When it comes to powering our devices and appliances, it’s easy not to think about how convenient it is when everything is running smoothly. However, you certainly see how easy it is to take for granted when you lose access to it.
Contents
- Key Takeaways
- How to Choose the Best Solar Panels for RV Batteries
- Why Solar Battery Chargers are Great for Off-Grid RV-ing.
- Benefits of Solar Battery Chargers
- Amorphous vs Polycrystalline vs Monocrystalline: What to Consider
- Best Solar Power Battery for RV
- 4Patriots & “Overall Best Solar Battery Charger for RV”
- Goal Zero: “Best Weatherproof Solar Panel for RVs“
- Suner Power “Best 6W Waterproof Solar Charger for RVs”
- Eco-Worthy “Best Solar Battery Charger for Camper”
- Solperk “Best RV Solar Battery Charger When Parked”
- TopSolar “Best Off Grid Solar Solution”
- Solar Battery Charger for RV: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
This could be due to power outages or being on a trip in your RV, to name a few scenarios. Having a self-sufficient way to achieve electricity generation can be a huge benefit, and solar power is one of the best ways to do this.
If you’re looking for a solar battery charger for your RV or any other purpose, then you’re in the right place. This review will cover some of the best battery chargers for your RV or general use. By the end, you will hopefully have a few options to consider to get you started on your journey to energy self-sufficiency.
Key Takeaways
- There are three different kinds of solar panels, amorphous, polycrystalline, and monocrystalline.
- Amorphous panels are cheaper to make but less efficient.
- Polycrystalline panels are cheaper but generally not as efficient.
- Monocrystalline panels are the most efficient but are generally more expensive.
- Solar battery chargers are great for RVs, as you will typically be out in the wilderness without access to outlets.
- We will go over a list of some of the best solar chargers for RVs.
How to Choose the Best Solar Panels for RV Batteries
Kinds of Portable Solar Panels
When it comes to solar panels, there are 3 main variants that you will generally consider. These consist of:
- Amorphous
- Polycrystalline
- Monocrystalline
We will go into more detail on each one shortly while comparing their benefits and downsides.
Efficiency
The efficiency of a panel is one of the most important aspects. This refers to how quickly and effectively the panels convert sunlight to energy, and it tends to be one of the main points of difference between the different variants.
Wattage Cells
The cells of the solar panels are what will convert the sunlight to energy, and some may be more efficient because of the design and materials used to make them.
Weight and Portability
If you’re taking your battery and solar panels out with you on your RV or on trips, then the size and weight will be something to consider. If the system is a heavy, bulky setup that takes up a ton of space then it becomes a lot less practical for transportation.
Why Solar Battery Chargers are Great for Off-Grid RV-ing.
When you travel in an RV, often the goal is to get away from it all and have a break from modern life. However, this doesn’t negate the need for the electrical devices that we rely on. Mobile phones are not just a luxury anymore, and people rely on them for work and connection with friends and family.
Plus, we have other modern conveniences that rely on power, and a solar battery means that you will be able to produce your own power when there isn’t an outlet in sight. If they’re portable, then it’s also perfect to take on the road with you as you travel.
Benefits of Solar Battery Chargers
Solar battery chargers have many different benefits, and they can come in handy in a huge range of situations. For starters, they’re perfect for RV travel, camping, or other outdoor activities where acquiring power becomes tricky.
They can also be great if you have unexpected power outages or issues, something that is becoming more and more common even in the most developed countries. As long as you have decent sunlight where you live, a solar battery charger provides you with seemingly unlimited power which means you’re relying on no one but yourself.
Amorphous vs Polycrystalline vs Monocrystalline: What to Consider
As we touched on earlier, there are three major kinds of solar panels. These are amorphous, polycrystalline, and monocrystalline. The differences between these panels can get quite complicated and involved, but we will simplify it here.
Basically, it comes down to energy efficiency, cost, and convenience.
Amorphous panels are quite common, and these are some of the cheapest to buy and manufacture, and they’re easy to use as well. However, they tend to be less efficient than other kinds.
Polycrystalline panels are also somewhat inexpensive, relatively speaking, and they’re also easy to use with decent efficiency. They’re also durable and good for persistent use.
Monocrystalline panels offer the best efficiency, but this does come at a high price when it comes to manufacture, maintenance, and purchasing.
This is a brief overview, and each does have its benefits and weaknesses, so it can be up to you to decide what you prioritize most.
Best Solar Power Battery for RV
Now, we will briefly go over some of our top picks for the best solar batteries for your RV. We will go over some of the things you need to know, to help you decide which would be best for you.
4Patriots & “Overall Best Solar Battery Charger for RV”
The Patriot Power Generator by 4Patriots is one of our top overall picks for the best solar battery chargers for RVs. Let’s take a look at why we feel this as we see the various pros and cons on offer.
Key Features
- Double Battery Capacity
The battery capacity has been doubled from previous models, which allows for more power. - Expandable
Optional capacity can be purchased and added for even more power. - Free Solar Panel Included
The unit comes with a 100-watt solar panel that can get you started.
Design
The design of the battery is large and bulky, but that is to be expected for such a powerful battery. It has several outlets all placed strategically for the easiest usage, and two handles are included to make it easier to transport.
However, some customers did note it is quite heavy, so that would be worth noting for the elderly or people with disabilities that make it hard to move heavy things.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- High Capacity
- Easy to use
- Plenty of outlets
- Free solar panel
- Portable
- Comes with battery
Cons
- Quite heavy.
Goal Zero: “Best Weatherproof Solar Panel for RVs“
Next up, we have the Goal Zero Nomad, another great option. This is a solar panel option that is great as it is portable and highly weatherproof.
