Electricity is a concern whether you’re going camping for a weekend or staying at your campground for many weeks or months.

When you park your RV, you never quite know what to expect since electrical hookups at certain campgrounds might be very dependable while being completely unexpected at others.

Solar panels are the ideal choice if you don’t want to be concerned about whether or not your RV can plug in and power up, keeping everything from your fridge to your air conditioner functioning smoothly.

With a number of solar panels or a solar panel kit designed for RVs, you can power the electrical system in your camper.

Additionally, it will make your RV ecologically and energetically friendly.

With a solar-ready RV, consider how much energy you might get directly from the sun.

Superior Overall

Nature Power 440-Watt Complete Solar Kit

Summary

A complete and powerful solar panel system for RVs that can power several electrical devices and appliances with a total output of 440 watts.

Pros

  • Long-lasting, weather-resistant solar panel frames
  • Solar is simple to use thanks to plug-and-play setup.
  • Comprises a controller, an inverter, and the required wires.

Cons

  • No batteries for the solar system

Renology 300-Watt Solar RV Kit

Best Price

Summary

This RV solar panel system is reasonably priced, comes with a straightforward installation, and enables you to use solar power as soon as you’re outside.

Pros

  • Frameworks for solar panels that aren’t corroded
  • Simple setup and installation procedures
  • Includes the necessary hardware, cables, connections, and a controller for Bluetooth.

Cons

  • Not including fuses

ACOPower 800-Watt OffGrid Solar Power Kit

Exceptional Mention

Summary

This RV solar panel kit delivers when it comes to significant solar power with eight exceptional panels and a total of 800 watts of electricity for all of your electrical requirements.

Pros

  • Includes 4 gel batteries to store additional energy.
  • Includes all necessary setup equipment
  • Based on sunshine, produces over 3,800 watts of electricity every day.

Cons

  • Really pricey

Short List

Best Overall:

Best Value: Renology 300-Watt Solar RV Kit

Honorable Mention: ACOPower 800-Watt OffGrid Solar Power Kit

Best for Large RVs:

Most Versatile: Kisae 1800-Watt Solar RV Battery Kit

Best Budget: ACOPower 200-Watt OffGrid Solar Power Kit

Our Technique

By looking for those that regular campers who have gone solar enjoy and trust the most, I was able to narrow down my search for the finest solar panels and kits for RVs.

The items mentioned below are ones that are seen to be dependable, simple to install, and well-suited to different RVs and RV power demands by individuals who have given them a try.

This is determined by looking at data like user reviews, ratings, and recommendations online.

Additionally, I looked for solar panel kits in every shape and size to meet my demands, from single panels to as many as four panels, complete with all the connections and cabling.

Reviews And Recommendations For The Best Solar Kits And Panels For Rvs

#1. Nature Power 440-Watt Complete Solar Kit

Superior Overall

Specs

  • Panel type: Monocrystalline
  • Panel wattage: 110 watts per panel
  • Number of panels: 4

Pros

  • Solar panel frames that are robust and resistant to the elements
  • Includes wires for connection, a controller, and an inverter.
  • Plug-and-play arrangement
  • High-performance, very robust panels

Cons

  • No batteries for the solar system

The 440-Watt Complete Solar Kit from Nature Power lives true to its name: It’s a thorough kit that will get your RV operating on solar power.

You will be outfitted with the greatest RV solar panels possible with four high-efficiency 110-watt monocrystalline solar panels.

Additionally, each panel has a strong, weather-resistant metal frame and a scratch-resistant tempered glass cover for added security.

The installation of these panels on your RV roof is meant to be permanent, yet it’s simple.

You can start using solar power right away thanks to the plug-and-play design, which also comes with a 750-watt inverter, a 30-amp charge controller, and all the necessary connectors.

Aside from that, this kit is so trustworthy and ecologically beneficial that you can expect at least 80% efficiency for a total of 25 years.

The sole disadvantage? You will need to buy solar batteries separately if you want to store extra energy since they are not included.

#2. Renology 300-Watt Solar RV Kit

Best Price

Specs

  • Panel type: Monocrystalline
  • Panel wattage: 100 watts per panel
  • Number of panels: 3

Pros

  • Simple installation
  • Includes battery, Bluetooth module, wires, and controller.
  • Inexpensive price
  • Construction of corrosion-resistant panels

Cons

  • No fuses are present.

If you choose the Renology 300-Watt Solar RV Kit, you won’t need to spend hundreds of dollars to outfit your camper with solar power.

With three 100-watt monocrystalline solar panels specifically made for RVs, this system doesn’t sacrifice on quality.

In a single, affordably priced kit, it includes practically all of the accessories required to set up the panels as well.

You’ll be equipped to start enjoying the advantages of solar power thanks to its IP65-rated junction box, Bluetooth module, cable housing, connections, 30-amp charge controller, and 4-stage battery charging system.

Additionally, the complete kit is designed to be simple to install, wire, and set up.

To monitor the operation of your system in real time and make modifications on the fly, you may link your solar panels with the Renology smartphone app.

