Go Power Vs. Renogy Inverter (Company Review)

When it comes to solar panels and solar panel system installations, Go Power and Renogy are going to pop up in every consideration because of how widespread both are in terms of use.

They both have a solid standing in the solar power industry as well as plenty of customers who have used their systems and experienced each company’s product performance over multiple years.

However, there are still differences between the companies for consumers to note, and with a bit of research, they tend to stand out, especially with inverter choices.

The inverter is that key linchpin in the system that changes solar power to AC electricity, so choosing the right one matters.

Both companies have a strong name in their product line, but their end purpose and primary market vary quite a bit.

Renogy

Renogy started off as a Louisiana State University science project back in 2016 and quickly became a top 500 company in the U.S. once the team decided to take their product into primetime in the solar industry.

They are well situated in the solar panel industry, but the company also provides all the necessary equipment and accessories for a solar system as well, including batteries, connection points, cabling, hardware, and more.

Because they cover the full menu of equipment for a home solar system, Renogy realized multiple revenue channels far more than other companies that focus on solar panels alone and then utilize other companies’ products to build a kit for customers.

Go Power!

Go Power! has been an established industry player since the mid-1990s. As a result, it’s a recognized name for solar panels and related systems.

A key factor about Go Power!’s product line is the focus on mobile solar power versus just fixed panel systems on homes.

The company regularly offers units that work on vehicles, whether it be recreational or commercial.

Target Market for Inverter Products

Go Power

Go Power! inverter selections run the gamut from the smallest unit at 150 Watts to a mega-monster 3,000-watt inverter choice.

While the smallest of the range is easy in size for portability and quick movement, the larger end of the spectrum should be installed for system stability and connection.

The Go Power inverter selection has regularly won points for being safe, environmentally conscious, and easy on the wallet, which is why their products tend to get a lot of recommendations.

Depending on the size of the unit chosen, the inverter involved could either be a full sine wave inverter or a semi-full option.

While some customers have noted that the bigger units tend to be a bit noisy with the built-in fans, overall they’ve been quite pleased with the Go Power! performance and product reliability.

Renogy Inverters

Renogy inverters are simply big in every aspect. The smallest product choice in their line starts at 700 watts and moves up the product line to a 3,500-watt choice solar inverter charger.

Almost all of the Renogy inverters are pure sine wave type, and they regularly score 4.8 out of 5 stars or higher with customers and performance over time.

While these inverters can definitely be used in static settings, they do have applications in mobile RV installations and similar, and will easily handle heavier loads and output for folks wanting a more residential style of power availability even when on the road.

What’s unique about Renogy

Renogy makes a point of building comprehensive kit products for consumers who want to install solar versus just selling systems that are built from various components.

Because of this market approach, Renogy’s inverters are purposefully matched to their solar panel kits and the homes that they will be installed in.

Consumers don’t have to try to figure out how to match compatible items together; Renogy does the work for them with the kit that is provided right from the start.

As a result, the company has had great success selling their solar power system products to the average Joe and consumer wanting a kit that involves one complete purchase and installs.

Along the same lines, consumers will find that the Renogy inverter choices are matched to three kit choices: tiny house, cottage package, and village package.

Obviously, the smallest choice is good for a basic hunting cabin or getaway location up in the mountain with a simple lighting system (about 1200 Watts).

On the other hand, higher-level cottage and villa packages are designed for bigger residential needs, providing sufficient power for computers, phones, and small appliances.

These systems are ideal for areas that have intermittent power issues or frequent storm cutoffs where people need power alternatives when the normal grid goes down a lot.

Go Power! Standouts

A key difference in the Go Power! the category is that most of their product line is focused on mobile systems. As a result, they are not trying to put out heavy power loads in terms of what a residence would need.

Instead, Go Power! inverters and their kits are designed for much smaller demands, oftentimes what people need for hunting, RV trips, mobile short-term power like lifting on a commercial truck, and similar.

These kits are ideal for mobile use, but they would not be viable for a residential power system demand.

Go Power! provides its own version of three kits ranging from a low end (190 Watts) to an upper-level kit (570 Watts).

All of them are designed to be functional in the field with minimal support and maintenance. The low-end kit is matched to a 1,500-watt sine wave inverter assembly, and things improve from there with the two other upgraded kits.

The middle range kit, the Solar Elite (380 Watts) tends to be useful for RV enthusiasts who need enough power to run small appliances after sufficient energy builds up with panels installed on the top of the RV.

But when folks want more than that, including running a computer, the top-end kit, the Solar Extreme, will be needed.

What makes Go Power! Special

Go Power! has a long history, longer than that of Renogy, when it comes to selling solar power kits.

All of their equipment, from panels to chargers and inverters has been dependable and durable, in static settings and in the field.

They are regularly relied on for both consumer and commercial solar power applications, but as mentioned above, their focus is on mobile systems.

Go Power! gets points for warranty coverage of their parts, solid customer support, strong hardware for installation, and pre-installed kits’ performance as well.

Why Renogy is Considered

Renogy is a younger industry player, but they’ve come up the ladder fast because they cover the entire spectrum of solar components needed.

No surprise, their inverter choice selection is solid, with plenty of support and customer guidance as well.

All of their parts are matched and compatible when compiled into the same kit, and their integration is performance-tested before being sold as an assembly system.

As a result, the company has won big points as being a primary choice for off-the-shelf solar kits without the worry and hassle of trying to figure out how to assemble a system and all the components needed.

Renogy Pros and Cons

Renogy Pros:

Comprehensive kits
Intuitive assembly and connections
Great for larger power needs
Works well for both recreational mobile and homes

Renogy Cons:

Not useful in more extreme field conditions
Over-powered for small needs and highly mobile applications
Not designed with vehicles in mind

Go Power! Pros and Cons

Go Power! Pros:

Versatile for heavy field usage
Easily adaptable to vehicles
Works with micro small and small to medium power needs
Designed for mobile users on the go
Much smaller in size

Go Power! Cons:

May need to match compatibility with varied components
Not always intuitive how to connect and assemble
Insufficient power for small appliances
Not intended for recreational parking or homes
Just enough power for camping remote, that’s it

Key Reasons for Choosing One Over the Other

In short, Go Power! inverters are going to be ideal for small power needs, extreme mobile needs and short bursts of energy draw with low-load equipment.

Renogy inverters are going to be the go-to choice for field and “on the road” needs where significant power is needed for keeping far more residential needs running reliably.

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