The Ultimate Guide to Choosing and Installing Solar Panels for Your Pop Up Camper

  1. Home
  2. »
  3. BLOGS
  4. »
  5. Homes Blog
  6. »
  7. The Ultimate Guide to Choosing and Installing Solar Panels for Your Pop Up Camper

Table of Contents

Solar panels for pop-up camper are a must if you want to utilize off-grid solar power.

Solar panels are a great way to power your pop-up camper with clean and renewable energy. They can be installed on the top of the camper or moved around to catch the best sunlight. They can convert the sun’s energy into electricity to run appliances like refrigerators, sound systems, or lights.

We’ve written this ultimate guide to help you understand some of the ABCs about solar panels for pop-up campers and to get you started on choosing the best solar panels for your pop-up camper.

What Are Solar Panels for Pop-Up Camper?

Solar panels for pop-up camper are the device that captures sunlight and converts it into electricity to power a variety of appliances and devices inside a camper. It usually consists of solar cells that generate an electrical charge when exposed to sunlight. These solar panels can be mounted on top of the solar powered camper or they can be moved so that they can be flexible in capturing sunlight.

When traveling or parked on the road, solar panels for pop-up camper absorbs sunlight and converts it into direct current (DC). To provide solar power for pop-up camper for electrical appliances inside the vehicle, an inverter is usually installed to convert DC to AC, the type of electricity commonly used for household appliances.

A solar panel pop-up camper provides an energy efficient and environmentally friendly way of generating electricity that can be used for a variety of purposes such as running a refrigerator, sound system, lighting, and charging electronic devices. This setup allows campers to enjoy hours of uninterrupted power, reduces reliance on traditional power sources, and provides greater independence during outdoor off-grid adventures.

 

Installing solar panels on a pop-up camper
Installing solar panels on a pop-up camper

How Does The Solar Panel for Pop-Up Camper Work?

The solar panel system for a pop-up camper operates by harnessing energy from the sun through solar panels mounted either on the camper’s roof or as movable units. These panels absorb sunlight, and internal circuits within the solar cells convert this solar energy into electrical current. This current is then regulated by a charge controller, which manages the flow of electricity to the camper’s battery/batteries.

As the solar panels absorb sunlight, they generate DC (direct current) electricity, which is used to charge the camper’s house battery. This stored energy can then be utilized to power various devices and appliances within the camper, or it can be saved for later use. Essentially, the solar panel system enables campers to harness renewable energy to power their camping activities while off the grid.

Solar panel setup on a pop-up camper
Solar panel setup on a pop-up camper

How Many Watts Does A Pop-Up Camper Use

On average, a standard pop-up camper may require around 1500-3000 watts of power. However, larger campers with additional appliances like refrigerators and air conditioning units can increase the power usage, potentially reaching 3500 watts or more.

The wattage of a pop-up camper can vary based on several factors such as size, appliances, and their usage. You can calculate the specific watts your pop-up camper needs based on the power consumption of various appliances.

Appliance Power Consumption (Watts) Range
LED Lights 5-20
Refrigerator 50-100
Induction Cooktop 1000-1500
Air Conditioner 500-2000+
Microwave 700-1000
TV 50-100
Laptop 30-90
Phone Charger 5-20
Water Pump 50-100
Electric Blanket 50-100
Chargers/Electronics 5-20

How Many Solar Panels Do I Need for My Pop-Up Camper?

Calculate Daily Energy Consumption

Determine your pop-up camper’s average daily energy consumption in watt-hours (Wh) based on the appliances you use.

Select Solar Panel Wattage

Choose the wattage rating for your solar panels. For example, if your camper consumes 500 Wh per day and you opt for 100W solar panels, you would have 5 solar panels (500 Wh / 100W = 5 panels).

Consider Sunlight Hours

Estimate the number of sunlight hours available at your camping location. This will affect how quickly your solar panels can charge your camper’s battery.

Factor in Efficiency and Overcast Days

Account for the efficiency of solar panels and consider additional panels for overcast days. Not all sunlight hours may be optimal for charging.

Adjust for Daily Electricity Consumption

If your camper uses, for example, 196W per day, you may need at least 2 * 100W solar panels or 1 * 200W solar panel to meet your daily electricity needs.

Consider Portable Solar Panels Pop Up Camper

Portable solar panels provide flexibility in positioning to maximize sunlight exposure. They can be moved around more easily than fixed panels attached to the camper

Solar charging station for pop-up campers
Solar charging station for pop-up campers

How to Hook up Solar Panels with Pop-Up Camper?

Step #1: Expand and mount your solar panels on the ground of your camper, make sure the panels are secure and face south for optimal sunlight exposure.

Step #2: Run your wiring from the solar panels to the battery compartment of your camper. You may need to use a cable gland. Use the appropriate wire size for your system, and avoid sharp bends or kinks.

Step #3: Connect your charge controller to the battery and the solar panels, following the manufacturer’s instructions. The charge controller regulates the voltage and current from the panels to the battery, preventing overcharging or damage.

Step #4: Install your inverter if you want to use AC appliances in your camper, such as a microwave or a TV. The inverter converts the DC power from the battery to AC power for your devices. You can connect the inverter to the battery directly or through a fuse box.

Portable solar panels for camping
Portable solar panels for camping

Sungold Solar Panels for Pop-Up Camper

If you are still troubled by comparing the various pop-up camper solar panels on the market, at this moment, you can put it behind you. Sungold has prepared the 3 best solar panels for pop-up camper for you, providing you with faster options for your outdoor adventures.

The SGF Series 300 watt solar panel consists of two aluminum-framed collapsible solar panels with adjustable T-U aluminum mounts, sturdy latches, and heavy-duty handles, making it a portable, user-friendly solution that’s perfect for the adventurous traveler. They bring solar power for pop-up camper when you are traveling off-grid, which is both convenient and reliable.

The winner bag 200w pop-up camper solar panel features a lightweight folding design for easy installation with an adjustable bracket for portability and setup. The size and handle color can be flexibly set and customized according to your needs. The highly compatible solar panel can be used with portable power stations anytime, anywhere. It is also equipped with an external usb port to meet the power needs of other mobile devices on your camper.
The newest addition to the Hi-Power series, the HP-S-200W is made for pop-up camper applications, utilizing Sunpower solar cells for up to 24.4% efficiency. With a foldable back design and adjustable kickstand, you can adjust the solar panel to multiple angles for optimal efficiency. For camping use, adjust the sun angle and get ready to go.

FAQs

What size solar panel do I need to run a 12V fridge in my camper?

To power a 12V fridge in a camper running for 12 hours daily (36 AH), you’ll need a 200W solar panel or two 100W panels for efficient use with a 50AH battery.

Can a 100-watt solar panel run a camper?

A 100-watt solar panel can usually cover basic needs like charging cell phones and laptops, but it won’t be enough to cover a lot of the power needs of a camper. If you want to run more appliances, such as a refrigerator, you may need more panels or higher wattage panels.

Is a pop up camper considered an RV?

Yes, a pop-up camper is considered a type of recreational vehicle (RV). It is a collapsible unit that can be towed behind a vehicle, expanding at a campsite to provide more living space and amenities. Pop-up campers offer a blend of mobility and comfort, making them a practical choice for travelers.

LEAVE A MESSAGE

If you are interested in our products and want to know more details,please leave a message here,we will reply you as soon as we can.

Scroll to Top