What are the Pros and Cons of RV Solar Panels? The key advantages are energy independence, freedom of movement, and reduced costs. And, the drawbacks are the initial investment cost, the need for additional components, and power limitations. Below we cover everything you need to know about RV solar panel pros and cons.
RV Solar Panel Pros and Cons
What Are RV Solar Panels?
RV solar panels are photovoltaic panels designed to generate electricity for recreational vehicles, camper vans, and motorhomes. The panels are typically mounted on the roof of the vehicles and harness sunlight to generate electrical power.
They are one of the primary components of an RV solar power setup and work in tandem with a charge controller, battery, and inverter to power the vehicle’s electrical appliances. For more, check out our full guide on What Are RV Solar Panels & How Do They Work?
Benefits of RV Solar Panels
What are the advantages of RV solar panels? Installing solar panels on your motorhome or camper van comes with many advantages. The most notable are energy independence, freedom of movement, and cost savings over time. However, there are more. Below we take a closer look at the pros of using RV solar panels.
Energy Independence
The greatest benefit of installing RV solar panels is energy independence. Once you begin harnessing solar power and generating your own electrical power you no longer have to rely on campsite hookups or electrical generators. You have the power of the sun to generate electricity and run your motorhome appliances.
Freedom of Movement
And, once you have established energy independence. You also get freedom of movement. The two come hand in hand. You’re free to travel and park up anywhere you wish. Solar power allows you the freedom to camp in remote or wilderness areas for extended periods without worrying about running out of electricity. This opens up a whole new world of adventure for RV enthusiasts and life on the road.
Reduced Costs
Another great advantage of using RV solar panels is reduced costs. Sunlight energy is free. And, when you harness it to create the electricity you need you cut down on the fees associated with campsite hookups and fuel for generators. There’s an initial investment cost of buying and installing the solar power equipment. But, as soon as you start using it, you start saving money.
Simple Setup
RV solar power setups are pretty straightforward. Most of the equipment is easy to install and connect in series. If you already have a deep-cycle leisure battery in your vehicle, the chances are you can use that. However, if you’re not a DIY aficionado you can hire a tradesman for a quick and stress-free installation.
Eco-Friendly Green Energy
Solar power is an eco-friendly choice. If you want to use green energy and reduce your carbon footprint, an RV solar power setup is the way to go. Unlike generators, solar panels don’t burn fuel. They produce electricity using natural sunlight without waste emissions. They are a clean, environmentally friendly, and sustainable way to power your RV or motorhome.
Quiet Energy
Power generators are noisy. And anyone who has used them will know how annoying they can be. Especially in the evening and nighttime when you are trying to relax and sleep. One of the great pros of RV solar panels is that they eliminate noise. They generate electrical power silently. No noise whatsoever. Great news for you, your family, and your fellow campsite users.
Extended Battery Life
RV solar panels extend battery life. They gently charge them during the day while the sun is shining and top up their power level. Solar power charging is a more gentle process compared to hooking up to a traditional electric circuit. This gentle charging process places reduced stress on the battery and helps extend its lifespan.
Easy to Maintain
They’re also very easy to maintain. All you need to do is perform a periodic visual inspection to ensure everything is hooked up as needs to be and there’s no damage. They also require an occasional clean to keep the panel surface free of dirt and grime. This optimizes their performance and maximizes the volume of light striking the panel.
Increase RV Resale Value
Adding solar panels to an RV, motor home, or camper van will increase the value of the vehicle. RVs fitted with solar panel systems command a higher resale value. Vehicles that are energy-independent are more desirable. So, if the time comes when you decide to put your vehicle on the market, you can rest assured solar panels will have boosted its value – a key factor on our RV solar panel pros and cons list.
Drawbacks of RV Solar Panels
Let’s take a look at the cons of RV solar panels. Now we’ve covered all the advantages you can expect it’s time to consider all the potential cons. The most significant of these are the initial investment you have to make, the requirement of additional components, and the power limitations associated with the technology. Here are the disadvantages of RV solar panels.
Initial Investment Cost
The main drawback of RV solar panels is the initial investment cost. There is a significant upfront cost of purchasing and installing RV solar panels. And, depending on your budget and the panels you choose this investment can be relatively high.
You’ll also have to fork out for a charge controller, inverter, deep-cycle leisure battery, and installation if you’re not doing it yourself. The good news is once it’s done, you’ll be harnessing free solar energy and the cost will be offset by long-term savings on fuel and campground fees.
Requires Additional Components
RV solar panels require additional components to power your vehicle. They do not work in isolation. If you’re planning on adding panels to your motorhome, you’ll also have to add a charge controller, deep cycle battery, and a power inverter. These are essential components of a complete RV Solar Panel Kit. Each one plays a vital role in providing the electricity needed for life on the road.
Power Limitations
Another disadvantage of RV solar panels is limited power output. And, depending on your individual electrical requirements, RV solar panels may not provide the power you need. In general, they are used to charge small electrical appliances, such as fridges, fans, and microwaves.
