
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links for various products below. You get the same low prices and we earn a small commission to help us provide more helpful information for our readers.
Tired of noisy generators ruining your camping experience?
To improve your outdoor experience, consider investing in solar panels for your RV roof, Campervan, Motorhome or Trailer.
Solar panels will provide you with a quite, renewable source of energy that can power your electronics and appliances.
There are a lot of solar panels on the market to choose from and to help you make the best decision for your needs, we’ve compiled a list of the five best RV solar panels available right now.
On This Page.
Outdoorrumors top picks for RV solar panels
Solar Kit | Key Features | Rating |
---|---|---|
(4) 100 W panels, charge controller, mounting equipment, cabling | ||
(1) 100 W panel, charge controller, mounting equipment, cabling | ||
(1) 100 W panel, charge controller, mounting equipment, cabling | ||
(1) 100 W solar panel, charge controller, mounting equipment, cabling | ||
(1) 100 W flexible solar panel, charge controller |
What Are RV Solar Panels And How Do They Function?
RV solar panels are portable solar panels that can be used to power electronic devices and appliances in your RV.
They are a great renewable source of energy and are relatively easy to set up and use.
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity. This electrical energy is then stored in batteries and may be used to power your RV's lights, television, laptop, and other small appliances.
There are two main types of RV solar panels: those that are attached to the roof of your RV and those that are portable and can be placed on the ground.
Portable solar panels are a great option if you want to be able to move them around to get the best sunlight exposure or if you want to be able to take them with you when you leave your RV.
Similar to the solar panels that power your home, your RV solar panel is able to charge an RV battery, providing you with a stored energy source that can be used when there is no sun or if you are using more power than the panel can generate.
The following are the four main components of an RV solar panel system:
- Solar panels used to convert sunlight into electricity.
- Solar panel mounting brackets.
- A charge controller prevents your battery from being overcharged.
- An inverter is used to convert direct current solar energy into usable alternating current power.
- To store the energy generated you will need a solar battery.
Do You Need Solar RV Panels?
Even though RV solar panels are really useful when you're out in the great outdoors, on a campsite or off-grid, they're not entirely necessary.
If you only camp occasionally, or if you have access to a generator, then RV solar panels may not be worth the investment.
However, if you frequently camp in remote areas where there is no electricity or if you want to be able to dry camp (camp without hookups), then RV solar panels are a must-have.
Not only will they provide you with a renewable source of backup power and energy, but they will also save you from having to haul around a generator and fuel.
How Much Do Solar Rv Panels Cost?
It really depends on your own personal circumstances when it comes to how much solar panels for your RV will cost.
The size and type of solar panel system you need will be determined by the number of appliances you want to power, the amount of sun exposure your campsite gets, and the size of your RV battery.
If you are just looking to run a few small appliances, then you can get away with a smaller and less expensive system.
However, if you want to run a large number of appliances or wish to be able to power your RV for several days without sunshine, then you'll need a bigger and more expensive system.
The average cost of a small RV solar panel system kit is between $100 and $1000. A larger and more powerful system or kit can cost upwards of $5000.
When you buy your kit, the majority of it will include everything you need to get started, including solar cells, batteries, charge controllers, and inverters.
After your first trip using these panels, you'll be able to gauge whether you need to invest in additional panels or batteries to get the power you need.
When Purchasing Rv Solar Panels, There Are A Few Things To Keep In Mind
Now, before you go out and purchase the first RV solar panel kit you see, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
Here are four factors to consider before making your purchase:
Batteries
As I mentioned earlier, after your first outing you will be able to estimate if you have the right amount of panels and battery storage for your needs.
If you find that you are regularly draining your batteries, then you may need to invest in a higher capacity battery or additional solar panels.
The vast majority of RVers use 12V deep-cycle lead-acid batteries. These are the same type of batteries that are used in golf carts and most boats.
They are designed to be discharged and recharged many times without damaging the battery.
The other option is a 6V golf cart battery, which can be wired together in pairs to create a 12V system.
These batteries are often cheaper than their lead-acid counterparts and will last just as long, if not longer.
