, there are several aspects to consider.

Off-grid versus grid-tied solar kits

If you’re planning on powering a cabin in a remote area or looking for energy independence when you’re RVing or camping, a solar kit built for off-grid use is ideal. Depending on your energy requirements, battery storage may be required.

On the other hand, if you’d prefer the convenience of the power grid to fall back on (assuming no outages) in case your system can’t meet your energy needs, a grid-tied solar kit is your best bet.

Whether you decide on the off-grid or grid-tied option, you may wish to integrate a battery backup to your solar array, but this is optional. It all depends on how much backup power you want to store in batteries after taking into account your daily energy consumption. 

Portable versus stationary solar kits

There are some solar projects that involve electrifying a permanent building like a tool shed or barn. For these, solar kits should include mounts, racks, and possibly poles plus bolts and brackets needed to install a solar array either on the ground or on a roof.

If you’re looking to travel with your solar setup, portable PV panels are the name of the game. These modules may be smaller than those for rooftop or ground mount solar. Flexible solar panels are another option. 

Calculating your energy needs

Before you buy a solar kit that fits your needs, figure out what the electrical power needs are that you want the PV panels to supply. 

To do so:

1. List all the appliances you wish to operate from your solar array. 
2. Look on the appliance labels for information about their electrical requirements. 
3. Determine the energy they consume during the time you’ll be using them in one day. 
4. Add all the values from your list to arrive at your total daily energy need.

To do Step 3, multiply the power of each appliance (given in watts) by the number of hours you’ll be using it in a day. The result is expressed in watt hours (Wh) or kilowatt hours (kWh).

The power rating of an appliance tells you how much energy it consumes. The higher the wattage on a label means the more energy it draws when operating.

In cases where the wattage isn’t listed on an appliance but the voltage and current are, use this equation to calculate the power:

Power (W) = voltage (V) x current (A) 

• Voltage is like the pressure or amount of force that electricity has when it’s moving in a wire or any conducting material. When you’re trying to determine if a solar panel will power a certain appliance, look at the voltage. For example, an appliance that runs on 12V will do so when hooked up to a 12V solar panel. 

• Current refers to how much electricity is moving at a given moment and is measured in amps. Current determines how thick the wires in your system need to be to carry the electricity safely. For example, an appliance with an amp rating of 40 may need an 8 gauge wire going to a battery bank or a breaker box. A fuse rated slightly above 40A and placed between the appliance and the power source will protect the appliance and prevent too much current going to it. Otherwise, a fire could result.

On a practical level, your panels’ amperage determines the thickness of the wires you need to connect your system. Thicker wires cost a lot more than thinner ones! 

This factor is especially relevant if your PV array is located far from what it is you wish to electrify (like a ground mount array on a sunny hill and a far-off cabin in a shady spot).

There are many online calculators available that step you through the process of determining the number of watt hours you want to supply. With this information, you can figure out the most economical PV setup — in terms of the panels’ voltage and amp ratings — to look for in a solar kit.

Incidentally, this information is useful when choosing the correct battery bank for your solar setup. Using the central relationship — Power (W) = voltage (V) x current (A) — you can determine the power that any battery can store.

For instance, if a battery is rated “100 amp hour 12 volt,” multiplying those two ratings gives you the watt hours it can store (100 Ah x 12 V = 1,200 Wh = 1.2 kWh). To get the best price on batteries, compare their watt hour ratings.

Figuring out how many solar panels you need

The next step in buying a solar kit is determining the number of PV modules that will meet all of your energy needs.

For example, a 200W panel in a solar kit can output 40 volts at 5 amps or 50 volts at 4 amps when operating optimally. (Recall from above: Power (W) = voltage (V) x current (A). So 200 W = 40 V x 5 amps or 50 V x 4 amps, for example.)

However, the sun isn’t shining all the time. Nor is it shining at equal intensity over the course of “daylight” hours or over the course of a year.

There are many other factors – like dust, air pollution haze, angle of panels – that will reduce the solar panels’ power output. So, realistically speaking, a 200W panel may produce only 175W some or most of the time.

