Rv solar kits

RV Solar Kits

So you have decided to hook up your RV to solar panels. That's a really sound decision because RV solar power will save your money on the long run, give you an independent power source when you are out in the wild, it's virtually soundless, and overall it feels good when you leverage the Sun's clean energy and keep it friendly to the environment. In this article, we've gathered the best solar panels for RVs to guide your RV solar installation. Nowadays, you can either go with the pre-assembled RV solar power kits or purchase the components separately and assemble your own motorhome solar power system. By the way, purchasing the components separately usually amounts to less money than buying a ready-made solar kit. The system consists of several main components: solar panel(s), an inverter, a charge controller, and batteries. This time we will focus on solar kits and panels for campervans, trailers, motorhomes or caravans.

Solar Panel Kits for RV

RV solar kits are usually smaller off-grid systems that have longer cabling and take into account the small rooftop space on these vehicles. By the mounting type RV, solar system kits can be portable or fixed. Folding solar panel kits can be easily removed and packed for a later use. These kits can act as an RV solar battery charger or power up DC appliances in your RV that are designed to work directly with the solar panels like solar fans, fridges, etc. When we talk about RV solar chargers it's important to make the distinction between charging the battery bank for the vehicle appliances and maintaining the RV's battery charge. The former is a heavy-lifting task done by panels with a rated power of 100 W and more. The later is also called trickle charging and requires a small solar panel connected to the vehicle battery via clamps or a cigarette lighter plug. Maintaining the battery charge is essential if the vehicle sits for a prolonged time period. Otherwise, the battery gets depleted and renders itself useless. Read more about 12v solar battery chargers (trickle chargers) if interested. The benefit of purchasing RV solar panel kits is that the components are sized and tested to work effectively together, all is left to you is a correct installation.

Portable Solar Panels

Folding solar panels can come in metal cases resembling a two-fold suitcase. These panels commonly have adjustable legs for ensuring an optimal tilt towards the Sun and are easily portable. Portable solar panels can also be very lightweight with multiple folding surfaces enclosed in a weather-resistant protective canvas. These panels can serve as an additional battery charger if you need an extra charging power. They usually come with the wiring already in place and ready to be hooked to a battery right away. You can also grab one of these panels with you when you hike somewhere your RV cannot take you to. Foldable solar panel chargers are suitable for charging mobile phones, laptops, GPS units, small fans and more. While googling around you may have come across titles like "12v foldable solar panel" or "100 watt foldable solar panel". "12v" in the first title refers to the 12-volt batteries the foldable panel is intended to charge. "100 watt" marking in the second title refers to the panel's rated maximum power (Pmax) under standard test conditions (STC).

Main Components:
Price: US $144.99

This solar kit by Eco-Worthy is suitable for RV, caravan, boat, greenhouse solar panel systems. The 100 W solar panel included in the kit features an IP-65 rated waterproof junction box and has a corrosion-resistant, lightweight anodized aluminum frame. The panel withstands 2400 Pa winds and 5400 Pa snow loads. It is coated with 3.2 mm tempered, anti-reflection glass. Also included is a 20 A PWM charge controller with LCD display. Two 16 ft (5 m) solar cables with MC4 connectors are also included.

Main Components:
Price: US $149.99

This is an entry level solar kit for those just starting out with solar. The 100W monocrystalline solar panel has pre-drilled holes for faster mounting. The supplied Z-brackets are there for easy securing. A 20 ft adaptor cable and all the other necessary mounting hardware are also supplied. The 10 A PWM charge controller with LCD display is positive grounding (PG). The kit can be paired with 12 or 24 V battery systems in RVs, trailers, boats, sheds, and cabins. Depending on the sun's availability this kit can fully charge a 50 Ah battery from 50% in 3 hours. 

HQST 100 W 12 V Solar Panel Kit for RV w/ 20A PWM Charge Controller
Main Components:
Price: US $177.99

This is an entry level solar kit for those just starting out with solar. The 100W monocrystalline solar panel has pre-drilled holes for faster mounting. The supplied Z-brackets are there for easy securing. A 20 ft adaptor cable and all the other necessary mounting hardware are also supplied. The 20 A PWM charge controller with LCD display is positive grounding (PG). The kit can be paired with RVs, trailers, boats, sheds, and cabins. Depending on the sun's availability this kit can fully charge a 50 Ah battery from 50% in 3 hours.

