If you own a small RV and are looking to harness the power of the sun, then you might be in the market for a solar panel. With so many options available, you’re probably asking what solar panels you should buy for your small RV.
The best RV panels for your small RV are the Zamp Obsidian solar panels; the best bargain solar panels for your small RV are the Renegy solar panel; the best portable solar panel is the Jackery Solar Saga; and the best flexible solar panels are the Redarc 112W Solar Blanket Amorphous Cell.
This article will guide you through the important factors to consider when choosing a solar panel for your small RV, such as power output, panel efficiency, and overall durability. Then, we’ll discuss the most appropriate solar panels for your needs.
Power Output
As a small RV owner, it’s important to consider power output when choosing a solar panel. The power output of a solar panel determines how much energy it can produce, and this is a critical factor in ensuring that you have enough energy to power all of your RV’s electrical needs.
A solar panel with a high power output will allow you to run more appliances and devices at the same time, making your off-grid experience much more comfortable and convenient.
Additionally, a higher power output also means that you will be able to recharge your RV’s battery more quickly, so you can spend more time exploring and less time waiting for your battery to charge.
Investing in a solar panel with a high power output is a smart choice that will pay off in the long run, providing you with reliable, dependable energy when you need it the most.
Panel Efficiency
The next thing you want to consider is panel efficiency when choosing a solar panel. Panel efficiency refers to the amount of sunlight that a panel can convert into usable energy.
A panel with high efficiency can produce more energy in a smaller surface area, making it a great option for small RVs where space is limited. A highly efficient panel will also allow you to produce more energy in the same amount of time, so you can spend less time waiting for your battery to recharge and more time exploring the great outdoors.
Choosing a solar panel with high efficiency is a smart investment, as it will maximize your energy production and help you get the most out of your solar setup.
Overall Durability
Lastly, consider durability when choosing a solar panel. Your RV solar panel is an investment that you want to last for many years, and durability is a key factor in ensuring that it does. A durable panel will be able to withstand the rigors of life on the road, from harsh weather conditions to rough terrain, without suffering from damage or breaking down.
By choosing a solar panel with strong and durable construction, you’ll be able to enjoy reliable and consistent performance, no matter where your adventures take you. In the long run, investing in a durable solar panel will save you time and money, as you won’t need to replace it as often as a less durable panel.
Panel Type
Solar panels come in different types. There are stationary panels, budget panels, portable panels, and blanket panels. Read on to find the panel that best suits your needs.
Best Overall Solar Panel
Zamp Obsidian
The Zamp Obsidian solar panels are the panels that we have mounted on our Casita Travel Trailer. They are well-regarded for several reasons.
Made in the USA
Unlike most other solar panels, Zamp products are made in the US, in Bend Oregon. There are several benefits to solar panels made in the US. First, the company is easy to get in contact with and they have good customer service.
And you’ll be able to speak with someone whose first language is English. This makes communication easier. Plus, you know that you can count on the quality of an American-made product and that you are supporting American workers.
High Efficiency
The Zamp Obsidian panels are known for their high efficiency, meaning they can produce more power per square foot than other panels, making them a great choice for small RVs.
We bought the Zamp Solar Obsidian 45-Watt Solar Panel Kit for our small travel trailer, but Zamp makes kits for other RVs as well. Even though it’s lightweight and slim, the Zamp obsidian is very efficient.
Zamp uses Grade A monocrystalline solar cells. This is the most efficient technology on the market. When you buy Zamp panels, you are getting the best-performing and most reliable solar panels.
With Zamp Obsidian solar panels, you can enjoy all the comforts of home while out exploring, without having to worry about running out of power.
Durability
The Obsidian panels are built to withstand harsh weather conditions and are constructed with strong, durable materials that are resistant to damage and breakage.
The anti-reflective coating on the glass of the Zamp panels enhances light transmission while offering durable protection against harsh weather, resulting in a more durable solar panel.
Low Profile
Besides wanting a durable panel made in the USA, we chose the Zamp Obsidian solar panels for their low profile. We didn’t want to see the panels from the ground. To me, seeing the panels when you’re on the ground gives an awkward look to an RV; especially a small RV. We added three of the 45-watt panels to our Casita Travel Trailer. You can’t even tell they are there unless you are standing on the roof.
Easy Installation
The Obsidian panels come with everything you need for a simple and straightforward installation, so you can get up and running quickly and with minimal hassle.
Doug installed our Zamp Obsidian solar panels. Each kit comes with installation instructions to simplify your assembly.
The anodized aluminum Omni-Mount frame eliminates the requirement of attaching mounting feet at fixed locations along the panel frame. This allows you to choose the optimal mounting spot for your particular requirements.
In our case, we mounted the panels using 3M VHB tape, which we covered in Eternabond. That way, there was no drilling into the trailer.
With their quick-connect wiring harnesses, roof-mount solar kits eliminate the need for crimpers and butt connectors during installation. Simply mount your components, plug them in, and you’re ready to go.
Compact Size
The panels are designed to be compact and lightweight, making them an ideal choice for small RVs where space is at a premium.
Perfect for small projects or vehicles, the Obsidian Series 45-Watt panel is compatible with any type of 12-volt battery. It’s as thin as a flexible panel and 30% lighter than a conventional panel, yet still maintains its high efficiency. The Obsidian panels are available in larger sizes to fit your rig.
