The Top Motorhome Solar Panels in 2024

solar panels for van roof

If you like to explore, go on an open road and see where it takes you and your RV, then RV solar panel kits are the perfect solution for you. Small and compact, very affordable, and durable, these solar panels can produce just enough electricity for your needs. A small microwave, LED lights, a small fan, and a water pump can all be powered with a solar panel kit. This lets your wanderlust be satisfied without compromising the quality of your life when on the road. 

RV solar panel kits come in all forms and sizes. Besides this, you also need to pay attention to the type of solar panels and some other solar equipment, such as the solar inverter and solar battery, that will help you squeeze the most value out of your solar investment. An RV solar kit is not so cheap, so make sure to follow our RC solar panel kits installation guide at the end of the article to ensure the safety and longevity of your solar panels. 

How Do Solar Panels Work in an RV?

Solar panels in your RV work just the same as they do in your house. There are a few differences, though, because: 

  • Your RV solar panels are placed flat on the RV roof, 
  • Your RV solar kit changes its position relative to the sun as you drive, and you may not be able to get as much output, 
  • TV solar panel kits are smaller in size than a home solar array, 
  • Your RV solar panels need solar battery storage if you want to use solar power at night as well, unlike your house, which usually takes energy from the grid when the sun is down. 
  • Your RV can also have portable solar panels, which you can take out and place in a sunny spot when you are parked. 

RV solar panel kits take energy from the sun (in the form of light) and convert it into electricity. However, this type of electricity is DC – Direct Current and this type of current cannot power your appliances. To do that, it needs to be converted to AC – Alternating Current. A special device called a solar inverter does this exactly. This enables solar power to power your lights, a small fan, a water pump, and other similar devices and appliances. 

Types of Solar Panels

There are several types of solar panels. They all come with different efficiency, price, and application, so you should be able to discriminate between these types of solar panels. Besides some experimental types of panels, there are also four major types of solar panels for RV: 

  1. Polycrystalline, 
  2. Monocrystalline, 
  3. Thin-film, and 
  4. CIGS. 

Polycrystalline 

Polycrystalline solar panels are made up of many pieces of silicone crystals – therefore, the name: poly = many. These pieces are redundant materials from the manufacturing of monocrystalline panels, which are melted to be fused together. Their efficiency is lower than that of monocrystalline solar panels. 

However, you should not be fooled by their lower efficiency and think that this is a knock-off product. Quite on the contrary, polycrystalline solar panels are the most sought-after type of solar panel. Although they produce less solar power when compared to a monocrystalline solar system, their lower price means that they are perfectly suited for large-scale operations. Solar farms, for example, use almost exclusively this type of solar panel. 

Furthermore, they are the perfect type of solar panels for RV applications. They are the most frequent type of solar panels used on houses and other residential buildings. Polycrystalline solar panels can easily be identified by their blue color and scaly appearance. However, if you would like to squeeze more solar juice out of the limited space you have in your RV, you may consider monocrystalline panels. 

Monocrystalline 

Monocrystalline solar panels, on the other hand, have a more blackish hue to them. Looking like the grates of a wafer, these panels also come with increased efficiency when compared to their polycrystalline counterparts. Installing solar panels of this type is sure to yield the maximum amount of solar power from your RV roof. 

Monocrystalline panels, on the other hand, cost more to manufacture and purchase. This is due to the silicone purification process, which costs a lot. However, the benefit of having monocrystalline panels is their increased efficiency, as well as their reliability at high temperatures. Their higher cost may be off-putting to some people. 

Thin-Film

Since silicone is so expensive, it is no surprise that many manufacturers have started looking for ways to limit the amount used in solar panels. The outcome of this process was a thin-film solar panel technology, which uses less than 1% of the silicone conventionally used in solar panels. In thin-film panels, solar cells are formed by applying a thin layer or film of silicone on top of a substrate. 

The result is a low-weight product that is flexible. For this reason, thin-film solar panels are the best for applications on uneven or wavy surfaces. However, they do come with a big trade-off: their efficiency is very low, between 7-13%. 

CIGS

CIGS solar panels use less cadmium during the manufacturing process. Cadmium is a toxic substance but being mild on the environment also comes with a trade-off – their efficiency levels range between 10-12%. Still, CIGS solar panels are some of the best rv solar panels since they are portable and lightweight. 

