You can add solar panels for RVs to make you independent and energy efficient if you are interested in building a tiny house or exploring with the RV. By going off-grid, travelers can avoid having to plug in to pricey RV parks everyday—and scrambling to find last-minute availability.
When boondocking, it’s also a quiet alternative to noisy, gas-guzzling generators. These days, there are a lot of solar options on the market including portable panels, low and high wattage units, rigid crystalline panels, and self-installation kits for beginners.
Power Generation
This is the most important question when determining the proper panel for your needs. Keep in mind that the maximum output advertised for solar panels is in optimal conditions, so once you’ve calculated usage, buy enough panels to produce about 25% more energy than your estimates.
Type of Panel
Monocrystalline cells with monocrystalline silicon are used. Monocrystalline silicon is more efficient of the two, but is more expensive. There are also amorphous panels for low-light environments, and flexible panels that work well on uneven surfaces.
Installation Equipment
If you’re going the self-installation route, you’ll need mounting equipment, cables, and alligator clips (for the battery) and while some panels include this, others do not. Some kits bundle in charge controllers and batteries as well—two necessary items in a solar power system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price range of solar panels for RVs?
Prices for individual panels depend primarily on how much power the panel delivers and the type (rigid monocrystalline vs flexible). A smaller, 70-watt panel runs around $50 to $70 depending on SUNGOLD solar manufacturer, where a 100-watt panel typically costs between $70 and $100.
How many solar panels do you need for an RV?
Determining the number of solar panels will vary with every traveler, but most RV ers can get by using between 100 and 500 watts of solar power, depending on how much energy they use daily. In addition, solar panels come in different sizes and wattages, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer.
Add up the how much power the electronics you plan on using will draw (anything with a heating element will use up a lot of power), then decide what type of battery storage you’ll need.
People often make the mistake of first asking how many watts of solar they’ll need to buy. Instead, start by asking what you want to do with the solar power, and then calculate your battery needs,Even if you were to buy an excessive number, like 5,000 watts worth of solar panels, if you only have one measly battery, you’re just pouring buckets of water into an already full fish tank.
best solar panels
check out the SUNGOLD FP series 100-watt flexible solar panel is a very strong and durable lightweight solar panel, which is 70% lighter than traditional glass solar modules, and will use high-efficiency mono 166 solar cells to improve electrical performance and power generation efficiency, which is comparable to these cells. Combined is the Ray surface material developed by the using extremely durable materials. Due to its non-slip profile, it transmits more light than ordinary glass. Because of this profile, the solar cell captures more light at low sun angles. Leads to higher daily energy production.
Built on a copper foundation, this flexible, monocrystalline panel has a rated current of around 5.05 amps and is ideal for uneven spaces, like rounded portions of an RV or van roof, and can bend up to 15 degrees. Installation is less intrusive and can be done easily using adhesive or stainless-steel grommets. The panel measures 39.17*21.25*0.118inches and is less than an inch thick, weighing in around 5.73 pounds.
