Buying the best solar panels for truck campers can be a great idea for multiple reasons. First of all, you can’t go camping without an external source of power to light up the inside of your van. Secondly, you need the power to illuminate the surroundings when you finally settle down at a place to spend the night. Lastly, you can’t charge your gadgets and power banks without a steady source of power supply. After all, it’s important to keep your techs fully charged at all times, so you don’t go off-grid or find yourself without help when need be.
Investing in a quality solar panel can be a solution to all these problems, and you wouldn’t necessarily have to spend a ton of money to make it happen as well. These days, solar panels specifically made for RV and truck campers can be easily reviewed and bought online under all budgets, depending upon how much you can afford to spend. However, since the options are limitless, it can get a bit daunting to choose the right product at times.
The 5 Best Solar Panels for Truck Campers
Therefore, to help you out, we’re listing our top five recommendations here from Amazon based on high-starred ratings and reviews!
1. YQL 100 Watt Outdoor Solar Panel
Our first recommendation is for truck campers looking for a durable solar panel that can tend to their demanding outdoor lighting needs for night stays. YQL Outdoor solar panel is made of a sturdy aluminum frame and corrosion-resistant glass that can tolerate harsh weather conditions, be it sun, snow, or rain.
Moreover, since the panels only require six to ten hours of charging time and can provide twenty hours of output afterward, you wouldn’t have to worry about the power going out in the middle of the night. Plus, the package comes equipped with a remote control that you can use to set different power and timer settings according to your needs.
Pros
- Aluminum alloy frame
- Tempered glass
- Waterproof
- Quick charging time
- Comes with an easy-to-use remote control
- Several installation methods
Cons
- Complicated assembling
2. Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Off-Grid Portable Foldable Solar Panel
Another one of the best choices you can lean toward is the Renogy Off-Grid monocrystalline solar panel. This portable and flexible design comes with two pieces of panels generating 100-watt energy in total. The panel is delivered with a backlit LED screen that offers clear reading and status of the consumed energy level, so you don’t accidentally put unnecessary pressure on it. Furthermore, the 20A solar charge controller keeps the panel battery from overcharging, which reduces fire hazards.
Pros
- Highly durable
- Corrosion-resistant aluminum stand
- Waterproof
- Portable and foldable frame
- Heavy-duty handle and latches
- Solar charge controller
Cons
- Not too expensive, but isn’t cheap either
3. Renogy 50 Watt 12 Volt Extremely Flexible Monocrystalline Solar Panel
Renogy’s Flexible Monocrystalline solar panels can be the perfect solution for truck campers who only have curved spaces available for installation. The ultra-thin and flexible panels deliver 50-watt solar energy while withstanding the harsh weather conditions, even under low-light settings. Plus, the transparent dots on the surface of these panels can gather sunlight from multiple angles while causing refraction to utilize as much sunlight for energy conversion as possible.
Pros
- Ultra-thin and flexible material
- Super lightweight
- 6 metal-reinforced mounting holes for easy installation
- Withstand extreme wind and snow
- High energy conversion rate
- Hardly noticeable once installed on the roof
Cons
- Truck campers may need to install more than one of these panels for adequate power supply
4. ACOPOWER 35 Watts Polycrystalline Photovoltaic PV Solar Panel
If you’re in the market for a compact solar panel to charge small gadgets and maybe light up a few bulbs inside the camper truck, ACOPOWER 35-watt polycrystalline solar panels can be a good way to go. These corrosion-resistant and waterproof panels utilize 19.1% solar cell efficiency with a guaranteed five-year workshop warranty so you can have the peace of mind one needs before installing a low-budget solar panel.
Pros
- Durable
- Anti-corrosion and waterproof frame
- No assembly required
- Pre-drilled mounting hole
- 5-year workshop warranty
Cons
- Limited power supply
5. Renogy 100 Watt Eclipse Monocrystalline Charge 20A Voyager Waterproof Solar Panel
Lastly, the Renogy Eclipse Monocrystalline solar panel comes with a three-year warranty, and these are one of the best choices for truck campers traveling under cloudy or low-light conditions. The German-made solar cells deliver high solar efficiency, while the low-voltage system prevents you from encountering unaccounted electric shock hazards. Finally, the charger controller keeps the batteries from overcharging or overheating to keep them functional for a long time.
Pros
- Corrosion-resistant aluminum frame
- Waterproof
- LCD monitor for reporting current energy status
- High efficiency in low-light conditions
- 20A solar charge controller
- Comes with an aluminum alloy kickstand
- Rugged canvas protective case
- Heavy-duty handles and latches
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- Expensive
Features to Consider
Studies report that solar panels can efficiently convert at least 15 to 22 percent of energy from the sun into clean and usable energy. To leave the least carbon footprint behind while traveling, you can invest in the best solar panels for truck campers while keeping the following considerations into account:
Flexible vs. Rigid Solar Panels
Flexible solar panels are a better option when the only available surface on the camper truck is notably curved. As for rigid solar panels, they ensure longer durability and are comparatively easier to aim at the sun.
Size
You also have to keep the available space in mind when looking for a solar panel, so you don’t accidentally buy one that doesn’t fit.
Power
Also, you should factor in how much power you’d require to operate all your electric essentials so you can buy a solar panel that can generate enough energy.
Waterproof
Since you’ll have to endure different weather conditions on the road, it would be better to invest in a solar panel with tempered glass and a waterproof frame.
Charge Controller
Lastly, a charger controller with a solar panel can save you from a lot of hassle since it can easily keep the panels from overcharging.
Our Final Thoughts
Among the mentioned list of the best solar panels for truck campers, our ultimate choice is the Renogy Eclipse Monocrystalline for individuals who long for durability and high solar efficiency on the road.
However, since all options listed in this article are chosen after thorough research, you can invest in any one of them without hesitation. Lastly, no matter which product you choose, it’s key to keep the solar panels clean from dirt and debris to ensure durability and longer useful life!