The corrosion-resistant panel frames and outdoor-ready components of this system also make it durable.

The absence of fuses from this kit is the only minor downside.

Therefore, before installation, you will need to make a second purchase and incur a little extra cost.

#3. ACOPower 800-Watt OffGrid Solar Power Kit

Exceptional Mention

Specs

  • Panel type: Monocrystalline
  • Panel wattage: 100 watts per panel
  • Number of panels: 8

Pros

  • Suitable for huge power demands and RVs of various sizes.
  • Produces more than 3,800 watt-hours every day
  • Includes controller, gel batteries, inverter, and more
  • Installation and mounting that is simple and basic

Cons

  • Really pricey

The ACOPower 800-Watt OffGrid Solar Power Kit will suit your demands if you want a substantial amount of solar-generated energy to run a large RV, extremely power-hungry equipment, or just to meet high demand.

Eight 100-watt monocrystalline solar panels, a 3,000-watt power converter, and four gel batteries are included in this package, making it unique in its ability to store extra energy.

You’ll have enough of energy to use as often as necessary thanks to the design that makes it suitable for houses, cabinets, and RVs.

Depending on the amount of sunshine, this system may produce around 3,840 watt-hours of electricity per day.

Additionally, you’ll get fuses, battery switches, cables, and other items to make sure you can set it up on your camper easily (and without incurring additional costs).

But bear in mind that this robust and complete solar panel set is very pricey.

The ordinary RVer could find its price and the enormous eight panels too much to bear.

#4. Zamp Solar 1020-Watt Deluxe Roof Mount Kit

Ideal for Big RVs

Specs

  • Panel type: Monocrystalline
  • Panel wattage: 17 watts per panel
  • Number of panels: 6

Pros

  • Omni-Mount panel frames that can bend
  • You may add or delete panels.
  • Includes an LCD digital display, a wire harness, and a charging controller.
  • Installation and mounting that is simple and basic

Cons

  • 25-year output warranty protection

Larger RVs should choose the Zamp Solar 1020-Watt Deluxe Roof Mount Kit since it offers a lot of solar electricity.

This kit is really designed to be suited for the largest RVs as well as off-grid cottages and small homes since larger RVs may have high power usage.

This set of RV-ready solar panels may provide all of your power requirements if it operates on a 12-volt battery.

You will get six 170-watt monocrystalline solar panels, each with a revolutionary flexible Omni-Mount frame that allows for placement anywhere without concern for angle or movement.

And if you want to remove panels without damaging the mounting hardware, the frame has easy-release feet.

The anti-reflective coating on each screen has the additional benefit of increasing sun absorption.

Just be aware that this RV solar panel kit’s product descriptions make no mention of a battery.

You could thus discover that you need to buy one separately in order to store the additional power you get over the day.

#5. Kisae 1800-Watt Solar RV Battery Kit

Most Adaptable

Specs

  • Panel type: Monocrystalline
  • Panel wattage: 20 watts per panel
  • Number of panels: 2

Pros

  • Include a portable 60 ah battery
  • May be applied to your RV, your home, or other places
  • Setting up plug-and-play takes an hour.
  • May be increased as your energy requirements fluctuate

Cons

  • Doesn’t hold a lot of power
  • Additional panels are required for heavier usage.

The Kisae 1800-Watt Solar RV Battery Kit is a wonderful place to start if you’re unsure of how much solar power you want or need to get started.

Only two 20-watt solar panels are included in this compact package, but the portable 60 amp-hour battery is its most notable component.

Both the panels and the batteries may be transported on the road with you, conveniently stashed within your camper and put up—or mounted—whenever you camp.

When you don’t have electricity or it breaks down, the battery serves as a backup power source and a tiny independent solar power system.

The system includes the batteries and panels in addition to a plug-and-play setup that just takes an hour to complete and four AC outlets that can provide up to 1,800 watts of electricity.

The greatest part is that you can constantly upgrade the system by adding more solar panels and batteries.

Users’ main gripe with this kit is simply its little size.

The 60 amp-hour battery has a limited capacity and may run out quite rapidly, however it can be increased afterwards.

#7. ACOPower 200-Watt OffGrid Solar Power Kit

Best Price

Specs

  • Panel type: Monocrystalline
  • Panel wattage: 100 watts per panel
  • Number of panels: 2

Pros

  • Solar panels that are small and save space
  • Inexpensive price
  • Comes with a controller, mounting brackets, adapters, and more
  • Appropriate for 12- or 24-volt systems

Cons

  • Excludes the battery
  • Best for small power requirements

Initially small? You can make the transition to solar power without incurring significant costs thanks to the ACOPower 200-Watt OffGrid Solar Power Kit.

With two 100-watt monocrystalline panels, this system is so reasonably priced that anybody may switch to solar power for their RV.

You’ll have enough electricity to try it out.

This system may be eventually expanded with more panels, or you can just continue utilizing solar energy for lighting.

This budget-friendly kit comes with practically everything you need to get started, including the panels, a waterproof charge controller, mounting hardware, an adapter kit, cables and cable housing, and connections.