In general there are two types of storage battery: Lead acid and Lithium-ion.
Lead acid batteries - There are the most common and popular types of batteries used in RVs. They are cheaper than Lithium-ion batteries. However, they are also heavier. They are deep-cycle batteries, which can be discharged and rechrged multiple times.
Lithium-ion batteries - These are the newest types of batteries on the market. They are more expensive than lead acid batteries. But they are also lighter in weight. And they have a longer lifespan. They can hold more charge than lead acid batteries too.
With a solar system, you'll have a long-lasting battery that will last anywhere from 3,000 to 5,000 cycles before it begins to deteriorate and a replacement is needed.
Power consumption
Now you have an idea about batteries, it's time to have a look at how much power you actually need. This is an important factor to consider, as it will determine the size of the solar panel system you need.
The first step is to calculate your power usage in watt-hours per day (Wh/day).
You can do this by adding up the power consumption of all the appliances you want to run.
Most appliances will have a label indicating how many watts they use.
For example, a 100-watt light bulb will use 0.1 kWh of energy in 10 hours.
You can then multiply this by the number of hours you expect to use the appliance each day.
So, if you use the light for 3 hours a day, it will use 0.3 kWh of energy in total.
What would be a reasonable ballpark figure? The majority of RV campers consume approximately 20 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity each day. Of course, this number will vary from one RVer to the next.
In most cases, two or three solar panels will be enough to meet the needs of the average recreational vehicle.
However, if you are planning on running energy-hungry appliances, such as a hair dryer or air conditioner, then you will need more panels to generate enough power.
Solar panel type
Believe it or not, there are quite a few different options when it comes to the type of RV solar panel you can buy: Amorphous panels, Monocrystalline panels, and Polycrystalline panels.
Amorphous panels - These panels are efficient in low-light conditions and are often used as a supplement to monocrystalline or polycrystalline panels. They are less expensive than the other two types of panels. Even though the overall efficiency with these panels is not as good as the alternatives, the fact that it's flexible makes it a good option for those with irregularly shaped roofs.
In fact, the flexibility and the sheer amount of new options on the market means that amorphous panels are becoming increasingly popular.
Monocrystalline panels - These panels are made from a single, large crystal of silicon. They are the most efficient type of solar panel and will produce more power than amorphous or polycrystalline panels. They are also the most expensive type of panel.
Polycrystalline panels - These panels are made from multiple smaller crystals of silicon. They are less efficient than monocrystalline panels, but they are also less expensive.
Naturally, it is entirely up to you which type of panel to choose. For your RV, we recommend a Monocrystalline or Polycrystalline panel.
However, if you have curved roof like the Airstream Basecamp, then you might have to go for Amorphous panels as they are more flexible.
System setup
There are a different ways you can use the solar panels for your RV. In fact, there are two specific ways.
- Mounted on top of a roof
- Portable (you can manually move)
Portable
As you've probably already guessed, the portable option will be the easiest to set up.
Portable solar panels are a great option for RVers who want to be able to take their panels with them when they leave the campsite.
These panels can be placed on the ground, on top of a picnic table, or anywhere else where there is enough sunlight.
If you choose this option, make sure that the panels are facing the sun so that they can get the maximum amount of sunlight possible.
Mounted on top of a roof
The other option is to mount the solar panels on top of your RV's roof or trailer.
This option is great for those who want to be able to leave their panels in one place and not have to worry about setting them up every time they reach a new campsite.
To do this, you will need to purchase a solar panel mounting kit. These kits usually come with everything you need to mount the panels on your roof, including brackets and screws.
Once the panels are mounted, you will need to connect them to your RV's electrical system.
If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, you can always take it to a professional RV mechanic or solar installer.
Solar panel placement
Where you place your solar panels is just as important as the type of panels you choose.
If the panels are not placed in a location where they can receive direct sunlight, then they will not be able to generate enough power to meet your needs.
Solar panels need to be placed in an area where they will get at least six hours of sunlight a day.
If possible, try to place them on the south-facing side of your RV so that they can get the most sunlight possible.
You should also make sure that there are no trees or other obstacles blocking the sun from reaching the panels.
