Finding the best solar panels for camping trailers is essential to any DIY setup. These eco-friendly devices can easily be installed to any RV or camper and allow you to generate free energy wherever the sun is shining. If you add batteries to these systems then you can literally run off free energy all day and night.
Since these awesome devices can be so beneficial we had to write a review on the top solar panels for camping trailers. All of the below options have been thoroughly tested and reviewed. We recommend you to analyze them until you find the one best suited for your needs.
Solar Panel Comparison Guide
| Picture: | Name: | Technical Details | Power: | Price: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Renogy 400W Solar Panel Kit | - 30A - 88 Pounds - 49 x 24 x 10 Inches | 400W | $$$ |
  | HQST 400W Solar Panel Kit | - 40A | 400W | $$$ |
  | HQST 200W Flexible Solar Panel Kit | - 20A - 16 Pounds - 41 x 21 x 3 Inches | 200W | $$ |
  | Renogy 100W Solar Panel Kit | - 30A - 19.8 Pounds - 47 x 1.5 x 20.9 Inches | 100W | $ |
  | ALLPOWERS 100W Flexible Solar Panel | - 5.8 Pounds - 42 x 22 x 1.5 Inches | 100W | $ |
Solar Panels For Camping Trailers
1. Renogy 400W Solar Panel Kit
First on the list is the Renogy 400W solar panel kit. This is by far one of the best kits you can buy for your camping trailer or RV. The reason why is because it because it’s a high quality kit that is made specifically for campers.
This particular kit comes with four 100W solar panels. These mono-crystalline solar panels are highly efficient and have a transfer rate of 18.4%. While this isn’t the best efficiency on the market, it’s still very good and allows the panels to generate more energy with less surface space.
Not only are the panels highly efficient, but they are also very durable. They are built with corrosion resistant aluminum frames and durable tempered glass. These two parts allow the panel to handle the wear and tear of the outdoors with ease.
The Renogy kit also comes with the Adventurer 30A PWM flush mount charge controller. This controller regulates the power from the solar panel to the batteries. This regulation ensures the batteries charge in a short amount of time without ever overcharging the batteries.
Since the Adventurer only works up to 30 amps you cannot add more solar panels to this kit. Instead, you must buy a larger charge controller to add more power. To most this isn’t an issue since 400W is a lot of power, but its something to keep in mind when buying the kit.
The Renogy kit also comes with everything you need to install and wire the panels. This includes four sets of Z brackets, three pairs of branch connectors, a 30 ft. 10AWG MC4 adapter kit, and a 16 ft. 10AWG tray cable. In combination they allow you to successfully install the kit with ease.
In the end the Renogy 400W solar panel kit is the best option when looking to install solar panels to your RV or camper. The kit is made from high quality materials and can last years without any issues. In addition the kit is relatively inexpensive considering the amount of power it generates. So check it out as it can greatly benefit you.
- Uses high quality materials and parts.
- Includes 4 high efficient solar panels.
- Generates 400W of pure power.
- None.
Technical Details:
Product Dimensions: 49 x 24 x 10 Inches
Weight: 88 Pounds
Power: 400W
2. HQST 400W Solar Panel Kit
Next on the list is the HQST 400W solar panel kit. This is another large solar kit that generates a lot of energy. Its designed specifically for people who are new to solar and has a powerful charge controller.
The HQST solar kit comes with 4 monocrystalline solar panels. HQST states that these panels are one of the best on the market and have a peak efficiency rating of 22%. This rating is extremely high and allows the panels to generate a ton of energy.
Like the above options these panels come with corrosion resistant aluminum frames and tempered glass. These materials allow the panels to last decades as well as withstanding high winds of 2400Pa and snow loads of 5400Pa.
The HQST 400w solar kit also comes with a powerful 40A MPPT Solar Charge Controller. This charge controller is more powerful than the above option and allows you to install one extra solar panel. Meaning you can generate 500W of power without having to change the charge controller.
To complete the kit there are four sets of Z mounting brackets, 8 long cap bolts and 4 short bolts, 4 spring washers ,4 washers, and a pair of 20ft 10AWG MC4 Adaptor Cables. In total they allow you to wire and install the solar panels to any RV or camper.
Overall the HQST 400W solar panel kit is a great option. It generates the same amount of energy as the above kit, but comes with a more powerful charge controller. This controller allows you to add one more solar panel to create 500W. So check out this kit as it’s a great option to choose from.
- Uses high efficient mono-crystalline solar panels.
- Can be expanded to 500W due to powerful charge controller.
- Durable materials ensure decades of use.
- None.
Technical Details:
Product Dimensions:
Weight:
Power: 400W
3. HQST 200W Flexible Solar Panel Kit
Third on the list is the HQST 200W flexible solar panel kit. This is different from the above option as it uses flexible solar panels instead of rigid solar panels. These types of panels are flexible and are thus great for campers, RVs, and boats.
This HQST kit comes with two 100W mono-crystalline solar panels. These panels are extremely efficient and have an energy transfer rate of 23.5%. This energy rate is one of the best in the industry and allows the panel to generate a lot of energy with less surface space.
Unlike the above options these solar panels don’t use glass or a metal frame. Instead, these panels use a thin plastic back sheet and durable laminate. These two materials protect the solar cells while allowing the panels to be bent to a 30 degree angle.
This flexible nature makes them ideal for irregular surfaces that are on RVs or campers.