Main Components:
Price: US $149.99

This kit by Komaes includes one 100 W polycrystalline panel, a 20 A PWM charge controller, a 20 ft tray cable and a 20 ft cable with MC4 connectors. Z-brackets for faster mounting are also provided. The panel has pre-drilled holes and an anodized aluminum frame and can withstand 5400 Pa snow and 2400 Pa snow loads. The charge controller can support system expansion up to 400 W. 

Komaes 200W Polycrystalline Solar Panel Kit for RV w/ 20A MPPT charge controller
Main Components:
  • 2 x KMP100 Solar Panels
  • 20A MPPT Charge Controller
  • 1 x pair of 20 ft 13AWG Tray Cable, 1 x pair of 20 ft 5AWG Adaptor Kit w/ MC4, 2 x set of Z-brackets
Price: US $429.99

This kit by Komaes includes two 100 W (200 W) polycrystalline panels, a 20 A MPPT charge controller, a 20 ft tray cable and a 20 ft cable with MC4 connectors. Z-brackets for faster mounting are also provided. The panel has pre-drilled holes, an anodized aluminum frame, and IP65 rated waterproof junction box with pre-installed diodes. It can withstand 5400 Pa snow and 2400 Pa snow loads. The charge controller can support system expansion up to 400 W. 

Main Components:
Price: US $299.99

This kit from WindyNation includes two 100 W polycrystalline solar panels. The 20 A solar charge controller features an LCD screen with user-adjustable settings. The kit is suitable for RVs, homes, cabins, boats, back-up and remote power systems. The 2 100 W solar panels can be wired in parallel for 12 V battery charging or in series for 24 V battery charging. The included 20 A charge controller can handle up 300 W (3pcs x 100 W) solar panels for 12 V system and 600W (6pcs x 100 W) for 24 V systems. The kit also includes necessary mounting hardware like solar cables and MC4 connectors.

WindyNation 2 x 100W Solar Panel, 20A Charge Controller, 100Ah AGM Battery RV Off-Grid Kit
Main Components:
Price: US $559.99

This kit from WindyNation includes two 100 W polycrystalline solar panels. The 20 A solar charge controller features an LCD screen and user-adjustable settings. Also included is a 100 Ah 12 V deep cycle BattaMax AGM battery. The kit is suitable for RVs, homes, cabins, boats, back-up and remote power systems. The 2 100 W solar panels can be wired in parallel for 12 V battery charging or in series for 24 V battery charging. You can add more panels in the future if your power needs grow.  The included 20 A charge controller can handle up 300 W (3pcs x 100 W) solar panels for 12 V system and 600W (6pcs x 100 W) for 24 V systems. The kit also includes necessary mounting hardware like solar cables and MC4 connectors.

WindyNation 2 x 100W Solar Panel, 20A PWM Charge Controller RV Off-Grid Kit w/ 200Ah Batteries
Main Components:
Price: US $779.99

This kit from WindyNation includes two 100 W polycrystalline solar panels. The 20 A solar charge controller features an LCD screen and user-adjustable settings. Also included are two 100 Ah 12 V deep cycle BattaMax AGM batteries with 2/0 AWG battery interconnect cables. The kit is suitable for RVs, homes, cabins, boats, back-up and remote power systems. The 2 100 W solar panels can be wired in parallel for 12 V battery charging or in series for 24 V battery charging. You can add more panels in the future if your power needs grow.  The included 20 A charge controller can handle up 300 W (3pcs x 100 W) solar panels for 12 V system and 600W (6pcs x 100 W) for 24 V systems. The kit also includes necessary mounting hardware like solar cables and MC4 connectors.

Main Components:
Price: US $309.99

This kit is specifically designed for RV applications as it allows an aesthetically pleasing flush mounting for the charge controller and is negative-grounded for battery compatibility. The 30 A Adventurer charge controller has an embedded LCD screen for operational data display and allows full configuration of parameters. It has comprehensive self-diagnostic systems and electronic protection against system faults and user errors. Adventurer controller pairs with the included BT-1 Bluetooth module to remotely communicate the system details. All the data will be available through the Renogy BT smartphone app. If you decide to add more power after a while of usage you can add 3 more panels as the controller supports up to 400 W power. The 100 W mono panel has pre-drilled holes for faster mounting, an integrated bypass diode for shade effect minimization, 15.47% efficiency.