Key Features
- 100W Panel
The panel has a rating of 100W, meaning it can support the efficient conversion of sunlight to usable energy. - Chainable
If you have high energy needs, you can chain several of the panels together for father charging and energy conversion. - Weatherproof
The Nomad panel is safe to use in any weather including rain and snow. - Foldable
You can fold up the panels when not in use, making them more portable.
Design
As we touched on before, the panels are foldable. When unfolded, the dimensions of the panel come in at 20.5 x 59.5 x 1 in. Folded, the dimensions are 20.5 x 15.5 x 2 in, so this size makes them ideal for transportation.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Portable
- Good specifications
- Weatherproof
Cons
- You will need to buy a battery separately if you wish to use it for more than charging your RV battery, as this is just the solar panel.
Suner Power “Best 6W Waterproof Solar Charger for RVs”
The next kit we’re looking at is the Suner Power Battery Car charger. This particular set comes with everything you need to get started, making it great for anyone just getting into solar power.
Key Features
- Highly Portable
Portability has been kept in mind when designing these panels, and they’re easy to set up and transport. - Multipurpose
The panels can be used to charge a large variety of different batteries and devices. - Reverse Protection.
Special tech ensures that the panels won’t overcharge batteries and end up damaging them. - Waterproof
The waterproof rating ensures the panel will be usable in different weather conditions.
Design
The solar panel is small enough to be portable but large enough to be efficient. It has suction cups attached so that you can use it in more places. The kit also comes with various connectors and cables to make setting it up much easier and more compatible with more devices.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Portable
- Won’t damage batteries.
- Waterproof.
- Generous warranty included.
Cons
- Once again, you will need to buy your own battery separately for other uses.
Eco-Worthy “Best Solar Battery Charger for Camper”
We have another charging kit to look at with the Eco-Worthy 25 Watt 12V Panel. This is another system designed with ease of use and compatibility in mind.
Key Features
- Works in Cloudy Weather
While it will work at its best in full sunlight, the panels can still produce up to 100Wh of electricity even on cloudy days. - Durable Panel
The panel is made of tough materials, and it is weatherproof as well, making it good for camping and outdoor travel. - Protect the Battery
This panel will also prevent battery overcharging, which will protect the battery. - Adjustable Mount
The mount of the panel has 360-degree movement for optimal sun coverage.
Design
The dimensions of the panel come in at 43.79 x 33.71 x 3.91 cm, making it rather small and portable. However, it isn’t foldable which means it takes up more space. It also comes with various cables you will need, which is always a plus.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Works in cloudy weather
- Waterproof and durable
- Adjustable mount
Cons
- Not foldable
- Needs a separate battery purchase
Solperk “Best RV Solar Battery Charger When Parked”
The Solperk Solar Panel is the next product kit we’re showing off, and this is another one that has everything you need to get going.
Key Features
- High Conversion Rate
The monocrystalline panel allows for high-efficiency energy conversion. - Durable
It is made of strong materials that make it perfect for outdoor use. - Easy to Set Up
The kit comes with all the cords and mounting materials you need to get you started. It also features a 360-degree mount for easier use.
Design
The size dimensions for the panel are 14.6 by 13.2 by 0.7 inches and it weighs 3lb. This makes it highly portable, and the stand can be retracted for easier storage and transportation.
Pros and Cons
- High efficiency
- Durable make
- Easy to set up
- Adjustable
Cons
- Once again, batteries will need to be bought separately.
TopSolar “Best Off Grid Solar Solution”
The final option we have to show you is the TopSolar Solar Panel. This is one of the best off-grid solar panels we looked at, so let’s see what’s included.
Key Features
- Perfect for Off-Grid Power
This panel system is great for powering 12V devices and can be used as an off-grid power generation system. - Comes With Kit
With this kit, you receive the panel along with cables, clips and a battery regulate to get you going. - Small Size
The panel is small and efficient, making it perfect for transportation.
Design
The dimensions for the panel are 80 x 40 x 2.5 cm, making it pretty small and convenient to use. However, it doesn’t come with comprehensive mounting tools, something some customers were frustrated with.
It’s also a bit less adjustable than some of the other options.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Good for off-grid power.
- Durable
- Easy to transport thanks to small size.
- Comes with most of what you need to get started.
Cons
- Less adjustable.
- Also needs a battery to be purchased separately.
- Not easy to mount.
Solar Battery Charger for RV: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What size solar panel do I need to charge my RV battery?
This will depend on the battery, so you should always ensure the solar panel meets the requirements of your battery.
Can I charge my RV battery with solar?
Provided you have compatible panels, you absolutely can.
Will a 100-watt solar panel charge my RV battery?
This type of panel should be able to charge many RV batteries.
How long will a 100-watt solar panel take to charge an RV battery?
This can vary depending on different factors. In ideal conditions, it would probably take between 12-15 hours to fully charge, but this can vary wildly.
How fast will a 200-watt solar panel charge a battery?
A 200-watt panel should take around half the time, so you can expect anything from 5-10 or so hours in ideal conditions.
How fast will a 400-watt solar panel charge a 12-volt battery?
In ideal conditions, this could take around 4 hours to charge a 12-volt battery, more or less.
Conclusion
As we have seen in this review, you have many options available to you if you want to achieve off-grid power for your RV battery. Paired with a great battery or inverter, they could also be used for many other devices and uses, so we would highly recommend any of the products on this list.
Used properly, you can ensure your RV battery is fully charged without being beholden to power outlets. Whichever ones you choose, we hope that they make your RV travels easier and more convenient than ever so you can go on plenty of adventures without worrying about running out of power!
