An RV solar panel is a device that is used to capture sunlight energy and convert it to electricity. These solar panels are specifically designed for use in RV vehicles, camper vans, and motor homes. They are the first component of a complete RV solar panel setup and work alongside a charge controller, battery, and inverter to power electrical appliances in an RV. They are an excellent solution for off-grid electricity supply.
In this Article
• What is an RV Solar Panel?
• How Do They Work?
• Complete Solar Power System – 4 Components
•The Benefits of Using RV Solar Panels
• How Many Panels Do You Need?
• Do You Have to Use RV Solar Panels in an RV?
What is an RV Solar Panel?
An RV solar panel is a device that captures natural sunlight and converts it to electricity. They are one of the primary components of an RV solar power system. These solar panels are specifically designed for use on recreational vehicles and motorhomes.
The electricity generated by RV solar panels is used to power various appliances within the vehicle such as lights, refrigerators, and electronic devices. The electricity is often stored in a deep-cycle battery for later use. This provides access to electricity in off-grid situations.
RV solar panels are made up of multiple photovoltaic cells that have the ability to convert sunlight into DC current. The panels are designed to be lightweight, durable, and to withstand the rigors of travel and outdoor exposure.
RV solar panels are just one component of a complete RV solar power setup. You also need a charge controller, battery, and an inverter to use solar energy to power your electrical appliances, more on this below. And, the number and size of solar panels you need to power an RV depends on a range of factors including your level of energy consumption, the amount of sunlight available, and the positioning of the panels.
How Does an RV Solar Panel Work?
How do RV solar panels work on an RV vehicle? Now we know what an RV solar panel is, let’s take a closer look at how they work and how they are used on recreational vehicles and camper vans. First up, we explain how the technology works, And, we take a look at the two types of RV solar panel setup, mounted and portable.
Technology: Photovoltaic Cells
RV solar panels convert sunlight to electrical energy using a special type of technology called a photovoltaic cell. These cells are a type of semiconductor and are arranged across the surface of the panel to maximize their exposure to sunlight. When sunlight energy, known as photons, strikes these cells it excites the electrons in the semiconductor material.
The movement of these excited electrons creates an electric current within the semiconductor material. And, this flow of electrons generates electricity. Metal plates in the panel harness the electricity and use it to charge the vehicle’s battery. A complete RV solar power setup contains a solar panel, charge control, deep-cycle battery, and an inverter. More on these components below.
Installation: Permanent vs. Portable
First up, let’s take a look at how RV panels are positioned and installed. In general, there are two types of setup – Mounted and Portable.
• Mounted RV Solar Panels
Mounted RV solar panels are permanently attached to the outside of the vehicle. They are usually fixed to the roof of the motorhome and are exposed to sunlight and the outdoor elements at all times. They offer a more permanent and streamlined solar solution. However, their effectiveness depends on the RV’s positioning and any potential shading from nearby objects.
• Portable RV Solar Panels
Portable solar panels are not fixed in place. As the name suggests, they are portable and can be freely moved around and repositioned. They are typically placed on adjustable stands next to the RV when needed. They offer flexibility to RV owners to position the panels in the optimal direction to capture sunlight. This makes them particularly useful in situations where the RV’s roof can’t directly face the sunlight or when there is shading from trees or buildings.
Complete RV Solar Power System – 4 Components
An RV solar panel is just one component of a complete RV solar power system. A complete solar power kit includes four distinct components: solar panels, a charge controller, battery, and an inverter. These four devices work together to provide a safe and reliable electrical power source for an RV camper van.
1: Solar Panel
The solar panels are used to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. The panels generate DC current and pass it to the battery to be stored for later use. The panels are usually positioned on the roof of the RV.
2: Charge Controller
The charge controller sits between the solar panels and the battery. It is used to charge the battery safely and prevent overcharging. It is an essential component of an RV solar power setup.
3: Battery
The battery is used to store the electrical power until it is needed. Deep-cycle batteries are used in RVs and campers as they allow deep charges and discharges. Batteries allow you to run your electrical appliances ‘off-grid’.
