Best RV Solar Kits: Reviewed for 2023
Installing solar onto your RV’s roof will allow you to get some charge while you are off grid. Typically, these will keep your battery up, that is depending on your use. If you run an inverter with a TV or appliances, you may need more wattage, but we have found the best wattage all around for most users is 200 watts.
There are many brands of solar kits on the market, and we have seen an influx of cheaper kits come up, but the Renogy 200 Watt Kit is the top on our list, and we have even installed it on our travel trailer and are very happy with the results.
Our Top Pick
The Renogy 200 Watt Kit checks all of our boxes from including all that was needed to install, to providing a Bluetooth module that allows data logging without being connected to the app 24/7 as well as having two 100 watt upgraded monocrystalline panels. The system really puts out the amperage when charging.
Last update on 2024-10-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Runner Up
Our runner up, the Windy Nation 200 watt solar kit also comes two 100 watt polycrystalline panels, charge controller and other items needed for installing on your RV. The only feature this doesn’t have is Bluetooth.
Last update on 2024-10-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Budget Pick
Coming in as our budget pick, the has two 100 watt polycrystalline solar panels, and also comes with all brackets and labeling to install on the rooftop on your RV. This model has a 30 amp charge controller which will allow you to add more panels later on down the road.
Everything we Recommend
Last update on 2024-10-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Why you should trust us?
We searched the internet, reviews for products, and have installed and tested our top pick. We believe, for the money, this is truly the best kit on the market. We have seen good charging rates and have not had any failure.
Who needs this product?
If you are a camper who likes to go off grid, chances are you will need solar. We have a generator, and it is nice to have the solar kit silently charging in the background all day. Our batteries only last about 2-3 days, so this really extends our camping time.
How we picked?
There are two types of solar panels, monocrystalline and polycrystalline. For short we will call them mono and poly. Mono panels are better than poly as they are more efficient and deliver more charging amps per square inch. A poly 100 watt panel will be larger than a mono panel as it needs more surface area to deliver the wattage.
Finding a package that includes all accessories is important as these can really add up if you have to piece together the kit. It is also nice making sure that you have all the correct items before you go to install your kit.
The amount of wattage you buy is important. You can learn more about how many watts you need from our article about sizing your solar kit. Most users will be good with a 200 watt kit to keep their batteries topped off throughout their camping trip. If you are a heavier user of power or have an inverter for 110v electronics, you may want more wattage. Simply going with 100 watts may not be enough.
A good PWM charge controller is what is needed for most applications. You can get a fancy MPPT controller, but we found for starting you will not see a huge benefit. A 30 amp controller will be able to handle additional solar panels so you should be all set when it comes to upgrading in the future.
Our top pick comes with a Bluetooth module which allows us to see our charging status on the fly. This also has a data logging feature where you can go back and see your charging statistics per day even if you aren’t hooked up to Bluetooth the whole time. We found this great so we can see the past history and determine our average charging rates while on the road.
Having a kit with good beefy mounting brackets is important as you do not want your solar kit to come loose while you are out on the road. The Renogy comes with large mounting brackets that hold our panels securely and are adjustable on the panel.
The price of our units also was a factor in how we picked. Notice how we do not have high-end units on our list… We found that the cost did not relate to a better experience in our case. Typically for the next higher-end unit, you would expect to pay 2-3 times what our top pick costs.
How we tested it?
We have used this product without any fault or failure. We have used it on quick 2-3 day camping trips, in storage keeping our batteries topped off, as well as on an extended trip of about 14 days with no plugins. The unit has met all expectations, and was easy to install.
Our Pick
Renogy has put together a great kit at an affordable price if you were to compare it to a higher end brand. The Renogy 200 watt solar kit made the top of our list for many reasons.
The solar panels are monocrystalline which means they are more efficient and smaller than polycrystalline types. This is an upgrade from the others on our list. Along with being more efficient and smaller, they are made with corrosion-resistant aluminum which can withstand high winds and large snow loads.
This kit comes with a 30 amp PWM solar controller which has several stages to protect your battery during the charging process and is also compatible with several different types of batteries. For protection the controller has a temperature sensor that can monitor your battery temps and shut down charging shall they become too hot. The controller can be mounted flush or surface giving you either option.
With this upgraded controller, you can add up to 400 watts and be within specs for 30 amps.
Renogy includes a 30 foot 10 AWG MC4 adapter kit, a set of 16′ tray cables, branch connectors, cable entry housing, as well as a Bluetooth module.
The brackets that mount these panels are very high end, they are a Z style which attaches very nicely to the roof.
The Bluetooth module allows you to view real-time performance as well as data logging for past performance. The app will allow you to see the panel voltage, current, and watts as well as the load on the batteries, voltage, temp, current, and wattage.
You also have the option to set parameters on several items such as overvolt disconnect, charge limit voltage, equalize voltage, low voltage alarms, and many more items.
Renogy offers a 25-year power output warranty on its panels, a 10-year material and workmanship warranty, as well as a 1-year warranty on other items.
Last update on 2024-10-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Runner Up
The WindyNation 200w solar kit comes in as our runner up. This is also a 200-watt kit that comes with most items to get going.
The solar panels are not as nice as the Renogy kit with them being polycrystalline style, but they will do just fine when you factor in the price savings. These panels are also aluminum to avoid the rusting while mounted on the roof of your RV.
WindyNation includes a 20 amp PWM charge controller in this package which has a great digital display to show you voltage, status, state of charge, as well as DC load draw. This controller is compatible with lead-acid, AGM, gel, and lithium batteries. The controller can handle up to 300watts of power at 12volts, so you can add up to one more panel.
Along with the panels, this kit comes with 40′ of 12 AWG solar cable, the MC4 connectors, as well as brackets to mount on your roof. These brackets look like they will get the job done, but are not as nice as the Renogy.
WindyNation offers a 25 year power output warranty on its panels, 5 years on parts and labor, as well as a 1 year warranty on everything else.
Last update on 2024-10-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Budget Pick
The comes in as our budget pick, but still come loaded with features. This kit comes with two 100 watt polycrystalline solar panels also made of aluminum, charge controller, 20′ of 12 AWG MC4 cables, and 2 sets of Z brackets. The kit comes with all items to install besides the battery tray cable.
The brackets on this model are upgraded from the WindyNation and have the ability to have some adjustability based on your situation.
The charge controller is a 30 amp negative ground model that is capable of handling another few solar panels if you would like. It is set up to be surface mounted in a dry area like the others. The unit offers protection against reverse polarity, short circuit, over current, overload, overheating, and load short circuit.
The controller can charge flooded, sealed, GEL, and lithium batteries, and has many features as well as an option to add Bluetooth for viewing the status. It also has a USB output to charge phones, tablets, etc.
HQST warranties the panels for 5 years based on materials and workmanship and 25 years power output warranty. All other items have a 1 year warranty.
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