800W Solar Panel Output - How Much Power?
An 800W solar system approaches small off-grid home territory. It provides robust daily power for a cabin or workshop with efficient appliances. Expect 3200-4000Wh per day in good conditions.
Rated Power
800W
Daily Output (Summer)
4000Wh
Voltage (Vmp)
48V
Typical Use
Off-grid home (minimal)
Output Calculator
Your Battery (for charging estimate)
Daily Production
3400Wh
Peak Output
680W
Charge from 50%
0.9 hrs
Charge from Empty
1.8 hrs
Recommendations
* Actual output varies by location, season, panel angle, and shading.
800W Panel Output by Conditions
| Conditions | Peak Output | Daily Production |
|---|---|---|
| Full sun (summer) | 800W | 4000Wh |
| Partial sun | 480W | 2400Wh |
| Winter / cloudy | 320W | 1600Wh |
| Overcast | 160W | 800Wh |
* Based on typical conditions. Actual output varies by location, angle, and temperature.
Battery Charging Times
| Battery Size | Voltage | Time to Full Charge |
|---|---|---|
| 400Ah | 12V | 8 hours |
| 600Ah | 12V | 11 hours |
| 800Ah | 12V | 15 hours |
* From 50% to full in ideal sun conditions. Charging slows as battery approaches full.
- ✓Off-grid cabin
- ✓Workshop with power tools
- ✓Farm outbuilding
- ✓Backup for essentials
- ✓Gradual off-grid transition
- ✗Full-size home
- ✗AC/heat pump
- ✗Electric vehicle charging
- ✗Grid-like expectations
800W Solar Panel Tips
- •Strongly consider 24V or 48V battery system at this size
- •Ground-mount array often makes more sense than roof mount
- •Can handle occasional 1500W loads (microwave, power tools)
- •Multiple MPPT controllers or one large 80A+ unit needed
- •Size for winter production if you need year-round power
Panel Specifications
Typical Dimensions
8x 100W or 4x 200W panels
Weight
100-130 lbs total
Voltage at Max Power (Vmp)
48V
Current at Max Power (Imp)
17A
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 800W solar enough for a house?
For a very efficient small home with propane cooking/heating, 12V fridge, and LED lights - potentially. Not for a standard American home with AC, electric stove, and regular appliances.
How many batteries for 800W solar?
400-600Ah at 12V (or 200-300Ah at 24V) is a good match. This provides 3-4 days of autonomy for a typical efficient cabin.
What charge controller for 800W?
At 12V you need 60-80A capacity, which usually means two controllers. At 24V, a single 40A MPPT works. At 48V, a 20A MPPT is sufficient.