But, what about the energy that has been available all around the world for absolutely free? Most RV’s are backed by a complete solar kit which includes solar panels as well as other important accessories that are crucial for its functioning. These solar kits are available with a number of features and you should be mindful of a few key aspects mentioned here before buying one.
Wattage Capacity: Whether you are buying a solar panel set for your home or your RV, you would want it to be powerful enough to compensate for your requirement. To ensure that, you can simply check the power requirement mentioned with the solar panels. It also helps to know how many solar panels you are going to get in the set. With more solar panels, you will be able to get more power output.
Included Components: As we are looking at RV solar panel kits instead of just solar panels, we should also check the type of set and what components are included with the set. In any case, you should get all the required peripherals in one go so that you can install the solar panels along with additional accessories on your RV right away. You should check the quality of these components along with the quality of solar panels.
Water Resistance: Since you are planning to use the solar panels on your RV, you will definitely be facing rain, snow, thunderstorms, and other environmental calamities. With a reliable solar panel, you will get assurance against water resistance which ensures its performance even in harsh environments. While some kits are rated for basic safety, some can withstand much stronger weather with ease.
While these factors matter a lot, there are a lot more things that you should know before you buy an RV solar kit. Today, we will talk about all of these features along with our selection of the best RV solar kits provided in this article. We are also going to talk about these features in detail in our “Buying Guide” for the best RV solar kit later on.
Best RV Solar Kit 2023
Best RV Solar Kit Reviews
1. Renogy Solar Starter Kit
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Today, we have a lot of options available for a decent RV solar kit. In the beginning, we will introduce you to some of the most budget-friendly options in the market and work our way through the picks. Renogy is a great choice if you are looking for such an option. In the 1st place, we have the Renogy Solar Starter Kit which is quite budget-friendly for its performance. This solar kit includes a single solar panel that is capable of 100 watts of power generation. You will also get a 30 ampere PWM charge controller along with other accessories such as connectors and mounting brackets. The solar panel has 21% efficiency and you will be able to upgrade the system up to 400 watts power capacity by adding more panels later on. The maximum output of the system on an ideal day will be about 500-watt hours. In retrospect, you will be able to charge a 50 Ah battery within 3 hours by up to 50% with this kit. The Renogy Solar Starter Kit offers many built-in protection and safety measures such as overloading, short circuit, and overcharging protection. The solar panel has a standard 25 year warranty period whereas the included controller is backed with a 1-year warranty. Best Features
100 watts power capacity Upgradeable up to 400 watts Includes 1 solar panel 25 years panel warranty 1-year warranty on controller
Pros
System is upgradeable 21% solar panel efficiency Set includes a solar panel, connectors, controller, and mounting brackets
Cons
Only a year of warranty on the controller
2. Topsolar Solar Panel Kit
Topsolar is also one of the brands that are offering a cheap and reliable option for a solar panel kit. This set is best suited for compact RVs with limited energy requirements. Coming in the 2nd position, we are putting one of the most affordable RV solar kits in the market. The Topsolar Solar Panel Kit comes with a single monocrystalline that is capable of 20 watts of power capacity. While the power capacity might seem a bit lower in comparison, it is still a great choice for basic 12-volt batteries. Within the kit, you will find a charger regulator, 2 cables with 6.5 feet lengths each, alligator clips for connection, and battery terminals. Even though the set is cheap, the included controller will still prevent your system from problems like overcharging, overvoltage, and short circuits. The solar panel itself is very compact and measures 18.9 x 13.4 x 0.7 inches in size, making it perfect for compact RVs. You will get 5 years of standard warranty on the solar panel, as well as a 1-year warranty on other materials. Best Features
20 watts power capacity Highly affordable solar RV kit Includes 1 solar panel 25 years panel warranty 1-year warranty on material
Pros
Does not require an extensive initial cost Perfect for 12-volt batteries Includes 2 cables measuring 6.5 feet in length
Cons
Power capacity is not enough for most users
3. WindyNation 100 Watt Solar Panel Kit
