In recent decades “solar” has been a bit of a buzzword among the conversations surrounding the topics of energy conservation.
Those who enjoy a more independent, nomadic lifestyle in their vans or campers have adopted this method of sourcing energy fairly quickly.
Solar panel kits are a perfect match for the RV lifestyle, allowing you to recharge RV batteries on the go.
If you are in preparation to begin your journey in your van or RV, you probably have realized that solar panels and solar generators are a whole new concept that is completely foreign to you.
This is where we come in! We tested 6 of the best RV solar panel kits and thoroughly reviewed the ins and outs of each kit below.
Our Top Picks
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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Best Overall: ECO-WORTHY 200 Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panel Complete RV Kit | Powerful wattage output and easy setup. Those two positives paired with a reasonable price put this kit at the top of our list. | Check Price |
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Best Power Output: KOMAES Polycrystalline Solar Panels for RV Starter Kit | Comes with two solar panels, is powerful, durable, and weatherproof. Made with high-quality materials. | Check Price |
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Best Durability: Renogy 100W Monocrystalline Starter Kit | Secure method of installation and high-quality mounting hardware survives almost any road condition. | Check Price |
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Best Price: WindyNation 100 Watt Solar Off-Grid RV Kit | A high-quality RV solar panel kit for a lower price to keep your RV solar powered with renewable energy. | Check Price |
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Best For Curved Surfaces: XINPUGUANG Semi Flexible 200W Solar Panel Cell For RV | Powerful, flexible, and waterproof. You can’t go wrong with these solar panels on your RV roof! | Check Price |
How We Chose the Best Solar Panel Kits
To find the best solar panel kits, we began our search by identifying the top leading manufacturers that specialize in producing the best RV solar kits.
We then read reviews, heard the testimonies, and combed through free power and renewable energy blogs to find high-quality solar panel kits.
Here at Ecavo, we care about our planet and want to be as eco-friendly as possible.
Therefore, the first thing we looked for in the solar inverters we tested is if they are eco-friendly.
While we want our RV air conditioner as much as the next camper, we prefer to power it with renewable energy.
In order to find the best RV solar panel system, we were concerned with 5 factors.
Those factors are affordability, durability, weatherproof, how much power it delivers, quality of components and mounting hardware, and mounting brackets.
We also looked for options that will help owners find the right RV solar panels for their rig. Not all solar panels will work for every RV, especially RVs with a curved roof.
For maximum battery life, and to get more energy from the solar panels, consider getting a sun tracker to achieve maximum power point tracking during daylight hours to power your nighttime lifestyle.
If you are in the market for the best solar panel kit for your home, we reviewed those kits as well and you can read about our findings.
Best RV Solar Panel Kits Reviewed
1. Best Overall: ECO-WORTHY 200 Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panel Complete RV Kit
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 4/5 |
| Durability | 5/5 |
| Weatherproof | 5/5 |
| Power | 5/5 |
| Quality | 5/5 |
Watt Hours (Wh/Day): 800 Wh/Day | Panel Dimensions: 39.8 x 20.1 x 1.4 in. | Brand: ECO-WORTHY | Rated Power: 100W | Solar Cell: Monocrystalline
What We Liked
- Great price
- Powerful Output
- Weatherproof
What We Didn’t Like
- Heavy cables
- Not ideal for future expansion
Durability & Weatherproof
When we began testing this kit, we were immediately impressed with the setup. It is simple and quick to install.
Designed to withstand a variety of environments.
Whether you’re out driving on rough terrain or caught on a windy day, this setup is weatherproof and will stay intact.
With corrosion-resistant aluminum solar panels and well-built mounting brackets, this solar panel kit will last better than many other solar panels.
Power & Quality
Our tests showed that the claims of the manufacturer were true. This had the best solar panel kit power output with an incredible 800 Wh per day with 4 hours of sunshine.
Being monocrystalline, these solar panels have a higher efficiency output in comparison to their polycrystalline counterparts.
Another added bonus to this panel kit being monocrystalline panels is that it doesn’t lose energy as quickly as polycrystalline panels.
This means that it will last longer and deliver more energy for decades to come.