Renogy Eclipse 100 Watt 12 Volt Solar RV Kit w/ 30A Charge Controller
Main Components:
Price: US $394.99

This kit is specifically designed for RV applications as it allows an aesthetically pleasing flush mounting for the charge controller and is negative-grounded for battery compatibility. The 30 A Adventurer charge controller has an embedded LCD screen for operational data display and allows full configuration of parameters. It has comprehensive self-diagnostic systems and electronic protection against system faults and user errors. Adventurer controller pairs with the included BT-1 Bluetooth module to remotely communicate the system details. All the data will be available through the Renogy BT smartphone app. If you decide to add more power after a while of usage you can add 3 more panels as the controller supports up to 400 W power. The 100 W Eclipse panel combines power and appeal into a sleek package. It contains the company's highest efficiency solar cells and stands out with it black, corrosion-resistant frame and no gridline front look. The panel has pre-drilled holes for faster mounting, an integrated bypass diode for shade effect minimization, 18.4% high efficiency.

Main Components:
Price: US $349.98

This is a starter kit by Renogy with two 100 W monocrystalline solar panels and negative-grounding 30 A Adventurer PWM charge controller. It especially suits to vehicles with battery negative on the chassis. The charge controller allows for the system expansion up to 400 W so you can add more panels later. On an ideal sunny day, you can expect to get 1kWh energy. Depending on the Sun's availability you can charge a 50 Ah battery from 50% to full in 1.5 hours.

Renogy 200W 12V Mono Solar Starter Kit for RV, Boat w/ 20A Rover MPPT Charge Controller
Main Components:
Price: US $434.99

This is a starter kit by Renogy with two 100 W monocrystalline solar panels and 20 A Rover MPPT charge controller. MPPT controllers transfer power 30% more efficiently so the charging time is faster. The charge controller allows for the system expansion up to 400 W in 24 V battery systems so you can add more panels later. 200 W is just right for 12 V systems with 20 A MPPT charge controller. Renogy Rover features a die-cast aluminum shell for efficient heat dissipation.

Renogy 200W 12V Mono Solar Starter Kit for RV, Boat w/ 40A Rover MPPT Charge Controller
Main Components:
Price: US $514.99

This is a starter kit by Renogy with two 100 W monocrystalline solar panels and 40 A Rover MPPT charge controller. MPPT controllers transfer power 30% more efficiently so the charging time is faster. The 40 A charge controller allows for the system expansion up to 800 W in 24 V battery systems and 400 W in 12 V systems so you can add more panels later.  Renogy Rover features a die-cast aluminum shell for efficient heat dissipation.

Main Components:
Price: US $499.99

This kit comes with one 18.35% high-efficiency 100W Eclipse solar panel made of quality SunPower cells. For comparison, regular mono/poly panels have around 15% efficiency. The panel is coated with thick, anti-reflective, high-transparency iron-tempered glass. The 20 A Commander charge controller brings the peak conversion efficiency of 98%. You'd also get a tracer meter that gives a full control over the charge controller. The package includes an MC4 inline fuse and ANL fuse components for charge controller and battery protection.

Renogy 100W Eclipse 12V Solar Premium RV Kit w/ 40A MPPT Charge Controller
Main Components:
Price: US $753.59

The solar module with Sunpower cells yields 3 - 4% more efficiency compared to the regular models. The panel is covered with anti-reflective, high-transparency, iron-tempered glass. It raises the panel stiffness and enhances the impact resistance. The Commander charge controller brings peak conversion efficiency of 98% and high tracking efficiency of 99%. The MT-50 Tracer Meter is there to help you easily monitor the system performance.

