Wattage: When you are installing solar panels on your RV, you would want them to be powerful enough to easily power multiple electrical devices at once. And to ensure the same, you can consider checking their wattage or power rating where a higher rating is always better. In other words, solar panels rated for up to 200 watts or up to 400 watts are going to perform quite better than the ones rated for up to 100 watts. Number of Solar Panels: You should also check the number of solar panels included in the box if you are buying them for an RV. While having 2 or 4 solar panels is better for reliability, it does mean that you will have to install them over a larger area. However, larger packs of solar panels do offer a better value for money. Durability: Because solar panels for RV use are mounted on the outside where sunlight can fall on them, making sure they are durable against things like wind, rain, snow, and other natural factors is quite important. Thankfully, most solar panels are water-resistant with ratings like IP 54 or IP 65 water-resistance while offering ratings for wind and snow loads like 2400 PA and 5400 PA respectively.
While these features are quite important to pick a solar panel for RV use, you still need to consider much more. Therefore, the best solar panels for RV use given down below have all their important details and specifications mentioned here with an extensive “Buying Guide” so that you can go with the best solar panels for RV use by checking out this article.
Best Solar Panels for RV Use Chart
Best Solar Panels for RV Use Reviews
1. Renogy Solar Panel
Renogy is quite a popular brand of solar panels since it offers all kinds of solar panel models that tend to be quite versatile and practical for real-world usage when it comes to generating electricity using sunlight. The Renogy solar panel for RV use comes at the 1st position of this list since it is a great value for money option thanks to its given performance numbers at an entry-level price tag. Talking about its performance numbers, this solar panel is rated for a maximum power output of up to 200 watts. And this is made possible thanks to its included 2 solar panels. Both of these solar panels not only offer great performance but also happen to be quite durable with their wind load resistance of up to 2400 PA and snow load resistance of up to 5400 PA. And since you also get a 25-year long warranty with this solar panel for RV use, it is quite great for long term usage. Best Features:
Offers a maximum power output of up to 200 watts Comes with 2 solar panels in the box Backed by a 25-year long warranty
Pros:
Pretty high value for money solar panels for RV use Quite a high power rating for the given price thanks to 2 solar panels Long warranty period along with durable construction
Cons:
Lacks an IP rating for its water-resistant construction
2. RICH Monocrystalline Solar Panel
RICH Solar is a fairly new and small brand when it comes to solar panels, yet still manages to be a decent option for those who are looking for a quality product at an affordable price. This solar panel for RV use from Rich Solar is a budget-friendly option. Being an entry-level solar panel, it offers a power rating of up to 100 watts. It is easy to install this single solar panel, as it comes with pre-drilled holes. It generates 5.4 amp power to charge a 12V battery. With its anodized aluminum frame construction and anti-reflective coated tempered glass (high transmission), the panel is sturdy and durable for excellent outdoor usage. Thus, the panel will last for decades by withstanding snow loads (5400Pa), and high winds (2400Pa). This is a monocrystalline panel that results in a high-efficiency rating, even in low sunlight on cloudy days. Apart from RVs, you can use this solar panel on camping, rooftop, and boat. It is compatible with both off-grid and on-grid inverters. Also, you will get a 25-year long warranty (5-year workmanship and material) with this panel for RV use. Best Features:
Offers a maximum power output of up to 100 watts Comes with 1 solar panel in the box Backed by a 25-year long warranty
Pros:
Affordable, versatile, and efficient solar panel for RV use Sturdy, and reliable construction Single solar panel design for easy installation
Cons:
Nothing so far.
