Getting the best solar panel for your RV is essential in helping make your road trip as enjoyable as possible. Having a portable solar panel with you in your recreational vehicle gives you enough energy to charge equipment or power solar generators. Portable panels for RVs are also fantastic Eco-friendly solutions that give you free energy with little maintenance.
Best Solar Panel Kits for RVs
When looking for the best type of solar panel kit for your RV, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. You have to consider factors such as charging efficiency, wattage, and reliability. To help find a sturdy and efficient RV solar panel kit, this review of 5 solar panels suitable for RVs can help you make the best choice.
1. SOLPERK 20-Watt 12V Solar Panel for RVs and Trailers
This reliable solar panel by Solperk provides 20W of solar energy and is suitable for charging in any weather. The durable aluminum frame is weatherproof and easy to maintain.
The product comes complete with a wiring loom suitable for charging various 12V appliances and RV batteries. You also get a charging controller that prevents overcharging to extend battery life.
One of the good things about this solar panel kit is its ease of use. It gets good reviews from users due to its high quality and efficient charging.
Pros:
- Reasonably priced for a 20W unit
- Comes complete with a full-automatic controller
Specs:
- 20 Watts, 12 Volts, 1.11 Amps
2. Renogy 100-Watt Eclipse Monocrystalline RV Solar Panel Kit
This portable solar panel is an excellent choice if you need plenty of power for your RV. The solar kit has a massive 100 watts and is made from high quality, heavy-duty materials.
The high wattage of this kit means that you can charge a number of devices at the same time. The unit comes complete with a 20A, 5-stage charge controller with fully adjustable settings.
Although this comes with a large price tag, it is one of the best panel kits if you need a lot of solar power for your RV. The highly efficient solar cells, portability, and ease of use make this a good off-grid option for solar charging.
Pros:
- Can run several devices simultaneously due to its 100W power
- Weatherproof against the harshest of conditions
- Great portable solution and comes with all necessary cables
Specs:
- 100 Watts, 12 Volts, 20 Amps
3. WindyNation Complete 30-Watt Solar Panel Kit
If you are looking for good all-round efficient portable solar charging kit for your RV, then this unit by WindyNation is an excellent choice. The efficient charging is due to polycrystalline solar cells that provide 30 Watts of power.
For many RV owners, this is plenty of off-grid energy for their needs. This portable RV solar kit has all the necessary fittings for installation on your vehicle for free solar power.
One of the reasons to consider this RV solar panel charging kit is that it has a good price tag for a 30W unit. You also get a 20A charge controller and necessary cables to start charging your devices.
Pros:
- Dependable and efficient polycrystalline solar charging cells.
- Easy to use and heavy duty design
Specs:
- 30 Watts, 12 Volts, 10 Amps
4. ACOPOWER UV11007GD 100W Foldable RV Solar Panel Kit
This 100-Watt solar charging unit can provide all of your power needs when you need off-grid power. The portable unit is comprised of 2 x 50W solar panels and can work in conjunction with an additional solar panel if you need more juice.
The solar kit is in a foldable portable case and is easy to install on an RV. This product is powerful enough to power solar generators and it boasts a very efficient charging rate.
Pros:
- Solid versatile unit that comes complete with all you need for RV power needs
- Has a 10A charging controller and can power 400Wh solar generators or charge 12V batteries
Specs:
- 100 Watts, 12 volts, 10 Amps.
5. Go Power! Valterra Power Us, 120W Portable RV Solar Panel Kit
This 120W product by Go Power! is one of the best solar panels for RVs that you can buy. The portable charging unit is extremely well made and durable. This versatile unit easily takes care of all your off-grid power needs. The kit comes complete with connectors for various solar charging units.
This unit consistently gets good reviews from RV owners who need plenty of off-grid solar power. Although it is one of the more expensive units, this represents good value for money when you are on the road.
Pros:
- Comes with a 25-year warranty
- Complete with cables, carrying case, and a 10A solar controller
Specs:
- 120 Watts, 12 Volts, 10 Amps
How to Choose the Best Portable Solar Panels for RVs
Solar panels kits for RVs can be installed on the roof of your vehicle or they can be portable panels that you use when you need them.
For your RV, the best solar panels should have sufficient electrical output to power or charge your appliances. Usually, the most efficient types of RV solar panels are made from monocrystalline or polycrystalline cells and have an efficiency of at least 16%, however, 20%-25% would be the optimal choice. You also need to make sure that there is enough wattage to power your appliances.
Another consideration is the number and type of gadgets and appliances you want to power. For example, a television or refrigerator obviously takes more juice than charging a smartphone.
Another factor to remember is portability. Portable solar kits for RVs should be durable enough to function well and portable enough to easily remove and install. Some RV portable models come as a suitcase-type kit complete with wires and a charge controller.
RV solar panel kits: What you need to know
To make an informed choice when it comes to picking out the best RV solar panel, it’s important to know the terminology. Here are some important terms about charging solar panels:
- Most solar panels have an efficiency rating of how much of the sun’s power is converted to energy. Look for panels that offer between 16 and 25% conversion efficiency.
- These are highly efficient and good quality solar power panel cells.
- Solar cells made from polycrystalline are a newer technology but just as efficient as monocrystalline solar panel cells.
- These appliances are like a battery that stores electricity for later use. Solar panels for RV should be powerful enough to charge these generators to power larger camping appliances.
- Most solar panels for RVs should be 12-volt kits. The more devices you want to charge, the higher the voltage should be. Amps determine how well the solar panels will charge your devices. If you want to charge a number of devices simultaneously, you will need higher amperage.
Summary of The Best Solar Panels for RV
It is our wish that giving you an informed top 5 choices of the best solar panels for RV has made life a little easier for you. Sometimes too many choices just makes it more confusing so we have intentionally kept it to 5 for that reason. From here at Camping With Solar we hope you make the right decision for you and that your next camping trip is a great success.