WindyNation is offering you the best value for your investment with this RV solar kit. The following option is provided within an affordable range with moderate power capacity. In the 3rd place, we have yet another 100 watts RV solar kit. The next option is coming from Windynation and includes a 100 watts solar panel, LCD charge controller, solar system cables, connectors, and even mounting brackets for installation. Thus, it is perfect for RV, cabins, boats, and other outdoor installations. With this kit, you can get about 350-watt hours of power output and room for an upgrade later on. The included controller on this set is capable of working with up to 4 units of 100 watts solar panels. Hence you won’t have to upgrade anything other than the additional solar panels. And if you decide to install 24-volt panels, you can even add up to 8 panels with ease. You can also adjust the settings on the controller with the help of the LCD display. This display will show you system amperage, voltage, temperature, load, etc. The solar panel on the WindyNation RV solar kit has a 25 years warranty while the included items have a 1-year warranty. Best Features
100 watts power capacity The LCD display on the controller Includes 1 solar panel 25 years panel warranty 1-year warranty on included items
Pros
40 feet cable included Up to 350-watt hours power output per day The controller can work with up to 8 solar panels
Cons
More components should have been included
4. RICH Monocrystalline Solar Kit
Moving on, we will feature some high-powered RV solar kits in this section of our list. Amongst that, you will find the kit from RICH SOLAR pretty reliable and powerful. In the next position, we have the RICH SOLAR Solar Kit. In this kit, you will get 2 solar panels with a power capacity of 100 watts each. Thus, you will be getting 200 watts collective power capacity from the kit. Furthermore, the kit includes a 30-ampere charge controller, dual 20 feet wire, dual 10 feet cable, mounting hardware for both panels, and a parallel connector. Therefore, you won’t have to purchase anything else for the installation of this kit. Initially, the kit offers 200 watts of power capacity. But, you can upgrade it in the future for up to 400 watts of power capacity. The solar panels are made up of monocrystalline solar cells along with an anti-reflective coating to maximize power generation. The components on this set are pre-assembled to make the installation even easier for you. All you have to do is install the solar panels and connect them with the controller and battery and you are good to go. The panels also have 25 years transferable warranty. Best Features
200 watts power capacity Comparatively powerful solar panels Includes 2 solar panels 25 years panel warranty Upgradeable up to 400 watts
Pros
Set includes dual 20 feet as well as dual 10 feet cables Upgradeable RV solar kit Pre-assembled components
Cons
The quality of components could be better
5. WEIZE Solar Panel Starter Kit
WEIZE is a comparatively lesser popular brand for solar panels and other solar-powered devices. But, WEIZE designs many products that are perfectly suitable for RVs such as solar panels and even compact batteries. The WEIZE Solar Panel Starter Kit is yet another great choice for a powerful solar-powered RV kit. WEIZE solar panels are designed with high-performance solar cells that offer up to 21% better efficiency on a clear day. The solar panels are basically free from maintenance and offer long-lasting performance. It also includes an anodized aluminum frame on the sides for better shock and impact protection. Each of the WEIZE Solar Panels measures 36.4 x 26.8 x 1.2 inches in size, making it a perfect option for RVs. Once the kit is perfectly set up, you will be able to generate anywhere between 300 to 600-watt hours of charge in just a day. Thus, it is ideal for charging 12 volts batteries. As for the installation, you will get a few handy accessories such as a charge controller, 20 feet extension cables, 8 feet battery tray cable, and a set of brackets and mounting screws. Best Features
200 watts power capacity High-efficiency solar panels Includes 2 solar panels Anodized aluminum frames 4 x 26.8 x 1.2 inches solar panel size
Pros
Generates between 300 to 600-watt hour power per day Quick installation Includes multiple accessories
Cons
Lesser reliable choice compared to other options
6. Zamp Solar Panel Kit
Portable solar panels are rather new in the market and offer some helpful advantages compared to the traditional options. The following set from Zamp solar consists of a similarly portable solar panel along with additional accessories. Generally, you will find a lot of solar panels incompatible with your RV if it does not have enough space available for installation. Hence, the next logical option would be the set of portable solar panels such as the Zamp solar Legacy Series Portable Solar Panel Kit. This is a set of 2 solar panels which offer 140 watts of energy output in total. But, the best part about this kit is that solar panels do not have to be installed or mounted. It comes with a foldable set with a stand which allows you to put it directly on the ground or your RVs roof while it is necessary. The Zamp solar Legacy Series Portable Solar Panel Kit is backed by about 25 years of output warranty with high-performance solar cells installed on the panels. Without any installation required, the Zamp solar Legacy Series Portable Solar Panel Kit is capable of charging 12-volt batteries. Along with the panels, you will also get a dedicated 10-ampere charge controller that will keep your battery protected. The solar panels are designed to be portable and travel-friendly. Hence, Zamp is also providing a nylon carrying case for the panels. Best Features