NOTE: To learn more about the differences between polycrystalline panels, monocrystalline panels, and amorphous solar panels, check out this article from the American Solar Energy Society.
We did notice is that this kit comes with a charge controller which is not ideal for those who wish to expand in the future.
Although it is possible, it will be a bit more expensive as you will need to purchase a new charge controller to add more monocrystalline solar cells.
However, for those who are settled and will not need expansion, this kit is a perfect choice.
See Price on Amazon2. Best Power Output: KOMAES Polycrystalline Solar Panels For RV Starter Kit
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 5/5 |
| Durability | 5/5 |
| Weatherproof | 5/5 |
| Power | 4/5 |
| Quality | 5/5 |
Watt Hours (Wh/Day): 1000 Wh/Day | Panel Dimensions: 47.2 in. x 21.7 in. x 1.4 in.. | Brand: KOMAES | Rated Power: 200W | Solar Cell: Polycrystalline
What We Liked
- How much power we get from the solar starter kit panels
- Long cables to make installing solar panels more flexible
- Weatherproof design
What We Didn’t Like
- Heavier than other solar panel kits we tried
- Not as space-efficient for an RV solar setup
Durbality & Weatherproof
The design of these RV solar panel kits is expertly put together to withstand wind, snow, and rain.
The RV solar materials are top-quality, corrosion-free aluminum that is expected to last. The initial installation does require great attention to detail.
We believe that most users will be pleased with these RV solar panels.
Power & Quality
This solar panel kit is the most powerful on the list and will put out 1000Wh per day.
When RV owners connect the solar kit to RV batteries, we are pleased to say that they lasted longer than we anticipated in most cases.
This solar panel kit is polycrystalline solar panels so it requires two solar panels to produce 200 watts.
This means that you will need adequate space for the two solar panels to be in direct exposure to the sun.
See Price on Amazon3. Best Durability: Renogy 100W Monocrystalline Starter Kit
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 5/5 |
| Durability | 5/5 |
| Weatherproof | 5/5 |
| Power | 4/5 |
| Quality | 5/5 |
Watt Hours (Wh/Day): 400 Wh/Day | Panel Dimensions: 42.4 X 20.0 X 1.38 in | Brand: Renogy | Rated Power: 100W | Solar Cell: Monocrystalline
What We Liked
- Quiet power production
- Complete kit with all the necessary equipment for installation
- Durable
What We Didn’t Like
- Power output isn’t as strong
Durability & Weatherproof
The solar panel kit and design of the setup process have been thought out carefully to ensure durability.
When the instructions for installation are followed, this solar panel kit will withstand any off-roading adventure and will work with a variety of surfaces, giving you the flexibility of options for where to install your solar kit.
One of our tests of this kit included us driving through a forest. Experiencing different types of weather with the solar panels mounted on our vehicle.
We were in awe when we saw that the solar panels didn’t budge and worked without a glitch giving us solar power on the go.
Power & Quality
Though this solar kit’s power output isn’t as strong as some of the other kits we reviewed, it does have the benefit of being expandable if needed.
The design of the solar kit was built out in a way that is ready for solar panel expansion at any time.
What we enjoyed the most about this particular solar panel kit is that the charge controller is able to handle up to 30 amps.
This is a fairly powerful charge controller and it will be able to handle additional solar panels in the case of expansion. This will save you money down the line.
See Price on Amazon4. Best Price: WindyNation 100 Watt Solar Off-Grid RV Kit
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 3/5 |
| Durability | 5/5 |
| Weatherproof | 5/5 |
| Power | 3/5 |
| Quality | 5/5 |
Watt Hours (Wh/Day): 350 Wh/Day | Panel Dimensions: 40 x 1.38 x 26.4 in | Brand: Windy Nation | Rated Power: 100W | Solar Cell: Monocrystalline
What We Liked
- Good charge controller
- Affordable price
- Efficient technology
What We Didn’t Like
- Use of older technology
- Less powerful
- Very heavy
Durability & Weatherproof
One of the things we noticed about this kit is that although it is made with older material, it is overall durable.
The aluminum is high-grade and will last a long time. It’s water and wind-resistant, including robust mounting brackets.
This is an excellent portable solar panel kit for starting your off-grid adventures.
