Power is power
Two 400 W panels and eight 100 W panels both make 800 W. What differs is cost, mounting and wiring.
| Fewer big panels (400 W+) | More small panels (100–200 W) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price per watt | Usually lower | Usually higher |
| Mounting | Fewer rails, fewer holes | More hardware, more work |
| Wiring | Simpler | More connections |
| Fits odd spaces | Less flexible | Better |
| Best for | Homes, cabins, ground mounts, bus roofs | Van roofs, around vents and hatches |
What to buy
- Homes, cabins, tiny houses: any name-brand ~400 W panel, often cheapest by the pallet.
- Vans: 200 W panels that fit around fans and vents. See panels for vans and RVs.
Get the exact setup
A few taps and you'll know exactly what to buy for your situation.