140 watts power capacity Suitable for 12-volt batteries Includes 2 solar panels 25 years panel warranty Foldable design for portability
Pros
Does not require any installation Compact charge controller Can be placed directly on the ground or on the roof
Cons
Charge controller could have been more powerful
7. ACOPOWER Solar RV Kits
ACOPOWER is bringing the most powerful RV solar kit on our selection today. It is best suited for heavy applications and RVs that are packed with power-hungry appliances. Coming up next, we are featuring the most powerful RV solar kit in our list of the best RV solar kits. The ACOPOWER Solar RV Kit will certainly suffice for all your energy needs as it offers a collective power capacity of 500 watts which includes power generated by 5 solar panels of 100 watts capacity each. You can directly connect the panels in series without needing any connector. These panels are made up of polycrystalline material for best efficiency and offer nearly 99.5% tracking and 98% conversion efficiency. The set also includes a high-capacity charge controller that offers user-adjustable settings. It features a multi-functional LCD display where you can check various parameters of the system with ease. You can also manage the system via the dedicated PC software or the remote meter. There is 25 years transferable warranty period provided on the solar panel with a 1-year warranty on the included components. Best Features
500 watts power capacity 5% tracking efficiency 98% conversion efficiency Includes 5 solar panels 25 years panel warranty
Pros
1-year warranty is provided on the components Multifunctional LCD display Most powerful solar RV kit
Cons
The very expensive choice for a solar RV kit
8. ECO-WORTHY Solar Panel Kit
ECO-WORTHY is yet another option for a premium solar RV kit. Unlike most other choices in the market, the set from ECO-WORTHY also features a dedicated battery. ECO-WORTHY Solar Panel Kit is also a great choice if you are looking for an all-in-one option. If this is your first time installing a solar unit on your RV, then this set will be perfect for you. The set includes 2 high capacity solar panels with a collective output of 200 watts, a high-quality inverter, a power controller with LCD display, connection accessories, and 2 units of 20 Ah lithium battery. The battery might have a lower capacity, but it is certainly great as a starter unit. The ECO-WORTHY Solar Panel Kit offers nearly 800-watt hours daily output with 4 to 5 hours of ample sunlight. Hence, it is perfect for long-distance traveling. The panels are designed with a corrosion-resistant frame on the side made up of aluminum. It offers great protection to the unit while keeping the panels light in weight. ECO-WORTHY is promising at least 10 years of service life for the panels while offering 1 year warranty period on other included components. Best Features
200 watts power capacity Set includes 2 batteries as well as an inverter Includes 2 solar panels 600 watts inverter 800 Wh daily output with 4 to 5 hours of sunlight
Pros
Overall output is very good All-in-one solar set for RVs 480-watt hours battery capacity on a full charge
Cons
Expensive option than other 200 watts solar kits
9. SUNSUL 20 Watt 12V Solar Panel Kit
SUNSUL is bringing yet another portable solar panel with its RV solar kit on our list. The following set is very cheap and reliable for general usage. The SUNSUL Solar Panel Kit is the cheapest offering you will find on our list today. It consists of an efficient and portable 20 watts solar panel with a conversion rate of about 23%. Similar to our previous portable choice, the SUNSUL 20 Watt 12V Solar Panel Kit also does not require permanent installation. Instead, it offers a stand along with the frame that allows you to put it down on any surface directly. The solar panel on the SUNSUL Solar Panel Kit measures 14.65 x 13.27 x 77.56 inches in size and comes with additional accessories that include a charge controller, all required mounting accessories, and connecting cables. The stand has 180-degree adjustment settings so that you can manually adjust the solar panel to get the best power output according to the time of the day. There is 18 months warranty period offered by SUNSUL on the solar panels. But, they are promising at least 10 years of performance. Best Features
20 watts power capacity High-quality aluminum frame Includes 1 solar panel 1½ years warranty 180 degrees adjustable angles