Maintenance
Solar panels require very little maintenance.
The main thing you need to do is keep them clean so that they can absorb as much sunlight as possible.
You can clean them with a soft cloth or brush. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives, as these can damage the panels.
You should also check the panels for any cracks or damage. If you find any, you will need to replace the damaged panel.
Overall, solar panels are an excellent solution for powering your RV. They're simple to install and require minimal upkeep.
If you are thinking about going solar, we recommend that you do some research to figure out which type of panel is best for you and your RV.
Once you have the panels, make sure to place them in an area where they will get plenty of sunlight so that they can generate enough power to meet your needs.
Reviewed: 5 Best RV Solar Panels
Here's our pick of the best RV solar panels on the market right now:
Best - Overall
The Renogy 400 W solar kit is a great all-around introduction to RV solar. Image source: Renogy
Allow us to introduce the Renogy 400 Watt 12 Volt Solar Premium Kit! This top-of-the-line kit is ideal for anybody new to solar energy or seasoned users wanting to add more power.
The Renogy Solar Panel is specially designed for durability and longevity, with a 25 year performance warranty and 10 year materials warranty.
That means your investment in this Premium Kit will pay off for years to come.
This complete kit includes everything you need to get started with generating your own clean, renewable energy.
The Renogy 400W Monocrystalline Solar Panel is perfect for power backup systems, RVs, trailers, boats, cabins, and more.
With this high quality panel, you'll enjoy quiet power production and grid independence.
Pros
Cons
Best - Runnerup
Another benefit of buying a WindyNation solar kit is that you may buy a battery as an add-on. This is definitely a big plus! Image source: Amazon
Looking for a way to produce clean, free power? Look no further than the WindyNation 100 Watt Solar PanelOff-Grid Kit!
This excellent kit comes with a 100 watt monocrystalline solar panel, a 30-amp LCD display solar charge controller, UL listed 12 AWG solar cable, and all required connections to get started generating renewable energy.
The versatile mounting system makes installation a breeze, and the included instructions guarantee that you'll be up and running in no time.
So why switch to solar? Not only is it environmentally friendly, but it can also save you money in the long run with your RV or Camper.
This is a great option for those who are looking to produce clean, renewable energy without breaking the bank.
Pros
Cons
Best - Portable RV solar setup
Image source: Jackery Solar
Looking for a way to power all your appliances while you're on the go? Look no further than the Jackery Solar Generator 1000.
The Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station and SolarSaga 100 Solar Panels combine to create this top-of-the-line generator, which is ideal for road trips, camping excursions, or any other outdoor activity.
With 1000W running wattage and 2000W surge wattage, this generator can handle anything you throw at it. And with a larger 1002Wh capacity, it can keep your appliances running for hours on end.
Best of all, the SolarSaga 100W solar panels allow for fast solar recharging, so you'll never be left in the dark.
Whether you're looking for a way to power your RV or Campervan, the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 is the perfect choice.
Pros
Cons
Best - Polycrystalline solar kit
HQST’s polycrystalline solar panel testing kit from QEPST allows you to experiment with RV solar without breaking the bank. Image source: Amazon
Looking for a way to power all your appliances while you're on the go? Look no further than the Jackery Solar Generator 1000.
The Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station and SolarSaga 100 Solar Panels combine to create this top-of-the-line generator, which is ideal for road trips, camping excursions, or any other outdoor activity.
With 1000W running wattage and 2000W surge wattage, this generator can handle anything you throw at it. And with a larger 1002Wh capacity, it can keep your appliances running for hours on end.
Best of all, the SolarSaga 100W solar panels allow for fast solar recharging, so you'll never be left in the dark.
Whether you're looking for a way to power your RV or Campervan, the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 is the perfect choice.
Pros
Cons
Best - Flexible solar panel for RV and Campervan
The 100 W flexible solar panel from Renogy makes it simple to put up a small number of solar panels on your roof. Amazon image source
Rigid, traditional solar panels are a thing of the past! The new Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Flexible Solar Panel and Charge Controller is perfect for anyone looking for a more convenient way to power their RV or Camper.