Reliable Performance
Zamp is known for producing high-quality, reliable solar panels, and the Obsidian panels are no exception. They are designed to provide consistent and dependable performance, even in challenging conditions.
Best Budget Solar Panel
Renogy
Renogy is a well-known brand in the solar panel industry and offers a variety of panels to suit different needs and budgets. Here are some reasons to consider Renogy solar panels.
High Quality
Renogy is known for producing high-quality solar panels that are built to last. Their panels are designed to provide reliable and consistent performance over many years. Like Zamp, Renogy uses monocrystalline technology.
Wide Range of Options
Renogy offers a wide range of solar panels, from compact and lightweight panels for small RVs to larger, more powerful panels for bigger RVs.
In addition to the rigid roof-mount solar panels, Renogy offers flexible panels, solar kits, and portable solar panels.
Affordable Prices
Renogy is able to offer affordable prices for their solar panels, making them a great option for RV owners who are looking for a high-quality panel at a budget-friendly price. This is the primary reason why people buy Renogy solar panels – they are looking for good value for their money.
Good Customer Support
Many users have reported that they have seen good customer service from Renogy. One user reported that they received a broken solar panel, but Renogy was quick to send a new panel!
Community Support
Since there are so many RVers who have Renogy panels, there is plenty of community support. There is a plethora of YouTube installation videos. You can also find help in many RV Facebook groups. We have seen plenty of posts about the Renogy solar panels on our Casita Facebook groups. In addition, you can find many RV solar groups on Facebook.
Easy Installation
Renogy provides clear and detailed instructions for installation, so even if you have limited technical experience, you’ll be able to install your solar panel with ease.
Plus, as I mentioned, there is good community and customer service support for Renogy’s products.
Best Portable Solar Panel
Many RVer chose portable solar panels for ease of use. They are easy to install when you have solar pre-wired in your rig. Unlike static roof-mounted panels, you can move your portable solar panels to follow the sun.
The downside, to me, is that you have to babysit the panels in order to move them as well as prevent them from being stolen.
Best Folding-Style Solar Panel
The Jackery Solar Saga is the best-rated portable solar panel on the market.
Jackery Solar Saga 100 Watt
In addition to our stationary solar panels, we have a portable Jackery Solar Saga. It works well with our Jackery 1000 power station since it’s completely plug-and-play.
Portability
The Solar Saga is lightweight and compact, making it easy to transport and set up. It folds up easily and uses magnets to stay folded. It’s lightweight because it doesn’t require any kind of case.
Additionally, the panel is equipped with a handle, making it even more convenient to carry and transport. It also comes with an adjustable kick-stand making it easier to position as the sun moves.
High Efficiency
The Jackery Solar Saga is efficient because it utilizes multi-layered cell technology. This means that the panel is able to generate more power in a smaller size than traditional solar panels.
With an efficient solar conversion rate of 23.7 percent, the monocrystalline solar panel on the Jackery Solar Saga 100W can efficiently convert sunlight to power.
Water-resistant Design
The Solar Saga is designed to be water-resistant, making it suitable for outdoor use in a variety of weather conditions.
The durable ETFE-laminated case can extend the solar panel’s lifespan by protecting it from the elements. It’s rated IP65 which means that it is protected from water splashing.
Durable
The Solar Saga is built with durable materials to ensure long-lasting performance and reliability.
Dual USB ports: It comes with dual USB ports, enabling you to charge multiple devices simultaneously.
Easy setup: It’s easy to set up and use, with no additional tools or equipment required.
Wide Compatibility
It’s compatible with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and other USB-powered devices.
The Jackery Solar Saga is designed to be used with Jackery power stations.
Best Blanket Style Solar Panel
Solar blankets are the latest technology in solar. They are extremely portable and lightweight, making them ideal for RVers.
Redarc Solar Blanket – 112W Solar Blanket Amorphous Cells
The Redarc Solar Blanket is a highly portable, foldable solar panel designed for use in RVs, camping, and other outdoor activities. Here are some of the key features and benefits of the Redarc Solar Blanket.
Cutting Edge Technology
Instead of using the monocrystalline technology of most solar panels, the Redarc Solar Blanket uses amorphous technology.
With amorphous solar technology, a type of thin-film solar cell made of non-crystalline silicon is used. Amorphous solar cells have a non-uniform, disordered structure, in contrast to conventional crystalline silicon solar cells.
Amorphous solar panels are lightweight and flexible.
Because of the cutting-edge technology, this solar panel is very expensive.
Convenient Design
The Redarc Solar Blanket folds into the size of a binder, making it easy to store and transport when not in use.. That being said, it doesn’t stand on its own.
However, it does come with grommets so that you can attach it to your windshield, a tree, or the side of your RV.
High Efficiency
While the amorphous blanket is not as efficient per square foot, the solar cells are capable of producing significant amounts of power in low-light conditions.
Durable Construction
The Redarc Solar Blanket is built to last, with rugged, weather-resistant materials that are designed to withstand harsh outdoor environments.
It’s resistant to high heat, UV, and chemicals. Plus, it has a non-stick resistance, and anti-reflective, scratch-resistant ETFE coating.
Conclusion
There is a wide array of solar panel brands and styles for every RV. Finding the right one for you will certainly make your travels more comfortable and enjoyable.