What is a solar kit for shipping container?

A solar kit for shipping container is a complete solar power system designed to provide a reliable energy solution. A standard shipping container can be converted into a mobile power station, off-grid office space, storage container, or modular data center with the correct design. We are a leading supplier of integrated solar container systems.

Our solar kits is specifically designed to match standard container sizes and weights. A standard solar kit for shipping container consists of:

  • High-efficiency monocrystalline solar panels
  • Aluminum or galvanized steel solar panel mounts
  • Hybrid or off-grid inverters
  • LiFePO4 battery systems
  • DC combiner box
  • Cables and connectors
  • Optional monitoring system

Depending on the customer’s requirements, the system can be designed to provide anywhere from 3 kW to 100 kW or higher.

Why Use Solar Power for Shipping Containers?

Shipping containers can be used for the following purposes:

  • Remote construction offices
  • Mining and oil field operations
  • Telecom base stations
  • Agricultural irrigation control rooms
  • Disaster relief shelters
  • Mobile clinics or laboratories

However, in such cases, access to the main power grid is not possible. The use of diesel generators is common, but they have some disadvantages as well.

The advantages of using solar power for shipping containers include:

  • Lower operating costs after the installation of the system
  • Environmentally friendly
  • Low maintenance
  • Silent operation
  • Scalability of the system

Key Design Considerations

The design of the solar kit for the shipping container requires more than the mere installation of solar panels on the roof of the shipping container.

1. Roof Load Capacity

The standard roof of the shipping container has limited capacity for static weights.

A reinforced solar panel installation system is highly recommended.

2. Energy Demand Calculation

Before selecting system size, determine:

  • The daily energy demand (in kWh/day)
  • The peak demand (in kW)
  • The backup requirement (in hours)

Example:

Application Daily Consumption Recommended Solar Size Battery Capacity
Small Office Container 10–15 kWh 5 kW 15–20 kWh
Telecom Station 20–30 kWh 8–10 kW 30–40 kWh
Industrial Site 50–80 kWh 20–30 kW 60–100 kWh

 3. Battery Type Selection

We focus on the LiFePO4 type of batteries due to the following:

  • Longer cycle count (6000+)
  • Safety ratings
  • Temperature tolerance
  • Depth of discharge

Solar Kit vs. Fully Integrated Solar Container

At LZY Energy, we have two options to offer:

Option A: Complete Solar Container

  • Pre-installed solar panels
  • Pre-installed battery cabinet
  • Pre-installed wiring system
  • Pre-tested and pre-commissioned
  • Ready to deploy out of the box
  • Ideal for rapid deployment projects

Option B: Solar Kit for Existing Container

  • Components shipped separately
  • Customer installs on existing container
  • Customizable capacity range
  • Cost-effective transportation
  • Ideal for projects with existing containers
If you already owns containers on-site, the solar kit option is the most cost-effective solution.

Performance Data from Real Deployment

Our company deployed a 40ft container-based mobile field office in Southeast Asia. The system configuration is as follows:
  • 12 kW solar array
  • 40 kWh LiFePO4 battery pack
  • 15 kW hybrid inverter

12 months performance data:

Metric Result
Annual Solar Generation 16,500 kWh
Diesel Generator Use Reduced by 85%
Estimated Fuel Savings 5,200 liters/year
CO₂ Emission Reduction 13.9 tons/year

The client initially expected partial generator reliance, but the solar kit handled most daily loads. The hybrid inverter automatically switched to backup only during prolonged cloudy periods.

Fixed vs. Foldable Solar Panel Systems

Not all solar kits for containers employ fixed solar panel systems on the roofs of the containers. Newer solar kits employ more advanced systems with foldable solar panel arrays.

Fixed Rooftop Mounting

  • Lower cost
  • Simple structure
  • Limited expansion area

Foldable Array System

  • Increased generation capacity
  • Better panel angle optimization
  • More complex mechanical structure

In areas with high solar irradiance levels, the solar panel capacity of the foldable array system may be increased by as much as 30-50%. However, the final choice of the solar panel system will largely depend on budgetary considerations.

Is a Solar Kit for Shipping Container Worth It?

The solar panel kits for shipping containers are definitely worth it for remote operations. However, there are certain considerations that must be taken into account.

  • Hybrid systems must be employed if the shipping container is going to operate industrial machinery continuously.
  • If daily usage is moderate, solar plus battery may fully replace diesel.
  • Moblile foldable solar panel container may be more suitable if the shipping containers are frequently moved.

In conclusion, the solar panel kits for shipping containers represent a paradigm shift in the generation of renewable energy. We no longer have to worry about laying the necessary cabling. we now carry the entire power station with us.

A solar panel kit for shipping containers is an excellent innovation in the generation of renewable energy.  A solar panel system for shipping containers may be purchased from LZY Energy or customized for your shipping containers.