Solar Panel Kits vs Power Stations: Which to Send to Cuba?
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Look, the apagones aren't getting better anytime soon.
You've probably had this exact conversation with your family: "What do you need?" And the answer keeps coming back to power. Fans that actually run. A fridge that stays cold. Lights when the grid goes dark for eight, ten, twelve hours. The question isn't if you should send solar equipment—it's which kind actually makes sense for someone who's never installed a panel in their life, dealing with salt air and humidity that eats electronics for breakfast.
Solar panel kits and portable power stations both solve the same problem, but they do it completely differently. One's a long-term investment that needs installation. The other's plug-and-play but has limits. Let's figure out which one your family actually needs.
The Real Difference (And Why It Matters)
Here's the thing nobody tells you upfront: solar panel kits generate power, while power stations store power. A kit with panels, charge controller, and mounting hardware is a permanent installation that produces electricity whenever the sun's out. A power station is essentially a giant battery you charge from the wall (or solar panels) and use when you need it.
For Cuba specifically, this distinction matters more than anywhere else. Panel kits require someone who can mount them, run wiring, and troubleshoot when something goes wrong. Power stations? You plug them in, charge them up, and they're ready. But they also run out—and if the grid's down for days, you're back to square one unless you pair them with panels.
The humidity and salt air near the coast will test any equipment. Cheaper electronics corrode fast. And shipping costs for heavy batteries or large panel kits can double your investment if you're not careful. Let's look at what actually works.
⚡ The Quick Answer
For most Cuban families, the Renogy 400W Premium Kit hits the sweet spot—it's a complete system with quality components that someone handy can install in a weekend. If your family needs something simpler with zero installation, pair a foldable panel with a power station they already have or can buy locally. The massive 2340W ECO-WORTHY system is overkill unless you're powering a small business.
See the Renogy 400W Kit →The Best All-Around Solar Kit
Renogy Premium 400W 12V Solar Kit
5★ (505 reviews) • $$$$$
This is the kit I'd send to my own family. Four 100W panels, a 40A MPPT charge controller (the good kind—15-20% more efficient than PWM), Bluetooth monitoring so you can check status from your phone, and all the mounting hardware. The MPPT controller alone is worth the premium—it squeezes more power out of panels in partial shade or cloudy conditions, which matters during Cuba's rainy season.
Reviewers consistently praise the build quality and the included instructions. At 400W, you're looking at enough power to run fans, charge phones, and keep a small fridge going during daylight hours—with proper battery storage, you extend that into the night.
VERDICT: The complete package for families who have someone handy enough to mount panels on a roof.
Check Price on Amazon400W Kit Showdown: Renogy vs ECO-WORTHY
Both are solid options at the $$$$$ tier. Here's how they actually compare.
Renogy 400W Premium
5★ • $$$$$
- ✓ 40A MPPT controller (more efficient)
- ✓ Bluetooth monitoring included
- ✓ Better documented instructions
- ✓ Higher review rating
ECO-WORTHY 400W Premium
4.3★ • $$$$$
- ✓ 40A MPPT controller
- ✓ Bluetooth module included
- ✓ Z-brackets for mounting
- ○ Slightly lower rating (4.3 vs 5)
Both kits are nearly identical in specs. The Renogy edges ahead on user reviews and documentation quality—worth the slight premium when you're shipping equipment that needs to work on arrival.
Starting Smaller: The 200W Entry Point
ECO-WORTHY 200W 12V/24V Kit
4.6★ (465 reviews) • $$$$$
If 400W feels like overkill or you're testing the waters, this 200W kit is the sensible starting point. Includes a 30A PWM controller (less efficient than MPPT, but simpler and reliable), works with both 12V and 24V systems. Enough to power a couple of fans and charge devices.
VERDICT: Perfect first solar kit for families new to off-grid power.
Check Price →
200W N-Type Half-Cut Kit
4.1★ • $$$$$
Newer N-type cells with half-cut design—better shade tolerance. Lower rating suggests newer product with fewer reviews.
Check Price →When 400W Isn't Enough
Running a small business? Need to power a full-size refrigerator? Here's where you go bigger.
ECO-WORTHY 2340W 48V Complete System
4.4★ (445 reviews) • $$$$$
This is the whole enchilada: 12 panels (195W each), a 5000W all-in-one inverter/charger, and 9.36kWh of storage capacity. We're talking enough to run a small home or business during extended blackouts. The 48V system is more efficient for larger installations.
The catch: Shipping this beast will cost a fortune, and installation requires real electrical knowledge. This is a project, not a gift you drop off.
