
10 Best Solar Kits For RVs & Their Reviews [Updated 2022]
In this guide, we’ll try to provide you with 10 options for you to set up your solar system. This time, we’ll be focusing our attention on Solar Kits for your RV.
We’ll review and recommend ten solar kits for you to either get started with your very first solar system or if you’re more experienced with the technology, some more advanced and overall complete options. Whether you’re fond of weekend trips with the family in your RV or you’re actually planning to live full-time in your van, this guide will try its best to help you go solar.
Living off-grid is certainly the way to go when deciding for an RV or Van lifestyle. It’s important for you to have in mind that you’ll need a power inverter for charging your preferred electronic devices or to use some appliances, so you either buy a solar system kit that includes one or you buy the inverter separately.
1. 20 Watts 12V Off Grid Solar Panel Kit”]
Many of the solar kits displayed and explained in this article aim to provide a whole system to power up your energy needs when you decide to live full-time in your van or RV.
If you happen to already have some batteries and an inverter, then the Suner Power 20 Watts 12V Off Grid Solar Panel Kit is just perfect for your needs. If you haven’t, then you’ll know what you’re missing when purchasing this kit.
Alternatively, if you often use your RV for going camping or having some weekend trips with the family, then this kit will provide a quick solution for your trip energy needs. What is more, it’ll also be very useful in your house, where you can start your off-the-grid experience, too, thanks to this kit.
Going into the details of it, this Suner Power product contains a waterproof 20W Solar Panel that can be easily set up to start extracting energy in your house or RV roof right away. Every solar kit must have, at least, a solar panel.
Additional, you get a Photocell 10A intelligent solar charge controller, which is very efficient at charging your batteries while preventing them from an array of problems, given to an optimized built-in algorithm.
This charge controller comes also equipped with a functionality called Work Time Setting, which enables you to set a working time shift for the device during the day (between one and thirteen hours long) and stop worrying about manually operating it.
Finally, it also contains SAE Connection Cable Kits, which will make your life easier while setting your solar system up.
Suner Power founders had more than 10 years’ experience when they started the company and they offer you, not only twelve months warranty, but also lifetime support. It’s really a cheap package when you look at the price of it.
Pros & Benefits:
- Easy setup.
- Charge controller equipped with algorithm and Work Time Setting functionality.
- Cable kits included.
- 12-month warranty and lifetime support.
2. WindyNation 100 Watt Solar Panel Kit
Whenever you decide to go full solar, you have to analyse how much money you can invest in your solar system. If it’s in the realm of your possibilities, it’s always better to acquire a complete system, or as complete as you can afford.
This way, you’ll be able to buy just in one package, (almost) everything you need to make solar energy your way to power up any electronic devices of daily use. It’s simpler, it’s more practical and it’s easier to buy a more complete package.
Speaking of which, the WindyNation 100 Watt Solar Panel Kit represents a very solid, very affordable kit that will make a great start choice for your solar life.
Obviously, it contains a solar panel. In this case, a 100-watt one and the system come prepared to add more units in the future (not included).
The charge controller is also included in the package and it comes equipped with an LCD screen in which you’ll be able to measure and see your panel’s status, check the voltage, how is your battery doing, the DC load draw, etc.
This controller uses PWM (Pulse Width Modulated) technology, which speaks for its efficiency. PWM is the preferred technology for RV solar systems, given that MPPT technology, while also great, is much more expensive.
Finally, you will also get forty feet of solar cables, every MC4 connector and mounting hardware you may need and, last but not least, an AGM Deep Cycle 12 Volt BattaMax Battery, which completes your solar system right away.
It’s a perfect, easy-to-use, efficient solar kit for your RV lifestyle. Really good option to have in consideration if you plan to go fully solar.
Pros & Benefits:
- It’s a very complete option overall.
- Ideal for RVs.
- PWM charge controller.
- It can provide up to 100 watts of power.
3. WindyNation 400 Watt Solar Kit
Sometimes, you’ll find that your energy needs constantly surpasses 100 watts.Sometimes, you have a bigger budget to start from when thinking about your first solar system.
Either if you want to upgrade your current solar system into something more robust or just start big, then the 400 Watt WindyNation option is perfect for what you’re looking for.
The WindyNation 400 Watt Solar Kit comes in really full mode. First of all, it contains not one, but four polycrystalline solar panels, every one of them a 100 watt one.
It also contains not one, not two, not three, but FOUR BattaMax Deep Cycle 12V Batteries, each one a 100Ah type, in order to fully establish your 400-watt solar system.
You still get your forty feet of solar cables, you still get your MC4 connectors and you still get your mounting hardware. And, obviously, you still get your PWM LCD screen charge controller beauty that we’ve already praised so much.
This system kit is ideal for living in your RV, without worrying about energy, no matter how much energy you need. Your solar panels are estimated to provide you with approximately 1700 Watt-hours per day.
