Renogy 1.2kW Essential Kit

The Renogy 1.2kW Essential Kit is a packaged off-grid power system for small cabins, sheds, and tiny houses. It pairs a 1,280W solar array (four 320W N-type monocrystalline panels) with a 10.24kWh lithium iron phosphate battery bank and a 48V 3500W pure sine wave solar inverter charger, plus the combiner box, circuit breakers, and cabling to connect the major components. OffGrid Horizon is a family-owned authorized Renogy dealer serving the US market.

Who This Kit Is For

This kit fits weekend cabins, rural outbuildings, tiny houses, and small independent power setups where the daily loads are refrigeration, lights, electronics, and occasional small appliances. It shares its architecture with Renogy's 2.5kW Essential Plus Kit — same 48V inverter charger, half the panels and storage. If you plan to live off-grid full time with larger loads, consider the 2.5kW Essential Plus instead, or call us and we'll help you compare.

Key Features

• 1,280W solar array: four 320W N-type monocrystalline panels with 22.2% module efficiency, per Renogy.
• 10.24kWh LiFePO4 storage: four 12V 200Ah Core Mini lithium batteries rated for 5,000 cycles (80% DOD, 80% EOL), per Renogy.
• 48V 3500W pure sine wave solar inverter charger: greater than 95% peak efficiency, up to 4,400W PV input (150V max), and up to 40A AC charging from a generator or shore power, per Renogy.
• Electrical protection included: 5-string solar combiner box, DC miniature circuit breakers, DC circuit breaker box, and a 160A 2P DC molded case circuit breaker.
• Pre-sized cabling: PV adaptor kits, tray cables, battery interconnects, and inverter cables are supplied.
• App monitoring: BT-2 Bluetooth module included for monitoring from a phone.
• Room to grow: the inverter charger's 4,400W PV input ceiling leaves substantial headroom for adding panels later, per Renogy's specifications.

Why Renogy

Renogy has built off-grid solar equipment since 2010. Its kits use matched components — panels, batteries, power conversion, and protection hardware — each covered by its own Renogy limited warranty. As an authorized dealer, OffGrid Horizon supplies genuine Renogy equipment with full warranty coverage.

What's In the Box

Component list per Renogy's current kit listing:

• 320W N-Type Monocrystalline Solar Panel x4
• 12V 200Ah Core Mini Lithium Battery x4
• 48V 3500W Pure Sine Wave Solar Inverter Charger x1
• 5-String Solar Combiner Box x1
• 16A 1P DC Miniature Circuit Breaker x2
• 32A 1P DC Miniature Circuit Breaker x1
• DC Circuit Breaker Box x1
• 160A 2P DC Molded Case Circuit Breaker x1
• BT-2 Bluetooth Module x1
• 40ft 10AWG solar panel to charge controller adaptor kit (pair) x2
• 16ft 10AWG battery to charge controller tray cables for 3/8 in lugs (pair) x1
• 8ft 8AWG solar stranded copper PV wire x2
• 12in 1AWG copper battery interconnect cable for 3/8 in lugs x3
• 8ft 1AWG copper battery inverter cables for 3/8 in lugs (pair) x2

Panel mounting hardware is not listed among the kit components; roof or ground mounting must be sourced separately.

Specifications

What Will It Run?

Stated assumptions: estimates assume 4.5 peak sun hours per day (mid-range US annual average; regional values run roughly 3.5 to 5.5) and 25% combined system losses. Appliance wattages are typical estimates — check your equipment nameplates.

• Estimated daily solar harvest: 1,280W x 4.5 h x 0.75 ≈ 4.3kWh per day under those assumptions.
• Usable storage: roughly 8.2kWh at the 80% depth of discharge used in Renogy's cycle rating — close to two days of reserve at the harvest estimate.
• Example daily load set (~2.5kWh): an efficient refrigerator (~1.2kWh/day), LED lighting (~0.25kWh), laptop, router, and phone charging (~0.5kWh), a fan or TV for a few hours (~0.4kWh).
• Limits: simultaneous loads must stay under the 3,500W continuous inverter rating; sustained high-draw appliances (space heaters, large A/C, electric water heaters) will outrun the array and are not a fit for this kit.

Warranty & Support

Per Renogy: the 320W panels carry a 10-year material and workmanship warranty, and the Core Mini lithium batteries carry a 5-year prorated material and workmanship warranty. Remaining components are covered by Renogy's limited warranty for their categories — contact us for current terms on the inverter charger and accessories. OffGrid Horizon is family-owned; call (302) 496-3554 for sizing help before you order or warranty coordination after.

Shipping

This kit is heavy and ships LTL freight on a pallet within the US. The carrier will schedule delivery with you, typically with a liftgate for residential stops. Inspect every carton before signing the delivery receipt — note any damage or shortage on the receipt and contact us immediately so we can file with the carrier on your behalf.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this kit "complete"?
Per Renogy's component list it includes the panels, battery bank, inverter charger, combiner box, DC breakers, breaker box, and all major power cabling — the electrical backbone of an off-grid system. You supply panel mounts, AC-side wiring to your outlets, and any conduit your installation requires.

Is mounting hardware included?
No. Renogy's kit list does not include roof or ground mounts; choose mounting appropriate to your site separately.

Can I expand the solar array later?
Yes, within limits: the inverter charger accepts up to 4,400W of PV at up to 150V per Renogy, so the included 1,280W array can grow substantially.

How does the bank behave in winter?
Per Renogy, the Core Mini batteries charge between 32°F and 131°F and discharge between -4°F and 149°F. Plan an insulated or heated battery location if your winters drop below freezing.

Can a generator charge the batteries?
Yes — the inverter charger accepts AC input and charges at up to 40A, per Renogy, useful during long cloudy spells.

Does this tie into the grid?
No. It is an off-grid system and does not export power to a utility.

Questions about whether 1.2kW covers your cabin? Call our family at (302) 496-3554 or explore the full Renogy collection.