Solar panels for outdoor enthusiasts are increasingly becoming a must-have item as more and more people seek to turn to sustainable solutions to power their campers for long-distance road trips. A solar panel for camper is quite different from those suited for home setup as it has lesser watt output since they’re not meant to power many high-wattage appliances.
If you’re in the market looking for the best solar panel for camper, we’re here to help. We’ll review the top-rated solar panels you can choose from. But before then, let’s discuss what you should consider when buying a best solar panel for camper.
Compare Best Solar Panels for RV
IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | PRICE |
Renogy 100 Watt Solar Panel |
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DOKIO 110w 18v Solar Panel Kit |
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SUNER POWER Mono 50W Solar Panel Van Kit |
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Topsolar Flexible Solar Panel 100W |
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ECO-WORTHY 100 Watt 12 Volt Solar Panel |
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Our Recommendation on Buying Best Solar Panel for Camper
Determining the best solar panel for RV from the list depends on specific needs and applications. Here’s a brief comparison to help guide your decision:
- Renogy 100 Watt Solar Panel
Renogy’s option stands out for its high efficiency and brand reputation. It’s known for a durable design but comes at a higher cost. The rigid panel may not suit all mounting scenarios. - DOKIO 110w 18v Solar Panel Kit
This panel offers a slightly higher wattage and a portable, foldable design. However, it might have lesser build quality compared to Renogy and is less efficient in low-light conditions. - SUNER POWER Mono 50W Solar Panel Van Kit
Ideal for smaller applications and beginners, this compact panel is great for basic needs. Its lower power output, however, makes it unsuitable for larger energy requirements. - Topsolar Flexible Solar Panel 100W
The flexibility of this panel allows for various mounting options and it’s lightweight. The potential downsides include less durability and possibly lower efficiency over time. - ECO-WORTHY 100 Watt 12 Volt Solar Panel
ECO-WORTHY’s kit offers a good balance of efficiency and durability. It’s a comprehensive kit, but it requires more installation space and doesn’t have particularly unique features.
Each of these panels has its unique strengths, and the best choice will depend on your specific requirements like power needs, installation space, budget, and the purpose of use.
5 Best Solar Panels for Camper
1. Renogy 100 Watt Solar Panel
- Compact and portable.
- Overcharge protection.
- Durable construction.
- Easy to read LCD.
- Pricier compared to other options in its category.
Renogy is one of the most popular companies in the solar panel for RVs and vans niche, meaning that you can rarely go wrong by choosing one of the models. This Renogy 100 watt solar panel is one of the best solar panels for campervans as it boasts numerous features.
Firstly, it packs a small design, 19.9 x 27.2 x 2.8 inches, meaning it can fit in many vans’ rooftops. In addition, it’s made of long-lasting materials and thus will serve you for many years.
Renogy solar panel system is easy to set up, and its LCD screen makes it easier to see its operating information, which is a plus for first-time buyers.
It comes as a complete kit that includes a 100W solar suitcase, alligator clips, and 20A waterproof charge controller. In addition, you get a foldable solar bag to make it easier for you to carry and store the solar panel.
As the name suggests, this Renogy solar panel uses grade A+ monocrystalline solar cells to charge efficiency and safety. Multiple protection features, such as a charge controller, prevent your batteries from getting overcharged.
2. DOKIO 110w 18v Solar Panel Kit
- Highly portable.
- Easy to setup.
- Can charge 12V batteries.
- Compatible with different types of batteries, including RV cabin battery, lead-acid gel, golf-cart batteries, etc.
- Affordable.
- Not built for extremes of weather even though it comes with an inbuilt waterproof case.
- Charge control is quite fragile.
If you’re traveling to areas that don’t seem to experience extreme weather, this can be your ideal option. It’s lightweight, easy to carry, and a waterproof casing protects its delicate panels while traveling.
The solar panel kit comes with a three meters cable length from the panels to the control and 12volt batteries.
