How to Choose the Best Solar Panels for Your RV: A Complete Guide

Choosing the best solar panels for your RV can be a challenge—especially with so many brands, panel types, and system options available.

03:10 27 August 2025

Choosing the best solar panels for your RV can be a challenge—especially with so many brands, panel types, and system options available. Whether you're a weekend traveler, full-time RVer, or off-grid adventurer, solar can help you reduce generator noise, cut costs, and gain energy freedom. This guide will help you evaluate your power needs, understand different panel types, and decide between kits or component-based systems—so you can confidently build a system that fits your RV lifestyle.

1. Why Go Solar in an RV?

Solar panels offer RV users the ability to stay off-grid without sacrificing convenience or reliability. Key benefits include:

• Energy independence: Recharge batteries anywhere the sun shines, without relying on campsite hookups.
  
  
• Silent power: Unlike gas generators, solar systems are silent and maintenance-free.
  
  
• Cost savings: Reduce or eliminate campground electrical fees and generator fuel costs.
  
  
• Sustainability: Use renewable energy while traveling to remote or environmentally sensitive areas.

2. How to Calculate Your RV Power Needs

Before selecting panels, estimate how much electricity you’ll need daily.

1. Make a list of all DC and AC devices: lights, fans, laptops, refrigerators, etc.
   
   
2. Record the wattage of each appliance.
   
   
3. Multiply the watts by the number of hours used per day to get watt-hours (Wh).
   
   
4. Add all Wh to estimate your daily solar requirement.
   
   

Example:

• Laptop: 60W × 4 hrs = 240 Wh
  
  
• LED lighting: 50W × 4 hrs = 200 Wh
  
  
• 12V fridge: ~500 Wh/day
  
  

Total: ~1,000 Wh per day

A 200W–400W solar panel setup paired with a lithium battery system could comfortably support this usage.

3. Understanding Panel Types: Rigid vs. Flexible

There are two main types of solar panels used in RV systems:

Rigid Panels

• Made with glass and aluminum frames
  
  
• Durable, efficient, and ideal for flat-roof installs
  
  
• Heavier and require mounting brackets
  
  

Flexible Panels

• Lightweight and bendable
  
  
• Ideal for curved or irregular RV rooftops
  
  
• Easier to install using adhesives or tape
  
  
• Generally less durable but more adaptable
  
  

Which should you choose?

Flexible solar panels are a great option for RVers with limited roof space or curved surfaces. They also suit stealth or DIY installations. For this reason, this guide focuses on flexible monocrystalline solar panels for RV expansion.

4. System Components You’ll Need

A solar panel alone isn’t enough. A complete RV solar power system typically includes:

• Solar panels: The energy source.
  
  
• Charge controller: Regulates panel voltage to safely charge your batteries (MPPT is preferred).
  
  
• Battery bank: Stores solar energy for use when the sun isn't shining.
  
  
• Inverter: Converts DC battery power to AC for standard appliances.
  
  
• Wiring and connectors: Includes MC4 cables, fuses, and sometimes combiner boxes.
  
  

5. Should You Buy a Full Kit or Build Your Own System?

If you’re new to solar or want convenience, pre-packaged kits are a good starting point. But if you already have batteries or controllers—or want better customization—building a system with individual components gives you greater flexibility.

For RV users with an existing setup, expanding with a high-efficiency flexible panel can be the most cost-effective path.

Best Flexible Solar Panels for RV Use in 2025

These flexible panels are ideal for DIY RV solar upgrades or system expansion.

1. PowerHome 300W Flexible Monocrystalline Solar Panel

• Output: 300W
  
  
• Efficiency: Up to 24%
  
  
• Weight: ~12 lbs
  
  
• Mounting: Adhesive or tape on curved surfaces
  
  
• Price: Approx. $409.69
  
  

Why it stands out:
This is one of the highest-output flexible panels available. It’s perfect for maximizing solar coverage on curved RV rooftops and integrates easily into most 12V battery systems.

2. PowerHome 200W Flexible PV Panel (20V)

• Output: 200W
  
  
• Vmp: 20V, Imp: ~10A
  
  
• Efficiency: 23–25%
  
  
• Weight: ~9 lbs
  
  
• Price: Approx. $309.29
  
  

Why it stands out:
A great option for lighter or secondary installations. This panel is compact, highly efficient, and ideal for system upgrades where weight or space is limited.