Pros
Compact, portable, and lightweight solar panel No installation is required Adjustable stand
Cons
Power capacity is too low
10. XINPUGUANG 200 Watt 12Volt Solar Panel Kit
Lastly, we are bringing an RV solar kit from XINPUGUANG. It is also a very underrated brand that designs many solar-related accessories such as solar kits, solar panels, charge controllers, and inverters. Our last choice for the best RV solar kit is the XINPUGUANG Solar Panel Kit. It is also rated for 200 watts of output as there are 2 panels included in the kit with 100 watts of power capacity each. Apart from that panels, the kit also has a 20-ampere charge controller, extension cables, mounting, and brackets. The solar panels are designed with advanced encapsulation material to enhance the energy conversion rate and also increase the expected life span. The junction box offers IP65 standards for water resistance so that you can have peace of mind even in strong rain. The junction box also minimizes the power drop caused by the sudden absence of sunlight with the help of by-pass diodes. Therefore, the overall performance of the kit is pretty good even under low light. Best Features
200 watts power capacity An affordable option for 200 watts RV solar kit Includes 2 solar panels IP65 rated junction box Multilayered sheet
Pros
Set consists of multiple accessories Highly efficient solar panels Decent performance in low light
Cons
Not as reliable as a few other choices
11. HQST 200W Solar Panel Kit
Coming back to the affordable range of RV solar kits, we have some great options lined up in this part of our list. HQST might be rather an unpopular choice from our list, but it still offers decent power under an affordable price range. HQST Solar Panel Kit is quite affordable considering its power capacity. There are 2 solar panels included in this set, each having 100 watts of power capacity. Thus, you will be getting 200 watts total power capacity with the HQST Solar Panel Kit. Other than that, the kit includes a basic charge controller, dual 20 feet adapter kits, dual 8 feet tray cables, and mounting brackets paired with mounting screws. Each solar panel on this set measures about 32.5 x 26.4 x 1.18 inches which is pretty much the standard size for such power capacity. But, that is more efficient compared to other 100 watts panels as there are more cells installed on the panel for battery energy conversion. Apart from that, HQST is also offering an IP65 rating for the panels as well as the junction box for a reliable and assuring outdoor performance. Best Features
200 watts power capacity More efficient than other 100 watts panels Includes 2 solar panels 25 years panel warranty All necessary accessories included
Pros
Durable and non-corrosive frame IP65 rating The charge controller has an LCD display
Cons
The charge controller could have been better
12. SUNGOLDPOWER Solar Panel Module Kit
SUNGOLDPOWER is also offering a decent 200 watts RV solar kit for general installations. The kit from SUNGOLDPOWER also includes many essential accessories needed for RV kit installation. The SUNGOLDPOWER Solar Panel Module Kit includes dual solar panels with 100 watts of power capacity each. Apart from that, the kit has a 20-ampere solar charger, 10 feet solar panel connector cable, 2 sets of Z Brackets for mounting, and a pair of solar panel connectors. The charge controller also has an LCD display where you can check the voltage, charging current, battery level, and other essential parameters. The solar panels are ready for installation right after unboxing as there are pre-drilled holes on the frame. All you have to do is put the panels in place and set up the connections. The solar panels have a 25 years warranty whereas the rest of the components in the kit are backed by a 1 year warranty period. Best Features
200 watts power capacity 10 feet solar panel cable Includes 2 solar panel 25 years panel warranty 20-ampere charge controller
Pros
Decent set for the price Highly reliable solar panels The LCD display on the charge controller
Cons
The battery is not included
Buying Guide For The Best RV Solar Kit
RVs are some of the best options if you are looking forward to traveling somewhere far and live outside of your home for some time. These vehicles are packed with a number of features that will make you feel right at home such as water connection, bathrooms, kitchens, TV, network receivers, internet connection, and so on. But, the most essential requirement for an RV is electrical power. While you can still use the vehicle’s battery for basic devices, it is certainly not enough to compensate for heavy appliances. Thus, you can install a larger battery in your RV and power it via solar energy by installing an RV solar kit. These kits consist of solar panels, connectors, controllers, and many other things that you will surely need on an all-in-one kit. If you are interested in RV solar kits, make sure to check our picks for the best options. If you are looking to know more about these RV kits, here is a buying guide for the best RV solar kits.
