6 Best Portable Solar Panels for RVs 2024

Portable solar panels have become an essential accessory for RVs in recent years. With the ability to provide renewable power on-the-go, solar panels allow RVers to stay off-grid for longer and reduce reliance on campsite electrical hookups.

In this article, we’ll review the top portable solar panels for RVs in 2023 and discuss what to look for when choosing solar power for your rig. With the right portable solar panel kit, you can enjoy endless days of boondocking and adventure this year!

Product Image	Product Features	Price
	Renogy 200 Watt 12 Volt Portable Solar Panel • Complete plug and play solar kit • Uses grade A+ monocrystalline solar cells • Foldable design for portability and easy storage • Advanced smart PWM technology charge controller with multiple protections • Comes with a premium rugged canvas protective case • Highly weather-resistant backplanes designed to last for 25 years • 3-year materials and workmanship warranty	Check Price
	BLUETTI SP120 120W Portable Foldable Solar Panel • Monocrystalline solar panel with high-efficiency solar cell (up to 23.5%) • Foldable and portable design • 4 kickstands for easy setup and solar absorption • Pre-drilled holes for fast mounting and hanging • Durable and scratch-resistant ETFE material • IP65 water-resistant • Compatible with most solar generators on the market, including BLUETTI solar generators	Check Price
	Jackery SolarSaga 100W Portable Solar Panel • Easy setup with kickstands and TPE rubber handle • Higher energy conversion rate with monocrystalline silicon solar cells and multi-layered cell technology • Durable and splash-proof ETFE-laminated case with IP65 water-resistance • Compatible with Jackery Explorer 300/500/1000/1500 power station • USB-C(5V,3A) output port and USB-A(5V, 2.4A) output port to charge 2 small devices directly	Check Price
	DOKIO 160W 18V Portable Solar Panel Kit • Foldable and lightweight design • Complete kit with 18V optimum power voltage and protection against overcharging, overload, and short-circuit • 9.85ft cable length and compatible with most power stations and 12-volt batteries • High conversion efficiency with monocrystalline solar cell • Well-packaged with quick delivery and 30-day money-back guarantee	Check Price
	EF ECOFLOW 160 Watt Portable Solar Panel • Portable & Foldable • Intelligent Solar Power • Waterproof & Durable • Kickstand Case	Check Price
	Goal Zero Boulder 100 Briefcase, 100 Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panel • 100 watt monocrystalline solar panel • Briefcase-style design with kickstand for optimal solar collection • Weatherproof with anodized aluminum frame and tempered glass covering • Pair with Goal Zero Yeti power station for portable solar charging solution	Check Price

Solar power helps RVers maximize their freedom and independence on the road. Portable solar panels for RVs allow you to:

• Recharge batteries without needing shore power or a generator
• Run appliances and electronics directly from sunlight
• Stay at remote campsites without electrical hookups
• Reduce fuel costs by relying less on a generator
• Be more self-sufficient and off-grid for longer periods

With so many advantages, it’s no wonder portable solar is becoming wildly popular among RV owners. But with so many solar panels on the market in 2023, how do you pick the right one for your RV? Here are the key factors to consider:

What Size Portable Solar Panel Do You Need for Your RV?

When selecting a solar panel kit, your first consideration should be wattage. The wattage rating indicates how much power the solar panel can produce at peak sunlight. For RVs, a common portable solar panel size is 100 watts to 200 watts. Here are some solar panel wattage guidelines:

• 100W panel: Good for small RVs or intermittent use. Can generate 4-5kWh per day.
• 150W panel: Suitable for an average-sized RV. Can generate 6-8kWh per day.
• 200W panel: Ideal for large RVs with high energy demands. Can generate 8-10kWh+ per day.

To determine your specific solar needs, estimate your average daily power usage in watt-hours. Then choose a panel or panels that meet your energy requirements. Most rigs can be powered by 1-3 100W panels.

What to Look for When Buying a Portable Solar Panel for Your RV

Here are some key factors to consider when comparing RV portable solar panels:

Solar Cell Type: Monocrystalline panels are the most efficient but cost more. Polycrystalline panels are moderately efficient and cost less. Flexible panels use thin-film cells.

Outputs: Calculate your energy needs and look for outputs of at least 100 watts, up to 200+ watts for larger RVs.

Portability: Look for light, compact folding designs with handles and cases for easy transport. Flexible panels are extremely portable.

Durability: Panels should have rugged casing to withstand outdoor use and travel. Waterproofing prolongs panel life.

Charge Controller: A charge controller regulates solar energy going into your battery. Kits include controllers.

Expandability: Look for setups that let you connect multiple panels in parallel to increase outputs.

Warranties: Quality panels typically have 20-25 year power warranties. Ensure the panel is backed.

