With the availability of renewable energy solutions, lower prices, and rapid advancements in more efficient and reliable technologies, there has never been a better time for clothing with solar power. Think about being able to go anywhere you want without having to rely on crowded campsites for an electrical connection. It liberates and opens up a world of undiscovered travel possibilities.
Today’s solar panel kits are economical and can be customized to meet your specific power requirements, whether you want a standalone power source for your entire RV, run a few critical appliances or appliances, or have backup power for emergencies. These options are plentiful and confusing if you are new to circuits and systems. We’ve introduced you to our informative buying guide, which will teach you about kits for solar panels and RVs, as well as an in-depth product review of some of the best options available.
Benefits of RV Solar Panels and Kits
- Save some money. Aside from the initial investment, you can save a lot with small solar panels. The electricity provided for free pays for itself within a few months of use. Since most panels guarantee clean energy for over 20 years, you save a lot of energy costs in the long run.
- Save the planet. Whether you care about global warming and energy conservation, the positive impact of using renewable energy is undeniable. So even if you’re only using solar panels for financial gain, you can still take comfort that you’re doing your part to be green.
- Low maintenance. While other energy sources can cost a fortune, solar panel maintenance can be scary. The number of parts that can wear out or break out is very small, and the panel has no moving parts, reducing any wear and tear that other power supplies are prone to.
- Self-reliance. Many people are looking for ways to reduce their reliance on private resources, such as electricity. Many people are looking to live off the grid, and a solar panel kit is one of the most budget-friendly and quick ways to be completely self-sufficient.
- Battery Life. A lesser-known benefit of solar power is its positive effect on lithium RV batteries. Increased solar power requires less battery work, significantly extending battery life.
Types of RV Solar Panels and Kits
- Single Crystal: These solar film panels for RVs are made of single crystal, usually a very thin layer of silicon. The panel has a series of smaller solar cells across its surface. The technology works better than polycrystalline solar panels in low-light conditions. However, this panel type is usually more expensive due to the expensive purification process.
- Polycrystalline: Polycrystalline solar panels contain several smaller crystals in each cell. These panels have rectangular solar cells on their surface, sometimes giving them a bluish tint. In general, polycrystalline technology is lower than monocrystalline. However, it can also be cheaper.
- Amorphous: A newer solar technology is a thin film. Batteries are still made of silicon, but they are thinner and more flexible. These solar cells have an adhesive backing that works like tape. Again, less efficient than other methods but much more cost-effective. That’s it for the best flexible solar panels for RVs.
Top brand
- RENOGY: Renogy started as a student at LSU as a college project. Since then, the business has become one of the fastest-growing companies thanks to the support of the Louisiana Business and Technology Center. It manufactures some of the most popular motorized mechanism solar panel kits, foldable solar panel kits, and flexible, portable solar panels for RV life.
- Windy Nation: Windy Nation is a California-based clean energy company. It makes wind and solar generators and has community forums that provide helpful tips and ideas for each other. It offers various RV solar packages, including 400-watt solar modules.
- goal zero: Goal Zero is driven by a passionate humanitarian named Robert Worker, who is passionate about helping poor people in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The company’s mission is to provide a portable solar energy source that empowers people and keeps them connected. It makes for a more innovative product, the Adventure 30 Solar Kit.
RV Pricing Solar Panels and Kits
- Under $200: Smaller solar panel kits and single solar panels can be found for under $200. The power output of these kits is limited but is great for smaller solar needs. Individual panels, sold without extra parts, are great for expanding your solar panel setup.
- $200 to $450: Some of the best RV solar panel kits can be found in this price range. Typically, this includes one or two 100-watt solar panels and a mounting kit. These setups usually come with handy extras like controllers and adapters.
- $450: Once you get into these higher prices, you’ll typically buy similar items in the $200 range but larger quantities. These can come with four or more 100-watt solar panels and add-ons needed for the setup.
Main features
Controller: A solar charge controller manages the amount of electricity stored from sitting in the sun. These are essential to prevent overcharging the battery during the day and reduce any losses overnight. They are currently in MPPT and newer PWM techniques. While PWM is better for power management, it is significantly more expensive.
Scalability: If your energy usage increases or you want to expand your project to run solar, scalability is a useful feature. Some solar panel kits allow you to add additional solar panels to generate up to 400 or 800 watts, depending on your camper trailer solar setup.
It’s not good if you can’t set up a solar panel. It is important to note what is required for the installation and what parts are included. Some useful features are pre-drilled holes, mounting brackets, and the overall portability of solar panels.
Other considerations
- Before buying any solar panel, it’s good to know how much power you need, so you know what to buy. Charging your AGM RV batteryonly requires a small device, but the more amenities you have, the more you’ll likely need. If unsure, it’s best to start small and increase as necessary.
- Weight and dimensions. Some solar panel kits are very heavy. Depending on where you plan to secure the solar panels and the type of RV you have, the overall weight and size of the panels may be a determining factor.
- Different ways solar panels affect efficiency and cost. If you have limited space but don’t mind spending more money, buying a high-efficiency mono panel is a good idea. If you have space to spare but don’t want to spend as much, investing in amorphous or polycrystalline panels may be a better option.
