RV Solar Panels: Which Type of Solar Panel is Best?
Choosing the right RV solar panels is an important part of building an off-grid RV solar set up. Ideally, you want to buy the most efficient, durable panels available but with the varied sizes, different panel types, and dozens of manufactures to choose from, determining which solar panel is the best can be intimidating. Rather than going at it alone, we explain the different types of solar panels to choose from and discusses the pros and cons of each to help you determine which RV solar panel type is best for you.
Different types of rv solar panels
When it comes to choosing your RV solar panels, you have three options to consider:
- Cell type: monocrystalline or polycrystalline
- Panel construction: rigid or flexible
- Location of panel: portable or fixed
monocrystalline vs polycrystalline panels
Monocrystalline
- Usually darker (dark blue or black) and all one color
- Panel is made up of individual cells that are rounded on the edges
PROS:
- More efficient than polycrystalline panels (will produce more watts aka more power)
- Last the longest
CONS:
- Most expensive option
Polycrystalline
- Usually lighter in color
- Panel is made up of several cells that are in a rectangular or square shape
PROS:
- Cheapest option
CONS:
- Less efficient than monocrystalline panels (produces less wattage per surface area)Typically larger in size than monocrystalline
- Don’t last quiet as long
Rigid vs flexible solar panels
Flexible panels
PROS:
- Light weight and flexible
- Low profile – not easily seen
- No drilling required for installation
CONS:
- Less durable because cells are sealed under a protective plastic layer
- More prone to scratches but less likely to crack from a large impact
- More expensive than rigid glass panels
- Cannot tilt panels
Rigid glass Panels
- PROS:
- More durable because cells are mounted under tempered glass
- More resistant to scratches and severe weather like snow and hail (but can crack from a large impact)
- Typically cheaper than flexible panels
- Can tilt to get maximum sun exposure
CONS:
- Typically mounted to a metal frame
- Thickest and heaviest option
- Installation requires drilling
Portable vs fixed solar panels
fixed solar panels
- Best for those who boondock frequently and have an inverter, larger battery bank, or higher energy needs.
- Your RV needs to be parked in a location for ideal sun exposure (which can get hot)
- Cannot move panels for maximum sun exposure. If you are in a shady location, your panels aren’t getting to work as intended
- Have one charge controller for all rooftop panels
portable Panels
- Good for weekend warriors, or those who boondock for short periods of time and want to “top off” their batteries
- Nice option to supplement a fixed solar panel set up
- Can be moved to benefit from maximum sun exposure (meaning you can keep your RV in the shade and move the panel to the sun)
- Has its own charge controller
which rv solar panel type is best for you?
Determining which RV solar panel type is best for you really comes down to your rig and your needs. Consider how much space you have available, if you have weight limitations, and your battery bank and energy needs (how many panels you need). Don’t forget that you need the right charge controller to safely charge your batteries.
If you’re unfamiliar with what a charge controller does, or how to choose the right charge controller for your solar set up click here to see our post on solar charge controllers.
On our first install, we went with a 300 watt kit from Renogy. This time, we installed three 120 watt flexible monocrystalline solar panels from AIMS Power, giving us a total of 360 watts. We got our inverter and charge controller from AIMS, so it only made sense to also get our solar panels from them. We knew they would be compatible and the company has a strong reputation in the solar industry. If you want to get our exact solar panels, click the image below.
Hopefully this post helped you determine which RV solar panels are best for your rig based on your needs, space, and RV. If you’d like to learn more about RV solar system explore some of our related posts on the topic.
Liz & Dennis
ESRV Team
We’re two travel-loving, real estate investing, foodies exploring North America as full-time RV’ers. This blog is where we share our lessons learned, tips and tricks, and favorite places to eat, see, and RV across North America! We hope it helps you find your wanderlust, plan and prepare for RV life, and get out on the road!
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Great info, thanks!
Glad you found it helpful!