Renogy 400W Eclipse 12V Premium Solar RV Kit w/ 40A MPPT Charge Controller
Main Components:
Price: US $869.99

This kit comes with four 18.35% high-efficiency 100W Eclipse solar panels made of quality SunPower cells. For comparison, regular mono/poly panels have around 15% efficiency. The panel is coated with thick, anti-reflective, high-transparency iron-tempered glass. The 40 A Commander MPPT charge controller brings the peak conversion efficiency of 98%. You'd also receive a tracer meter that gives a full control over the charge controller. The package includes an MC4 inline fuse and ANL fuse components for charge controller and battery protection.

Renogy 200W Eclipse 12V Premium Solar Kit w/ 40A MPPT Charge Controller
Main Components:
Price: US $1059.51

This kit comes with two 18.35% high-efficiency 100W Eclipse solar panels made of quality SunPower cells. For comparison, regular mono/poly panels have around 15% efficiency. The panel is coated with thick, anti-reflective, high-transparency iron-tempered glass. The 40 A Commander MPPT charge controller brings the peak conversion efficiency of 98%. You'd also receive a tracer meter that gives a full control over the charge controller. The package includes the MC4 inline fuse and ANL fuse components for charge controller and battery protection.

Renogy 300W Eclipse 12V Premium Solar RV Kit w/ 40A MPPT Charge Controller
Main Components:
Price: US $1225.36

This kit comes with three 18.35% high-efficiency 100W Eclipse solar panels made of quality SunPower cells. For comparison, regular mono/poly panels have around 15% efficiency. The panel is coated with thick, anti-reflective, high-transparency iron-tempered glass. The 40 A Commander MPPT charge controller brings the peak conversion efficiency of 98%. You'd also get a tracer meter that gives a full control over the charge controller. The package includes an MC4 inline fuse and ANL fuse components for charge controller and battery protection.

Renogy 600W Eclipse 12V Premium Solar RV Kit w/ 60A MPPT Charge Controller
Main Components:
Price: US $2152.99

This kit comes with six 18.35% high-efficiency 100W Eclipse solar panels made of quality SunPower cells. For comparison, regular mono/poly panels have around 15% efficiency. The panel is coated with thick, anti-reflective, high-transparency iron-tempered glass. The 60 A Commander MPPT charge controller brings the peak conversion efficiency of 98%. The 60 A Commander doesn't support MT-50 tracer meter but you can optionally purchase Renogy EP USB Connector (not included) and connect the charge controller to a PC for a full monitoring control over the system. The package includes an MC4 inline fuse and ANL fuse components for charge controller and battery protection.

Renogy 800W Eclipse 12V Premium Solar RV Kit w/ 60A MPPT Charge Controller
Main Components:
Price: US $2624.99

This kit comes with eight 18.35% high-efficiency 100W Eclipse solar panels made of quality SunPower cells. For comparison, regular mono/poly panels only have around 15% efficiency. The panel is coated with thick, anti-reflective, high-transparency iron-tempered glass. The 60 A Commander MPPT charge controller brings the peak conversion efficiency of 98%. The 60 A Commander doesn't support MT-50 tracer meter but you can optionally purchase Renogy EP USB Connector (not included) and connect the charge controller to a PC for a full monitoring control over the system. The package includes an MC4 inline fuse and ANL fuse components for charge controller and battery protection.

Main Components:
Price: US $536.00

Grape Solar's 200 W (2 x 100 W) off-grid kit is made for RV, pumping or other off-grid operations. The included solar panels come with an anodized aluminum frame and a waterproof, sealed junction box. The panels feature 2-diode bypass for minimizing the power drop caused by shades. The Xantrex 35 A PWM charge controller can support system expansion up to 400 W with the addition of 2 new 100 W panels. Also included is a 450 W Xantrex inverter with 2 outlets for your AC power needs. 

Grape Solar 200W Off-Grid Solar Panel Kit w/ PWM Charge Controller & Inverter
Main Components:
Price: US $1191.68

Grape Solar's 400 W (4 x 100 W) off-grid kit is made for RV, pumping or other off-grid operations. The included solar panels come with an anodized aluminum frame and a waterproof, sealed junction box. The panels feature 2-diode bypass for minimizing the power drop caused by shades. The Xantrex 35 A PWM charge controller can support system expansion up to 400 W with the addition of 2 new 100 W panels. Also included is an 1800 W Grape Solar pure sine wave inverter with 2 outlets and 1 USB port for your AC power needs. The inverter can power up demanding electrical loads such as variable speed power tools, advanced electrical appliances, microwaves and more. In addition, the inverter provides power to the most USB chargeable devices via the built-in USB port.