Ways to Use Portable Solar Panels for Your RV or Van

Here are some of the great ways you can utilize portable solar panels for your RV:

• Keep batteries charged when dry camping or boondocking off-grid
• Run lighting, appliances, TV, CPAP machines directly from the sun
• Use a solar generator to power devices without a battery
• Maintain battery bank charged when parked in storage
• Prevent battery drain when parked for extended stays
• Reduce generator runtime and fuel costs
• Power a roof AC with large enough solar array
• Charge phones, tablets, laptops, portable power stations
• Install solar permanently on your RV roof for full-time use
• Carry a foldable panel to recharge batteries and devices during day trips

With the freedom of portable solar, you can camp anywhere for longer without worrying about your power needs.

Tips for Getting the Most from Portable Solar Panels

Follow these tips to maximize solar efficiency with your RV solar panel kit:

• Face panels south for most direct sunlight in the northern hemisphere
• Angle panels for optimal exposure to catch more rays
• Clean panels regularly with a microfiber cloth to remove dust and debris
• Avoid shading from trees, awnings, or other objects
• Use maximum power point tracking (MPPT) charge controllers
• Start recharging early, solar peaks midday but still works morning and evening
• Invest in a solar generator battery to store power for nighttime use
• Add more 100W panels over time to increase capacity as needed
• Keep panels securely mounted in windy conditions

Carefully set up and position your portable solar panels to harness the most free solar energy possible for your RV.

How Many Watts Solar Panel Do I Need For My RV?

The wattage of the solar panel you need for your RV will depend on a variety of factors. Some things to consider include:

• The size of your RV: A larger RV will typically require more energy to power all of its components, so you’ll need a higher wattage solar panel.
• How many appliances you plan to use: If you’re planning on several large appliances at the same time, such as air conditioning and a microwave, then you’ll want a higher wattage solar panel to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
• Your location: Depending on where you’ll be camping, some areas may receive less sunlight than others. If this is the case, then you may need a higher wattage solar panel to compensate for the lower levels of sunlight.

As a general rule of thumb, it is recommended using at least 100 watts per 50 amp hours per day of battery capacity. This means that if your battery has a capacity of 200 amp hours, then you should aim for at least 400 watts of total solar power.

Of course, these are just general guidelines and your specific needs may vary depending on your individual circumstances. It’s always best to consult with an expert or do additional research before making any major decisions about which portable solar panels to purchase for your R

What can a 200 Watt portable Solar Panel power in an RV?

A 200 watt portable solar panel can power a variety of devices and appliances in an RV, depending on how much electricity those devices use and how much sunlight the solar panel receives. Here are some examples of what a 200 watt portable solar panel might be able to power in an RV:

• LED lights: A 200 watt solar panel can power several LED lights, depending on the wattage of the lights. For example, if you have 10 LED lights that each use 5 watts of power, the solar panel could power all of them.
• Television: A 200 watt solar panel can power a small to medium-sized television for a few hours each day.
• Laptop: A 200 watt solar panel can power a laptop for a few hours each day, depending on the laptop’s power usage.
• Refrigerator: A 200 watt solar panel might be able to power a small refrigerator for a few hours each day, but it would not be sufficient to power a large refrigerator or to run the refrigerator continuously.
• Water pump: A 200 watt solar panel can power a small water pump for a few hours each day.
• Solar Generator: Portable Solar panels can be used to power up a Solar Generator which in turn can also be used as a back up to power many of the appliances listed above, detail can be found in this article.

Overall, a 200 watt solar panel can provide a good amount of electricity for a variety of small appliances and devices in an RV, but it is not sufficient to power larger appliances or to run multiple appliances at the same time.

Is a 20 Amp Controller Enough For a 200-watt Solar Panel?

When it comes to choosing a solar charge controller for your portable solar panels, the general rule of thumb is to choose one that can handle at least 1.25 times the maximum current of your solar panel array.

In the case of a 200-watt solar panel, you’ll want a charge controller that can handle at least 16 amps (200 watts divided 12 volts = 16.67 amps). While a 20 amp controller may seem sufficient, it’s always better to have more headroom than less.

Having said that, there are some factors to consider when determining the appropriate size of charge controller for your RV setup such as future expansion plans and geography/climate. If you plan on expanding your solar system in the future or traveling to an area with high sunlight intensity (such as Arizona), it might be wise to invest in a larger charge controller now.

Ultimately, when selecting a charge controller for your portable solar panels for RVs, make sure that its maximum current rating is higher than what you need and compatible with other components in your setup like batteries and inverters.

Reviews Of The 6 Best Portable Solar Panels for RV

If you’re an avid RVer, having a portable solar panel can be a game-changer. It can allow you to have access to electricity even when you’re off the grid, making your camping experience much more enjoyable. Here are reviews of the 6 best portable solar panels for RV on the market:

Stay Powered Up Wherever You Roam With Portable Solar

Investing in a quality portable solar panel kit allows RVers to spend more time off-grid while reducing fuel costs. With panels starting around $100, solar power is extremely affordable compared to the benefits it brings for your RV lifestyle. You’ll gain energy independence and the ability to roam freely to beautiful remote locations.

Choosing from the best portable solar panels above based on your RV’s needs will provide you with an excellent solar power setup. Start capturing free solar energy to run your rig and extend your camping adventures in 2023 and beyond!