If you like to get off the grid as much as I do, solar really is a must-have. Solar panels for RV campers or motorhomes work in the same way a residential solar installation operates. The solar panels capture sunlight and convert it into electricity, and you can use that solar electricity to power appliances. You can buy specialized portable solar panels designed for easy setup and take down for RVs, as well as small or flexible panels that are designed to be mounted on an RV roof. Let us help you with the Best solar panels for an RVRV to create the most energy,
If you spend time camping and traveling in an RV, a solar panel setup can be a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and convenient way to use electricity on the go. Charging a phone, running a fan, turning on a few lights, or running a small appliance can make all the difference in the world. Solar panel systems generally require little to no maintenance and provide a dependable source of electricity when the sun is shining. If you are one that just sticks to an RV park, then having solar does not provide enough benefit to outweigh the cost.
Is solar power worth it?
Even with its big upfront price tag, Solar power in your RV is definitely worth the investment. If you are someone that likes to get off the grid and do some boondocking, solar is priceless. Unlike an RV park with all the amenities such as water, electricity, and sewer, Boondockers need to be able to provide their own power source.
How many solar panels will I need?
Most RVs will need a couple of 100-watt solar panels to get the needed power to run a few small appliances and recharge your battery bank. A 200-watt solar kit is a good size for an RV with minimal power usage. A lot depends on how much sunlight you are getting and the size of batteries you are trying to recharge.
120-watt usage on average for a typical RV is a good rule of thumb. This is minimal power consumption though.
Is a 200-watt solar panel enough?
Possibly, but that is really for the bare essentials you need. running a few lights, charging a couple of phones, and recharging your battery bank. Maybe short uses of a few small appliances.
Many RVers say they find between 500-800 watts to be the best options for boondocking comfortably.
What do I need to set up solar power for my RV?
Solar Panels (Polycrystalline, Amorphous or Monocrystalline) See below for options
Battery bank
Renogy Deep Cycle Agm Battery 12 Volt 200AH for RV
Battery Monitor
Renogy 500A Battery Monitor, High, and Low Voltage Programmable Alarm
Charge controller – The charge controller regulates the voltage and current of the batteries
Valterra GP-PWM-30-UL Solar Controller
Inverter – If you plan to power any AC-powered appliances from the battery bank
Renogy 2000W Pure Sine Wave Inverter 12V DC to 120V AC Converter for RV – off grid
Wiring harness – To tie everything together
Some newer RVs are solar ready and most of the wiring connections are already in place. Depending on the options with your RV, you may just need minimal supplies to get started.
Best solar RV setup to create the most energy
If you are searching for a great beachfront RV spot, look no further – 10 Best beachfront RV parks
How much does it cost for a solar setup?
A basic setup could run you as little as $500, but for a more practical setup that will better meet your needs, I would expect to pay between $1200 – $2000.
There are many variables involved in answering this question such as the amount of daily sun, what you expect to power, your battery bank, and inverters.
Solar is not cheap but can make life much easier in the long run.
What are the best solar panel setups for RV use?
Solar Kits
Renogy 400 Watts 12 Volts Monocrystalline Solar RV Kit Off-Grid Kit
ACOPOWER 400 Watts 12/24 Volts Monocrystalline Panel Solar RV Kit
ECO-WORTHY Solar Panel Kit for RV Off Grid Solar Power System with Battery and Inverter
Portable Panels
OYSTADE 100W Portable Solar Panel, Foldable Solar Charger with USB
Renogy 100W 12V Monocrystalline Off Grid Portable Foldable 2pcs 50W Solar Panel
What type of battery works best for the solar charge?
The best option for your battery bank is lithium-ion batteries since they will last the longest and provide the most storage. Unfortunately, they will also put the biggest dent in your wallet.
When choosing a solar battery, the kWp rating indicates the highest amount of power it can output at its best performance: the higher the peak power output rating, the better the battery.
- Lead acid
- Lithium
- Saltwater
How long do Solar panel batteries last?
