A pop-up camper is a great option for campers with heavy vehicles. They can attach the camper at the back of their vehicle and carry it anywhere easily. They are lightweight and easy to carry. The best way to make the most of your pop-up camper is to get solar panels for it so you can set up anywhere in the country without any worries.
Not only are solar panels eco-friendly, but they are also very inexpensive. If you have air conditioning or heating in your camper, solar panels will prove to be extremely beneficial. They are also great for when you are unable to charge the camper’s battery and you are far from a port.
In this article, we have included some of the best solar panel kits for pop-up campers to help you make an informed purchase decision. We have also mentioned what you should consider when buying solar panels for a pop-up camper.
1. WindyNation 100w Polycrystalline Kit
ASIN: B01ANAX55S
WindyNation 100w polycrystalline kit is an inexpensive and clean option for efficient solar power supply. This solar kit comes with everything you would need to set up the system. It includes mounting brackets, cables, connectors, and a charge controller with an LCD display. You can also adjust the settings on the charge controller’s screen to maintain the needed temperature, voltage, and amperage. This kit is great for pop-up campers and is made from weather-resistant materials.
Pros
- Very inexpensive.
- Great charge controller with adjustable settings on LCD screen.
- Durable and weather-proof.
Cons
- Offers below average 350-watt/day.
2. ACOPOWER 120W Portable Solar Panel Kits
ASIN: B074ZR3RNP
ACOPOWER 120W Portable Solar Panel Kits is a portable solar panel designed by ACOPOWER with three 40-watt panels. This portable kit can be placed to charge battery whenever you are boondocking. It is lightweight and easy to carry. The kit comes with MC4 connectors, a built-in bypass, a 10-A charge controller with 2 USB ports and a kickstand to angle it according to the sun’s direction. The USB ports are ideal for charging phones, gadgets, and other devices. The back of the panel features a built-in bag for cables and an easy-to-carry handle. However, it is important to note that this solar kit shouldn’t be left out in rain as the charge controller is not waterproof.
Pros
- Portable and easy to carry.
- Comes with a stand.
- 120W solar power.
- Carrying bag for cables.
- Easy-to-use handle.
- 10A charge controller with USB ports.
Cons
- Isn’t waterproof.
3. Renogy 100W 12V Portable Foldable Monocrystalline Solar Panel
ASIN: B07N1HKB86
Renogy 100W 12V Portable Foldable Monocrystalline Solar Panel suitcase is one of the best solar panel kits by Renogy. This comes in various configurations, charge controllers and panels to choose from. The kit features a kickstand, a handle, a carrying case, alligator chip and an LCD screen controller that is very handy to use.
Pros
- 20A waterproof controller.
- 10 feet cable with alligator clips.
- Built-in kickstand.
- Comes with a carrying case.
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a built-in bypass.
4. ECO-WORTHY 120W Foldable Solar Panel
ASIN: B07RRNCSJN
ECO-WORTHY 120W Foldable Solar Panel is 120W panel kit that weighs only 8 pounds and is extremely lightweight. This kit comes with MC4 connectors and alligator clips to connect to your battery easily. It has 8 DC adapters to connect to specific electronic devices, a charge controller with USB ports and 10 feet wiring. The charge controller has USB ports to allow you to charge your electronic devices. This efficient energy system is very lightweight, simple-to-use and portable.
Pros
- Comes with 10 feet wiring.
- Foldable and portable.
- Multiple DC outputs.
- 20A charge controller with USB ports.
Cons
- Does not come with a kickstand.
5. ACOPOWER HYS60-12MB 60W Foldable Panel
ASIN: B01NBONA3E
ACOPOWER HYS60-12MB 60W Foldable Panel is the smallest panel in this list. This 60W solar panel is made of two 30W monocrystalline panels and comes with a built-in 10A solar charge controller to keep your 12V battery from overcharging. This kit is perfect to supply energy efficiently to a pop-up camper as it has an efficient system. The kit also features a built-in bypass that you can use to bypass solar charge controller and connect the system directly to a power generator or power station. Use the alligator clips to easily attach it to the battery.
It is important to note that the charge controller is not waterproof so make sure you keep it indoors when it’s raining. Use the built-in kickstand to angle it towards the sun, carry it easily or hang it anywhere.
Pros
- Built-in kickstand, bypass and charge controller.
- Comes with a carrying case with handle.
- Double monocrystalline panels.
- Easily foldable.
Cons
- Heavier than flexible panels.
What to Consider When Buying Solar Panels for Pop-Up Camper
Here’s a list of what you should consider when buying solar panels for pop-up camper:
- Opt for a solar panel kit that comes with a quick-release mounting bracket, a kickstand and an extension cord so you can easily pop it off of the roof and place it outside when boondocking.
- Your solar panel kit should be waterproof as you will be mounting it on the roof most of the time.
- If you have air conditioning or heating installed in the camper, you will be needing a solar panel of higher capacity.
- Always make sure that the kit comes with a charge controller so that you do not overcharge.
Bottom Line
After comparing all the options mentioned above, our top choice for the best solar panels for pop-up camper has to be the WindyNation 100w Polycrystalline Kit as it is very inexpensive and of great quality. It is enough for pop-up campers and will last a long time.