If you think you’ll be needing a lot of energy and you can afford it, then go buy this WindyNation kit and start using as much free and renewable energy as you want. Just have in mind, as with many of the other reviewed systems, that you would need an inverter.
Pros & Benefits:
- 4 batteries included.
- 4 solar panels included
- 1700 Watt-hours per day.
- Perfect system for every RV energy need.
4. HQST 12 Volts Polycrystalline Solar Panel Kit - Off-Grid - 100 Watts
Whether you’re living in your RV or just use your van for weekend camping and/or driving to hiking locations, you must take into account what you’ll be needing your solar system for.
If you are a newcomer to solar energy, you may not know where to start or what kit to buy. That is perfectly comprehensible. This guide is not meant just for advanced or experienced users. We’ll try our best to help you out, whatever experience you may have on the matter.
The HQST 100 Watts 12 Volts Polycrystalline Solar Panel Off-Grid Kit is perfect for beginners. Why? It’s easy to install, it’s fast to mount and to secure, making it very convenient for entry-level customers.
The 100 Watt polycrystalline solar panel is included, of course. You get the cables, you get a set of Z-brackets and all the hardware needed to mount the system. You just need to get a battery and a power inverter to charge your electronic devices.
It’s notable that the charge controller is a 30A PWM one, with an LCD screen and which can be used to go bigger, up to a max of 400 Watt, with the necessary equipment (not included).
All in all, this package is an ideal option if you’re just starting your solar adventures, so don’t hesitate to give it a try.
Pros & Benefits:
- Budget-friendly.
- Ideal for beginners.
- Overall complete system.
5. HQST 200 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Solar Panel Kit
One of the most important things (if not the most important) to have in mind while setting your first solar system up are your panels.
What type of panels are you going to purchase? How are you going to install them? Where in your RV or van are you going to do it? These are all very valid questions that you absolutely have to make yourself.
The two most common types of panels are monocrystalline panels and polycrystalline panels. The difference between the two of them resides on the quality of the silicon which their solar cells are made of.
Monocrystalline solar panels are of better quality, make them more efficient but also more expensive. On the other hand, polycrystalline solar panels are cheaper but also of lesser quality.
The HQST 200 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Solar Panel Kit offers a similar array of components that its previous reviewed installment, but upgrades its solar panel to monocrystalline type and comes equipped with two of them.
It also includes the PWM charge controller, the cables, the sets of Z-brackets and the mounting hardware.
Again, if you’re a starter in solar energy systems but nonetheless want to buy a better quality solar panel system, then this kit is just what you’re looking for.
Pros & Benefits:
- Includes 2 monocrystalline solar panels.
- Ideal for beginners.
- Overall complete system.
6. KOMAES 100 Watts 12Volts Polycrystalline Solar Panel, PV Solar Charger Includes MC4 Connector with...
One of the main benefits of going solar (and of solar energy as a whole) is that it’s very budget-friendly in the long run. Once you’ve set your solar system up, you won’t have to worry about expenses other than some spares.
But we know that not everybody can have a starting budget to support the purchase of a big starter kit. In this matter, the KOMAES 100 Watts 12Volts Polycrystalline Solar Panel Kit represents a deal difficult to match.
This Chinese company offers a price suitable for any kind of pocket while delivering the essentials needed to make solar energy your way of life.
It includes a polycrystalline solar panel, made of high-resistant aluminum, resistant to snowy and high-wind environments alike. They’re made of excellent quality materials, making them last up to 25 years.
It is completely easy to install, includes tray cables, solar cables, Z mountain brackets and, obviously a 20 Am PWM solar charge controller. The whole system can also be upgraded (with extra equipment not included) up to 400 Watts.
The KOMAES kit represents the best alternative for those who cannot spend much but want to go solar anyway.
Pros & Benefits:
- Cheap and efficient.
- Excellent solar panels material.
- Overall complete system.
7. Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Off Grid Solar Premium Kit
On the other hand, if you don’t mind spending a bit more (although not much more), you can choose the Renogy products, which are top-notch in efficiency and technology.
Renogy has really good products in its catalogue and this one is not the exception.
The Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Off Grid Solar Premium Kit is a high-quality system that can be bought with full trust.
First of all, and although it’s kind of a basic starter solar system, it includes a 100 Watt monocrystalline solar panel, equipped with technology that brings an ideal performance even in environments with lesser amounts of light.
What is more, it has an aluminum frame that is resistant to corrosion and built for outdoor use. Its glass is low-iron tempered which makes it more resistant and efficient overall.
Let’s talk about the charge controller for a little bit. It’s a Rover 20A MPPT Solar Charge Controller. That means it uses the best technology available (MPPT) making the whole system super efficient at, not only extracting energy from the sun but also charging your batteries.
You will also get a Bluetooth module which you can access from your phone remotely through the Renogy BT app and control everything that’s happening in the system. It may not seem much but you’ll surely find it super useful.
It’s hard to find a better option for a starter off-the-grid solar system kit. If you buy Renogy, you buy quality.