3. Renogy Monocrystalline Solar Panel
Renogy also offers much more unique options when it comes to buying solar panels for RV use since some of its offerings are quite versatile and flexible in terms of their installation process making them great for various scenarios. The Renogy solar panel for RV use is the only option present here which offers a flexible construction allowing you to install it on curved surfaces with ease. Even with its flexible design, you get a decent maximum power output of up to 100 watts with this solar panel for RV use. And since you get a single solar panel in the box that happens to be flexible, its installation process becomes even easier. Despite being flexible, this solar panel still manages to be fairly durable with its wind load resistance rating of up to 2400 PA and a snow load resistance rating of up to 5400 PA. And just like the previously mentioned solar panel from Renogy, this one also comes with a 25 year long warranty making it highly reliable. Although, because of its flexible installation, sunlight may not fall on it at all times resulting in lower efficiency depending on how you have installed it. Best Features:
Offers a maximum power output of up to 100 watts Comes with 1 solar panel in the box Backed by a 25-year long warranty
Pros:
Offers a unique flexible design for easy installation in all spots Pretty durable and reliable with a great construction and warranty period Decently powerful solar panel for RV use considering its flexible design
Cons:
Installation position can affect efficiency due to flexible design
4. ECO-WORTHY Solar Panel Kit
Just as you can tell by its name, Eco Worthy is primarily a brand of eco-friendly products which also includes their solar panels for RV use which you can consider if you are new to solar panels and want one for easy installation. Eco Worthy’s solar panel for RV use is the perfect option if you are installing a solar panel from scratch. This is due to the reason that it is a complete solar panel kit that includes 1 solar panel in the box along with its charging controller, power cables, and even mounting hardware. However, this included solar panel might not be the most powerful option due to its given wattage of up to 100 watts. While it may not be the most powerful solar panel for RV use, it is certainly quite durable with a given wind load resistance rating of up to 2400 PA and a snow load resistance rating of up to 5400 PA which is always great to have. And since it is a complete kit and not just a single solar panel, the included 1-year warranty is to be expected. Best Features:
Offers a maximum power output of up to 100 watts Comes with 1 solar panel in the box Backed by a 1-year warranty
Pros:
Comes as a complete kit for easily installing solar panels for RV use Pretty sturdy and durable and solar panels for long term usage Includes most accessories required for installing and using solar panels
Cons:
Not the most powerful solar panel for RV use
5. SOLPERK 200W Solar Panels
Solperk is a comparatively budget-friendly brand when you are talking about solar panels that you can consider if you want something powerful for RV use without paying a premium for the same. This Solperk solar panel for RV use is one of the most powerful options in its class resulting in a high value for money. To be exact, you get a decently high power output of up to 200 watts from this entry-level solar panel which should be plenty for most. In order to offer this high power rating at an entry-level price tag, it uses a total of two solar panels. A great thing about these solar panels is that they are quite efficient for high power output even in low sunlight. And thanks to its tempered glass and aluminum frame construction, they also happen to be quite durable. That being said, you only get a 1-year warranty with these solar panels which can be a bummer for many. Best Features:
Offers a maximum power output of up to 200 watts Comes with 2 solar panels in the box Backed by a 1-year warranty
Pros:
Highly budget friendly solar panel for RV use with a high value for money Pretty high power output for most users Quite sturdy and durable solar panels with a great construction
Cons:
Included warranty period could have been longer
6. Newpowa 180W Solar Panel
Newpowa is another brand of solar panels that you can consider if you not only want something highly powerful but want it to be user-friendly for users who are new to solar panels for RV use. The Newpowa solar panel for RV can be another viable option for those of you who ate looking for something powerful to use along with your RV. To be exact, you will get a maximum power output of up to 180 watts, a maximum voltage of 16.77 V, and a maximum current of 11.2A from this solar panel. The best part about it is that it comes as a single solar panel for easy installation, as the diodes are pre-installed in the junction box along with a pair of pre-attached 3 feet MC4 cables. However, this panel happens to be a bit large in size which might be an issue for some users. Apart from larger dimensions/size (58.35 X 26.57 X 1.38 inches), this RV’s solar panel is highly durable, and reliable along with an IP65 waterproof junction box, thanks to its wind load resistance rating of up to 2400 PA and a snow load resistance rating of up to 5400 PA. Furthermore, it offers a 2-year limited warranty on the material & workmanship, a 10-year output warranty, and a 25-year long warranty (80% output) with this solar panel that makes it a perfect option to use for a longer time. Best Features:
Offers a maximum power output of up to 180 watts Comes with 1 solar panel in the box Backed by a 25-year long warranty. Widely applicable on the rooftop, farm, marine, SUV, camper, and RV.
