There are few things in life that parallel the experience of going into the great outdoors and enjoying a family trip with your loved ones. The quiet and tranquil features of nature will help give you the escape you require from the never-ending monotony of city life. But there is nothing that snaps you back into the mundane world of reality than a noisy gas-generator shredding the sanctity of nature to bits and pieces.
RV getaways are fun, and families tend to enjoy them, but before you set out on one, you should systematically address your power requirements. Noisy gas generators are off the list for obvious reasons, which leaves us with the recommended choice of RV solar panels. Not only do these solar panels do an amazing job at keeping noise levels down, but they also help reduce pollution.
However, while you might appreciate and recognize the benefits of RV solar panels, finding them can be tough. There are a number of varieties available in the market, and without a thorough understanding of the key features, you may never be able to find the ideal solar panel.
In this article, we take you through the process of buying a solar panel for your RV and mention some of the best solar panels for RV. We also mention the key considerations to keep in mind during this purchase to minimize disruptions and maximize perfection.
Things to Consider When Buying the Best Solar Panels for RV
There are a few things you should keep in mind when buying the best solar panels for RV. Some of these considerations include:
Your Power Requirements
Before you find the perfect RV solar panel, it is necessary that you do your homework and find out what power requirements you will have when you’re camping with family. An estimation of your power requirements will help you determine the number of solar panels you need and the batteries required to operate them.
Most RV campers with families tend to use around 20 kWh of electricity per day. Naturally, your electricity consumption will increase with the number of power appliances you turn on. Two or three solar panels will typically produce enough energy to power your RV and give you the output you require.
System Setup
Before you can start using your system on your RV, it is necessary that you first set it up. Now, solar panel installation can either be the most difficult task in the world or a walk in the park. Your installation experience and the manual work required from you during it are determined by the amount of assistance provided by the manufacturer in the kit. Kits that come with pre-drilled holes and setup procedures are easy to use.
Type of Panel
Solar panels are divided into polycrystalline, monocrystalline and amorphous panels. Monocrystalline panels are the most efficient in nature, as they can transfer the most amount of sunlight into DC energy. If you are starving for space, which most RV-goers usually are, you should opt for a monocrystalline panel. However, do remember that an increase in the efficiency rating does come at a cost in price.
The 5 Best Solar Panels for RV’s
Let’s go ahead and take a look at the very best solar panels for RV’s and motorhomes.
1. Renogy 400 Watt 12 Volt Solar Premium Kit
This Renogy 400 Watt 12 Volt Solar Premium Kit gets our nod as the best overall RV solar panel. The kit comes with 4 different monocrystalline panels that have a 100-watt output each. The efficiency rate of 21 percent and the production warranty of 25 years are both stellar.
The kit also comes with 4 Z-Brackets for easy installation, a 40 Amp MPPT charge controller and a Bluetooth module to monitor the system through your phone.
2. WindyNation 100 Watt Solar Panel Off-Grid Kit
This WindyNation 100-Watt Solar Panel Off-Grid Kit comes with 12 Volts output and is great for people who don’t use too much power when camping. The kit comes with one single panel that has a power output of 100 watts and a charge controller of 20 amp.
The panel produces some 3.5 kWh of electricity every day, which won’t exactly turn heads but will meet your requirements on a budget.
3. Go Power 130 Watt Portable Solar Kit
This Go Power! 130-Watt Portable Solar Kit is the perfect option for RV-ers who don’t want to go through the hassle of installing an additional solar system on the roof. This solar kit is foldable in nature and is easy to store.
The kit comes with additional cabling and battery clamps for recharging and also offers exceptional durability through its 25 year warranty. The kit is highly portable due to its foldable design and lightweight features.
4. HQST 100 Watt Polycrystalline Solar Panel Kit
The HQST 100 Watt Polycrystalline Solar Panel Kit is ideal for RV travelers. The kit comes with 1 x 100 watt panel that can be enough to cover your power requirements inside the RV.
This HQST 100 Watt Polycrystalline Solar Panel Kit also offers a PWM charge controller with Z-brackets for mounting and additional connector cables. You can purchase this kit with a 20A charge or a 10A charge based on your requirements.
5. Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Flexible Solar Panel
This Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Flexible Solar Panel is proof that Renogy does not just make rigid solar panels. The kit comes with a 100-watt flexible monocrystalline panel with a 30A charge controller.
The panel can easily be installed using a structural adhesive on the backside. Renogy is generally helpful when it comes to problems under warranty and has amazing reviews on Amazon.
Our Final Thoughts
The Renogy 400-Watt 12 Volt Solar Premium Kit gets our nod as the best overall RV solar panel. The kit comes with 4 different monocrystalline panels that have a 100-watt output each. You can also look up reviews for these solar panels online to make your final choice.