Pros & Benefits:
- Monocrystalline high-quality solar panel.
- MPPT technology charge controller.
- Bluetooth functionality.
- The panel lasts for decades.
8. Renogy 400W Monocrystalline Solar RV Kit
Most of the kits displayed and reviewed in this article can work in multiple scenarios. Either you install them on your home, in your RV, in your boat, etc. They serve for different purposes and they’re all recommended options if you want to start your solar adventure.
However, if you’re looking for a solar system kit specifically designed for your RV, then you have to take a look at the Renogy 400W Monocrystalline Solar RV Kit.
Renogy has a solar kit line designed just for RV living. It’s quite obvious to point this out, but if you need a solar kit and you need it for your RV, then you should be looking at one designed for RVs in the first place, right?
To the details: This one comes equipped with not one, but four monocrystalline Renogy solar panels, which we have already praised and given details about previously in this article.
As you can imagine, it also includes a charge controller. In this case, a PWM 30A Charge Controller along with the BlueTooth Renogy module, and all cables and the necessary equipment to set the system up and running.
Last but certainly not least, it includes Renogy Cable Entry Housing, which is perfect cabling for roof setups. They are waterproof and UV-resistant, ideal for your RV solar experience.
All in all, in an ideal environment, you might be able to get up to 2000Wh per day, which is really enough for most (if not all) of your energy needs.
This kit is not cheap, but it’s really complete and it’s definitely the best value kit for your money. It might be expensive but it’s the quality + quantity and it ends up not being expensive for what it offers. If you can, go for it.
Pros & Benefits:
- Includes 4 monocrystalline Renogy solar panels.
- Best value.
- Includes PWM charge controller & Bluetooth module.
- Includes Renogy Cable Entry Housing.
9. Weekender SW Complete Solar and Inverter System by Go Power!
Maybe you don’t live full-time on your RV, but you often use it for weekends with the family. Maybe you like your RV for short to mid vacation trips in energy-deprived environments.
In either case, this Complete Solar and Inverter System presents a very compelling and complete option for your solar energy needs. Here’s why:
Let’s start with the panel, as usual: this package comes with a solar charging kit up to 160 Watt, which includes a solar panel and a 30 AMP PWM solar charge controller.
The really good thing is that includes a 1500 Watt pure sine wave inverter system that will provide you with AC power. It’s a clean, sound-less, fuel-less system that can power up your laptop, microwave, TV, etc.
If you want to grab a battery to join the Weekender system, Go Power! recommends getting your hands on, at the very least, a 200 amp hour battery bank.
While it’s not the cheapest option in the market, the Go Power! Weekender is a very complete and quality option if you’re looking for a solar system that can make those weekend (or short vacation) trips a very enjoyable experience in your RV.
Pros & Benefits:
- Ideal for weekend trips.
- Includes a 1500 Watt pure sine wave inverter system.
- It can be expanded (parts not included).
- Very complete overall.
10. TrendySolar 1000W 24V Wind-Solar Power Hybrid Generator Kit
The last item we would like to show and recommend to you combines the power of solar energy with another form of free, renewable, eco-friendly energy: wind power.
The TrendySolar 1000W 24V Wind-Solar Power Hybrid Generator Kit is quite a unique product, ideal for sunny yet windy environments, made to get the most out of any weather condition.
How does it works? Easy. It has two ways of producing power. The first is a 400W 5-Blade Wind Turbine which will generate your power, no matter what time of the day it’s on.
Then, it includes, too, a full package of six 100W monocrystalline heavy-duty aluminium frame solar panels, helping you to reach up to 600W to charge your batteries.
So you have 400W in wind power and 600W in solar power. And all of that, you can manage it, monitor it and check it with an included hybrid (wind & solar) 50A MPPT charge controller.
As you can see, the TrendySolar hybrid wind-solar kit represents an excellent option if you want to take advantage of both power sources at the time. Don’t hesitate to find out more about this product, especially if your environment is not only sunny but windy too.
Pros & Benefits:
- Great for windy environments.
- Combines two free, eco-friendly power sources.
- 6 monocrystalline solar panels included.
- MPPT hybrid charge controller included.
Final Thoughts
Solar energy is awesome, we don’t have to tell you that. First of all, it’s eco-friendly, because you’re basically living off the sun.
So you’re not depleting any planetary resource while charging your phone or watching TV.
Then, it’s also friendly for any budget you may have. Yes, we know that setting your solar system up can be somehow restrictive for your pocket. But once you have invested in it, you don’t have to worry about any new bills.
Last but not least, it doesn’t require any kind of fuel that you have to go and fetch. Either if you’re close to urbanization or in a remote place, you have your source of energy just above your head.
We hope that this list has made you decide about going solar.
It’s very important to note that most reviewed systems don’t include either batteries or the inverter (or both) and those things are necessary for powering up most electronic devices, so take that into account.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this list of the 10 best solar kits for RVs and their reviews for 2022.
If you see one that’s not on the list and should be, let us know in the comments below.