This is my hands-on review of the Newpowa 100 Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panel.
For this review I first tested the panel with a multimeter. Then I rigged up a custom testing system to measure its power output. I also used it in my solar power projects for over a month.
It performed well across the board. After all that, I think the Newpowa 100W 12V solar panel is the best 100 watt monocrystalline panel for those on a budget. It’s well-made and among the cheapest 100 watt solar panels on Amazon.
Full review: Best 100 Watt Solar Panels
Newpowa 100W 12V Monocrystalline Solar Panel
The best budget 100W mono panel
The Newpowa panel is a solid combination of value and performance. It’s also smaller and lighter than many other similarly priced 100 watt solar panels.
| Solar cell type: | Monocrystalline | Max power (Pmax): | 100W |
| Max power voltage (Vmp): | 16.77V | Max power current (Imp): | 6.26A |
| Open circuit voltage (Voc): | 19.83V | Short circuit current (Isc): | 6.56A |
| Dimensions: | 44.49″ x 19.88″ x 1.18″ (1130mm x 505mm x 30mm) |
Weight: | 13.5 lbs (6.1 kg) weighed 14.55 lbs (6.6kg) listed |
Newpowa Solar Panel Review
First Impressions
I first came across Newpowa when I bought their 5W solar panel to make a DIY solar car battery charger. Their 5W panel impressed me, so I reached out to them to see if I could try out their 100W monocrystalline panel. They agreed and generously sent me one.
It arrived well packaged and in great condition. (By contrast, other solar panels I own have been poorly packaged and arrived with dents in the frame.)
I pulled it out of the box and saw the characteristic black of monocrystalline solar cells. I could tell it was a little smaller and lighter than other 100 watt solar panels I own.
I did a quick inspection of the panel’s build quality. Everything about the panel at first glance looked good. Then I checked some of its specs, such as weight and dimensions, against the manufacturer’s claims.
But what I really care about when it comes to solar panels is their power output. So I took it outside to do some initial testing with a multimeter.
Multimeter Testing
I put the Newpowa panel in direct sunlight at noon on a sunny day.
First, I used my multimeter to measure the open circuit voltage (Voc) of the solar panel.
I measured a max Voc of 19.91V. The panel claims a Voc of 19.83V at STC.
Next, I used my multimeter to measure the short circuit current (Isc).
I measured a max Isc of 6.57A. The panel claims an Isc of 6.56A at STC.
I was impressed by these initial results. The solar panels I test with a multimeter usually don’t exceed both their claimed Voc and Isc.
But a multimeter only tells you so much. The test I find most informative is power output in watts. So I went about rigging up a testing system to measure just that.
Installation & Mounting
I set up my Newpowa solar panel by first connecting a battery then the Newpowa panel to a solar charge controller.
Note: Check out my tutorial on how to set up your first solar power system
I also added a watt meter inline with the solar cables and connected a Bluetooth module to the charge controller. These two additions gave me two different ways to measure the panel’s power output.
I didn’t permanently mount my panel, but it has the standard number of mounting holes. There are two on either side of the frame, plus a small hole in the middle for grounding.
Power Output Testing
My testing setup complete, I took the Newpowa panel — along with four more top 100 watt solar panels — outside at noon and placed it in direct sunlight. I used two sawhorses to mount each panel at the same tilt angle
Using the watt meter and charge controller, I recorded each panel’s power output in watts.
Here are the results:
The Newpowa panel placed fourth, with a max output of 68.6 watts — a mediocre showing.
Note: I tested the panels at 33.7° latitude in early December.
Build Quality
Like I said, the panel arrived in good condition, without bends in the frame or scratches on the panel glass.
The cables and MC4 connectors looked to be of good quality. I twisted the connectors to test for any looseness — a sign of a poorly crimped connector — but found none.
Then I popped open the junction box on the back of the panel, which has an IP65 waterproof rating. I tugged on the crimps and inspected the solder joints. Everything looked good. I noticed the panel has four bypass diodes. Other 100 watt panels I’ve tested only have two.