VERDICT: Only for serious installations where someone knows what they're doing.
Check Price on AmazonThe 800W Sweet Spot
Double the power of a 400W kit without the complexity of a full home system. Here are your options.
Callsun 800W (8x100W)
4.6★ • $$$$$
Eight 100W panels give you flexibility—install some now, add more later. Works with 12V/24V/48V/60V systems. High-output design for maximum efficiency.
VERDICT: Best for gradual expansion.
Check Price →
18BB 800W N-Type (4x200W)
4.3★ • $$$
Four larger 200W panels instead of eight smaller ones—fewer connections, simpler installation. N-type cells with 25% efficiency. At the $$$ tier, this is significantly cheaper than competitors.
VERDICT: Best bang for your buck in 800W territory.
Check Price →
STAR 870W (2x435W)
4.2★ • $$$$$
Just two massive 435W panels. Full-screen design, maintenance-free claim. 48V/24V compatible. Fewer panels means fewer potential failure points.
VERDICT: Simpler installation, but larger panels are harder to ship.
Check Price →
Plug and Play 800W System
4.5★ • $$$$$
The name says it all—800W panels plus 800W inverter, plugs directly into a wall outlet. Caution: This grid-tie approach may not work well with Cuba's unstable grid.
VERDICT: Interesting concept, but off-grid kits are safer for Cuba.
Check Price →The Portable Alternative: Foldable Panels
No roof access? Renting? These fold up and go wherever the sun is—no installation required.
Pro tip: Foldable panels are perfect for pairing with existing power stations or batteries. They're also much easier to ship and don't require permanent mounting—ideal for apartments or families who move frequently.
DOKIO 300W Portable Foldable Kit
4.2★ (425 reviews) • $$$$$
Folds down to 20x38 inches, weighs 15.3 lbs. Comes with a separate controller and dual USB ports. Charges 12V batteries and most power stations directly. This is the "set it in the sun and forget it" option—no drilling, no wiring, no permanent commitment.
VERDICT: Best portable option for serious power needs without installation.
Check Price →
ALLPOWERS 100W Foldable
4.2★ • $$$$
23% efficient, IP66 waterproof. Compact and lighter than the DOKIO. Good for charging smaller power stations or as a backup.
Check Price →
YT30 30W Foldable Charger
4.3★ • $$$
Ultra-compact, IP65 waterproof, QC3.0 USB + DC output with 10 connectors. For phone/tablet charging only—won't power appliances.
Check Price →
STAR 100W Single Panel
4.2★ • $$$
Full-screen design, 25% efficiency. Good starter panel to add to existing systems or test solar before committing to a full kit.
Check Price →How Much Solar Does Your Family Actually Need?
Use this calculator to figure out the right system size based on what they're trying to power.
Solar Sizing Calculator
Select Your Appliances
Daily Energy Usage
View Cost Breakdown →
| Solar Panels (3x 400W) | $750 |
| Batteries (3x 100Ah) | $1200 |
| Inverter (1000W) | $300 |
| Wiring & Accessories | $150 |
| Installation (DIY savings) | $200 |
Pro Tips: Start with essentials (lights, fan, fridge, phones) and expand later. LiFePO4 batteries cost more but last 10+ years vs 3-5 years for lead-acid. In Cuba's climate, expect 5-6 peak sun hours daily.
Quick Reference: All Kits Compared
| Kit | Wattage | Controller | Price | Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renogy 400W ⭐ | 400W | 40A MPPT | $$$$$ | 5★ | Best overall |
| ECO-WORTHY 400W | 400W | 40A MPPT | $$$$$ | 4.3★ | Alternative 400W |
| 18BB 800W N-Type 💰 | 800W | Not included | $$$ | 4.3★ | Best value 800W |
| ECO-WORTHY 200W | 200W | 30A PWM | $$$$$ | 4.6★ | Starter kit |
| DOKIO 300W Foldable | 300W | Included | $$$$$ | 4.2★ | No installation |
| ECO-WORTHY 2340W | 2340W | 5000W Inverter | $$$$$ | 4.4★ | Whole home/business |
Estimate Your Shipping Costs
Solar panels are bulky. Factor in shipping before you buy.
| Carrier | Shipping | Customs | Total | Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mula (Informal) Cheapest but least reliable. Ask for references. | $20.00 | $20.00 | $40.00 | 7-30 days |
Cubamax Popular choice. Pickup points in Cuba. | $35.00 | $20.00 | $55.00 | 14-21 days |
Caribbean Air Mail Good balance of price and speed. | $40.00 | $20.00 | $60.00 | 10-18 days |
DHL Express Most reliable but expensive. Door-to-door delivery. | $75.00 | $20.00 | $95.00 | 5-10 days |
* Estimates based on 2024 rates. Actual costs may vary. Customs fees depend on Cuba regulations which change frequently.