Likewise, a PV module could yield more than its rated power, possibly 5-10% more. This is likely on cool, sunny days when the panels are more efficient at capturing and transmitting solar energy. 

In general, a PV panel outputs only 70% of what it’s rated for. So, if you have 400W total for your array, the actual power is only 400W x 0.7 = 280W. 

To partially account for some of these differences when you’re figuring out how many panels you need, calculate the actual sunlight power available to your panels over time (usually 4-5 hours per day). Only then will you be able to compare your real energy demands to actual energy generation from your PV panels.

There are maps available of sunlight hours and seasonal and latitude changes. These will help you increase the accuracy of your calculations.

As an example, say you have a panel rated at 200W. The actual number of watts it can output under ideal conditions varies slightly. It may be 210W.

When the panel receives 4 hours of full sun per day, then the total daily energy produced from that panel is 210W x 4 hrs. = 840 Wh. 

If that panel is connected in series with three other identical 200W modules, the total energy generated in a day is 4 x 840 Wh = 3,360 Wh = 3.36 kWh.

Finally, compare that value of electrical energy produced from your solar kit array with the value you calculated earlier of your energy demand. 

If your system doesn’t generate enough to meet your needs, purchase a larger solar kit instead. If it’s too powerful, scale back or invest in battery storage for the excess energy. 

To give you some idea of how many kilowatt hours common appliances that you may wish to operate off-grid in a cabin or RV use per hour:

• Portable heater: 1.5 kWh 
• Floor fan: 0.03 kWh  
• Water heater: 12.7 – 16.7 kWh
• Microwave: 1.44 kWh
• Coffee maker: 0.4 kWh
• Toaster oven: 0.75 kWh
• Laptop: 0.05 kWh
• Radio: 0.02 kWh

So, as the example above showed, if your solar array of four 200W panels produces only 3.36 kWh in one day, you could not operate too many appliances too long unless you had significant battery backup. 

In all cases when you’re calculating the amount of electrical energy produced by your solar array, be aware that solar panels degrade slightly over time, losing their ability to generate electricity. 

To offset this anticipated loss, you may wish to add panels to your array in 5-10 years or more to maintain the same energy production you get at the beginning. 

If you’re thinking along these lines, before purchasing a solar kit, make sure that its components are compatible with additional panels. Or, you may need to make costly upgrades to the system later.

How to evaluate solar kits

For newcomers to solar energy, solar kit product reviews is a good place to start your journey.

Product reviews are often loaded with technical jargon and numerical data. Here you’ll find out what to look for and how to compare products so that you’ll make a wise decision on the best solar kit to meet your needs.

When comparing solar kits, here are the key criteria to consider:

• Performance
• Warranty
• Price

Solar kit performance 

How well do the solar cells generate power? In other words, what is the efficiency of the panels?

When analyzing electrical specification (i.e., spec) sheets, you should find two sets of data:

1. NOCT (nominal operating cell temperature) performance data measured in real-world conditions (usually at 45℃)
2. STC (standard test conditions) data taken at 25℃ and 1 kW/㎡ luminosity

NOCT data reveal more useful information for you as a consumer.

Purchasing Tip: To determine which panel is the best-performing one, make sure you’re looking at NOCT data sets for all products.

However, the spec sheets don’t always tell the whole story.

Contrary to popular belief, monocrystalline panels do not necessarily perform better than polycrystalline panels. The video below shows a real world case:

Another useful metric when judging performance is the temperature coefficient. This number tells you how much energy production falls with each degree of temperature rise above 25℃. 

For example, a panel with a temperature coefficient of -0.5% on a very hot day at 40℃ will suffer a loss of 0.5 x 15 = 7.5% efficiency. (40-25 = 15.)

If your panel’s starting efficiency is only 18%, your system underperforms at 18 – 7.5 = 10.5%.

Purchasing Tip: A panel with a small temperature coefficient will perform better than one with a large temperature coefficient. This is especially important if you’ll be using your solar array in a very hot climate or season.