RV Reviews & Advice Best Solar Panels & Kits for 2022
Renogy 100W 12V Monocrystalline Solar Panel Kit
Renogy is a well-known company for portable solar, so it’s no surprise that we picked its products as the best solar system for RVs. These panels are effective and sell everything you need if you’ve never owned a solar panel.
This 100-watt monocrystalline solar panel is very light. Many solar panel setups can be bulky or require heavy equipment to install. Too much extra weight can negatively affect your driving experience and suspension rate. Due to their lightweight, the updated panels are ideal for campers. Another benefit of this item is how much your purchase arrives. You can install brackets, Renogy’s controllers, connectors, 10AWG tray cables, and 20-foot adapter kits.
It’s useful to know that Renogy’s RV solar kits don’t have batteries. Depending on your plan to use solar energy, buyers may need to purchase 12 volt batteries separately.
WindyNation 100W Solar Panel Kit
If you want to invest in some solar technology but don’t want to break the bank, WindyNation of an affordable solution. Equipped with all the essentials, this solar panel kit is cheaper than the competition without compromising efficiency.
What sets this solar panel kit apart is the different types of mounting hardware it includes. This makes mounting to your RV’s roof easier and compatible with any setup. Each panel is 100 watts and depending on your voltage system (available at 12 or 24 volts), you can have up to 4 or 8 panels, respectively.
It can sometimes be difficult to follow directions. Of course, this is a subjective question, but this kit can be challenging if you’re on the latest solar system. Also, some setups require the purchase of additional wiring.
GO POWER Portable Folding Solar Panel Set
Our next pick is made with GO POWER! This is an excellent choice for travelers due to the many features of the kit and the included pieces. A standout feature is the battery clip, which provides convenience when using a 12V battery.
It only takes a few minutes to set up this product, which is convenient for using the products it uses on GO. This kit has everything you need to install and install, but the panel is designed to make it quick and easy to use. The quick setup doesn’t compromise either. This kit comes with multiple solar cables, brackets (if you choose to install them permanently), and a solar controller.
This solar panel is very efficient. Although it’s smaller than other options, it generates much power thanks to its single-crystal design. This is also one of the biggest drawbacks of solar panel kits. The technology is expensive, and the set costs more than twice its competitors.
WEIZE 100 Watt 12 Volt Solar Panel Starter Kit
WEIZE 100 Watt 12 Volt Solar Panel Starter Kit Get a great little starter kit for your RV off-grid conversion at a refreshingly reasonable price. You get a durable, corrosion-resistant 100-watt solar panel made from high-performance monocrystalline solar cells that are 21% more efficient than polycrystalline silicon solar panels.
You also get a 10-amp charge controller, extension cables, mounting hardware, and screws. You will need to buy a 3000w power inverter and battery separately, which will add to the overall cost of the system.
Depending on how many solar panels you need to power your RV, you may also need to buy another charge controller. If this is the case, you’ll need to buy the charge controller, battery, and inverter separately, and you may want to look elsewhere for a complete system.
Renogy 400W 12V Monocrystalline Solar Panel RV Kit
If you want to get everything you originally installed, a comprehensive and reliable solar kit that will power your entire RV initially, check out the updated installable solar panel kits. It’s also a great option for off-grid powering to power your tiny modular home, shed, or boat. The kit comes with four 100-watt monocrystalline solar panels, a 30 AMP PWM negative receiver controller with LCD, a pair of 30-foot 10-AWG MC4 adapter kits, 16-foot 10-AWG tray cables, and more.
The kit is fully expandable, so you can customize and upgrade it to meet your specific solar needs. This kit is the sharpest in that it is a complete kit designed to meet all your RV off-grid power needs. The only downside is that you still need to buy the inverter and deep cycle battery separately, adding to the overall cost. It also takes some serious time and planning to install, so you may want to enlist professional help.
Kind Tips
- If you plan to attach the solar panels to the RV permanently, then it is important to place and position them carefully. The last thing you should do is adjust them often after the fact.
- Learn about positioning in terms of sunlight. Blocked or tilted panels in the wrong direction will result in full use without solar panels.
- Don’t assume a particular RV solar panel kit has everything you need. Because everyone’s needs are different, each kit has different parts. Read the product description and listing to know exactly what you will receive and what you need to buy separately.
- If you don’t live in a particularly sunny area, it might be worth spending the extra money on monocrystalline solar panels. They work better in low light than the others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use an RV solar panel to power my AC computer?
If you have a solar cell/battery/inverter setup that produces enough power, you can use that to power the AC unit. Remember that AC units are huge electrical drain machines, so you may not be able to run your unit nonstop at once.
Q: How much power do I need?
This is a tricky question because everyone has different power needs or desires. You’ll need more solar panels and batteries if you want to fully power your RV than if you want to run some essential appliances, tools, or lights.
Q: Are my solar panels weatherproof?
Manufacturers make their solar panels waterproof, knowing they will be outside in the rain. Different companies have varying degrees of weatherproofing on extra pieces, such as controllers and brackets.
Q: Do I have most of my solar panels?
To get the most out of your solar panels, position them where they receive direct sunlight – for the RV’s maximum exposure, this is usually on the roof. Try not to park in shady spots or where access to direct sunlight is blocked. Also, regularly flush out any dust or debris that could cause the panel to charge efficiently.