Pros:
Allows for easy installation with a single solar panel Sturdy, reliable, and durable construction for longevity High power output rating for most users. Versatile and weatherproof design
Cons:
Quite a larger-sized solar panel compared to others.
7. WEIZE Solar Panel
Coming to the last option here in this listicle, we have Weize and its offerings regarding solar panels for RV use that can be a great pick if you want something that offers a high value for money to the user. Weize’s solar panel for RV use happens to be offering high-performance numbers at an entry-level price tag making it great for budget buyers. Starting with its performance numbers, you will be glad to know that this solar panel offers a maximum power output of up to 200 watts. And just like most other 200 watt solar panels, this one also comes as a pair of two solar panels. To ensure that you can get a similar power output from these solar panels for a long time, this solar panel is made out of a sturdy aluminium frame and tempered glass top. That being said, it only comes with a 1-year warranty which is to be expected from a budget solar panel offering like this. Best Features:
Offers a maximum power output of up to 200 watts Comes with 2 solar panels in the box Backed by a 1-year warranty
Pros:
Quite a high power output for heavy-duty usage Compact and easy to install solar panels in the box Uses a high efficiency monocrystalline solar panel for usage in low sunlight
Cons:
Only includes a 1 year long warranty period
8. HQST Monocrystalline Solar Panel
If you are looking for a premium and high-end brand of solar panels, then HQST can be a great option. They manufacture efficient solar-powered products, including solar panels, inverters, batteries, and others. This HQST-100D-SS has a monocrystalline solar cell type that offers high module conversion efficiency and ensures better performance even in low-light areas. It is a single solar panel used for RV that is rated for up to 100 watts of power output. Since it comes with pre-drilled holes on the panel’s back, you can install them easily and quickly. It is built with advanced encapsulation material with a multilayered sheet (improves cell performance), anti-reflective low iron tempered glass (impact resistance), and corrosion-resistant aluminum frame (outdoor usage) that allow the panel to last long by withstanding snow loads (5400Pa) and high winds (2400Pa). Thus, the panel is fully waterproof that comes with an IP65 rating and the solar panel is highly durable and long-lasting. Coming to its warranty, this solar panel from HQST is the only option that comes with a lifetime warranty that provides peace of mind on its usage to its customers. Best Features:
Offers a maximum power output of up to 100 watts Comes with 1 solar panel in the box Backed by a lifetime warranty
Pros:
Excellent construction with a superb warranty period Highly efficient solar panels with bypass diodes to have high output in low sunlight Perfect for off-grid applications with an IP65 waterproof rating.
Cons:
Some users complain that the size of the solar panel is not as expected.
Buying Guide for the Best Solar Panels for RV Use
While an RV can be a great way to easily travel to any corner of the country while having comfort similar to your home, you still need to consider things like water supply and electricity. Fortunately, you can easily manage electricity and power sources even if you are traveling. For the same, you can simply use one of the best solar panels for RV use given above. To allow you to pick the right one for you, all these best solar panels for RV use have been given alongside their major features and options. And if you are interested in knowing even more about these solar panels, consider checking out this detailed buying guide for the best solar panels for RV use:
Wattage
One of the most important factors to consider while buying power-related devices like solar panels is their wattage rating. This is due to the reason that it is quite important to ensure that you are going with a powerful solar panel as otherwise, it will not be able to handle your electricity laid requirements or offer enough charging speeds. Fortunately, most of the various solar panels for RV use given above have a power rating given in watts. And just like any other power source, any solar panel with a higher wattage or power rating is going to be more powerful. Coming to the wattage ratings that you can find, you can find options like up to 100 watts, up to 200 watts, and even up to 400 watts while buying solar panels for RV use. Although, while checking the wattage rating of any given solar panel, you should also keep in mind that these are the maximum power ratings that they offer since if the sunlight is limited due to cloudy weather, the total power output will be decreased.
