This is a comprehensive list of the best solar panels for RVs in 2021, which allows for easy comparison across panels. Comparable attributes include total watts, total cost, cost per watt, portability, inclusion of battery or inverter, stars out of 5 given by customers, warranty, listed applications, and bonus features.
Why use solar on my RV?
Being off the grid and on solar allows many benefits to RV owners.
First and foremost, we can travel for as long and as far as we’d like without having to stop for gas. Nothing is more exciting than being able to drive and camp for a week in Yellowstone without having to leave to find gas.
Second, using solar energy rather than diesel fuel on an RV decreases costs in the long run. According to the calculations here, solar panels begin to save us money after five 1,000-mile trips. Each additional trip saves $500.
Finally, an RV running on solar emits no fossil fuels into the atmosphere. Climate change is increasing enormously from year to year, so it’s important that we do what we can as individuals to help.
Finding which solar panels are the best option for your particular needs can be challenging. There are thousands of products out there, and it’s impossible to compare them all. We went through many of the solar panels marketed towards RV, outdoors, and off-the-grid applications. We found the top 20 based on cost and customer reviews, and ranked them by their wattage, cost, cost per watt, portability, stars out of five, warranty, applications, and other features.
Many of these solar panels are also useful in applications ranging from camping
Hopefully this chart can help you find which solar panel is the best for your RV needs!
(Prices and other statistics last checked September 18, 2021.)
Best 20 solar panels for RVs
Solar Panel Name | Total Watts | Total Cost ($) | $/Watt | Portable? | Battery included? | Inverter included? | Stars out of 5 | Warranty? | Applications | Bonus Features |
Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline | 100 | $97.74 | $0.98 | No | No | No | 4.7 | 5-25 years | Battery charging boat, caravan, RV, any other off-grid applications |
Withstands high wind speeds and snow loads
|
TP-solar Solar Panel Kit 20W 12V Monocrystalline | 20 | $49.99 | $2.50 | Yes | No | No | 4.4 | Contact seller | RV, caravan, car, boat, greenhouse, dry camping, off-grid system |
Small and light for easy portability, waterproof electronics box
|
DOKIO 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline | 100 | $129.99 | $1.30 | Yes | No | No | 4.4 | Contact seller | Caravan, RV, boat, marine, camping, greenhouse, hiking, military use |
Waterproof, carries like a briefcase
|
ALLPOWERS Portable Solar Panel Charger | 200 | $289.00 | $1.45 | Yes | No | No | 5 | 18 months | Camping, outdoor, garden, motorhome, and caravan |
22% efficiency and 1/3 lighter than the same power of solar silicon
|
Renogy 200 Watts 12 Volts Monocrystalline | 200 | $381.79 | $1.99 | No | No | No | 4.5 | Contact seller | RV |
Specifically made for RV applications (easy to set up)
|
Go Power! Weekender SW Complete Solar | 160 | $1,700.56 | $10.63 | Yes | No | Yes | 4 | Contact seller | Long weekend trips |
Runs TV and other AC appliances
|
WindyNation Complete 400 Watt Solar Panel | 400 | $759.98 | $1.90 | No | No | Yes | 4.2 | Contact seller | RV, cabin, home, boat, back-up and remote power |
Provides plenty of AC power to run household appliances
|
ACOPOWER 100W Portable Solar Panel Kit, | 200 | $485.99 | $2.43 | Yes | No | No | 4.7 | Contact seller | RV, camper, trailer |
Transportation case, waterproof, outdoor durability, quick set-up
|
Go Power! Overlander 190W Solar Kit with 30- | 190 | $595.00 | $3.13 | Yes | No | Yes | 4.7 | 25 years | RV, marine, cottage and cabin |
Designed to charge two batteries at once
|
HQST 100W 12V Monocrystalline Solar Panel High | 100 | $89.99 | $0.90 | No | Yes | Yes | 4.6 | 3 years | RV, off-grid, camping, marine |
Withstands high wind (2400Pa) and snow load (5400Pa). Corrosion-resistant.
|
SUNGOLDPOWER 130W Portable Foldable Solar | 130 | $239.00 | $1.84 | Yes | No | No | 4.5 | Contact seller | Caravan, RV, golf car, electric car, yacht, boat, tent, backpack set |
Corrosion-resistant frame for extended outdoor use
|
DOKIO 220 Watts 12 Volts Monocrystalline | 220 | $234.99 | $1.07 | Yes | No | No | 4.4 | Contact seller | Home, nature trips, hiking, camping, climbing, fishing, picnic, sailing, RV, garage, other outdoor activities |
Only weighs 10 lbs, protective fabric carrying pocket provided
|
DOKIO 110 Watts 12 Volts Monocrystalline | 110 | $129.99 | $1.18 | Yes | No | No | 4.4 | Contact seller | Cars, motorcycles, boats, snowmobiles, camping, home, nature trips, hiking, fishing, picnic, sailing |
Only weighs 6 lbs, protective fabric carrying pocket provided
|
Newpowa 210W(Watt) Solar Panel | 210 | $215.90 | $1.03 | No | No | No | 4.6 | 25 years | Rooftop, RV, marine, farm |
Withstands highwinds (2400PA) and snow loads (5400PA)
|
Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Extremely Flexible | 100 | $164.12 | $1.64 | No | No | No | 4.6 | Contact seller | Rooftop, RV, boats, any curvy surfaces |
Ultra lightweight, extremely flexible, withstands extreme winds and snow
|
Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline | 100 | $219.99 | $2.20 | Yes | No | No | 4.7 | Contact seller | RV, boat, trailer |
Folds into a suitcase, corrosion-resistant frame
|
Zamp solar 140-watt Portable Charger Kit. | 140 | $644.88 | $4.61 | Yes | No | No | 4.7 | 25 years | Camping, RVs |
Increases battery life by 4 years
|
Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline | 100 | $97.74 | $0.98 | No | No | No | 4.7 | 5-25 years | RV, camping, beach trips, other off-grid applications | Long service life |
Renogy 200 Watt Off Grid Portable Foldable Solar | 200 | $504.89 | $2.52 | Yes | No | No | 4.6 | 1-25 years available | RV |
Waterproof, carries like a briefcase
|
BLUETTI AC200P Solar Generator with Panels | 2000 | $2,589.99 | $1.29 | Yes | No | No | 4.4 | Contact seller | Solar, AC, Car, Generator, Lead-acid Battery Recharge, Outdoor |