Best Batteries, Inverters, Panels & More – The Top Solar Gear of 2024!

Nov 30

2024 has been a standout year for solar equipment and accessories. With numerous brands stepping up to the plate and bringing their A-game, we have had the opportunity to test out some really incredible solar gear. With that said, some products have not delivered the same level of innovation or quality, so we wanted to share an unbiased and unsponsored list of some of our top picks for the year.

From the best batteries and inverters to solar panels and ground mounts, we created a list of just a few of our top picks, so, no matter what you’re in the market for, you don’t have to worry about picking up a pile of junk.

If you’re looking to buy a portable power station, we also covered the Best Small Power Stations of 2024 and the Best Large Power Stations of the Year in separate videos and articles, so make sure you check those out if you’re looking to pick one up.

To make things even easier, we’ll also link the separate reviews we did for each of the products mentioned in this article, so you can go a little more in-depth if we cover something you’re interested in. Oh, and make sure you check out the exclusive discount codes and prices we have on some of this gear at the bottom of the article.

So, let’s get down to our breakdown of the best solar gear of the year!

The Best Solar Batteries of 2024

To get started, let's take a look at some of the best batteries we tested this year, beginning with a few server rack batteries we believe blew the competition away.

1. The EG4 LL and EG4 LIFEPOWER 4 Server Rack Batteries:

Kicking things off, we actually have two server rack batteries from EG4: the EG4 LL Battery and the EG4 LIFEPOWER 4 V2 Battery.

Both of these 48V, 100Ah batteries are available in 24V and 12V options. Like most EG4 products, they’re also reliable, versatile, and really well-built.

Basically, the LIFEPOWER 4 is the more stripped-down, entry-level version of the battery, which explains why it is about $100 cheaper than the LL. To justify the increase in price for the LL-version, it comes with a few extra perks, like standard EMP protection and a built-in display screen for quick status checks.

Both options feature UL certification, making them compliant with areas that have stricter battery regulations, like California. They also boast advanced safety features, like fire arresters and evenly distributed temperature sensors that are connected to either battery’s Battery Management System (BMS).

What we really liked about them, is how easy they are to install, and the fact that either version pairs seamlessly with just about any solar power setup. For added convenience, EG4 offers a reasonably priced server cabinet that can store up to six of either type of battery. With built-wheels, a clean wiring layout, and a compact design, it’s the perfect way to keep your server rack batteries organized.

2. Rich Solar Alpha 5 Pro Server Rack Battery:

Sleek, lightweight, and highly efficient, the Rich Solar Alpha 5 Pro Battery is another exceptional option for those in the market for a server rack-style battery.

Like the EG4 server rack batteries, the Alpha 5 Pro is UL-certified. It also features a unique quick-disconnect that makes wiring it incredibly easy. One of its best features is an interactive touchscreen display that is easy to use and provides comprehensive battery diagnostics. For a server rack battery, having a display this intuitive and responsive is really impressive.

The Alpha 5 Pro’s 5,120Wh battery is also stackable, meaning you can easily connect up to 15 units in parallel to achieve a total capacity of 76.8kWh. When paired with Rich Solar’s incredibly slick cabinet, you can easily put together a highly organized and incredibly efficient battery bank.

On top of all of that, it’s available at a really competitive price, giving the EG4 batteries a real run for their money.

3. The BigBattery 48V Husky

Even though BigBattery markets these units as golf cart batteries, the BigBattery Husky 2 is a modular powerhouse that would work perfectly for a wide range of solar applications.

It also carries a IP65 waterproofing rating, making it ideal for RVs, boats, off-grid cabins, or basically any location where humidity and moisture exposure could be a concern.

The modular design is also really unique, allowing you to switch around the side panels and bolt it securely in various configurations. For those looking to build a discreet battery bank inside a tight space, like an RV, this added flexibility is great. Plus, having this level of stability without the need to add aftermarket straps is great for mobile setups.

While its rugged, industrial look might not appeal to everyone, and it wasn’t designed specifically for solar or off-grid setups, it actually excelled in our performance tests, proving to be one of the most practical batteries on this list. In fact, when we originally reviewed it, we came to the conclusion that it might just be one of the most underrated 48V options on the market in 2024.

4. The EG4 Power Pro Battery (Indoor and Outdoor Versions):

This heavy-duty battery boasts a staggering 14kWh capacity at 280Ah, and it’s available in both indoor and outdoor variations, so it can meet the needs of just about any solar power setup.

Despite the fact this beast weighs in at roughly 300 lbs, its slim profile enables fairly straightforward wall mounting, making it perfect for larger systems like off-grid cabins or greenhouses. Even if you prefer to have it sit on the ground, it is still much slimmer than a server rack cabinet, making it a potential space-saver in basements, cabins, sheds, and garages where floor space is at a premium.

Both versions of the battery feature advanced safety protections, including rapid shutdown capabilities and standard EMP protection. Plus, EG4 backs these bad boys with a 10-year warranty, ensuring reliable, long-term operation, even if you really push them on a daily basis.

The indoor version is slightly cheaper, offering savings for those who don't need outdoor protection. You also have the option to scale them up by pairing multiple Power Pro batteries together. Overall, it’s a great option for both indoor and outdoor setups, and it definitely deserves its spot on our list of the top batteries of the year.

The Best Solar Inverters of 2024

Now that we’ve covered some of our favorite batteries of the year, let’s dive into the inverters that really impressed us.