In addition to the solar panels this kit comes with a 20A PWM dual battery charge controller. This charge controller allows you to connect the panels to two different battery sources. The only negative thing about the controller is that its not powerful enough to expand on. So if you purchase the kit you will be stuck with 200W unless you buy another charge controller.
Since the panels are flexible the kit doesn’t come with mounting brackets. Instead, the panels use eye holes where you can screw them in. In addition to this the kit comes with a 8ft tray cable, 20ft MC4 adaptor kit, 1.5ft 12AWG MC4 extension cables, and MC4 branch connectors.
In total the HQST 200W flexible solar kit is another ideal option. This is one of the very few flexible solar panel kits on the market. Its flexible nature is ideal for camping trailers and RVs. The only negative thing about this kit is that it’s not as durable as traditional solar panels.
- Industry high energy conversion rate.
- Panels can be bent to a 30 degree arc.
- Not as durable as traditional solar panels.
- Low power charge controller.
Technical Details:
Product Dimensions: 41 x 21 x 3 Inches
Weight: 16 Pounds
Power: 200W
4. Renogy 100W Solar Panel Kit
Next on the list is the Renogy 100W solar panel kit. This is by far the most popular solar kit online. This is due to its quality design and simply installation. For this reason it landed a spot on the review.
The Renogy kit comes with one 100W monocrystalline solar panel. This type of solar panel is the most efficient on the market and allows you to generate more energy will less solar cells.
When testing the panel ourself we found that it had a 18.4 efficiency rate. The panel also comes with a 25 year warranty just in case your investment stops working.
The Renogy kit also comes with the Renogy Wander 30A charge controller. This charge controller regulated the energy that goes to the batteries and prevents the batteries for over charging. Since the kits comes with a 30 Amp charge controller it can be expanded if needed. Meaning you can purchase an extra 3 solar panels to generate 400W if this kit isn’t enough.
In addition to the charge controller the kit also comes with all necessary cables and equipment to install the system. This includes a 20ft 10AWG MC4 Adaptor Kit, an 8ft 10AWG Tray Cable, and a set of Z-brackets.
Overall the Renogy 100W solar kit is great if you’re new to solar energy and want to produce electricity. The kit comes with a powerful charge controller that can be expanded if the panel doesn’t produce enough energy. For this reason and its great price we highly recommend it to most DIY solar buyers.
- Complete kit comes with everything you need.
- Uses a high quality solar panel.
- Can be expanded to a total of 400W.
- Extremely small price tag.
- Only produces 100W.
Technical Details:
Product Dimensions: 47 x 1.5 x 20.9 Inches
Weight: 19.8 Pounds
Power: 100W
5. ALLPOWERS 100W Flexible Solar Panel
Last on the review is the ALLPOWERS flexible solar panel. Unlike the above options this is not a kit and is simply the panel itself. With that being said this is the most popular flexible solar panel on the market and is perfect for RVs and campers.
The ALLPOWERS flexible solar panel has an output of 100W at 12V. This high efficient solar panel is made with mono-crystalline cells which allow the panel to generate a lot of energy with little surface space.
The ALLPOWERS efficiency rating is one of the best in the industry. It has a transfer rate of 23.5% which is better than most other options available.
The panel itself is coated with a durable laminate and uses a thin plastic back sheet. This set up protects the solar cells from the elements and allows the panel to be bent to a 30 degree arc. This flexibility allows you to easily mount of the panel on irregular surfaces.
In regards to durability the panel is pretty good. The panel cannot crack or shatter because it doesn’t use glass. For extra support and easy installation the panel uses 4 reinforced mounting holes. They allow you to hang the panel on a rope or install them permanently.
In the end the ALLPOWERS flexible solar panel is a good option if you’re looking for something that can be bent. It also has a great energy efficiency which allows the panel to be very small. Just keep in mind that you will have to purchase other parts in order to generate energy.
- Panel cannot shatter or crack.
- Can be bent to a 30 degree arc.
- Most popular flexible solar panel on market.
- Includes only the panels itself.
Technical Details:
Product Dimensions: 42 x 22 x 1.5 Inches
Weight: 5.8 Pounds
Power: 100W
Solar Panel Benefits
Solar panels are one of the best tools you can use to power your camping trailer or RV. These eco-friendly devices convert the energy from the sun into usable energy for your camper. This process is completely passive and doesn’t require any work. These unique devices have a ton of benefits, some of which we discuss down below.
The main benefit of solar panels is their eco-friendly nature. They are able to generate energy without producing any harmful wastes like gas or oil. This process is completely clean and actually has a negative affect on global warming over a long period of time. Meaning by purchasing solar panels you’re helping improve the climate.
The second benefit of solar panels is their convenience. These solar panels give you the convenience of having energy even while off the grid. You can go out in nature for months and still have energy as long as there is sun shining. This allows you to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors with the comfort features of a mobile home.
Another benefit of solar panels is that they are completely passive. You simply install these panels once and are able to use them for years without any issue. In addition to this they don’t generate noise, smells, or vibrations like gas generators. This is a huge factor for most as your out in nature to relax and not listen to a generator.
The last benefit to solar panels is that they save you money. While the cost of installing a solar system is relatively expensive, their long-term costs are very low. Most solar panels last 25 years and their parts last 15 years. This gives you decades of never spending money on fuel or the system again.
In the end installing solar panels for your camping trailer is a smart idea. These devices have a ton of benefits that make them worth the initial cost. In addition they give you the freedom of traveling without the handcuffs of being connected to the grid.