4: Inverter
An inverter is used to convert the DC electricity stored in the battery to AC current. Most appliances require an AC power source and cannot be operated on DC. An inverter takes care of this requirement.
For more check out our full guide on RV Solar Panel Kits.
Benefits of RV Solar Panels
What are the benefits of RV solar panels? Are you considering installing a solar power setup on your motorhome? Let’s take a look at the advantages you can expect.
Energy Independence
The greatest benefit of using RV solar panels is off-grid electricity. Providing you have access to sunlight you will have the ability to generate electricity and power your appliances. This creates energy independence and reduces your reduces your reliance on traditional power sources like generators and campsite hookups.
Off-Grid Camping
Installing solar panels opens a whole new world of off-grid adventures. You’re free to travel and camp out wherever you wish. You no longer have to check into campsites that provide the electrical power you need to run and charge your devices. You can now go wherever the road can take you.
Save Money
Installing RV solar panels comes with some impressive cost savings. Sunlight is free and by generating your own electricity, you no longer have to pay fees for connecting to a power system or for fuel for a generator. There is an initial investment cost you need to factor in. But if you use the panels regularly, you’ll soon be getting your money back, and more.
Environmentally Friendly
RV solar panels are an eco-friendly option. Solar power is clean and renewable. It reduces your carbon footprint. Using solar panels to cater to your RV electrical needs helps protect the environment by reducing the emissions associated with generator use.
Peace & Quiet
Regular electricity generators are noisy. They burn fuel and run a loud motor. Solar panels on the other hand are completely silent. They generate electricity without making a noise. This enhances the peacefulness of your camping experience. And, allows everyone to relax and sleep peacefully.
For more, check out our full guide to the Pros and Cons of RV Solar Panels.
How Many Solar Panels Does an RV Need?
The number of solar panels an RV needs depends on several factors. These include your typical level of energy consumption, the type and efficiency of the solar panels, and the amount of sunlight they will receive. Here’s what you need to know.
1: Calculate Your Energy Needs
How much energy do you need to power your motorhome appliances? List all your electrical devices and make an estimate of their daily use. Then, note how many watts they need. You need to multiply each device’s daily hours of use by its wattage to get an idea of the watt-hours your RV will need.
2: Choose Your Panels
Now you know how many watt hours you need you should select panels that will meet your needs. You’ll need to factor in the wattage capacity of the panels and how much sunlight you expect to receive each day. Also, take a look at the efficiency rating of the solar panel. In general, you need 300 watts of solar panel power for every 1,200 Watt-Hours of battery storage capacity.
Do You Have to Use RV Solar Panels in an RV?
Yes and no. You do not have to use RV-specific solar panels in an RV. Any type of solar panel can be adapted for use in an RV setting. For example, a solar panel designed for use in a home can be used on an RV. However, there are some practical restraints that should be taken into consideration.
Most notably, the space available on the roof of an RV is much smaller than the space available on the roof of a house. This means RV solar panels are smaller. They’re designed specifically for use on a camper van. More often than not, you’ll find they are much easier to place on an RV roof compared to an oversized domestic solar panel.
Another consideration is the operating voltage of the solar panel. RV solar panels run at 17-20 volts. This is the ideal range for working with an RV charge control and 12v system. Home solar panels operate at a much higher 40-70 volts. This causes problems when paired with an RV deep-cycle battery and charge controller.
Therefore, our advice is to stick with RV solar panels. They are the ideal fit for an RV. They’re much easier to install and operate. And, their operating voltage of 17-20 volts is ideal for connection to an RV charge controller and deep-cycle battery.
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About the Author
Richard Weber
Richard Weber is a renewable energy stalwart who landed here from the UK in the ’90s. With over 20 years in the renewable energy field, Richard boasts expertise in both solar and wind energy.
A sports enthusiast, his loyalty spans continents, following the English Premier League and the NFL – cheering for the Arizona Cardinals. Beyond the field of solar power, his interests include judo, running, and home improvement DIY.
When he’s not optimizing energy solutions, Richard spends quality time with his two kids, balancing work and family life.
