If you’re like me, then you love to push the limits of RVing. Sure, there are plenty of established places you can go, but what’s the fun in only staying there? Aren’t RVs designed to go anywhere they can take you?
Yes, but then you have to think about things like electricity. That’s where a good solar kit comes in.
With the right solar kit, you can take your RV anywhere without having to worry about your electrical needs. This extra freedom really lets you take the idea of off-roading to new heights.
But, what’s the best bang for your buck when it comes to solar kits? We’ve assembled five of the top brands to help you make the right choice.
Read on for more information about the best solar kits and what I think about each one.
COMPARISON CHART
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1. Renogy 100 Watts 12 Volts Monocrystalline Solar Starter Kit
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2. WindyNation 100 Watt Solar Panel Off-Grid RV Boat Kit
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3. HQST 100 Watt 12 Volt Polycrystalline Solar Panel
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4. Newpowa 2 Piece 100W Polycrystalline Photovoltaic PV Solar Panel Module
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5. Go Power! GP-PSK-130 130W Portable Folding Solar Kit
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OUR TOP 5 PICKS
#1 Renogy 100 Watts 12 Volts Monocrystalline Solar Starter Kit
Specifications
Product Dimensions | 47.01 x 1.5 x 20.87 inches. |
Item Weight | 19.84 pounds |
Ideal Output | 500Wh per day |
Features
For those who are considering a solar kit, but don’t know where to start, the Renogy starter kit is perfect; it contains everything you need to get started, along with several options.
Want to put it on an RV? No problem. Looking to solar-power your applications on a boat? No problem. In short, this starter kit can handle any basic application you throw at it.
It’s also very easy to use and set up; even those with very little electrical or technical experience should be able to install this without any muss or fuss -- or know someone who can.
- WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
- PROS/CONS OVERVIEW
The system is very easy to set up and use. It comes with everything needed, right in the box, to get up and going.
This kit delivers an adequate amount of power that should be sufficient for anyone except those with exceptional needs.
It also comes with many safety features including short-circuit and overcharging protection to make sure you don’t burn out your system or injure yourself in the process, and the corrosion-resistant framing ensures years and years of use.
Video
#2 WindyNation 100 Watt Solar Panel Off-Grid RV Boat Kit
Specifications
Product Dimensions | 40 x 1.38 x 26.4 inches. |
Item Weight | 19 pounds. |
Ideal Output | 350 Wh per day. |
Features
The best part about this kit is its flexibility. It really is designed to handle just about any situation in any place. Sure. We’re talking about RVs here, but boats, cabins and even homes are not our of the question with this kit.
The flexibility extends beyond placement; as your power needs increase, so can the capacity of this system. Add panels as you need to -- up to four panels can be safely installed to this controller, giving you power well beyond what comes in the kit.
All in all, this kit is an excellent choice for your solar panel needs.
- WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
- PROS/CONS OVERVIEW
This kit comes with everything you need, plus it allows for expandability and adaptability for people whose needs change on a day-today basis. It is very easy to install, and the included manual makes it super easy for anyone to use.
Furthermore, the charge controller comes with temperature sensors to let you know of potential problems before they occur.
Video
#3 HQST 100 Watt 12 Volt Polycrystalline Solar Panel
Specifications
Product Dimensions | 35.6 x 25.9 x 1.4 inches |
Item Weight | 15 pounds. |
Ideal Output | 500 Wh per day. |
Features
The HQST 100 Watt 12 Volt Polycrystalline Solar Panel is an excellent solar panel. It boasts high efficiency ratings, solid weather resistance and a maximum output of 500 Wh per day, which is adequate for most RVers at any given time.
The biggest downside to this panel is the fact that it comes with nothing else – no control module, no regulator, no wires, no mounting hardware or anything else it might need. If you are able to find and get those separately, then this is a panel to check out.
- WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
- PROS/CONS OVERVIEW
This no-nonsense panel does exactly what it advertises; it provides a maximum amount of solar power for the standard user. While some people are looking for bells and whistles, you don't get any of those with this. It’s about as straightforward as you can get.
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#4 Newpowa 2 Piece 100W Polycrystalline Photovoltaic PV
Specifications
Product Dimensions | 35.83 x 26.57 x 2.4 inches. |
Item Weight | 19.62 pounds. |
Ideal Output | 200W of power (2 panels, 100W each). |
Features
Like the HQST listed above, this item is a solar panel without the additional items needed to mount to your RV. That being said, this solar panel is actually a 2-piece package. Each panel is rated for 100W, 12V, which means that you’re actually getting double the power output than you would with only one panel.
It is also rated high when it comes to wind and snow resistance, and even comes with connecting features in the form of pre-installed diodes and 3ft MC4 cables. While this won’t help with mounting, it will definitely make it easier to connect and start getting power immediately.
- WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
- PROS/CONS OVERVIEW
The fact that this is actually 2 panels is great; it means you’re getting double the power right out of the box when compared to the HWST model. It also seems like more attention was paid to construction and durability with this panel; there seem to be far fewer reports of broken or bent panels with this package.
#5 Go Power! GP-PSK-130 130W Portable Folding Solar Kit
Specifications
Product Dimensions | 32.48 x 2.76 x 19.88 inches. |
Item Weight | 28.7 pounds. |
Ideal Output | 500 Wh per day. |
Features
Let’s get something straight right from the start: this is an excellent solar panel kit. IT really comes with everything you need to get set up, right out of the box. It has excellent power output, expandability and even comes with a warranty.
The biggest drawback to this model is the fact that you get everything you get in many other kits out there, for a much steeper price. And if one of the reasons you’re going solar is to save on energy costs, then this becomes a major concern very quickly.
- WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
- PROS/CONS OVERVIEW
As I said above, this is an excellent solar kit. It comes with everything you need in the box, and is customizable depending on what your power needs may be.
The expandability is also a big plus, although nothing we haven’t seen from similar, cheaper kits.
Can you run an RV air conditioner with solar power?
Yes, you can run your RV air conditioner with solar power. This requires a special charge controller that is designed to regulate the voltage and current coming from the solar panels. While a typical RVC unit will run just as well with solar power as it would with grid power, it's a good idea to have a battery bank to store extra solar energy for those times when the RV is parked in the shade and solar power is limited.
Are solar panels for an RV worth it?
Yes. Recreational vehicles are not powered by traditional mains electricity and depend on a battery to operate. Solar panels can help power the battery and are worth it, although it will depend on how often you use your RV.
CONCLUSION
When you are looking for the best solar kit for your RV, boat or other project, there are a lot of choices available. When you look at all the ones we've mentioned, however, it’s clear that the Renology kit offers the best of all worlds -- a full kit with rave reviews that doesn’t break the bank.
So, now that you know, it’s time once again to hit the open road; where can you take your RV now? Just about anywhere!