Solar Panel TypeSolar Panels Efficiency Solar Price Range
Polycrystalline13-16%$0.9-$1 per Watt
Monocrystalline15-20% (up to 23 in top-category solar panels)$1-$1.5 per Watt
Thin-Film7-13%$1-$1.5 per Watt
CIGS 10-12%~$2.20 per Watt

Benefits & Drawbacks of Using Solar Panels in an RV

If you would like to go green and purchase a solar system for your RV, you should know that solar energy has both benefits and drawbacks. So, what are the pros and cons of using solar energy? Here are the biggest advantages of a solar system: 

  • Reducing your carbon footprint, 
  • Helping mitigate climate change, 
  • Being able to stay off-grid, 
  • Significantly improving your battery performance, 
  • Improving your battery life, 
  • Long lifespan of solar panels – 20+ years, 
  • Ease of solar system expansion, 
  • Low maintenance costs, and 
  • Expanding your range – with solar panels, you can also stay in RV parks with no power outlets. 

However, not all is gold with renewable energy. Even the best RV solar kit has some drawbacks. However, these should not put you off from investing in a good solar panel system. Here are the top disadvantages of solar panels: 

  • High initial cost, 
  • Need for installing solar panels, 
  • RV solar panels work only when there is sun – cloudy days may be days with no power, 
  • Limited power output means more space is needed – in an RV, space is very limited. 

RV Solar Panel Kits

Your RV solar kits come with everything you need to have a fully functional solar system. These kits are usually a plug-and-play type of kit, meaning that you will be able to enjoy all the benefits that the best solar panels have to offer. Your RV solar panel kit will come with: 

  • A mount, 
  • Solar panels (different numbers, depending on your energy needs), 
  • A solar charge controller, 
  • A solar inverter, and 
  • Solar batteries (not always included, check specifications and your needs before purchase). 

Charge Controller

RV solar panel kits come with a device called a solar charge controller, or just a charge controller for short. As each solar panel in your solar system has its own ups and downs when it comes to solar power production, a solar charge controller will flatten these pulses and prevent damage to both your batteries and your solar panels. 

A solar charge controller corrects the power that comes from your solar panels to better charge your battery. This means that your battery life will be extended, your batteries will be protected from overcharging, and you will be able to enjoy fully charged batteries for most of the time. There are three kinds of solar charge controllers: 

  1. Single Phase Chargers, 
  2. Single Phase Trickle Chargers, and 
  3. Multi-Phase Chargers. 

Each of these has its pros and cons, and it is necessary to know which type is the best based on how much power you need. Let’s read on and find out which controller is the best for your specific RV and energy needs. 

Single Phase Chargers

Single-phase chargers are chargers that juice up your batteries in a single phase. They use a high voltage to do this and are almost certain to bring a dead battery back to life. The main drawback of this type of solar charger is that it cannot fill the battery to 100% of its capacity, as the current is too strong and the battery cannot absorb all the electrons being sent to it. 

Single Phase Trickle Chargers

Single Phase Trickle Chargers, on the other hand, use a much lower voltage. They cannot bring a dead battery back up but will be able to fill more of the battery’s capacity. This means that you will be able to enjoy batteries that are topped off throughout the day but will still depend on a stronger power source for reviving dead batteries. 

Multi-Phase Chargers

Multi-Phase Chargers are the best option for RV solar kit owners. These chargers combine the benefits of both single-phase and single-phase trickle charge controller technology. When it starts charging your battery, it will deliver a lot of current at a high voltage to charge batteries as quickly as possible. After that, it will switch to the trickle phase to slowly charge the batteries to 100% of their charge capacity. 

Factors to Consider when Choosing RV Solar Panels

To find the best RV solar panel kits for your RV and to enjoy leaving thousands of miles behind your wheels, you should consider several factors before making your purchase. The best piece of advice that anyone can give you is to purchase solar panels from a manufacturer that specializes in RV solar panel kits or RV solar panels in general. This will ensure you work with experts who understand your exact energy needs, as well as the risks of owning a solar array on top of your RV. 