Number of Panels
Another factor to consider while buying solar panels for RV use is the number of panels offered in the box. This is quite important for various reasons which can affect your overall experience. Starting with the installation, having a single solar panel is much simpler and faster to start with when compared with having multiple solar panels. Although, most solar panels for RV use which come with multiple solar panels like 2 or 4 panels tend to offer a higher total power rating. And if your RV has multiple solar panels, it is also better for reliability in case one of them gets damaged. Another thing to consider with going with a multiple pack of solar panels is that if you eventually want to buy multiple solar panels for a higher total power output, then going with a large pack generally offers a better value for money.
Durability
Because a solar panel is meant to generate electricity using sunlight, you will have to mount your solar panels outside your RV. Due to the same, it is highly important to ensure that your solar panels are durable enough to withstand the various forces of nature. This includes things like wind, rain, snow, and more. Starting with protection against rain, almost all solar panels for RV use come with some sort of water resistance construction. Some of them even offer an IP water resistance rating like IP 54 or IP 65 where a higher rating is always better. As for protection against wind and snow, many solar panels also offer load ratings for those. This usually includes ratings like 2400 PA wind load resistance and 5400 PA snow load resistance. And if your solar panel for RV use also offers similar ratings, then you can expect them to easily last for a long time.
Dimensions
Since you are going to use your solar panels for RV use on a vehicle and not your home, keeping their size and dimensions in mind is also quite important. To check the same, you can simply check the dimensions of your solar panels for RV use. You can find sizes like 30 inch x 25 inch x 1 inch, 35 inch x 20 inch x 2 inch, or something else depending on the model that you are going for. And while choosing the right solar panels for RV use, you simply need to ensure that the solar panels that you are going for will fit properly.
Warranty
While having a sturdy build quality and a durable construction is quite important, you should also consider going with solar panels that are reliable and stay functional for as long as possible. To ensure the same, it is quite important to ensure that your solar panels for RV use offer a long warranty for your peace of mind. And except for a few solar panels for RV use that come with a 1 year long warranty, most others offer a 25 year long warranty with them. In fact, some solar panels for RV use even feature a lifetime warranty which are much better for long term usage.
Conclusion
Solar panels can be a great way to generate electricity even in remote areas where you do not have access to grid power. And since these work using sunlight, they are great for using along with your RV as well. Hence, we have already stated the best solar panels for RV up above in this listicle. All these various solar panels for RV use also have their major features and specifications explained quite well. While there is also an extensive buying guide for the best solar panels for RV use given above, some of you might be still confused. And on the basis of all these aspects and information, here are some of our ideal recommendations for the best solar panels for RV use:
If you are looking for solar panels for RV use that can be great for heavy-duty usage, then you should go with HQST solar panels. This is due to the reason that you get an excellent power rating of up to 400 watts from its included 4 solar panels. Apart from being powerful, these solar panels for RV use are also highly reliable thanks to an included lifetime warranty for your peace of mind. Unlike most other solar panels for RV use, the Renogy solar panel is quite versatile and easy to install thanks to its flexible construction which is quite unique. Despite having a flexible construction, you still get a decent and standard wattage rating of up to 100 watts from its single solar panel included in the box. Thankfully, this flexible solar panel for RV use is still quite reliable thanks to its 25-year warranty. Those of you who are looking for highly budget friendly solar panels for RV use can go with Rich Solar’s solar panels. As it is the cheapest option given above, its power rating of up to 100 watts is to be expected from its single solar panel. And unlike most other budget-friendly solar panels for RV use, this one even features a 25-year long warranty making it quite reliable as well.
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