Wattage Capacity
As solar panels are designed to generate electricity, they should be powerful enough to cope with the requirements of the user. And as you are going to invest quite a large sum for an RV solar kit, you should pay attention to the power capacity and performance of the set. The power capacity of solar panels is provided in the watts unit where a high wattage solar panel is capable of generating more power compared to a low wattage solar panel within the same time. While going through our picks for the best RV solar kits, you must have found various options ranging from 20 watts all the way up to 500 watts in terms of power capacity. While buying a solar kit, make sure you consider this factor thoroughly and buy a unit that is right for your application. There is no point in buying an overpowered solar kit if you are not going to use any heavy appliance on your RV. On the other hand, a low-powered option might not be enough if you have appliances like a TV, air conditioner, water heater, etc. installed in your RV.
Durability
As solar panels require sunlight to generate electricity, you will have to keep them exposed to the environment at all times. Now that there is a new generation of solar panels which can even generate up to 50 watts of power at night, you will have to keep the solar panels exposed 24 hours of the day. Hence, the panels need to withstand various factors like rain and snow depending on the environment and regional conditions. One of the most important factors for solar panels is water resistance as water does not bode well with electronic items. While the durability of the solar panel mostly deals with the build quality and material used for mounting equipment, it is also affected by the water resistance provided on the unit. With most of our options, you will find a certain water resistance rating provided within the description. This will give you an idea of how durable your solar panel is going to be against these factors. In most cases, the manufacturers offer IP54 or IP67 water resistance which is good enough.
Size
One of the reasons that affects the installation of a solar panel is its size, especially if we are considering outdoor installation on an RV. Unlike houses that can support large-sized solar panels, RVs do not offer support for large or multiple solar panel installations. You need to carefully check the width and length of your RV’s roof and pick up an option that fits well within these dimensions. While smaller solar panels are better in terms of installations, they offer lower power capacity which might be insufficient based on your usage. You also need to make sure that the panels do not cross the width of your RV’s roof as they might get damaged along the way on the exposed corners.
Warranty
Now that you are spending a lot of time and effort to find the best RV solar kit, you should also check the reliability of the kit as you would want it to last long. To ensure the same, you can check the warranty period allotted by the manufacturer on each set before making a choice. In most cases, you will find a standard warranty period of about 25 years which is more than what you need for getting the returns on your investment. After the ROE, you will be basically generating electricity for free. But, the warranty period on a solar panel is not enough as there are other parts involved in the system which are equally as important as the panels themselves. You should check the warranty provided on the parts to get the best returns on your investment.
Conclusion
As you may already know, solar panels offer the cleanest and most eco-friendly energy production for users. These panels convert the solar energy directly into an electrical current that charges the battery. Solar energy is one of the best sources of energy, especially for outdoor usage. You can install a set of solar panels on your RV and have access to unlimited energy anywhere you go. But, the important thing to keep in mind is that the complete solar RV kits are quite expensive to come by and the energy generation depends upon the quality and specifications of the RV kit. If you wish to find the best RV solar kit, you need to check all of our mentions given in this article. We also have a buying guide that shall help you along the way. Furthermore, we have some of the best options lined up for you right here.
If your power requirement is high, we will strongly recommend going with the ACOPOWER RV solar kit. This unit includes a set of 5 solar panels which collectively generate about 500 watts of energy. The set contains solar panels, a dedicated controller with a digital display, connecting cables, and mounting accessories. For compact RVs with limited usage, the SUNSUL Solar Panel Kit will be a great option. First of all, it is the cheapest option in the market right now. The included solar panel on this kit has a 23% energy conversion rate and hence, it generates about 20 watts of power which is perfect for charging a compact battery. You will also be able to adjust the solar panels by about 180 degrees for better performance throughout the day. Lastly, we will suggest the WEIZE Solar Panel Starter Kit if you wish to buy a powerful unit under an affordable budget range. This unit will grant you about 200 watts of power with dual high-performance solar panels. WEIZE is also offering constant customer support which is great assurance for a long-lasting performance.
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