Some of the factors you may want to consider when purchasing your RV solar panels include: 

  1. Efficiency, 
  2. Solar Cell Wattage, 
  3. Dimensions, 
  4. Weight, 
  5. Endurance, 
  6. Expandability, 
  7. Portability, 
  8. Brands, and 
  9. Your Energy Needs. 

Efficiency

As your RV has such a limited space, putting it to good use by choosing a solar panel kit with the highest efficiency level should be a priority. Remember that the efficiency of the current solar panel types is limited by the technology that is still relatively new. At most, you will be able to get to around 22–23% efficiency with a really high-quality RV solar panel kit. 

The efficiency of your solar panels is calculated as a percentage of solar power that the solar cells can convert into usable electric energy. As a solar panel is a type of solar generator, choosing a panel with higher efficiency will result in more power produced. A few solar panels with very high-efficiency levels (20%+) will produce as much power as a higher number of panels with lower efficiency. 

A monocrystalline solar panel is the most efficient solar pane there is. A polycrystalline solar panel is next in line, while flexible panels, amorphous solar panels, and CIGS solar panels are the least efficient. The perfect RV solar panel kit will include mono or polycrystalline panels. Always choose the best for your solar power system. 

When designing a solar kit, it is best to always consult with a specialist. This will ensure your system runs smoothly and that it is always up to the task. Choosing the wrong solar kit elements can significantly reduce your efficiency. Solar cables, for example, if chosen right, can help solar kits realize their full potential. 

Solar Cell Wattage

Your solar cell wattage or solar panel wattage is another thing to consider when purchasing a solar panel kit. The wattage here is the total or the maximum power output that your solar kit can produce. To understand how many watts of renewable energy you need, you should first understand your energy needs. 

Have a few steps in your RV and take a look at all the appliances you have there. The odds are, there are not that many. A radio, lights, a small TV, a water pump, a small fridge, and a tiny microwave might be all you have and need in an RV. Check each appliance and record its wattage. So, your radio may run on 15 Watts, while your lights may use another 20 Watts. Your microwave may be the biggest consumer of power onboard, with 350 Watts +. Understand how long you use each appliance per day and use these simple numbers to determine the size of your solar panel. 

The maximum wattage of your monocrystalline solar panel (if you go with one) is equal to the maximum wattage of all your devices at the same time. You could buy that particular solar panel right away and satisfy all your energy needs. However, there is more to it. 

If you are looking to buy a solar kit, you may also want to consider your total daily energy use. This is expressed in Watt/hour (Wh) or even kilowatt-hour (kWh). This will help you to know how much power you need to store. You should do this calculation before you purchase your solar kit, as knowing these details beforehand can help you choose the right model. 

When building your solar kit, you should know that your solar inverter and solar charge controller have to be replaced with almost every system upgrade. Your solar batteries, on the other hand, are scalable, as new elements (batteries) can be added. The same goes for your panels. 

Dimensions

Before you purchase and install RV solar panels, you have to make sure that they are of the right dimensions. Your RV has limited space for RV solar panel installation, and flexible solar panels are out of the question because of their low efficiency. Other solar panels, such as mono- and polycrystalline panels, are good to work with. 

To start off, climb your RV. Take a measuring tape and observe the roof. You will see windows, air inlets, and outlets. Additionally, you may see your RV air conditioner unit protruding, the radio antenna, or a satellite dish. Measure the widest possible free area for dimensions. The area should be the largest open area to reduce the shading as you move on the road. The dimensions you got should easily house 1-2 of a particular solar panel type. 

Weight

Choosing light-weight solar panels is a must when thinking of an RV. Panels that are too heavy require more drilling into the RV itself, pose extra weight on the tires, and can decrease your mileage a bit. For these reasons, avoiding amorphous solar panels should be a priority, as they are particularly heavy in relation to every Watt of power output. Thin-film solar panels are the lightest but should not be used either for their low efficiency. 

Endurance

Endurance is important to note too. Although no solar panel producer will tell this outright, some cheaper solar panel models can be a bit more fragile and can even have an efficiency reduction higher than the projected 3% a year. This means that you should invest, as more expensive solar kits can be the right RV solar panels regardless of your energy needs. 

Furthermore, going for a more expensive solution will also increase their endurance in the face of the elements. Most panels can withstand direct blows of hale and branches with no issues, but more expensive solar kits may come with a higher-grade mount, as well as with better welding, nuts, bolts, and stronger wires. 

