Solar Panels For Camping Cars - Buying Guide
Installing a solar panel on your motor home will give you many advantages if we don't just talk about energy autonomy during your outings. However, it is not always easy to choose with the panoply of models on the market. To avoid the various market traps, but especially the investments that you may regret later, we invite you to browse our detailed review.
We have also developed a list of products that are popular with consumers such as Dokio Kit Foldable portable monocrystalline solar panel with its practical design. We deploy it, store it and transport it as we wish. The Renogy Off Grid solar panel boosts two installation modes to be selected according to your needs.
Our Top Picks
Dokio Kit Foldable Portable Monocrystalline Solar Panel
100W, Kit with 2 USB Ports for Outdoor
Renogy Monocrystalline Off Grid Panel
100w, 12v with builtin Kickstand
Jackery SolarSaga Portable Solar Panel
100w, 2USB ports for phones, eco-friendly
TP-solar Foldable Solar Panel Charger Kit
100w, dual 5v usb and 19v DC output.
The 4 Best Solar Panels for Motorhomes (Reviews & Tests) of 2020
Dokio Kit Foldable Portable Monocrystalline Solar Panel
Dokio puts at the disposal of those who wonder what is the best solar panel for motorhome on the market this model combining practicality and performance. It is a solar kit including the plate and the voltage regulator. Its peculiarity comes from the fact that it is able to fold on itself.
So you can take it with you easily during your outings. It is only 54 * 50 * 2.4 cm in stowed mode. In addition, it has a waterproof structure that allows it to withstand the weather in any season.
In terms of yield, the monocrystalline system of cells ensures it foolproof efficiency. With its nominal power of 80 W and its voltage of 12 V, it is able to power your lighting, your smartphone and your camera. The case has two USB ports and an integrated 10 A line with an LED display to simplify the reading of information.
The Pros
Practical design: This model is both portable and foldable. You can easily deploy it, remove it from its location and easily take it on the go. Under its 2.2 kg, it will not clutter you.
Robust: The cell coating has a waterproof rating rated at IP65. Waterproof, it effectively resists climate change as well as water splashes. Bad weather like fog has no effect on its structure.
The Cons
Short cables: According to users, the wires connecting the solar panel and the charge controller are not long enough.
Renogy Monocrystalline Off Grid Panel
Renogy is also in the running for the best brand of solar panels for motorhomes with the presentation of this model. This is in the form of a kit comprising the panel, the MPPT 20 A regulator, the connection cables and the fixing elements.
This 100 W each, available in two pieces, will allow you to switch to electric autonomy in the long term. Despite its rigid configuration, it can easily be installed on your mobile home, the roof of your house, fitted vehicles, the boat and other places. The aluminum frame does not weigh much, which is advantageous when you put it in place. This quality is coupled with a robustness to any test and a waterproofing evaluated to IP65 capable of facing climatic vagaries.
This item turns into a source of energy for your various household appliances. It produces a voltage of 12 V compatible with the majority of batteries on the market. Longevity is at the rendezvous while it does not require special maintenance or periodic cropping.
The Pros
Durable: The structure of this model has a coating resistant to climatic variations. It is also resistant to corrosion and rust. The frame has drainage holes to wick away moisture, but also waterproof connectors of the MC4 type.
Can be extended: Thanks to its 30 A PMW charge controller, you can add other panels to increase the power.
The Cons
Not explicit enough: The manual lacks precision. According to the experts, the booklet can be improved with details and some reinforcements on certain points.
Jackery SolarSaga Portable Solar Panel
This Eco-Worthy solar panel is suitable for various types of use after installation on your motor home. With its power of 100 W and 18V, you can count on it to power your various household appliances such as TV, refrigerator, LED lamps individually. It's ideal for explorers and recommended to pair it with explorer 500.
Once properly installed it collects energy to charge your smartphone and compatible Jackery portable power station to enjoy the benefit of power while off-grid. It is not afraid of climatic variations nor does it give way under bad weather or snowfall. It remains operational between a temperature range of -10 ° C and 65 ° C.
The Pros
The solar panel is perfect for portable charging with its adjustable kickstand. It also comes with a storage pouch bag to easily carry various accessories.
Quick installation: The installation takes place in no time and it has a 23% conversion efficiency meaning it converts more sunlight into electricity.
The Cons
Compatibility: only works with Jackery Power Station 160 / 240/ 500/ 1000.
TP-solar Foldable Solar Panel Charger Kit
The TP-Solar Foldable Panel is a product that lacks nothing. After your purchase and installation, it is immediately operational. It's designed for most portable power station such as Suaoki, Jackery, Webetop, Goal Zero etc...
It contains monocrystalline plates of 100 W, dual 5V USB charging and 19V DC output, waterproof and insensitive to the vagaries of the weather.
It incorporates a smart charging technology perfect for smartphones and tablets, GPS and many more digital equipment. This is your perfect companion for outdoor life. It also has an automatic shutdown system in case of overheating to ensure your safety and that of your devices.
The Pros
Complete: This product includes all the elements you need to get solar power. The lot contains the solar panel, the battery, the voltage converter, the cables, but also the fixing accessories.
Lightweight and easy to carry.
The Cons
Some users have reported that the 5V USB outlets renders a ham radio receiver (lots of RFI). We recommend not to try using this with a portable ham radio station.