With its high-efficiency monocrystalline solar cells, you can rest assured that you’ll get more power efficiency as these cells maximize system output.
On the downside, it’s important to mention that Dokio solar panel is not the best option for people looking for a durable choice. If you travel to areas with extreme seasonal conditions or windy environments, the solar may come back scratched due to its shaky stand. However, the thin plastic layer protects the panels from getting scratched.
3. SUNER POWER Mono 50W Solar Panel Van Kit
- Durable.
- Easy to install.
- Easy to extend the solar panel’s cable.
- Compatible with different installation bracket.
- Install and forget.
- Only 50watts.
As the name suggests, this is a 50W solar kit from Sunner Power and comes with everything you need to start enjoying off-grid power apart from the battery. For instance, it includes 50-watt monocrystalline solar cells and a waterproof charge controller, cable kits, battery rings, battery clamps, and bare wire. Also, you get a comprehensive user manual.
Sunny power takes durability seriously. For instance, they use an anodized aluminum frame to protect the panels. In addition, the solar panel is sealed to make it waterproof.
When you charge your battery using this solar panel, you won’t have to worry about overload, short-circuiting, or surge as there’s a waterproof charge controller.
The only downside we can point out is that this solar panel doesn’t indicate how long it takes to charge a battery fully.
4. Topsolar Flexible Solar Panel 100W
- Durable material.
- Stellar customer service.
- Lightweight and foldable design.
- Keeps your campervan battery fully charged.
- It doesn’t hit 100W of power.
- It doesn’t indicate how long it takes to charge the battery fully.
If you’re looking for a solar panel charger kit to charge your generator power station and your Galaxy devices and iPhone, this is an ideal option.
By design, this is more like a collection of 12 solar panels with a fabric backing that collectively gives you 100W of power. The multiple folding points make them easier for you to stretch over your van’s roof.
The solar kit comes with everything you need to harvest and use the sun’s power. For instance, it comes with 10-in-1 DC connectors, cable with alligator clips, Cig lighter, and more.
As a Topsolar flexible solar panel, this solar panel kit has a high conversion rate (22%) due to the ETFE material. It’s made with high-quality scratch-resistant material, meaning that it will serve you for many years.
However, the wattage doesn’t get to what’s advertised.
5. ECO-WORTHY 100 Watt 12 Volt Solar Panel Kit for RV
- With a 21% high cell efficiency, it ensures maximum energy conversion from sunlight.
- Built with a corrosion-resistant aluminum frame, capable of withstanding high winds and snow loads, ensuring longevity.
- Suitable for RVs, boats, garden sheds, and more, offering flexibility in use.
- The dimensions (41.73″L x 22.05″W x 2.36″H) make it ideal for small spaces without sacrificing power output.
- Some basic understanding of solar systems is needed for optimal use and maintenance.
The ECO-WORTHY 100 Watt 12 Volt Solar Panel Kit is an ideal, efficient solution for small spaces like RVs, boats, and garden sheds. This kit includes a 100W high-efficiency solar panel, a 30A PWM charge controller, cables, and mounting brackets, all designed for easy installation. Measuring 41.73″L x 22.05″W x 2.36″H and made from durable aluminum, it’s compact yet robust, capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions.
With an impressive daily output of 400wh under 4 hours of full sunshine, it’s perfect for various applications – from powering RVs and marine vehicles to serving as a backup power supply. Its high cell efficiency and corrosion-resistant build ensure long-lasting performance, making it a reliable and eco-friendly energy solution.
All the above van solar panels require minimal care and maintenance and won’t overcharge your battery. They’re highly efficient in charging batteries and are pretty durable.
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Hi! I'm Edmundas, a devoted minimalist and expert in making the most out of small spaces. Through years of experience in interior design and innovative space-saving solutions, I've mastered the art of transforming compact areas into functional, stylish havens. Here at GotinySpace, I share my insights and tips to help you embrace a simpler, more organized lifestyle. Join me on this journey to discover how less can indeed be more.