I also noticed what appeared to be waterproof sealant around the inner rim of the panel back. I’ve seen this before in a couple other solar panels. Perhaps it makes the Newpowa panel a little more waterproof.
All in all, the panel seemed sturdy and well-built.
Size & Weight
Here’s how the Newpowa panel’s size (length * width) compares to other top 100W panels:
And here’s how its weight compares:
The Newpowa panel is the second smallest of these panels — only slightly bigger than the Renogy Mono, and nearly 200 square inches smaller than the bulky WindyNation Poly. It’s also the lightest, with a weight of 13.5 pounds.
If you have space or weight constraints, the Newpowa mono panel is worth a close look. Monocrystalline cells are more efficient than polycrystalline cells, so you get the same max power output but in a slightly smaller panel. And the Newpowa 100W is a great value as far as mono panels go.
Key Specs
- Solar cell type: Monocrystalline
- Max power (Pmax): 100W
- Max power voltage (Vmp): 16.77V
- Max power current (Imp): 6.26A
- Open circuit voltage (Voc): 19.83V
- Short circuit current (Isc): 6.56A
- Dimensions: 44.49″ x 19.88″ x 1.18″ (1130mm x 505mm x 30mm)
- Weight: 13.5 lbs (6.1 kg) weighed, 14.55 lbs (6.6 kg) listed
What I Like
- It’s a well-made and affordable monocrystalline solar panel. Monocrystalline solar panels have more efficient solar cells, so they can provide the same amount of power in a smaller panel. They are typically more expensive than polycrystalline solar panels. But, according to a price tracker, the Newpowa panel is on average cheaper than even some poly panels on Amazon.
- It’s a small and lightweight 100 watt solar panel. It was the seconded most compact 100W panel I tested. It was also the lightest.
What I Don’t Like
- It didn’t perform great in my power output test. It placed fourth of five panels, outputting a max of 68.6 watts.
Who This Solar Panel Is for
- You have space constraints. Given its small size and weight relative to similar 100W panels, the Newpowa panel is a good option if you have limited space to mount your panels — such as on the roof of a van, boat or RV.
- You want an affordable monocrystalline solar panel. Mono panels output the same amount of power as similarly rated poly panels, but monocrystalline cells are more efficient and thus mono panels can be smaller and lighter. Mono panels are also black while poly panels are blue.
Who This Solar Panel Isn’t for
- You want the most power output. The WindyNation Poly placed first in my power output test with a max output of 72.7 watts.
Top Alternatives
- Renogy 100W 12V Monocrystalline Solar Panel. This is my favorite 100 watt solar panel. Out of the box I liked its build quality and ease of mounting. It was the most compact panel I tested, and the second lightest. It also placed second in my power output test. The only downside is it’s a bit pricier than the other options. Check out my side-by-side comparison of the Newpowa and Renogy solar panels.
- Rich Solar 100W 12V Polycrystalline Solar Panel. The best 100 watt solar panel for those on a budget. According to a price tracker, of the five panels I tested, the Rich Solar panel is on average the cheapest 100W panel on Amazon. It also placed third in my power output test. Read my full Rich Solar 100 Watt Solar Panel Review.
- WindyNation 100W 12V Polycrystalline Solar Panel. This panel placed first in my power output test, outputting a max of 72.7 watts. It’s the biggest and heaviest panel tested, so it’s best if you don’t have space constraints. If you buy through WindyNation’s website it’s also a great value. Read my full WindyNation 100 Watt Solar Panel Review.
The Bottom Line
The Newpowa 100W 12V solar panel is a well-made and affordable monocrystalline solar panel. It’s small and lightweight relative to similarly priced 100W panels, and it has a couple nice touches — waterproof sealant inside the panel frame, a couple extra bypass diodes — that make it a tad bit nicer than cheaper options.
It lagged a bit in my power output tests, but still output the amount of power I’d expect from a 100W panel. Overall it’s a great value, and I think it’s the best 100 watt monocrystalline panel for those on a budget.
A small ask: If you found my Newpowa solar panel review helpful and are planning to buy one, please consider buying through one of my affiliate links below — I’ll get a small commission which will help fund more reviews like this one. Thank you! 🙏