Solar kit warranty

Solar kits may or may not come with more than one warranty. Higher quality kits will have more than one warranty. They will be longer, too. There are separate warranties for:

• PV panels
• PV panel performance
• Materials/Workmanship for other kit components

Purchasing Tip: Avoid kits in which the panels are guaranteed for less than 1 year. In terms of performance, aim for 25+ years with 95% efficiency after 5 years, 90% efficiency after 10 years, and 80% efficiency after 20 years. 

A materials/workmanship warranty for 10+ years is ideal. Unfortunately, you may find only 1- or 5-year warranties on solar kits. 

Longer warranties indicate that the kit components are more durable and of higher quality.

Solar kit price

To compare prices of solar kits, look at the price per Watt. Although using the stated watt values, (for example, 400W), will not reflect reality in terms of performance as discussed in the previous section, they serve as a rough estimate of the equipment’s ability to provide solar power.

Purchasing Tips: Don’t assume that the higher-priced solar kit is better, or that the inexpensive one is not as good.

To be extremely precise when comparing, first price the other high-dollar kit component – the charge controller – separately. Then subtract that value from the listed price to arrive at a more exact price per watt for each kit.

Top 5 off-grid solar kits 

Here are your best choices for a solar kit intended for off-grid uses including:

• Small cabin
• RV
• Camper
• Van
• Trailer
• Boat
• Tool shed
• Fence
• Gate
• Greenhouse

Top solar kit table of information

Here’s a quick summary of the key points to consider about our top 5 picks of off-grid solar kits arranged side by side:

Takeaways on best off-grid solar kits

Off-grid solar kits make it easy to get all the electrical power you need for the sun to supply a cabin, camper, RV, or boat. Determining which one is the best to meet your needs involves comparing them on several levels.

Performance, warranty, and price are major factors to think about before buying. Evidence of customer support and testimonials is also important. 

Based on extensive analysis, the top 5 off-grid solar kits are:

1. Renogy 400W Monocrystalline 40A MPPT
2. Acopower 400W Polycrystalline 40A MPPT
3. Rich Solar 200W Monocrystalline 40A MPPT
4. SereneLife 200W Monocrystalline 30A PWM
5. WindyNation 400W Polycrystalline 30A PWM

Depending on your energy demands, connecting a battery pack for storage may be warranted. In most cases, it will be necessary. Then you’ll be set for decades of renewable energy from your off-grid solar kit.

For these small home wind generators, they can be installed anywhere on your property and can help you cover either part or your entire energy needs.

We think the best option for most people is the Automaxx Windmill DB-400 400W 12V Wind Turbine Generator Kit.

Here, we are going to look at 13 of the best home wind generators and turbines that can help transform your energy bills.

TOP PICK

Automaxx DB-400 400W 12V Wind Turbine Generator Kit

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13 Best Home Wind Turbines Reviewed in 2025

Here is a list of the various home wind turbines that can help you save on electricity and go completely off the grid.

1. Best Overall – Automaxx Windmill DB-400 400W 12V Wind Turbine Generator Kit

This 400W 12V wind turbine generator kit from Automaxx has been designed for both land a marine use. The automatic braking system protects the system from high wind speeds.

You are also protected against salt water corrosion with a UV protection coating.

The windmill is well packaged and comes with straight forward installation instructions. Components are well built and made from high quality materials including stainless steel bolts and nuts.

It does take a decent gust of wind to get started. Sometimes a gentle breeze will not be enough to start the turbine (although it can keep it spinning once started).

You’ll need to find your own mounting poles, although the instructions do provide enough information so you can find the right gear at a hardware store.

2. Runner Up – Tumo-Int 1000W 3Blades Wind Turbine with Wind Boosting Controller (24V) by Tumo-Int

This home wind turbine is ideal for residential use and works well in areas with low wind speeds. The product is one of the best home wind generators available in the market. Using patented turbine blades that come in a twisted aerodynamic design, ensures optimum wind power generation.

The key features of this product include:

• A 1000 Watts wind turbine generator kit.
• Low wind speed demand: It requires low wind speeds to operate and generate vast amounts of energy with minimal noise.
• The complete package of this product contains generators, controllers, blades, bolts, screws, and a nose cone.
• A Permanent magnetic three-phase AC generator.
• Simple installation, and includes a one-year maintenance warranty.