The panels also come with a 25-year power output guarantee, so you can rely on them to effectively capture sunlight.

However, you’ll need to purchase a battery separately if you want to store extra energy as this RV solar system doesn’t come with one.

Additionally, since it only has a 200 watt maximum output, you could discover that you urgently need more panels if you want to power your whole RV.

Our Finding

Because it is comprehensive and potent, is the greatest overall solar panel kit for RVs.

It is also very easy to set up, quite dependable, and capable of powering a wide range of RV electric appliances and gadgets.

The Various-Affordable Renology 300-Watt Solar RV Kit has a comparable configuration and adds value in the shape of extra accessories and equipment if you’re searching for a lot of value.

Things to Think About Before Purchasing Solar Panels and RV Kits

Campers now have more choices than ever thanks to RV-ready solar panels, but you still need to do your homework before choosing any particular set of panels.

Keep these points in mind if you want to make your RV ecologically friendly by adding solar power.

Different RV Solar Panel and Kit Types

#1. Solar Cells With A Single Crystal

The best RV panels are monocrystalline solar panels.

The most common kind of panel is also the most effective, so you’ll obtain a larger output and maybe be able to generate more electricity, even in areas with less sunshine.

One enormous silicon crystal was used to create these panels.

They are often the most costly option, however.

#2. Solar Cells Made Of Polycrystalline

Multiple tiny solar crystals and silicon are used to create polycrystalline solar panels.

As a result, they are more cheap than monocrystalline panels, however they do generate somewhat less power—roughly 1% less—in comparison.

Despite being somewhat less energy-efficient, solar panels are quite popular because to their relatively affordable price.

#3. Spherical Solar Panels

Amorphous solar panels are the best choice if you’re seeking for the most affordable solution.

These silicon-based, ultra-thin film panels are the most affordable option available.

However, among the three types of solar panels, they also provide the least amount of electricity.

They may also take up twice as much roof space on your RV’s roof as polycrystalline or monocrystalline panels since they are often bigger in size.

To gather the same amount of electricity as the other types of solar panels, you’ll also need additional amorphous solar panels.

Key Characteristics of Solar Panels and RV Kits

#1. Batterie Solar

Purchasing solar panels by themselves won’t allow you to utilize the sun’s energy to run the electrical appliances in your RV.

To be able to store all of the energy your solar panels are able to produce, you will also need a solar battery—or many solar batteries.

To make your installation procedure simpler, it is sense to seek for solar panel packages that also contain solar batteries.

Both lead acid and lithium-ion batteries, which are what solar batteries are often made of, will enable you to continue using your electric devices long after the sun has set.

#2. Charger, Inverter, And Controller

You should make sure that your solar system has an area to store all of the energy you generate in addition to a charge controller and an inverter.

These two essential parts are crucial for controlling the electrical flow within your RV.

They effectively route and transform the solar energy you gather so it may be put to use and used to power various devices.

Your energy storage system won’t be overcharged thanks to the charge controller.

The inverter, on the other hand, converts DC electricity into AC current, which may be used for everything from your TV to the refrigerator in your RV.

#3. The Capacity To Install More Panels

Last but not least, you need an RV solar panel kit that is versatile and adjustable.

One or two solar panels may be all you need to get started, but you’ll soon realize that you need more to power heavy-duty appliances like your refrigerator.

Or you might choose single, customizable panels.

It’s crucial to choose a setup for your solar panel system that enables you to add panels as necessary in the future.

Because of this, it’s important to have the capacity to store more energy while you’re camping outside for an extended amount of time.

Cost Of Rv Solar Kits And Panels

Additionally, panels by themselves are available in this price range.

The more you have to spend (particularly if you require a lot of electricity) the more complex your RV solar panel arrangement will be.

FAQs

How many solar panels are need to power an RV?

A typical RV requires two to four 200-watt solar panels to provide all of its energy requirements.

You could want extra panels if your power requirements are greater.

A 100-watt solar panel can power what in an RV?

The best solar panels for low power usage are 100 watt solar panels.

Electronics like laptops and cellphones can often be recharged by a single panel.

Low-energy appliances like ceiling fans and LED light bulbs will also be powered by it.

A 200-watt solar panel can power what in an RV?

A single 200-watt panel will provide enough energy to operate a 12-volt refrigerator.

You could even be able to produce enough electricity to operate small appliances, like a coffee maker, for brief periods of time if your panel is coupled with a battery bank that stores excess energy.

Can solar electricity be used to power an RV air conditioner?

You can definitely operate your air conditioner on solar power if you have a good setup and enough solar panels.

To accommodate the load, you could just need more panels than the average RV owner, and you might also need to update or make some adjustments to your RV’s electrical system.

Updated on

Written by Bob Matsuoka
Bob Matsuoka is a blogger and founder of RVing Beginner blog. He has been blogging for over five years, writing about his own family’s RV adventures, tips for people who are interested in buying an RV or taking their family on an adventure by RV.