The 5 Best RV Solar Panels On The Market Right Now

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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.

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The Best RV Solar Panels on the Market

Outdoorrumors top picks for RV solar panels

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:

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.

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