Expandability

Although most panels are expandable, that is, you can add panels to your solar array, some kits do not allow this. This limits the generated power and how many appliances can run on it, which is very bad, especially as your energy consumption may increase. Simply adding a few LED lights can make some RV solar systems insufficient. 

For this reason, ensuring expandability is a must. There are two ways to think of expandability: the expandability of the panels or the expandability of the battery bank. You can also think of the expandability of the entire solar setup. Let’s learn more. 

The expandability of your solar panels means simply adding more panels to your roof. With a flexible solar panel, it may simply mean adding more length to it (they come in the form of a tape or a wide ribbon). Then adding a solar panel, they need not be of the same type, size, or wattage. Additionally, you may add a foldable solar panel or flexible solar panels to the sides of your RV. When the RV is parked, you can unfold or unwrap your panels to get more energy and counteract a power drop during cloudy days or partial shade. 

When speaking of the battery bank, it is always good to plan for the future and include a solar storage capacity that is at least 2x your daily energy needs. Your RV batteries will not be enough, so you need a separate unit where you can store these solar batteries. Adding more batteries overtime is expected, so ensure your RV solar panel system includes batteries that are expandable. 

Portability

For some users, the portability of their solar system may be important. In this case, you should go with flexible solar panels. Flexible panels can be folded or even rolled up. Although they are less efficient than regular panels, their sheer size should be enough to compensate for the loss of efficiency. Even the best RV solar panel suffers issues when shaded, so having a portable solar panel kit will ensure you can park in the shade and open up the panels in direct sunlight. 

Brands

There are as many brands of solar panels as you want to name. These brands differ from each other by the energy efficiency of their panels, their ability to generate power, the panel type, and the mounting system (such as mounting brackets). Always check and compare if unsure, especially the efficiency rating. Here are some of the top 8 USA RV solar panel manufacturers: 

  1. WindyNation, 
  2. HQST Solar, 
  3. Renogy, 
  4. Eco-Worthy Solar,  
  5. Go Power!, 
  6. ALLPOWERS, 
  7. Sunway Solar, and 
  8. ACOPower. 

Your Energy Needs

Considering your energy needs before you purchase a solar panel system is the surest way to purchase the right option for you. As there are hundreds of models of mono, polycrystalline solar panel types, flexible panels, and CIGS panels, you should know what your energy needs are and plan for a sufficient number of panels in the system. 

Some of the factors you want to consider to understand your energy needs are: 

  1. The number of appliances you have, 
  2. Their power input (wattage), 
  3. How many hours a day do you use them, 
  4. Do you have a backup power source, 
  5. Do you plan to rely only on off-grid operations, 
  6. How efficient your solar controller is, 
  7. How efficient your solar inverter is, 
  8. Do you have a multi-phase battery charger, 
  9. How big your roof space is, and many more. 

The rule of thumb is to calculate your energy needs and add some 10-20% to it to calculate the number of solar panels you need. When it comes to batteries, always double the energy needed to counteract any cloudy days. If you live in a particularly cloudy and rainy area, you may want to multiply your daily energy needs by three or even four. 

Other Factors to Consider

Solar Inverter Size

When considering which solar inverter to purchase, the biggest driving factor should be the size of your solar system. If, for example, you plan on purchasing 1 kWh of solar panels for your RV, then your inverter should be able to handle 1000 Watts of solar power. It is always better to go with one size larger solar inverter, as it will reduce the utilization rate, extend its life and ensure that the spikes in energy production can be handled. 

On the other hand, choosing a solar inverter that is smaller in size than what solar power your panels can produce will possibly even void your warranty. It will also limit your ability to put up additional panels. The more affordable price of these solar inverters is not something you should pay attention to, as the damage may be in the thousands of dollars. 

Waterproof Charge Controllers

A good and reliable solar controller will ensure your solar system can function properly in most conditions. It will protect the RV batteries and ensure a smooth electricity flow to the appliances you may be using. Choosing a waterproof or a weatherproof charge controller will ensure that the bad weather or a potential water leakage does not impact you severely. It will also ensure your money is well invested, as these charge controllers are also resistant to humidity. 