3. Best Budget Choice – Happybuy Wind Turbine Generator 400W DC 12V

This home windmill is a great product that has the following specifications:

• • Main parameter -“Model: NE-700M4, max wattage: 720W, Rated Wattage: 700W, rated voltage: dc 24v, rated wind speed: 36. 1 ft/s, starting wind speed: 8. 2 ft/s; safe wind speed: 147. 6 ft/s”
  • Engine net weight is 46. 3 lbs; several blades: 3; wind wheel diameter: 6. 07 ft; blade material: nylon fiber; 3 phase AC PMG generator; Electromagnetic braking method; and auto adjusts wind direction.
  • Performance -3Phase AC PMG with a permanent, low torque magnet generator and a microprocessor with high-power tracking intelligence.
  • Dual-bearing fixed – this makes the fan movement more stable, producing minimum noise and vibration.
    The wind turbine is covered using a unique process which makes it resistant to corrosion and oxidation under any weather condition.

4. Primus Wind Power 1-AR40-10-12 Air 40 Wind Turbine 12V by AIR40 by Primus Wind Power

The Primus Air 40 Wind Turbine is among the best residential wind turbines for sale in the market, and that offers the following features to suit your energy needs.

• An advanced microprocessor technology ensures more exceptional performance, as well as high wind protection with no mechanical braking.
• Durable blades that are built to operate with minimal noise and optimal wind energy capture in almost all wind speeds.
• A lightweight design that is simple-to-install, and has an integrated controller used for plug-and-play operation.
• The wind generator can produce 40 kWh of energy/month and can generate energy in a wide array of wind speeds.
• Pairs with solar PV for redundant energy production year-round.

5. GOWE 3KW Grid Tie Wind Turbine Generator by GOWE

If you need to generate a serious amount of power, ths 3KW wind turbine from GOWE is a good option

The generator system comes as a package that includes one 3KW wind turbine, one 3KW grid tie controller, and a 3KW grid tie inverter.

When making your order, you should always indicate your voltage, for instance, 110V/220V, 50HZ/60HZ.

6. 2000Watt 11 Blade Missouri General Freedom II by Missouri Wind and Solar

Made in America, Missouri General Freedom 11 Blade Turbine is one of the great choices you can make when purchasing a home windmill.

The turbine is mostly built with weather-resistant components while the blades are made of carbon fiber.

Other main features include:

• Raptor carbon fiber blades that can withstand wind speeds of 125 mph, with a lifetime guarantee of non-breakage in normal usage.
• Completely hot metal components dipped galvanized, and zinc plated hub. This ensures there is no rust and eliminates the need to paint or unique coat for 50 years of regular operation.
• The wind turbine includes a permanent magnet generator that has an inbuilt 28 rare earth magnet rotor, and a skewed stator core to facilitate easy turning. It guarantees a max output of 2000 watts.
• The Missouri Freedom II Wind Turbine has a 6mph cut-in speed with NO COGGING!
• Every Freedom PMG rotor has twice the amount of copper that is in any Delco style PMA. The more the amount of copper, the more the power.
• It is offered in two colors, black and grey.

7. Automaxx Windmill 1500W 24V 60A Wind Turbine Generator kit by Automaxx

The complete package of Automaxx Windmill 1500W 24V comes with an MPPT charge controller, manual and automatic braking system as well as an Amp meter.

Other features of this wind power kit also include:

• A cohesive automated braking system helps safeguard it from abrupt and high speeds of wind. Also, it offers simple DIY installation procedures inclusive of all materials. The windmill can also be used together with solar panels.
• The package also includes a maximum power point tracking, and it is built with a high-grade Polypropylene & Glass Fiber material that has a weather-resistant seal.
• The product consists of protection features like UV protection coating, protection against unexpected wind gust and voltage surge, high wind speeds, and battery overcharging.
• Various specifications such as 1500W rated power rated speed of 46 ft/s, 24V Voltage system, and 5.6mph cut-in wind speed. Also, it offers a 200A battery capacity or more, three blades, 5.6 ft Rotor diameter, and Weight: 33 lb.
• The kit includes one centerpiece (Generator), one Tail Piece, one MPPT Charge Controller, three Blades, 1 Nose cone, Amp meter display box, 1 Manual brake switch, Locking nuts, Spacers, Hex Screws, Hex keys and one operational installation manual.
• One-year warranty from the manufacturer.

