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Residential solar has risen in popularity and affordability in recent years, so it’s little surprise that solar panel companies have adapted to meet the needs of consumers on the road. Solar panels can also provide clean electricity for RVs, campers, and motorhomes.
Power your road trips with renewable energy by pairing efficient solar panels with your RV or camper. Using long-lasting solar panels and solar energy to power your RV can lead to substantial cost savings. Pairing your portable solar panels with the best solar generator and solar inverter can even allow you to live off the grid.
Curious about the best solar panels for RVs? Here’s an in-depth look at the best solar panels for your RV, camper, or motorhome.
Ready to go solar? Call 877-307-7668to be connected with a solar expert today!
Best solar panels for RVs 2022
| Solar panel | Capacity | Price* | Dimensions | Weight | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renogy Flexible Solar Panel | 100 watts | $180 | 47.9 x 21 x 0.08 inches | 4 lbs | Portability, extremely lightweight |
| WindyNation Solar Panel | 100 watts | $100 | 39.2 x 21.3 x 1.0 inches | 13.3 lbs | Affordable and sturdy |
| ALLPOWERS Portable Solar Panel | 100 watts | $180 | 37 x 37 x 0.39 inches | 5.29 lbs | Foldable for easy storage |
| ECO-WORTHY Solar Panel | 100 watts | $90 | 39.8 x 20.1 x 1.4 inches | 18.9 lbs | Ideal for low-light areas |
| HQST Solar Panel | 100 watts | $90 | 40.1 x 20 x 1.18 in | 12.8 lbs | Sturdy, budget-friendly solar |
*prices accurate as of publication
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The best solar panels for your RV, camper, or motorhome 2022
Learn more about the top-rated solar panels for RVs, along with their strengths and weaknesses.
Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Flexible Solar Panel
The Renogy 100 Watt Flexible Solar Panel is a monocrystalline panel ideal for the roof of an RV or camper. It can bend up to 248 degrees, weighs four pounds, and can withstand extreme wind, rain, and snow. This Renogy solar panel costs around $180 and comes with a material and workmanship warranty of 5 years and a power output warranty of 25 years, according to the product spec sheet.
What we like: The lightest solar panel we’ve seen.
Things to consider: This brand is one of the most expensive RV solar panels on our list.
WindyNation 100-Watt Solar Panel
WindyNation’s 100-Watt solar panel offers the potential to live off the grid and is an ideal option for those living in remote areas. This monocrystalline solar panel costs around $100 and weighs just over 13 pounds. The WindyNation 12-volt solar panel has a sturdy, anodized aluminum frame to protect it from corrosion. WindyNation offers a warranty of 5 years on parts and labor and a 25-year power warranty.
What we like: Connect multiple WindyNation panels for a stronger charging current.
Things to consider: If using multiple panels on your RV, consider how the additional weight will affect your vehicle.
ALLPOWERS100 Watt Portable Solar Panel
The ALLPOWERS100 Watt Portable Solar Panel is a flexible option that is best for tight-fitting or small spaces because it can fold for easy storage. This feature makes it easy to transport one or more monocrystalline solar panels in your RV, camper, boat, or wherever you travel. The folded dimensions are 12.6 x 7.5 x 3.6 inches (unfolded is 37 x 37 x 0.39 inches). This $180 solar panel puts safety first with a built-in voltage regulator, surge protection, and short circuit protection. An ALLPOWERS100 purchase includes an 18-month warranty and 30-day return policy.
What we like: Foldable panels are great for easy storage.
Things to consider: If you want to permanently mount your solar panels to your RV, foldable panels are probably unnecessary.
ECO-WORTHY 100 Watt Solar Panel
The ECO-WORTHY solar panel is another 12-volt monocrystalline panel option for off-the-grid living or travel. Each RV solar panel costs about $90 and comes with pre-drilled holes for quick and easy installation, plus a 2.5-foot MC4 connector for additional panels or charge controller options. The spec sheet lists a 25-year power production warranty (at 80% output) and a 10-year manufacturing warranty. ECO-WORTHY also offers a similar solar panel with 195 watts of capacity priced around $270.
What we like: Built to conserve power in shady environments for consistent performance regardless of weather conditions.
Things to consider: This solar panel is the heaviest on our list.
HQST 100 Watt Solar Panel
With a price of about $90, the HQST solar panel for RVs, motorhomes, sheds, or other remote areas is a cheaper option that matches the 100-watt capacity of some of its more expensive competitors. This monocrystalline solar panel has a high efficiency of 22.3% and pre-drilled holes for easy installation. Like the ECO-WORTHY model, this panel contains bypass diodes to ensure steady production in low-light conditions. The RV solar panel also has a 25-year power output warranty and a 5-year material and workmanship warranty.