On average you can expect to get 5-12 years from your properly cared-for battery. Overcharging and over-draining batteries can be detrimental to their longevity. Protection from extreme weather changes is also a good best practice.
How many solar panels will I need? explained!
Common solar panels for RVs are 100 watts of power. Multiple panels will be needed for any type of consistent large power consumption.
Solar panel watts x average hours of sunlight x 80% = daily watt-hours
The 80% is added in to take into account lost resources (shade, angles, panel efficiency, and sun strength)
Example: If you use 2-100 watt panels and get good sunlight for 5 hours
200 watts x 5 hours x 80% = 800 watt hours daily
Divide by 1000 to figure into kilowatts 800 / 1000 = .8 kilowatts
This gives you .4 kilowatt-hours per 100-watt panel
As you see below, it does not take long to go through those 800-watt hours. Remember as you collect more watts you need a battery bank that is able to store that power.
| APPLIANCE | POWER CONSUMPTION (watts) | DAILY HOURS OF USE | DAILY POWER CONSUMPTION (watt hours) |
| cell phone charge | 6 watts | 3 | 18-watt hours |
| light bulb | 60 W | 6 | 360-watt hours |
| TV | 100 W | 3 | 300-watt hours |
| coffee maker | 700 W | .5 | 350-watt hours |
If you are wanting to power larger devices, you will need to add more panels and batteries to your arsenal.
Solar is a great way to help you not be connected, but you will also not have all the luxuries of being hooked up to shore power.
Can I run my AC with solar power?
Yes, it is possible to run an RV air conditioner with a solar panel. To achieve this you would need quite a few panels and a battery bank large enough to store energy from panels. A basic setup is not going to be enough to handle this type of request.
A 10,000 BTU unit would need 2000 watts to get started up and about 800 watts to keep it running.
That would be 8 – 250 watt panels needed – an inverter could help with this need also.
A large 800 Ah battery bank would be recommended, most Boondockers use 200 – 400 Ah setups.
Ah – Amp Hours
Should I get a solar inverter?
Definitely, an inverter is one of the most important pieces of equipment in a solar energy system. It’s a device that converts direct current (DC) electricity, which is what a solar panel generates, to alternating current (AC) electricity, which the electrical grid uses.
If you are wanting to run anything more than just your 12V devices it is mandatory equipment.
Frequently asked questions
How many batteries do I need for a 400 watts panel?
It takes about 4-6 hours each day to charge and you will need: 1 x 200Ah batteries, 2 x 100 Ah batteries or 4 x 50Ah batteries connected in parallel. These will get the most bang for the buck storing all the power that is captured.
Will a 100-watt solar panel charge my RV battery?
Yes, a 100-watt solar panel can be used to charge an RV battery. Remember though if you are using the battery, you will have to replace the charge for the power used. This will extend how much time it takes to fully charge.
What can I run off of a 100-watt solar panel?
several small devices such as lights, fans, routers, laptops, cellphone charges, and other small devices.
Larger devices and appliances that draw more power will need a couple more panels and a larger battery bank.
How long can you run the inverter off the battery?
If the battery is not being charged, you can run the inverter for 45-60 minutes depending on the power being drawn. If solar panels are charging or the engine is running this will extend the time it can be used.
What are the disadvantages of solar power?
- Cost – Initial investment
- Need sunny weather – Doesn’t work at night
- Environmental hazard – pollutant materials used in manufacturing
- Power needs store – The more you want to collect, you need more battery storage
Coffee anyone?
Imagine
Close your eyes for a moment and just think about this. It’s sunrise, you roll out of your RV, morning air feeling brisk, fire from the night before taking its last breath as it’s trying to reignite. You find your favorite chair on the site, turn it to look out over the lake, and nestle in to relax. Birds chirping and fish jumping as the new day begins. This is what it’s all about!………. Now imagine a hot cup of coffee in your hand. Life just got so much better!
Come visit us @ THE GRIND for all your coffee needs