This panel is thin, lightweight, and can be flexed up to 248 degrees, making it easy to install on curved surfaces. Additionally, at only 4 pounds, this panel is a quarter of the weight of its traditional counterpart.
Perfect for boats, RVs, or trailers, this solar panel will provide you with the power you need without the headache of dealing with heavy, difficult-to-mount panels.
So ditch the old-fashioned solar panels and go flex with Renogy!
Pros
Cons
Is It Worth Investing In RV Solar Panels?
We've done our best to give you a break down of the best RV solar panels on the market, as well as their pros and cons. Now it's up to you to decide whether or not investing in an RV solar panel system is right for you.
There are many things to consider when making this decision, such as how often you use your RV, where you typically travel, and what your energy needs are.
If you frequently travel to places with limited or no hookups, then investing in a solar panel system is a great way to ensure that you'll always have the power you need. Additionally, if you're looking for a more eco-friendly way to power your RV, solar panels are definitely the way to go.
On the other hand, if you only use your RV on the weekends and have access to hookups, then you may not need to invest in a solar panel system.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to purchase an RV solar panel system is up to you. We hope that this article has helped you to make an informed decision!
Key Takeaways
FAQs
How much power do I need from my RV solar panels?
This depends on how you use your RV and what your power needs are. For example, if you plan to boondock often, you'll need more power than if you only camp at established campsites with hookups. If you have a compressor fridge and an inverter, go for at least 120 watts - 150 watts if possible on the roof if it's large enough.
Is RV solar installation difficult?
It can be, depending on the type of solar panels you purchase and how difficult it is to access your RV's roof. If you're not comfortable climbing up on your roof, we recommend hiring a professional to install your solar panels for you.
Can I install RV solar panels on my trailer?
Yes, you can! In fact, installing solar panels on your trailer is a great way to keep your trailer eco-friendly. Just make sure that the solar panels you purchase are designed for RVs or trailers.
How long do RV solar panel systems last?
Solar panel systems for RVs typically last between 10 and 15 years. Just ensure you maintain your system regularly to ensure peak performance.
How do I know if my RV solar panel system is working properly?
To test if your system is working properly, charge your batteries with the solar panels and then use a voltmeter to check the voltage of the battery. It should read between 13 and 14 volts. If it doesn't, then there may be a problem with your system.
Do RV solar mounting brackets damage the roof?
No, the brackets are designed not to damage the roof. However, it's always a good idea to check with the manufacturer of your RV to make sure that the brackets you purchase are compatible with your RV.
Does an RV solar panel wiring diagram come with the kit?
The diagram should come with the kit, but if not, you can find it online or in the manual that came with your RV solar panel kit.
Are RV solar panels the same as camping solar panels?
No, RV solar panels are designed specifically for RVs, while camping solar panels can be used for a variety of purposes.
Can you get complete RV solar system with batteries and inverters?
You can find complete RV solar systems with batteries and inverters. However, the quality of the products you receive may not be as high as if you were to purchase each component separately.
How many watts do I need for my RV solar panels?
This depends on how you use your RV and what your power needs are. For example, if you plan to boondock often, you'll need more power than if you only camp at established campsites with hookups. If you have a compressor fridge and an inverter, go for at least 120 watts - 150 watts if possible on the roof if it's large enough.
More From Outdoor Rumors

SMETS 1 and SMETS 2 Meters (UPDATES FOR 2023)
Worried about your energy bills? Smart meters may help you save money

Are Solar Panels Worth It in 2023? (ARE SAVINGS POSSIBLE?)
Wondering if solar panels are worth it for your home? I know

A Comprehensive Guide to Solar Panels for the Home (2023)
Thinking of going solar by adding photovoltaic (PV) solar panels to your

Charging Your Electric Car With Solar Panels (POSSIBLE?)
Have you been thinking about where you’ll charge your electric car? Millions

Everything You Need To Know About Solar Panel Maintenance

10 Ways To Heat Your Shed, Log Cabin, Or Summerhouse
Winter is coming and you need to start thinking about how to
0 comments