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A good RV camper offers the serenity of nature along with the basic comforts and conveniences of the modern world. To make your travels more eco-friendly, it’s smart to invest in one of the best solar panels for RV use.

Gas generators are fairly common in the RV world, yet they tend to be quite noisy and can disrupt your outdoor idyll. A better option may be to embrace the clean, renewable energy of the sun, investing in solar panels to keep everything in your RV humming along.

In this article, we’ll break down the five best solar panels for RVs and what to look for when buying a solar power system for your RV.

To help you make an informed purchasing decision, we’ve evaluated many of the best solar panels for RV camping, rating them according to durability, performance, efficiency, cost and other factors. We’ve determined that these are the five best options when it comes to solar panels for an RV roof:

Best Solar Panels for RV Use

Renogy 400W 12-Volt Monocrystalline Solar RV Kit

WindyNation 100W Solar Panel Off-Grid RV Kit

Renogy 100W 12-Volt Flexible Monocrystalline Solar Panel

Goal Zero Nomad 100-Watt Monocrystalline Portable Solar Panel

Renogy 100W 12-Volt Monocrystalline Solar Starter Kit

Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.

Here is a quick overview of each product.

The Renogy 400W 12-Volt Monocrystalline Solar RV Kit is our choice for all-around best solar panels for RV use. The kit provides you with four 100-watt panels and comes with an efficiency rating of 21%. This is one of the most efficient solar panels for RVs; in fact, there are a lot of residential solar systems out there that don’t provide as much power. And Renogy backs its solar panel kit with a 25-year warranty, generous consumer protection that speaks to the durability of these panels.

Something else to note is that the kit comes with all of the mounting hardware and cables you need to install the panels on your RV’s roof, as well as easy app integration that allows you to control your solar energy panels from your phone or tablet.

Why Buy: Optimizing performance and value, Renogy’s solar power kit is the one to beat, especially for mid-sized or large campers.

If you’re looking for something a bit more basic (and a bit less expensive), you might consider this WindyNation kit. It comes with a single 100W solar panel, plus everything you’ll need for a quick and easy installation.

If you don’t need a ton of electrical power, this single solar panel system should more than accommodate. A nice thing about this RV solar panel kit is that if you find the power output is lower than you need, you can always expand your solar setup with additional panels.

Why Buy: If you’re looking for a modest solar power system for RV use, WindyNation is a great brand with a stalwart reputation. And if you like the system but need more wattage, it’s pretty easy to add additional panels.

What if you need a solar power system that can be installed on irregular surfaces, like the hood of an Airstream? Renogy’s flexible solar panels are up to the task. This 100W panel is not only extremely durable and able to withstand high winds and heavy snow loads, but it’s also backed by the same robust warranty and rock-solid reputation that make Renogy’s other products so recommendable.

Why Buy: Not everyone needs flexibility in their RV solar paneling. But if you do, this Renogy product is one of the best solar panels for RV roofs that aren’t standard.

Some owners may not want to go to the trouble of installing solar panels on their RV, instead preferring to simply hook up a foldable solar panel for powering their air conditioner or small appliance chargers. The Goal Zero Nomad 100-Watt Monocrystalline Portable Solar Panel is our choice for best portable solar panel kit.

We love it for its ruggedness and durability, lightweight nature, portability and incredible ease of use. You can also chain it with other solar panels, meaning it’s a simple way to augment your existing RV solar system.

Why Buy: If you want a solar panel you can take anywhere, unfolding whenever it’s needed, then we can’t recommend this product highly enough.

In terms of sheer affordability, the Renogy 100W 12-Volt Monocrystalline Solar Starter Kit is one of the best solar power systems for RV use. For under 0, you get a Renogy 100-watt panel along with a charge controller, tray cables, adaptor kit and z-brackets for easy mounting. And while a single panel likely won’t be enough to power your entire motorhome, this does boast Renogy’s 21% efficiency level, which is nothing to scoff at.

Why Buy: If you’re looking for an affordable entry into RV solar systems, this is a great place to begin.

As you shop for the best solar panels for your RV, it may be helpful to know how solar panels actually work.

Generally speaking, a solar power system for an RV works like a residential solar system. The panels draw energy from the sun and an inverter turns it into an electrical current, which is then distributed throughout your RV’s electrical system. A battery may be used to store any excess power that’s generated by the solar cells so that you can still power your system on low-light days or at night.

There are three basic types of solar panels for RVs: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film solar panels.

Monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels are both made from silicon. The difference is that monocrystalline panels are made with a single, unbroken silicon crystal, while polycrystalline panels are pieced together from silicon fragments. As such, monocrystalline panels tend to be a bit more efficient, but also quite a bit more expensive.

Thin-film panels can be made from a number of different materials. They’re the least expensive option, and also the least efficient. One big plus is that they tend to be more lightweight, flexible and portable, which makes thin-film solar panels well-suited for RV use.

Battery banks are an important component of an RV solar power system. Most RVs will only need a 12V battery, but some owners may opt for higher voltage depending on what needs to be powered.

You’ll also need to choose between lead-acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries. While lead-acid batteries are a common choice, they typically need to be replaced and maintained more frequently than lithium-ion ones. If you camp most of the year, springing for the more efficient, longer-lasting lithium-ion batteries is probably a good idea.

The cost of an RV solar system can vary according to a number of different factors: Size, type of panels, number of panels and more. If you want the best RV solar panels, it may not be cheap. Although you can get a single, high-quality panel for under $200, a full, professionally installed system may total more than $2,000.

Keep in mind that the price point can also fluctuate depending on accessories you acquire, like extra panels, batteries, mounting equipment and more.

Ultimately, there are a number of factors to consider when choosing the best solar panels for your RV. Primary considerations include:

After learning more about mobile solar systems, it’s time to decide: Are solar panels worth it for your RV camper?

Solar can be a great option if you consistently camp at sites that have electric hook-ups and you wish to reduce your environmental footprint. They can be an even wiser investment if you frequently camp where you don’t have access to the power grid. Make sure you do your due diligence, finding the best solar panels for your RV, your budget and your camping lifestyle.

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