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Whether you’re camping for a weekend or sticking around your campsite for weeks or months, electricity is always top of mind. You never quite know what you’re getting when you park your RV as electrical connections can be perfectly reliable at some campsites, and totally unpredictable at others. If you don’t want to worry about whether or not your RV can plug in and power up, keeping everything from your fridge to your air conditioner running smoothly, solar panels are the perfect solution. You can power your camper’s electrical system with a series of solar panels or a solar panel kit made for RVs. Plus, it’ll make your RV energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, too. Imagine how much energy you can get straight from the sun with a solar-ready RV.
Summary List
Best Overall: Nature Power 440-Watt Complete Solar Kit
Best Value: Renology 300-Watt Solar RV Kit
Honorable Mention: ACOPower 800-Watt OffGrid Solar Power Kit
Best for Large RVs: Zamp Solar 1020-Watt Deluxe Roof Mount Kit
Most Versatile: Kisae 1800-Watt Solar RV Battery Kit
Best Budget: ACOPower 200-Watt OffGrid Solar Power Kit
Our Methodology
I chose the best solar panels & kits for RVs by searching for those most-loved and considered most reputable by frequent campers who’ve gone solar. Taking a look at details like user reviews, ratings, and recommendations online, the products listed below are those that are considered reliable, easy to install, and well-suited to various RVs and RV power needs by those who’ve given them a try. I also sought out solar panel kits of every size and kind to cover different needs, from single panels to as many as four panels, with all of the connections and wiring needed to get up and running.
Best Solar Panels and Kits for RVs Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall
Nature Power 440-Watt Complete Solar Kit
Best Value
Renology 300-Watt Solar RV Kit
Honorable Mention
ACOPower 800-Watt OffGrid Solar Power Kit
Best for Large RVs
Zamp Solar 1020-Watt Deluxe Roof Mount Kit
Most Versatile
Kisae 1800-Watt Solar RV Battery Kit
Best Budget
ACOPower 200-Watt OffGrid Solar Power Kit
Our Verdict
The Nature Power 440-Watt Complete Solar Kit is the best overall solar panel kit for RVs because it’s both comprehensive and powerful. It’s also nicely reliable, able to power a whole host of RV electric devices and gadgets, and is simple to set up. If you’re looking for a lot of value, the extra-affordable Renology 300-Watt Solar RV Kit comes with a similar setup, plus added value in the form of extra accessories and equipment.
Things to Consider Before Buying Solar Panels and Kits for RVs
RV-ready solar panels are starting to provide campers with more options than ever – but that means you’ve got to do your research before picking any set of panels. If you’re looking to take your RV solar and make it environmentally-friendly, make sure to keep these details top of mind.
Types of Solar Panels and Kits for RVs
Monocrystalline solar panels
Monocrystalline solar panels are the top tier of RV panels. As the most popular kind of panel, they’re also the most efficient – which means you’ll get a higher output and potentially be able to produce more power, even when sunlight is limited. These panels are made from one large silicon crystal. However, they tend to be the most expensive pick.
Polycrystalline solar panels
Polycrystalline solar panels are made out of multiple small solar crystals, along with silicon. This makes them more affordable than monocrystalline panels, but they do produce a small amount less—about 1 percent—power in comparison. They’re very common, thanks to their more budget-friendly cost, though these panels are a little less energy-efficient.
Amorphous solar panels
If you’re looking for the cheapest option, amorphous solar panels are the way to go. These very thin film panels are made out of silicon, and they’re the most inexpensive pick you can buy. However, they also have the lowest power output of all three kinds of solar panels. Additionally, because they tend to be larger in size, they can require double (or even triple) the roof space of a polycrystalline or monocrystalline panel on your RV’s roof. You’ll also need more amorphous solar panels to collect the same amount of power as the other kinds of panels.
Key Features of Solar Panels and Kits for RVs
Solar batteries
Getting solar panels alone won’t enable you to use the sun’s rays to power your RV’s electrical appliances. You’ll also need a solar battery, or a few solar batteries, to be able to store all of the energy your solar panels capture. So, it’s a smart move to look for solar panel kits that include solar batteries to simplify your installation process. Commonly, solar batteries are either lead acid or lithium-ion, and these both will allow you to keep running your electric items even when the sun sets with all of your stored power.
Charge controller and inverter
In addition to ensuring your solar setup comes with a place to stash all of the energy you collect, you’ll also want to make sure that it includes a charge controller and inverter. These two must-have components are key for managing the electrical current within your RV, and they properly direct and convert the solar energy you collect so it’s useable and able to power different gadgets. The charge controller helps prevent overcharging your energy storage system. The inverter, on the other hand, converts DC current to AC current that’ll work with everything from your TV to your RV’s fridge.
The ability to add more panels
Lastly, you want an adaptable and flexible solar panel kit for your RV. You might start out with just one or two panels, but quickly find that you need more to power demanding appliances like your fridge. Or, you might opt for single panels that can be customized. However you set up your solar panel system, it’s important to choose an option that allows you to add panels as needed in the future. After all, your needs can change; you might even find that when you’re camping outdoors for longer periods, you want the ability to store even more power.
Solar Panels and Kits for RVs Pricing
Solar panel kits for RVs start at around $500. For between $500 and $1,000, you’ll be able to find reasonably priced kits that include one to three solar panels, plus accessories like installation and mounting hardware or wiring. Additionally, you can find panels alone within this price range. If you’re looking for a comprehensive solution, one that includes panels as well as in-RV control panels, all of the wiring and electrical gear you’ll need, and mounting accessories, you can expect to spend anywhere from $2,000 to $6,000. The more extensive your RV solar panel setup, the more you’ll need to invest (especially if you’re looking for a lot of power).
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
A: Typically, an RV needs anywhere from two to four 200-watt solar panels to handle all of its energy consumption. If your power needs are more significant, you may need additional panels.
A: 100-watt solar panels are best for light power consumption. A single panel can typically recharge electronic devices, like laptops and smartphones. It’ll also power low-energy devices like ceiling fans and LED light bulbs.
A: With a single 200-watt panel, you’ll have enough power to keep a 12-volt refrigerator running. If your panel is paired with a battery bank that saves extra power, you may also generate enough to run small appliances, like a coffee maker, for short periods of time.
A: With a suitable system – enough solar panels – you can absolutely run your air conditioner on solar. You simply may need more panels than the typical RV owner to handle the load, and you may need to upgrade or make some tweaks to your RV’s electrical system.