Power & Quality
This solar panel puts out 350 watt-hours in ideal sunny conditions. This is relatively low in comparison to some of the newer models we reviewed.
However, the charger controller can handle up to 30 amps, making it a great kit to expand upon with more solar panels in the future.
These characteristics make these RV solar panels a great deal in terms of cost. Since this solar power kit is less expensive initially and in the long run.
If your off-grid abode doesn’t require a lot of solar power, this will be an excellent option for getting started with solar panels.
Read More: Best Foldable Solar Panel Chargers. We put the top foldable solar panel chargers to the test, and here are our results!
See Price on Amazon5. Best for Curved Surfaces: XINPUGUANG Semi Flexible 200W Solar Panel Cell For RV
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 3/5 |
| Durability | 5/5 |
| Weatherproof | 5/5 |
| Power | 5/5 |
| Quality | 5/5 |
Watt Hours (Wh/Day): 1000 Wh/Day | Panel Dimensions: 46.3×21.3×0.12in. | Brand: XINPUGUANG | Rated Power: 200W | Solar Cell: Monocrystalline
What We Liked
- Flexible solar panels are bendable to 30 degrees
- Light-weight solar panels
- High power output solar panels
What We Didn’t Like
- The solar kit isn’t complete with everything needed for installation
- Price is a little high compared to other RV solar panels
Durability & Weatherproof
We were impressed with the durability and overall design of this solar panel kit.
If your RV or cabin allows solar panel placement only at an odd angle, these thin-film solar panels will be a good option for you.
They are ultra-thin, waterproof, and bendable to fit into odd places.
This solar panel kit is built to withstand extreme weather such as snow, freezing temperatures, and strong winds.
The solar panels are encapsulated with advanced materials that will protect the panels. It enhances solar panel performance and ensures a long service life.
Power & Quality
Providing 1000 watt-hours a day, this solar panel kit is one of the more powerful ones we reviewed.
In addition, the monocrystalline solar cell technology helps ensure high-quality performance in gloomy weather.
WARNING: While the product is great in design and is functional, we do feel that the contents of the kit are somewhat incomplete.
For example, we had to buy additional batteries to properly install and run this kit. We highly recommend checking for all needed equipment before trying to power the RV solar kit.
See Price on AmazonComparison Chart
| Products | Best Overall | Best Power Output | Best Durability | Best Price | Best For Curved Surfaces |
| Overall Rating | 4.8/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.2/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Affordability | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Durability | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Weatherpr | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Power | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Quality | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
The Winner
Overall, we felt it wasn’t hard to choose the ECO-WORTHY 200 Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panel Complete RV Kit as the winner.
It was clear that the high-quality materials and easy setup is true to the reviews and promises from the manufacturer.
The high power output and reasonable price make this RV solar kit an easy top pick and a worthwhile investment.
How to Choose the Best Solar Panel Kit
There are many things to pay attention to when selecting the right RV solar panel kit to fit your needs.
For most people, the solar panel world is filled with terms and numbers that are quite foreign.
This is why we put together a general list of considerations to keep in mind when shopping for your RV solar kit.
Your RV
It is important to know what weight the roof of your RV can support. Along with what solar panel shape you will need to securely attach the kit.
If you’re going on a simple camping trip, you can look into portable solar panels to grab with you on the go. Check them out!
Weather Conditions of Your Travel
If you plan on spending some time in colder climates that include snow, wind, rain or freezing temperatures, your solar panels need to be able to withstand those conditions. We recommend keeping an eye out for weatherproof solar panel kits in this case.
If you’re getting ready to embark on your first RV adventure, we recommend checking out these 8 tips for RV newbies.
Energy Needs
Energy needs will fluctuate based on how you will use your RV. For those who plan to use it for a more permanent, off-grid lifestyle, we recommend RV solar panel kits that are more powerful to accommodate all your needs.
If you plan to use your RV for road trips, you’re likely to find RV parks on your way that will have access to the public grid. In this case, having an RV solar kit with a powerful output may not be as necessary.
Prior to heading out on your next adventure, we recommend checking out an article we wrote on how to clean your solar panels, a necessary action to prolong the life of your panels.