1. The EG4 3000W All-in-One Inverter:

This EG4 3,000W All-in-One Inverter is about as compact and beginner-friendly as it gets. When we tested it, we discovered that it delivers really well for small-scale systems thanks to its consistent performance. Not only is it easy to install, operate, and expand, it’s available at a great price. In fact, at this price point, you definitely have the option to grow your system by adding another unit, which would also allow you to achieve a 240V output.

We were also impressed by its small footprint and lightweight design, which helped with installation. Plus, the fact it is so affordable makes it an excellent choice for RVs or tiny home projects where you may not have the budget you would if you were building out a whole-home backup system.

The built-in display screen might be fairly basic, but it’s super clean and easy to navigate. The app isn’t great, but that might not be a big deal for some users.

This thing also has an incredibly low idle consumption, which means it’s not going to be draining excess power when it’s just sitting there. This is the type of thing that can make your entire setup run more efficiently, so it’s a huge plus for an inverter at this price point.

While we would have preferred if EG4 put a bit more time into creating a more intuitive app to pair with this thing, we think it more than makes up for this with its quiet operation, reliable functionality, and really affordable price point. Overall, it’s just another really well-made product from EG4 that caters to the needs of most entry-level solar power systems.

2. Rich Solar Nova 3000W Inverter:

The Rich Solar Nova 3000W is pretty comparable to the 3,000W inverter that EG4 released, as it offers the same simplicity and level of performance, but we think the EG4 unit offers slightly quieter operation and has built-in dust filters, making it a slightly better option for dusty environments.

With that said, the Rich Solar unit doesn’t need to come with too many frills, as it’s available at a rock-bottom price. Seriously, if you’re just looking for something that works well, but won’t break the bank, it could be your go-to option. In fact, that really budget-friendly price point is a huge part of the reason why it landed a spot on our list.

With that said, the affordable price is not the only thing this inverter has going for it. It supports a really solid solar input and excels in small-to-medium-sized systems. The low price and huge popularity of this unit has meant that availability can be spotty, but it’s worth grabbing if you can find anyone that is carrying it.

3. EG4 6000XP Inverter:

Not only is the EG4 6000XP Inverter our favorite inverter of the year, it’s probably one of our overall favorite pieces of solar equipment for 2024. EG4 designed this powerful and user-friendly unit for larger systems, so it may not be the right option for total beginners, or those with small-to-medium sized systems, but it works so well that we had to shine a light on it.

With a 6,000W output and an incredible 8,000W solar input capacity, it ensures consistent off-grid performance even under heavy loads. Thanks to the built-in breakers for both grid and generator setups, you can eliminate the need for additional components, which can save you some money and simplify your entire setup.

While the dated display screen interface could use an upgrade, its low idle power consumption, hugely impressive solar input, and ability to accommodate 120V and 240V outputs makes it a standout product. Plus, it’s available through some really reputable retailers, like Signature Solar, so if you have a problem during setup or daily use, you can rely on excellent support.

Overall, it’s one of our favorite pieces of equipment for all of 2024, so we highly recommend checking it out if you’re looking to upgrade your system with a higher capacity inverter.

The Best Solar Accessories and Panels of 2024

Now that we’ve taken you through the best batteries and inverters, let’s round things out by taking a look at some of the other components that impressed us, starting with a solar panel stand that can help you get the most out of your panels.

1. EG4 Bright Mount Ground Solar Panel Mount:

Designed to be incredibly beginner-friendly thanks to its affordable price point and how easy it is to install, the EG4 Bright Ground Mount Solar Panel Stand is perfect for securing up to four 400W panels.

Its durable build impressed us right away, and in the time since we first set it up, it has successfully withstood some really harsh windstorms, proving its robust design isn’t just for show.

It only took about an hour for us to set it up, and the sliders make it easy to adjust the positioning of the attached solar panel panels, as well as their angle. It even comes with a grounding cable, which very few mounts include. On top of all of that, it doesn’t sag in the same way some of the cheaper mounts we have tested in the past, even when we had it fully loaded with panels.

While the mount could benefit from additional T-brackets in the middle to allow you to fit a wider variety of solar panel sizes, it just blows away the cheap Amazon-style, no-name stands and mounts out there, but doesn’t cost too much more.

While a solar panel mount might not be the most exciting thing to talk about, we’ve tested some complete junk in the past, so it’s really refreshing to find an affordable option that actually works really well.

2. Sirius 415W Bifacial Solar Panels:

While solar panels are rarely the type of product that makes headlines, we were incredibly impressed by the Sirius 415W Bifacial Solar Panel.

For starters, these things are available at a ridiculously low price, especially for a 415W panel. The fully black design also looks great and makes it easier to disguise these things on a roof. Normally, the panels themselves are black, while the framing looks like unpainted metal, but Sirius gave these things a matching color scheme, which is a thoughtful touch.

Sirius is an American company and we found that their panels generate power really efficiently. Plus, when we first ordered them, they actually arrived packaged really well, which isn’t always the case with solar panels. In fact, it’s not uncommon to receive panels with chipped and cracked glass facings when you order the more budget-friendly options, so the fact Sirius packages their products so well is not something we were quick to dismiss.

The fact they’re available at such an entry-level price point means they’re a huge steal. If you’re looking to upgrade your solar panels, or even just build out a permanent solar array for the first time, do yourself a favor and check these things out.

Our Final Thoughts

At The Solar Lab, our goal has always been to bring you unbiased and unsponsored reviews to help you make informed decisions. All of these products all stood out in terms of performance, reliability, and user-friendliness, making them our top picks for 2024.

If we mentioned anything above that caught your eye, we have linked individual reviews throughout this article, as well as some links to the best prices we were able to find for them down below.

Use Code: THESOLARLAB50 for $50 Off

The Solar Lab