Automaxx Windmill 1500W 24V is undeniably a great option when searching for the best wind turbine for home use.

8. ISTABREEZE Set 1.5kW, 24V Windsafe by ISTABREEZE

The main components of the home wind turbine kit include a wind generator and a Hybrid Charger Controller.

The product also includes other multiple features such as:

• System Voltage of 24V
• A warranty period of 2 years and it’s considered the world’s best-selling brand
• Generator: 3phase AC PMG, aluminum material, Working temperature from -40℃ to 80℃
• Special protection: a wind generator rated capacity of 1500W, upward tilting during a storm, and 24V system voltage.
• A Wind Mill Blade is built of plastic and 30% glass fibers. The blade is 107 cm, and noise is 40dB

9. Windmax HY400 500 Watt by WindMax

Whether it’s on the strong or mild wind, this is a right wind turbine for you. It is a well-built home windmill that will give you superior performance due to its cutting-edge features.

As per the manufacturers, the product comes with the following features:

• 5-Blade Wind Generator Kit with a max voltage of 12V
• 500 Watt Max/400 Watt Rated
• Pole not included
• The wind turbine kit consists of a generator, controller, blades, and screws/bolts
• The product is maintenance-free
• Offers higher energy production yield even at low wind speeds.
• Low wind turbine ownership cost (great for starters)

10. MarsRock Small Wind Turbine Generator by Marsrock

The 400W economy windmill qualifies to be among the best home wind turbine kits, due to its extensive features. This product is ideal for a hybrid wind and solar system, and includes the following:

• Can operate at low wind speed with maximum energy utilization, low vibration, attractive appearance;
• A friendly design which is easy to install, maintenance, and repair.
• Start wind speed of 2m/s
• Three aerodynamically tapered blades that produce 400Watt, 12Volt.
• Exact injection binding blades together with the enhanced model of aerodynamic contour. The structure and the blades have various advantages, including high exploitation of wind energy.
• Generators, permanent magnet rotor alternator that has a special stator design to reduce resistance torque efficiently.
• Size: 70cm x 30cm x 25cm (27.56in x 11.81in x 9.84in);
• Weight: 10.0kg (22.05lb.)

11. GOWE Grid tie 800W Wind Turbine Generator by Gowe

This fantastic product comes as a complete package consisting of:

• 2pcs of 400W wind turbine inclusive of grid tie controller, and 2pcs of waterproof grid tie inverter.
• Note: For a 22V grid, it is ideal to use a set of at most six inverters while in 110V grid, a set of 4 inverters at most can be used. The inverter package comprises of a microgrid inverter, user manual, single pouch of screws and a Warranty card.
• LED Lamp Indication and operation: Green LED is the operation indicator and flashes at fast, while the red LED is the failure indicator and flashes slowly. The blue LED is the MPPT indicator, which also flashes slowly.
• The number of times the red LED flashes indicates specific failures such as; Single Flashing for undervoltage/overvoltage input while double flashing means power grid under-frequency/over-frequency. Additionally, triple flashing stands for power grid undervoltage/overvoltage, flashing for four times indicates output overcurrent while 5X flashing means input overcurrent.
• Flashing 6 Times indicates high-temperature protection, 7X flashing 7 PWM driving undervoltage/overvoltage while flashing 8 Times shows undervoltage/overvoltage in internal voltage reference. If the red LED flashes for nine times, it shows sensor bias current error, while ten times signifies hardware zero passage failure detection.
  Nevertheless, it is good to note that all these operations can only be undertaken if the power grid is connected. GOWE Grid tie 800W is available on Amazon.

12. ECO-WORTHY 1200 Watts Solar Wind Turbine Generator Power Kit

With this home wind turbine, you can generate power, both from wind energy as well as solar energy. The product includes two solar panels which can be used to create solar power when the wind is slow, and the sun is optimal.