3. Rich Solar 100W Flexible Panel

• Output: 100W
  
  
• Efficiency: ~18%
  
  
• Weight: ~4.8 lbs
  
  
• Price: Approx. $149.99
  
  

Why it stands out:
The lightest option on this list, making it ideal for solo installations or stealth campers. It offers solid performance for its size and cost.

Suggested RV Solar System Configuration (12V Setup Example)

For RV users seeking to build a reliable off-grid solar system, a typical 12V setup includes the following core components:

• Flexible Solar Panel (200W–300W Range): Ideal for curved or space-limited RV rooftops. Panels in this range can supply enough daily power for small appliances, lighting, and device charging. Flexible monocrystalline panels are preferred for their higher efficiency.

Example: PowerHome 200W or 300W flexible panels.

• MPPT Charge Controller (Around 30A): A 30-amp MPPT controller efficiently converts solar input into battery charging, especially when working with 20V-class panels. Look for features such as LCD monitoring, multi-stage charging, and compatibility with lithium batteries. 

Example: PowerHome 30A MPPT controller (~$177.89).

• Pure Sine Wave Inverter (Approx. 2000W): Converts 12V DC power into 120V AC power to run household appliances like induction cooktops, coffee makers, or TVs. Choose an inverter with built-in protections and quiet operation.

Example: PowerHome 2000W inverter (~$295.29).

• Battery Bank: A 12V 100Ah+ lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) battery is typically recommended for RV use due to its lightweight design, deep cycle capabilities, and long lifespan. Choose a model that supports high discharge rates and is compatible with your controller's voltage settings.
  
  
• Wiring & Installation Accessories: Includes MC4 extension cables, DC fuses or breakers, battery terminal connectors, weatherproof mounting tape, and cable glands. These components are essential for safe and durable installation.
  
  

Note: This sample configuration supports moderate to high power demand in an RV, including lighting, refrigeration, laptop use, and kitchen appliances. The actual component brands and models can be adjusted based on availability, budget, and compatibility.

Kit vs. DIY System: Which Offers Better Value?

Category	Prepackaged RV Solar Kit	DIY Component-Based Setup
Example	Renogy 200W Solar Kit (~$320)	PowerHome flexible panel + MPPT + inverter (~$780+)
Installation	Plug-and-play, beginner friendly	Requires basic wiring and layout planning
Customization	Limited (fixed parts)	High (choose exact panel, inverter, etc.)
Expandability	May require replacing components	Easily scalable with add-on panels
Panel Efficiency	Often rigid, standard efficiency	Flexible, high-efficiency options available
Durability (RV use)	Rigid: more durable but heavier	Flexible: lighter, better for curved roofs
Long-term Value	Good for light users	Better for long-term and high-demand users

Summary

• Go with a solar kit if you’re new to RV systems, want something that works out of the box, and have light-to-moderate power needs.
  
  
• Build your own system if you want the best value over time, need more power, or already own components like batteries or an inverter.
  
  

While kits like Renogy’s offer simplicity, a custom setup using PowerHome’s flexible panels + MPPT controller + pure sine inverter gives you higher performance, better roof adaptability, and more upgrade freedom—with only a moderate increase in upfront cost.

6. Installation and Practical Tips

• Always oversize slightly to account for cloudy days or new devices.
  
  
• Use high-quality adhesive, sealant, and cable glands for weather resistance.
  
  
• Check compatibility: Panel Vmp should match MPPT controller input range.
  
  
• Use MC4 connectors for secure, waterproof connections.
  
  
• Fuse both the panel array and battery connections for safety.
  
  

7. Final Thoughts

Choosing the best solar panels for your RV comes down to understanding your power needs, your vehicle’s physical space, and your desired level of flexibility or permanence. PowerHome’s flexible solar panels offer a lightweight, high-efficiency option for RVers seeking dependable off-grid power. When paired with a quality MPPT controller and inverter, you can build a compact system that’s capable of running everything from basic lights to kitchen appliances—no generator needed.

By making smart component choices and installing with care, your RV can become fully solar-ready—quiet, independent, and powered by the sun.