RV Solar Panels: What You Need to Know

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Solar Panels continue to gain attention as an alternative energy source. Naturally, RVers have taken notice of the potential power source solar panels could provide when off-grid. Solar panels are quiet, there is none of the noise and pollution associated with generators. While solar energy can be a great option as a back-up power source there are a few facts to consider.

How RV Solar Panels Work

Basically solar panels capture sunlight then convert it into electricity which is then used to power appliances. There are two types of solar panels, monocrystalline and polycrystalline, both made of silicon. Traditionally solar panels have been flat and rigid but in recent years flexible solar panels have come on the market. The flexible panels are lighter but more expensive with shorter warranties.

The cells of the solar panel absorb the sun’s energy. That energy is passed to an inverter that converts DC electricity into AC electricity. In an RV, the converter directs the energy to charge the battery bank. The stored solar energy of the battery is what powers the appliances in the RV. So you see solar panels are part of a system.

Components of Solar System

Solar Panels (usually 2-8)
High-Quality Power Inverter
Deep Cycle Battery Bank (sized for your needs)
MPPT Solar Charge Controller – prevent overcharging of batteries
Connection Equipment (cables, connectors, fuses)
Battery Monitoring System – the key to keeping track of how much power you have available

How Much Needed

There is no one-size-fits-all solar panel solution. RV solar panels are often 100 watts, which means with ideal conditions the panel will produce 100 watts of energy. In reality, the time of day, weather conditions, temperature, dirt on panels, etc, reduce the amount of power actually produced. A general rule of thumb is 100 watts will produce 30 amp-hours per day. Unlike a residential solar panel system that can produce enough to power to run everything, an RV solar system is limited to how many panels will fit on the roof and the battery storage capacity.

A basic system to run small electronics like lights, laptop, mobile hotspot, tv, and cell phone booster might look like this:

220 Ah of flooded deep cycle batteries
200 – 300 watts of solar panels
1500 watt pure-sine inverter
20 Amp MPPT charge controller

A typical boondocking off-grid solar system capable of running the small electronics plus periodic use of a microwave or coffee maker might look like this:

450 Ah of flooded deep cycle batteries
400 – 600 watts of solar panels
2,000 – 3,000 watt pure-sine inverter
30 – 50 Amp MPPT charge controller

What Can You Power With Solar Panels

Rv solar panels are mainly for battery charging. The amount of power (electrical load) you can draw is limited primarily by the capacity of the battery bank and inverter NOT how many solar panels you have. RV solar panel systems are usually designed to provide enough power to recharge small devices or a few kitchen devices. You can reasonably expect to power lights (especially if LED), laptop computers, radios, fans, tv, water pump, and other small items on battery/inverter.

You will not be able to provide enough power to run high-power consumers like AC, heat pumps, space heaters, or water heaters with the standard RV solar/battery/inverter system.

What Does “Solar Ready” Mean

Many manufacturers have started prewiring for solar panels to simplify the process of running cable into the RV. It doesn’t mean the trailer comes pre-equipped with any solar components. In addition, the cable type and thickness may not be adequate for your solar system. Other times the plug is proprietary to a particular brand of solar panels. You may be able to modify the plug to work with your choice of solar panel system or work around it.

Who Benefits the Most From an RV Solar Panel System

Despite the limitations of RV solar panels, many RVers would not be without them. A solar panel system would not pay for itself if you stay mostly in RV parks or campgrounds with full hookups. But for those who love to boondock in remote locations and still have many of the advantages of home, a well-sized solar system can be ideal. The best results seem to come to those who camp in sunny, moderate climates (remember, no AC or heater) or have an auxiliary generator for when the sun is limited or they want to power an air conditioner, heater or other power-hungry appliance.

Roof installation is not the only way to utilize solar panels on an RV. There are specialized portable solar panels designed to be easy to set up and takedown, some with a built-in charge controller. These portable folding panel units can offer more confidence when there is no electrical hookup. Solar power can be a great backup power source if you have realistic expectations.