However, to figure out if they provide the amount of electricity you need in an off-grid situation you’ll need to do some math. Determine how much watt-hour power you think you’ll need and then take a look at the power and efficiency ratings of the solar panels to get a good idea if they pack the punch you need.
Variable Sunlight
RV solar panels require sunlight to function. And, the availability and intensity of sunlight varies from one region to the next. Depending on the area you visit, the local climate, and seasonal conditions you may or may not receive the amount of sunlight you need. This impacts your ability to generate the electrical power you need to run your RV appliances.
If you’re camping in a forested or shaded area, you will find that solar panels will be less effective. RV solar power generation is dependent on sunlight, and not all camping locations will provide the same level of sun exposure you need. If the panels don’t receive adequate sunlight you’ll need to consider connecting to an alternative power source.
Positioning of Panels
Positioning of panels is an often-cited con of RV solar panels. To maximize their power output and ensure they are running efficiently the panels need to be positioned facing the sun and in direct sunlight. At times, this can be a challenge.
If you’re using roof-mounted solar panels this means you’ll have to avoid parking in the shade and position you’re RV in direct sunlight. And, this means things can get very hot on the inside.
On the other hand, if you’re using portable panels, you can park in the shade and position the solar panels in the sun using a stand and a cable. However, as the sun moves you’ll have to reposition the panels to ensure optimal power output.
Another point of note is that portable solar panels can only be deployed when the vehicle is stationary. They cannot be used when the RV is in motion. Roof-mounted panels are always available and ready to convert sunlight to electricity.
System Setup
Another drawback of RV solar panels is setup. While the process is pretty straightforward it may seem complicated to some individuals, especially RV and camping novices. Roof-mounted panels require a little more work compared to portable panels. And, many people will choose to hire a professional to install these units.
Then, there are the additional components of an RV solar power kit to consider. You’ll need to install a charge controller, battery, and inverter. RV solar panels work in tandem with these devices and without them, you will not be able to power your motorhome electrical appliances.
Storage Space & Weight
Do you have sufficient storage space in your RV to accommodate solar panels and the additional components needed to run the system? Is there enough roof space on your camper van to place the number of panels you need to power your electrical appliances? And, if you’re using portable RV solar panels, do you have a place to store them when you’re on the move and not using them? A popular choice for storage is beneath the beds.
Theft & Damage
There’s always a risk that your RV solar panels are stolen or suffer unexpected physical damage. Portable solar panels that are positioned on the ground are susceptible to opportunistic theft. The very fact that they are portable makes them an easy target. Using a lock and chain is a good deterrent. Roof-mounted panels are much less likely to be stolen. They’re more difficult to access and they’re bolted in place.
Portable RV solar panels are also susceptible to damage. They can be blown over by strong gusts of wind. Or, they can be easily bumped into or tripped over as they are positioned at ground level. Again, roof-mounted panels are less likely to suffer damage but are still susceptible to falling objects and collisions with tree branches.
Maintenance
Another disadvantage of RV panels is maintenance. Although they require minimal maintenance, they require occasional visual inspection and cleaning. The panels should be periodically wiped clean to remove any dirt and debris that has accumulated over time. This optimizes the amount of sunlight they receive and the amount of electrical power they will generate. Maintenance is an often overlooked factor when considering RV solar panel pros and cons.
Are RV Solar Panels Worth It?
Considering investing in solar panels for your RV? Need some additional information on whether they’re worth it for your specific vehicle and needs? To answer this question you need to consider a range of factors. Central to these are your travel and camping habits, energy needs, and budget. And, all the RV solar panel pros and cons discussed above.
RV Camping Habits
What are your RV camping habits? How often do you camp? And, where do you like to travel to? If you like to camp in remote areas without access to electrical hookups you’ll need an off-grid power system. If this is the case you’ve got two options, a power generator or a solar power setup. This way you have access to electricity wherever you choose to travel.
Energy Needs
What are your individual energy needs? If you want to figure out if RV solar panels are worth it, you need to establish your vehicle’s daily electrical consumption. Solar panels work well for providing the energy needed to power small to medium electrical appliances. If consume high levels of electrical power you may struggle to get the juice you need using solar power.
Budget
What is your budget? Your budget will play a key role in deciding if a solar installation for your RV is worth it, or not. RV solar panel systems can vary significantly in cost depending on the size and quality of the units being installed.
Weigh up your budget and how long it will take for the system to pay for itself in terms of reduced campground fees, generator fuel savings, and extended battery life – and determine if they’re a good choice for you. Overall, you’ll need to weigh up all RV solar panel pros and cons and decide if they’re for you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
John McTominay
- B.S. Electrical Engineering
- Solar Power Expert
Meet John McTominay, a solar energy pro with an electrical engineering degree from Arizona State University. With over 30 years in solar, John loves blending tech smarts with nature.
Outside work, he’s all about RV adventures, hiking, and cheering for the Phoenix Suns in the NBA. John shares his solar wisdom on RV Solar Power Hub, helping others light up their RVs.
A travel buff, he’s on a constant quest for new horizons and scenic spots, making the solar journey as exciting as the destination. Explore the world with John, where green energy meets the great outdoors!