Side-by-Side Comparison
ECO-WORTHY 200 Watts 12 Volt/24 Volt Solar Panel Kit with High Efficiency Monocrystalline Solar Panel and 30A PWM Charge Controller for RV, Camper, Vehicle, Caravan and Other Off Grid Applications
18BB 800 Watt Solar Panel, 4pcs 200W N-Type Solar Panels, 25% High-Efficiency Monocrystalline Module PV, for 12V/24V Battery, Home, Trailer, Camping, Marine, Boat, Farm, RV and Off-Grid
【New Version】 Renogy Premium 400 Watt 12 Volt Solar Kit 4 Pcs 100W Panel+40A MPPT Charge Controller+ Bluetooth Module Fuse+ Mounting Z Brackets+Adaptor Kit +Tray Cables Set for RV Cabin and More
The Bottom Line
For most families in Cuba, the Renogy 400W Premium Kit is the smartest investment—complete system, quality components, excellent documentation. If installation isn't an option, the DOKIO 300W Foldable gives you serious portable power without drilling a single hole. And if you're watching your budget, the 18BB 800W N-Type panels at $$$ deliver twice the wattage of the 400W kits at a lower price tier—you'll just need to source a charge controller separately.
Whatever you choose, you're giving your family something more valuable than any appliance: independence from a grid that can't be trusted. That's worth every dollar.
Your Solar Shopping Checklist
Featured Products
ECO-WORTHY 200 Watts 12 Volt/24 Volt Solar Panel Kit with High Efficiency Monocrystalline Solar Panel and 30A PWM Charge Controller for RV, Camper, Vehicle, Caravan and Other Off Grid Applications
ECO-WORTHY 400 Watt 12 Volt Premium Solar Panel Kit :4pcs 100W Solar Panel+ 40A MPPT Charge Controller+ Bluetooth Module+ Mounting Z Brackets, 400W 12V Solar Power Off Grid System for Home, RV, Boat.
STAR 870 Watt Solar Panel, 2PCS 435W 48V/24V Solar Panels with Full-Screen Design & Maintenance-Free, 25% High-Efficiency Monocrystalline, Reliable Power for RV, Marine, Roof, Home, and Off-Grid
Plug and Play Solar Panel Power with 800-Watt Solar Panels and 800-Watt Inverter; Simply Plug into Wall
18BB 800 Watt Solar Panel, 4pcs 200W N-Type Solar Panels, 25% High-Efficiency Monocrystalline Module PV, for 12V/24V Battery, Home, Trailer, Camping, Marine, Boat, Farm, RV and Off-Grid
STAR 100 Watt Solar Panels, 12/24V Solar Panel with Full-Screen Design & Maintenance-Free, 25% High-Efficiency Monocrystalline, Reliable Power for RV, Marine, Roof, Home, and Off-Grid Applications
800W Solar Panel, Callsun 8PCS 100 Watt Solar Panel with High-Output Design, High Efficiency Monocrystalline PV Module,Ideal for RV, Home, Van, Marine, Rooftop,Farm, Off-Grid,12V/24V/48V/60V System
ECO-WORTHY 9.36KWH 2340W 48V Solar Power System Kit Off Grid Solar Panel Kit with 5000W 48V All-in-One Off-Grid Charge Inverter and 12pcs 195W Mono Solar Panel and Z Mounting Brackets.Plug and Play
【New Version】 Renogy Premium 400 Watt 12 Volt Solar Kit 4 Pcs 100W Panel+40A MPPT Charge Controller+ Bluetooth Module Fuse+ Mounting Z Brackets+Adaptor Kit +Tray Cables Set for RV Cabin and More
30W Solar Panel Charger YT30 Foldable Solar Panel IP65 Waterproof Solar Charger with QC3.0 USB & DC Output(10 Connectors) 24% High Efficiency for Outdoor Camping
200 Watt Solar Panel Kit with 30A PWM Charge Controller, 12V/24V N-Type Monocrystalline Half-Cut Solar Panel for RV Camper Boat Trailer Rooftop Off-Grid System
DOKIO 300W Portable Foldable Solar Panel Kit (20x38in, 15.3lb), with Separate Controller and Dual USB, Monocrystalline Charger for 12V Batteries & Power Stations, RV Camping Trailer Emergency Backup