Main Components:
Price: US $N/A

According to Go Power, this is their most efficient solar charging kit for RVs with limited roof space. The kit comes with 100 W monocrystalline solar panel, 30 A PWM charge controller, two 25 ft cables with MC4 connectors and the necessary mounting hardware with Z-brackets. 

Go Power Overlander 170W Solar Kit w/ 30A PWM Charge Controller for RVs, Boats
Main Components:
Price: US $N/A

Go Power's Overlander features a more powerful 170W solar panel compared to Retreat kit. You get all that power from a single module so it's a good choice if the rooftop space is a concern, extended RV'ing or dry-camping. The kit includes 30 A PWM charge controller, two 25 ft solar cables and the necessary mounting hardware.

Go Power 340W Solar Elite Charging System w/ 2kW inverter & 30A PWM Controller
Main Components:
Price: US $N/A

Go Power Solar Elite is a complete solar power system for full-time RVers. The kit includes all the necessary components to have the charging capability from both solar and shore power. The solar kit features two 170 W powerful solar modules that can maintain a battery charge up to 18 A/hour. The Solar Elit kit also includes 2000 W pure sine wave inverter charger with a built-in battery charger and a transfer switch for your AC power needs. The AC inverter is complemented with inverter charger remote abd DC inverter install kit. Also included is a 30 A PWM charge controller. The system is readily expandable to up to 510 watts of power.

Main Components:
Price: US $99.00

A foldable and portable 40 W (2 x 20 W) solar panel kit for RVs & boats by Eco-Worthy. The folding suitcase consists of two 20 W panels and an integrated 3 A PWM charge controller. The panels are covered with low-iron tempered glass and equipped with a set of aluminum stands, a handle, and latches. The frame is made of corrosion-resistant aluminum to make the panel sturdy against high winds and snow loads. The kit well-suited for hiking, camping, caravan, RV, boat and other off-grid applications.

Eco-Worthy 80W 12V Portable Charger Kit w/ 15A Charge Controller for RV, Boat
Main Components:
Price: US $185.00

A foldable and portable 80 W (2 x 40 W) solar panel kit for RVs & boats by Eco-Worthy. The folding suitcase consists of two 20 W panels and an integrated 15 A PWM charge controller. The panels are covered with low-iron tempered glass and equipped with a set of aluminum stands, a handle, and latches. The frame is made of corrosion-resistant aluminum to make the panel sturdy against high winds and snow loads. The kit well-suited for hiking, camping, caravan, RV, boat and other off-grid applications.

Main Components:
  • 1 x 11806 Solar Panel
  • Venture 30 - 30Wh, 7800 mAh power bank
  • Certified cables for efficient charging
Price: US $169.95

Goal Zero solar recharging kit is intended for small electronic device charging. If you are going to venture away from the RV and need power for your devices that this kit is for you. The kit includes a 7 W lightweight foldable solar panel and a 7800 mAh power pack with built-in micro-USB cable and 2 high-speed USB 4.8 A ports to charge phones, tablets, cameras, and more. The power bank is based on Li-ion battery with hundreds of charging cycles and protection against overcharging and over-discharging. Weatherproof and rugged, you can take it with wherever your explorations take you to.

Main Components:
Price: US $189.99

This solar kit by HQST is made to be a plug & play system. Within the kit, you'll find a 100 W (2 x 50 W) foldable polycrystalline solar panel with rugged aluminum stands and a handy bag, 20 A PWM charge controller with LCD display and an integrated temperature sensor. The panel is embedded in a durable aluminum frame. 

Main Components:
Price: US $386.99

Renogy 100 W (2 x 50 W) solar suitcase is a lightweight & portable addition to your RV. It's a foldable power system with an integrated Voyager 20 A PWM charge controller. The panel itself is made of the most efficient German-made solar cells that Renogy has to offer. The built-in rugged fold-out aluminum legs allow for varying degrees of tilt. The Voyager charge controller is IP65 waterproof, has 5 charging states, works with 7 types of batteries, and is equipped with LCD display & LED status lights. The kit comes with a protective casing with heavy-duty handle & latches for a safe portability.