What we like: This panel consistently has high customer reviews, and many consider it a cheaper dupe of the Renogy brand.
Things to consider: Mounting brackets and connector wires will need to be purchased separately.
How to find the best RV solar systems in 2022
Here are some of the most important considerations to think about when shopping for the best RV solar panels.
- Your energy needs. RV solar panels are normally lower in capacity because they are smaller and more lightweight. However, these features also make them easier to install and move around. The average RV or camper uses about 20 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of power each day. Make sure that you consider the solar panel’s capacity and how much energy you consume every day before deciding. Also, take into account where you will travel. Are you road-tripping through the top solar energy-producing states, or will your panels be up against winter weather? Need help pinpointing your monthly energy consumption? The SaveOnEnergy usage calculator can help with that.
- Solar kits. Many solar companies offer kits, which include solar panel(s), cables, and charge controllers. Some kits also include solar batteries, which can help increase the amount of electricity you can use over time. Solar kits are normally more expensive than individual panels but could be worth the extra cost if you need the included components.
- Ease of installation. For travelers or campers who are on the go often, investing in solar panels with easy installation features can save a lot of time and hassle. Many RV solar panels come with pre-drilled installation holes or are extra lightweight to make setup easy.
- Panel cost. RV solar panels are a deal compared to the cost of residential solar panels, which helps RV owners see a quicker return on their solar investment. Of course, the cost of RV solar panels varies depending on capacity, size, and other factors. When shopping for a solar panel, remember to factor in the cost of any other components that you will need to install the system, including batteries, chargers, or cables. And if you want to power more than a few small appliances, you’ll need to invest in multiple panels or a solar panel with more wattage, which could drive up the cost. Payment options that are available to residential solar owners, such as power purchase agreements and solar leasing, are not an option for solar panels for RVs.
- Warranty. Solar panel warranties for RVs can range from 18 months to 25 years. Power warranties ensure the output of the panels over a period of time, and workmanship warranties protect against physical damage. Most solar panels have both types of warranties.
How do RV solar panels work?
RV solar panels work the same as residential solar panels. The panels capture the sun’s energy, convert it into electricity, and power your RV. There are a few differences between solar panels for RVs and homes. Many solar manufacturers offer portable panels, which can easily be taken down, or permanently mounted on an RV, camper, or boat.
Another key difference is the average system size or how many solar panels you need. A residential solar system is usually large enough to power an entire home; however, RVs or other off-grid vehicles have a limitation of size. Your RV or camper will only fit a few panels on the roof, so space could be an issue if you want to power every item in your RV with solar power.
Solar panels for RVs can be especially appealing to camping aficionados or travelers who like to spend time in remote locations. While many campsites offer electrical hookups, RV solar can free you from the worry of being tied to the grid.
Once you’ve picked the best solar panels for your RV, check out the best solar shingles and solar panels for your home to take advantage of net metering, renewable energy credits, and the solar tax credit incentives.
Pros and cons of solar panels for RVs
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Less expensive than solar panels for home | Need to be able to install yourself |
| Weatherproof against rain, snow, and wind | Shorter warranty than residential solar panels |
| Some RV solar panels are sold as a kit | You may have to buy accessories separately |
RV solar panels FAQs
RV solar panels cost between $75 for a single panel and over $1,000 for a multipanel RV solar panel kit. Solar panel kits cost more because they include many of the necessary components that are sold separately from individual panels. You could spend as little as $75 on a cheaper RV solar panel with a lower capacity if you only need to power a few appliances during the occasional camping trip. If you are consistently on the road or need a high-capacity option to power your RV, a solar kit may be a better solution. Solar panel kits range in cost from $200 to $500 and normally include one or two panels, a charge controller, and solar cables. Frequent travelers may also want to consider a portable solar battery as well.
Investing in solar panels for your RV can lower energy costs in the long run. Over time, solar panels can reduce how much you pay for electricity in your RV, camper, or motorhome.
What’s more, travelers, campers, and residents living in remote locations can lower their dependence on the electric grid with solar panels. Two to three RV solar panels will provide enough energy to power small appliances for the average consumer. You’ll need to invest in additional panels or solar batteries if you want to live completely off the grid in your RV.
Solar panels for RVs are an affordable way to invest in green energy without breaking the bank. It’s important to research a panel’s capacity to ensure it will work for your energy consumption habits. RV-dwellers, travelers, or campers are more likely to recoup the low upfront cost of their solar panels quicker than homeowners.