Charge Controller’s Amp Output Rating

Your charge controller amp output rating is another thing to consider. Basically, the Amp output rating shows how many amps this charge controller can handle. If your solar system produces more amps than the charge controller can safely manage, you may burn the device and need to purchase another one. The typical amp output rating is anywhere between one and 60 amps. Going for a charge controller rating that is a bit higher than the system output is a great way to add a buffer zone and protect your equipment. 

Solar Battery

A solar battery is a device that can store excess energy produced by your panels and managed by your charge controller. With a good set of solar batteries, you can power more devices than you actually need, but the extra capacity serves to satisfy spikes in energy use or even satisfy energy needs during cloudy days when there is not enough energy generated. Almost every solar starter kit comes with a solar battery. 

Best RV Solar Panels 

Choosing the best RV panels can be a bit of a headache, especially as the offer is so large. There are also a lot of factors to take into consideration and compare, which makes the job twice as hard. Luckily, we did a bit of research on our own, and we can present to you the top 10 RV solar panels: 

Solar Panel ManufacturerModel NamePower RatingType of Solar Cell Solar Panel Dimensions (L-W-H)Affordability
RenogyFlexible Solar Panel100WMonocrystalline47.9 x 21 x 0.1$$$$
ECO-WORTHY200 Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panel Complete RV Kit100WMonocrystalline39.8 x 20.1 x 1.4 $$$$
KOMAESPolycrystalline Solar Panels For RV Starter Kit200WPolycrystalline47.2 x 21.7 x 1.4 $$$
WindyNation100 Watt Solar Off-Grid RV Kit100WMonocrystalline40 x 1.38 x 26.4$$$$
ALLPOWERSFlexible Solar Panel100WN/AN/A$$$$
RenogyPortable Solar Suitcase100WAmorphous Solar Cells19.9 x 27.2 x 2.84$$$
NewpowaPolycrystalline Photovoltaic Solar Panel100WPolycrystalline47 x 21.3 x 1.4$$$$
RenogyMonocrystalline Starter Kit100WMonocrystalline42.4 X 20.0 X 1.38 $$$
XINGGUANGSemi Flexible 200W Solar Panel Cell For RV200WMonocrystalline46.3×21.3×0.12$$$$
RenogyMonocrystalline Solar Panel100WMonocrystalline47 x 21.3 x 1.4$$$

$, $$ – lower price range 
$$$ – mid-price range 
$$$$, $$$$$ – higher price range

Best Overall

The 100W Renogy Flexible solar panel made it to the very top of our list of top solar panels in the USA. The flexibility of the panel, with a decent power output of 100W, is the best we could ask for in a solar panel for an RV. It can be applied to almost any surface, so it is perfect for teardrop RVs. 

Furthermore, this model is about ⅔ lighter than other similar solar panels, making it less of a burden on your RV engine and mileage. With a thickness of only 0.1 inches, it is also one of the thinnest panels we’ve ever seen. This is one of the best flexible solar panels on the market right now. 

Best Value

The overall best value comes from the WindyNation solar panel manufacturer. Its 100 Watt Solar Off-Grid RV Kit features everything you need for a successful DIY solar project. Furthermore, it is one of the most affordable models on our list. The panel does not produce as much power as some other panels of this size, but scaling up several of these should be able to satisfy even the most power-hungry RV owners. 

The panel frame is made of aluminum and is water and wind-resistant. The charge controller that comes with the panel can handle up to 30 Amps. This charge controller is meant for further expansion and is sure to save you some money in the long run, especially if you consider expanding the system later on. This is the best RV solar panel on our list by the value it brings to the purchaser. 

Best RV Solar Panel Brands

As the solar panel market is a lucrative one and is still in development, many solar panel producers and assemblers can be found in the US. The market is also flooded with models of Chinese making. While comparing the panels themselves is not so easy because there are just so many of them, comparing the solar panel brands is a bit easier. Here are the top 7 solar panel brands in the US: 

  • Zamp, 
  • RICH SOLAR, 
  • Windy Nation, 
  • Renogy, 
  • Eco-Worthy, 
  • ACOPOWER, and 
  • NQST. 