Purchase Guide
When you go on a trip with your mobile home, it is imperative to properly equip it to deal with the unexpected. And if you don't have the best solar panel for your motorhome on your vehicle, you might have a hard time getting out of the tough tests encountered along the way. Here are some practical tips to get there.
The consumption
The first element to take into account if you want to know how to buy a solar panel for motorhome of a better value for money remains the necessary power that you need. The identification of this value will be based entirely on the number of devices plugged into your equipment and the number of hours you plan to use them.
Take stock of your vehicle's energy consumption and your daily electricity needs before rushing into a product comparison . If you have several appliances, you just need to add their respective power, which is usually found on their label. It is usually displayed in kWh / d or kWh / year. Note however that the performance of your device will depend on its orientation, your geographic area, but also on the season. In fact, it is lower in winter than in summer.
The dimensions
When you come across a buying guide for the best solar panels for motorhomes, you will notice that this criterion remains essential. First of all, you have to identify its location on the roof of your vehicle. Ask yourself: do I have enough room to receive it? Will it clutter my mobile home? Then measure where you plan to install it. It is according to this that you will take the measurements of your equipment.
The size of your plate also conditions its production in electricity. Indeed, a reduced model will not be able to power several household appliances simultaneously. Checking the performance of your equipment will help you see if it can meet your expectations.
Cell type
The models you find in the trade do not all have the same structure. They differ in color and their sensors or cells. And if you want to know how to choose the best solar panels for motorhomes of 2020, also take stock of the type of coating that will suit you best.
Polycrystallines: They advance a remarkable azure tone at first glance. They correspond mainly to mobile home owners who make their journeys in hot countries. They are relatively cheaper due to their lower yield and shorter lifespan.
Monocrystallines: With a rather dark aesthetic, they produce a yield substantially equal to 18% against optimal lighting when the sun is at its peak and under a clear sky. This category is mainly suitable for use in summer or in places where the sun is constantly present. Obviously, you will be forced to put the purchase price.
Back contact: According to connoisseurs, it remains the most efficient in terms of yield among its peers on the market. The rate is estimated at almost 24%. The cells are connected to the back of the panel in order to increase the reception area on top. We appreciate it for its ability to capture the sun's rays even at their lowest level such as getting up or going to bed.
Multi-wire: It is a hybrid combination between monocrystalline and back contact. This product combines the advantages of these two types of cells, but with a yield of 21%. It has recently appeared on the market. Production remains correct, especially in regions where the weather tends to change.
Design
Where to buy a new solar panel for motorhome? After taking stock of this last criterion, all you have to do is go through a price comparison tool to answer this question. It's about the design of your future equipment. Note that the performance is similar between two devices of the same power and equipped with the same technology. It is only the form that changes.
Flexible or flexible: It is suitable for the roofs of vehicles of small sizes. Easy to handle and set up, it is also often removable. We appreciate it for its ability to accumulate superior heat. However, it tends to lose yield.
Rigid: It is assembled on an aluminum frame and is mounted on raised angles. Inexpensive, it also sports a robust design which guarantees remarkable durability over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How does a solar panel work on a motorhome? How do I know if the panel is working properly?
The solar panel for motorhomes operates in the same way as standard equipment. It embeds a technology called photovoltaics capable of transforming the sun's rays into electricity. It essentially comprises a set of cells which have the mission of capturing the UV rays which are then sent to the regulator. The latter adapts the voltage to avoid overheating of the connected devices.
To ensure proper operation, get an ammeter or multimeter. Connect your device to the end of the cables after disconnecting them from the regulator. If necessary, section them. You should see on the screen a value conforming or substantially equal to that indicated on your equipment or in its technical sheet.
Q2: How to install a solar panel on a motorhome? Is it possible to paste it?
The first step in your installation will first be fixing the panel. If you have opted for a solar kit, simply anchor it to the roof with the appropriate screws. Use acetone to degrease the surface of the panel. You can also use the same product for frosting. For bonding, suitable putty will do the trick to ensure its immobilization.
If you have flexible models, attach elements such as studs on the corners and in the middle by gluing them. They allow the reduction of vibrations and the absorption of expansion of the equipment. Position your device with a slight tilt so that it captures the rays optimally and to avoid the accumulation of moisture. Then connect the cables to the regulator and the latter to the battery while paying attention to the polarities.
Q3: How to calculate the power of a solar panel for a motorhome?
To determine the power of an equipment adapted to your needs, you first have to multiply the power of the device that you plan to use with the number of hours of consumption in the week. For example, if you have 25 W equipment that you plug into the panel for 2 h, it will make you 50 W in 2 h. Then, you just have to perform the calculation on the different devices connected to your panel and add them.
Q4: What type of battery should I use for a motorhome solar panel?
In an online ranking, it is easy to find the type of battery suitable for your panel. Broadly speaking, there are four categories, including open lead models, affordable and easy to maintain. The AGMs are waterproof and require zero maintenance. However, they run out faster than the others. So-called gel specimens are safer and have the same strength as AGMs. And those in lithium-ion are distinguished by the slow speed at which they empty and recharge as well as their longevity.
Q5: How do I clean a motorhome solar panel?
Maintaining your device will considerably extend its lifespan. It is advisable to carry out frequent cleaning if you regularly expose it to pollution of all kinds. To do this, use water and possibly soap. Dip a clean cloth on it and gently rub the structure. Connoisseurs recommend the use of a window squeegee to effectively remove dirt. Finish by passing a dry cloth.