Each solar panel is 12V, making 24V for both. Although the panels don’t work at night, the system stores the power generated during the day in batteries. Read more about Eco-Worthy solar panels.

Key features include:

• A hybrid controller which is 12v/24v autodetect. To install, you should first connect your battery to the controller, then link the wind turbine and the solar panel with the controller.
• Controller connection: The red wire is positive in all connections; the black cable connects to the battery negative while the green ones connect to the wind turbine. Also, the blue wire, on the other hand, connects with the solar negative while the yellow one connects with the 12V/24V DC devices.
• The system lacks a pole, and therefore you should purchase one. A pole of 4.5m-10m high, 7.4cm – out diameter and 5.3cm – inner diameter is ideal.

13. Popsport Wind Generator 400W Hybrid Wind Turbine Generator

For those who have been craving for a noiseless home wind turbine, then this is the best wind turbine for you. The 400W hybrid turbine produces minimal vibrations, which in turn reduces the amount of noise.

Its distinctive features include:

• Operational in as low as 2.5m/s start-up wind speeds
• 400W rated wind generator power; rated Voltage of DC27-54V, DC12V Battery Voltage, and three blades.
• 12m/s rated wind speed, or 800r/min(rpm)
• Hybrid system with solar a panel with high light power utilization
• A permanent magnet generator that has a special stator.
• Ideal for homes, green windmill, or businesses.

What is a Home Wind Turbine?

As the world is putting in more and more efforts to change to renewable sources of energy, wind energy is one of the primary targeted sources. With more research advocating for the use of clean energy to preserve the environment, wind energy will play a significant role.

Home wind energy can come in handy for homeowners who are looking to produce power for their homes and live more of an off-grid lifestyle.

Although a large section of wind farms target to power multiple users such as a community or a town, smaller home wind turbine kits also exist.

These small turbines can be used by individuals to generate electricity for their homes, cabins or businesses. Some can also be used for marine perposes. Although not as popular as solar power, wind energy can still provide enough power, especially in areas with strong winds.

Typically, an average household will require a 5kW home wind turbine to meet all their energy requirements.

Nevertheless, the efficiency of the wind turbine will significantly depend on the strength of the wind in your area.

A home wind turbine is a device that is used to convert the kinetic energy from the wind to electricity.

The turbine acts as a generator and produces clean power from wind energy, that is decarbonized or free from emissions.

A home wind turbine can be a great addition to your existing solar setup, allowing you to continue to generate some power during the night. 

Things to Consider When Buying a Home Wind Turbine

Before you purchase and install your home wind turbine, there are several essential things that you should consider. Here are a few necessary things that you should determine before the purchase:

How much energy do you need?

Having a clear data on the exact amount of energy your home require is vital. It enables you to know which is the best residential wind turbine to suit your power needs.

The amount of wind in your area

By determining the amount and speeds of the wind around your location, you can quickly know the size and type of the turbine you need. Since different home wind turbines have various power generating capacities, you can decide which is the best for you.

The speed of the wind will determine the turbine to buy, as the start-up wind speeds in different turbines also vary.

Research on current local zoning laws

You should find out any local regulations that may affect or hinder you from installing that turbine.

For instance, in some communities, the installation of wind turbines may be prohibited.

Check the Certification

You should also make sure that the home wind turbine you want to buy is certified. Certification is by the Small Wind Certification Council, which is a body that is tasked with ensuring that manufacturers only bring quality wind turbines in the market.

After undertaking these crucial steps, you can now go ahead and purchase your home wind turbine.

Conclusion on Using Home Wind Energy

Finding a reliable alternative source of power for your home can be a mind-boggling task. I believe this piece on home wind turbines has shed more light on wind energy production as well as the various turbines you can buy.

For most people we recommend the ECO-WORTHY 400 Watt Wind Turbine Generator with 12V/24V 20A Hybrid Charge Controller.

Before you buy, you can also determine how many turbines you need with our wind turbine calculator.

Which home wind turbine do you think is best for your house? Please let us know in the comments below.