RV Solar Panel Installation

Doing your own solar panel installation is a DIY project that many neighbors may feel envious of. Not only do you get to be the handyman of the weekend, but you also get to enjoy free electricity for years to come. However, as with any other DIY project, there are certain safety concerns to be understood. Furthermore, the whole installation project has several steps, all of which have to be taken seriously and done meticulously. 

Safety Considerations

Safety considerations should be reviewed before any installation job takes place. The wiring in the junction box itself can be fatal if proper protective measures are not taken and if you do not have proper protective equipment to work with. Furthermore, portable solar or installed solar panels can be heavy, so understanding how to protect yourself and your health is of paramount importance. Lastly, as you will be working at a certain height, knowing how to protect yourself is an important aspect as well. 

Personal Protective Equipment

Your personal protective equipment is there to protect your body. Common injuries when installing panels other than portable solar panels include punctured skin, scratches, burns, electric shock, bone fractures (in extreme cases), as well as bruising, swelling, and other symptoms of physical injury. To best protect yourself, you should always have the following on you: 

  • Protective hat or a hard hat, 
  • Eye protection, 
  • Closed-toe or hard-toe (better) boots, 
  • Clothing made of durable material, such as jeans or other thick material that is difficult to reap open, etc. 

Fall Protection

Since you will be working on the roof of your RV, you should also have a sort of fall protection. Although the height is not big, there is still the risk of injury when working in a limited space. Always wear a safety harness and attach it to the railing of your RV. If you have none, placing soft materials, such as mattresses, around your RV can soften any potential falls. Wearing non-slip boots with rubber, the heavily textured sole will prevent any slips. 

Electrical Safety

Electrical safety is of paramount importance, as any electric shock can be fatal, especially on damaged skin that is bleeding. Always ensure to wear insulating boots with a rubber outer sole, as well as protective gloves. It also helps to check all your tools and solar panel connectors (terminals) before starting, as these are the points that, if damaged, result in most injuries. You should also have a friend or a family member nearby to observe and offer assistance if needed or in a time of crisis. 

Heavy Lift Safety

Solar panels are not light. For this reason, you should always either: 

Besides, you should also use protective gloves to prevent too much pressure on the skin and comfortable but tight boots. Be especially careful when lifting the panels to the roof of your RV, as the height, combined with sharp metallic edges, can cause substantial injuries. 

Step by Step Installation Process

Installing your RV solar panels is not difficult, especially if you purchase RV solar panel kits. However, to make sure that your solar panels are installed correctly and that your solar system can power your RV appliances, it is necessary to install solar panels the right way. This will ensure a stable power output, and you will be able to charge your solar power storage for later use. For that reason, here is our guide to installing your RC solar panels: 

1. Mount Installation

2. Solar Panel Installation

3. Electrical Wiring

4. Connecting the Solar Panel to the Solar Inverter

5. Connecting the Solar Inverter and the Solar Battery

6. (Additional) Solar Panel Maintenance

1. Mount Installation

Mount installation is the first step in RV solar panel installation. Unlike a mount on your home, mounts on RVs have to be specifically designed for that purpose. Irrelevant to how many solar panels you will have, the mounting hardware has to be sturdy, as it has to withstand strong forces (including the lifting forces from the wind) as you drive. For this reason, you need a special mount and equipment. 

2. Solar Panel Installation

Once the mount is in place, you need to proceed with solar panel installation. Your RV solar panel kits will come with everything you need. However, if you’ve purchased RC solar panels yourself, you will need to do the majority of work yourself, including the wiring of your solar panels. 

Pay attention that all the wiring is properly guided by the mount bars and that your solar panels rest securely screwed into their place. Only use screw holes dedicated for this purpose, as doing otherwise may irreparably damage your RV solar panels. Giving your solar panels a thug once they are secured in place will tell you about any tightening you may need to do. 

3. Electrical Wiring

Electrical wiring and connections in RV solar panels are not that different from home solar panels. You will need to be careful and avoid touching any exposed wires, as any solar panel that is exposed to light will produce solar power. You also need to wear special protective equipment and wear special insulating gloves when working with any type of wiring. 

When connecting the solar panel wiring, there are two ways that you can do this: 

  1. Connecting the positive terminal of one solar panel to the negative terminal of another. This is the so-called series connection, and it increases the system voltage. 
  2. Connecting the positive terminals together and the negative terminals together. The so-called parallel connection has no effect on your RV solar system wattage. 

