There are many ways you can charge your RV battery. You can either plug it at a gas station when you or charge it while driving. The best way to charge an RV battery when you are driving across a sunny countryside is to use solar energy.
Portable solar panels come very handy for generating power for your batteries as they receive direct sunlight all day long. The reason why you should go to a portable solar panel for your RV’s battery is because they don’t need to be mounted on the roofs and they’re pretty easy to use.
Portable solar panels come with stands so you can place them out and directly plug them to your RV battery. This is specially good for when you are parked in a shade because then you can simply put the panel out in the sun and generate energy.
In this article, we will talk about the best portable solar panels for RV battery charging. All these panels come with built-in charge controllers to make things easier for you. We have also included their specifications, pros and cons, and the things you should consider before buying a solar panel for RV battery.
1. ACOPOWER HYS60-12MB 60W Foldable Panel
ASIN: B01NBONA3E
ACOPOWER HYS60-12MB 60W Foldable Panel is the smallest option 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. What makes it portable is the fact that it is very light as compared to other solar panels. That’s due to the 60W setup because other solar panels usually come with a 100W setup that is heavier. Therefore, it offers efficient solar charging in addition to its portability.
Although not waterproof, the charge controller is of great quality and will not get damaged easily. It features a built-in kickstand that you can use to set up the panel and angle it against the sun easily. You can use it even in evening hours when the sun us about to set as the panel can be angled anywhere towards the sun. You will need this charge if you are expecting a rainy day later.
The ACOPOWER panels also come with a built-in bypass that you can use to bypass the solar charge controller and connect the solar panel into a power station or power generator. It also comes with alligator clips that are easy to connect to your battery.
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.
2. ECO-WORTHY 120W Foldable Solar Panel
ASIN: B07RRNCSJN
ECO-WORTHY 120W Foldable Solar Panel is a great solar kit that come with a built-in charge controller and can be connected to a portable solar generator. It weighs only 8 pounds and is perfect for new travelers. It can be easily angled towards the sun to generate 70-80 watts.
The ECO-WORTHY panel comes with an MC4 and alligator chips to connect easily to your battery. It also has 8 DC adapters to help you connect to a specific electronic device. What’s more, the controller comes with USB ports, allowing you to charge your phones, gadgets, lights, and other electronics directly when the panel is out in the sun. This efficient energy system is very lightweight, simple-to-use and portable.
Pros
- Comes with 10 feet wiring.
- Foldable and portable.
- Lightweight
- Multiple DC outputs.
- 20A charge controller with USB ports.
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a kickstand.
3. ACOPOWER 120W Portable Solar Panel Kits
ASIN: B074ZR3RNP
ACOPOWER 120W Portable Solar Panel Kits is another solar panel kit from ACOPOWER with double wattage. It features three flexible 40 watt panels that you can easily fold and carry. This kit comes with MC4 connectors, a built-in bypass to connect to solar generators and a 10A charge controller with two USB ports. So, you can charge your electronic devices as well as connect the connectors easily to the charge controllers.
The kit also features a kickstand to move the angle and put it easily on the ground or hang. However, you shouldn’t leave it out in rain as the charge controller is not waterproof. The back of the panel has a built-in bag for cables and an easy-to-carry handle.
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.
4. Renogy 100W 12V Portable Foldable Monocrystalline Solar Panel
ASIN: B07N1HKB86
Renogy 100W 12V Portable Foldable Monocrystalline Solar Panel suitcase is a great product by Renogy that come in various configurations, different sized panels, and charge controllers. The charge controller comes with a screen that tells you about the specifications like amperage and other data. The kit also has a kickstand, handle, carrying case, alligator clips and is a great plug-and-play option for RV campers.
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.
5. Renogy 200-Watt Eclipse
ASIN: B073W1S43K
Renogy 200-Watt Eclipse is a big 200W kit with two 100W panels of great quality and efficiency. It comes with a waterproof charge controller that informs you of the battery voltage, amperes, and temperature. This kit comes with a carrying case to keep the panels safe when moving. The panels can also be locked with the latches when they are folded, making them easy to carry.
The Renogy eclipse panels are also protected with plastic edges, so they don’t break if they fall due to any road bumps. The suitcase also features an aluminum frame and stand, making it lighter to carry. It can be easily angled towards the sun, thanks to the adjustable legs in it.
With 10 feet wiring, an easy-to-use charge controller and lightweight panels, this option is one of the best ones available.
Pros
- Carrying bag.
- Waterproof charge controller with 4-stage charging.
- Adjustable legs.
- 10 feet wiring.
- Great handle.
Cons
- Doesn’t come with an extension cord.
What to Consider When Buying a Solar Panel for RV Battery Charging
Here’s a list of what you should consider when buying a solar panel for charging an RV battery:
- An ideal solar panel for RV should come with a charge controller.
- It should come with a handle and a case for protection and handling.
- A kickstand is great for perfectly angling the panel towards the sun.
- Solar panel should come with a bypass for solar generator.
Final Thoughts
After comparing all the options mentioned above, our top choice for the best solar panels for RV battery charging is the ACOPOWER HYS60-12MB 60W Foldable Panel. This 60W panel is very easy to use for new campers, comes with a charge controller and is lightweight. The Renogy 200-Watt Eclipse is also a great option for greater capacity.