Renogy 200W Eclipse Lightweight Suitcase w/ 20A Voyager Charge Controller
Main Components:
Price: US $958.00

Renogy 200 W (2 x 100 W) solar suitcase is a lightweight & portable addition to your RV. It's a foldable power system with an integrated Voyager 20 A PWM charge controller. The panel itself is made of the most efficient German-made solar cells that Renogy has to offer. The built-in rugged fold-out aluminum legs allow for varying degrees of tilt. The Voyager charge controller is IP65 waterproof, has 5 charging states, works with 7 types of batteries, and is equipped with LCD display & LED status lights. The kit comes with a protective casing with heavy-duty handle & latches for a safe portability.

Main Components:
Price: US $543.99

Go Power! 120 W portable solar panel kit with 10 A charge controller offers versatile options for charging or maintaining your battery charge. If you don't need a rooftop solar power system or you need additional power to supplement your RV rooftop system then this foldable kit from Go Power is for you. The kit comes with Anderson-style battery charging connectors for quick interchange between the charging accessories for a wider set of charging options. The adjustable folding legs allow maximizing the solar exposure and portability. The solar panels have a built-in 10 A PWM charge controller with back-lit LCD display. Last but not least, you will also receive a heavy-duty nylon case for storage and protection.

Main Components:
  • 1 x 32406 Solar Panel
  • Yeti 400 portable Power Station
  • Wall charger, a cord, and a built-in kickstand
Price: US $574.95

This Goal Zero Yeti 400 solar generator kit includes one 50 W Boulder solar panel and a quiet & portable Yeti 400 Wh power station with 33 Ah 12 V battery capacity and a wall plug. This solar generator kit adds additional power to your RV and lends itself to a comfortable camping experience. The power station has a built-in 300 W (600 W surge) 60 Hz pure sine inverter allowing you to power up your AC devices. It also features a 5 V USB port, 6 mm port, 12 V carport, 12 V power pole chaining port, and 14 - 29 V charging port. The generator recharges from AC, 12 V power source or solar panels. It can be chained with other 33 Ah lead acid batteries for more power storage.

The rugged Boulder 50 solar panel has a tempered glass coating and an aluminum frame with added corner protection for temporary or permanent installations. The panel comes with a kickstand for setting it on an optimal angle towards the Sun. The panel is chainable with other panels up to 150 W.

Goal Zero Yeti 400 Solar Generator Kit w/ Nomad 20 Solar Panel
Main Components:
  • 1 x 12004 Solar Panel
  • Yeti 400 portable Power Station
  • 1 x 12 V adapter
Price: US $599.90

Goal Zero Yeti 400 solar generator kit includes one 20 W Nomad solar panel and a quiet & portable Yeti 400 Wh power station with 33 Ah 12 V battery capacity and a wall plug. This solar generator kit adds additional power to your RV and lends itself to a comfortable camping experience. The power station has a built-in 300 W (600 W surge) 60 Hz pure sine inverter allowing you to power up your AC devices. The power station also features a 5 V USB port, 6 mm port, 12 V carport, 12 V power pole chaining port, and 14 - 29 V charging port. The generator recharges from AC, 12 V or solar panels. It can be chained with other 33 Ah lead acid batteries for more power storage.

Goal Zero Yeti 400 Solar Generator Kit w/ 2 x 20W Nomad Solar Panel
Main Components:
  • 2 x 12004 Solar Panels
  • Yeti 400 portable power station
  • 2 x 12 V adapter
Price: US $749.85

Goal Zero Yeti 400 solar generator kit includes two 20 W Nomad solar panels and a quiet & portable Yeti 400 Wh power station with 33 Ah 12 V battery capacity. This solar generator kit adds additional power to your RV and lends itself to a comfortable camping experience. The power station has a built-in 300 W (600 W surge) 60 Hz pure sine inverter allowing you to power up your AC devices. The power station also features a 5 V USB port, 6 mm port, 12 V carport, 12 V power pole chaining port, and 14 - 29 V charging port. The generator recharges from AC, 12 V or solar panels. It can be chained with other 33 Ah lead acid batteries for more power storage.

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