4. Connecting the Solar Panel to the Solar Inverter

The next step is connecting the solar panels to the solar investor. When installing RV solar panels, you will need a solar inverter, just as you do in your home solar array. Your inverter should not be placed on the RV roof – securing a dry place for it in the RV inside space will ensure the safety and longevity of the inverter. 

When connecting your solar panels to the inverter, make sure you connect the terminals and the wiring the right way. The positive end coming from solar panels is connected to the positive terminal of your power inverter. Likewise, the negative end coming from your solar panels will connect to the negative terminal on your solar inverter. 

5. Connecting the Solar Inverter and the Solar Battery

Since your RV is off-grid by definition and since powering your RV by means of an oil or gas-powered generator is too expensive, especially with the constant increase in fuel prices, you will need to have a sort of solar battery. This will enable you to have a source of portable solar power in your RV and will ensure that your devices can be powered even when the sunsets. 

Depending on the size and the capacity of your solar battery, it may even enable you to use more powerful appliances, such as a small microwave. This is because the solar battery can store all excess power when it is not used and produce a higher power output when you need more power. With no solar battery, the maximum wattage of the devices that you can use is going to be equal to the maximum solar power output of your RC solar panels. 

When connecting the solar inverter and the solar battery, you will need to pay attention to the following. The positive terminal of the battery is connected to the positive terminal of the inverter. Following the same logic, the negative terminal of your battery is connected to the negative terminal of your solar inverter. 

6. (Additional) Solar Panel Maintenance

Once installing solar panels is finished, there is very little maintenance to do. Every now and then, you should clean them and rinse any dust off. This is especially true of RV solar panel kits, as the road is a dusty place that can quickly reduce your solar panel efficiency. Even the best solar panels have issues producing enough solar power for your needs if they are dirty. 

In other respects, you should periodically check your wiring and solar inverter. Checking your solar batteries periodically is also a necessity, as they do a lot of work to store your renewable energy and may get damaged in the process. The more solar panels you have, the higher the output capacity and the more stress on your batteries. For this reason, you should check the entire system at least twice a year: after winter (check for frost damage on your batteries) and after the summer season (check for dust, check the wiring, the inverter, and the batteries). Some experts even suggest rotating your solar batteries in solar systems to ensure an even wear and longevity. 

FAQs

How long will it take a 100W solar panel to charge a 100Ah battery?

It will take around 20 hours for a 100W solar panel to recharge a 100Ah battery. This is the equivalent of 2 sunny summer days. If you want to reduce this time to less than half, you should go for a more powerful solar panel kit and make sure that your RV solar panels are always in the sun. Do not forget that you will also need a good MPPT solar charger. 

How much does a 10kw battery cost?

A 10 kWh battery costs anywhere between $7,500 and $12,000. This cost includes the battery and the installation. As batteries are not cheap, you should know that you can save money when purchasing them. Tesla Powerwall 2, for example, comes with a pre-installed solar inverter. On the other hand, LG solar batteries come with no solar inverter but cost considerably less than Teslas. 

Can a solar panel overcharge a battery?

Yes, a solar panel can overcharge a battery causing damage to the battery and raising the need for battery replacement. This problem can be avoided by installing a good solar charge controller, which can reduce or completely halt the current flow to the battery. This is yet another reason to have a professional install your solar panels, even if they are RC solar panel kits that are easy to assemble. 

Can you run RV AC on solar?

Yes, it is possible to run your RV AC on solar. However, the upgrades to the equipment, better solar batteries, and a ‘Soft Start’ device cost a lot of money. In the end, it may not pay off to run your RV AC on your RC solar panels. For such a small space, other solutions, such as shading or evaporator-based AC solutions, may be a lot better. Make sure to understand what your RV solar panel kit can power before making the purchase. 

Conclusion

Portable solar panels are still present in many RVs, although they seem to be going slowly away, especially as they take up a lot of the small space inside your RV. Instead of these, the more robust panels with a higher power output – the mounted solar panels – seem to be taking over the market. With everyone’s energy needs different and with a diversified space for installation, choosing the best solar panel can be a bit of a hassle. For that reason, you should take a close look at our guide and judge what the best for you is. 

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