Motorhome Solar Panels- All the Answers Are Here

As a motorhome owner, you need electricity to power your appliances and make your mobile home functional. But generating power for your motorhome (recreational vehicle or RV) can be challenging.

Thankfully, one effective means of generating electricity for motor homes is solar panels. Powering motor homes through solar panels are green, cost-effective, and efficient.

However, if you are about to venture into this renewable source of energy, you want to understand what motorhome solar panels are, how they work, and the different types to pick from.

This guide shows you all you need to know about motorhome solar panels and how to get the best from your investment.

In this article, we will discuss:

How Do Motorhome Solar Panels Work?

A motorhome solar panel works by utilizing the sun's energy and converting it into electricity. You can use renewable-energy-generated electricity to power your appliances and lighting system in your motorhome.

Generally, solar panels generate electricity with the availability of sunlight, reducing the reliance on traditional power sources like generators or grid connections.

But to understand how the motorhome solar system works, it makes sense to have knowledge of the various parts that make up the unit and what they do.

Things to Consider When Buying Motor Home Solar Panels

When buying solar panels for a motorhome, you must consider several key factors to make the right choice. Below are some essential things to consider:

Different Types of Solar Panels

The two most popular types of solar panels are:

Monocrystalline Solar Panels:

Monocrystalline solar panels are usually black or dark blue in color. These types of solar panels are more efficient than others you can find. That is because they use a single clean piece of silicon. Plus, they utilize your space better and are lighter in weight.

These qualities make monocrystalline solar panels more preferred among motorhome owners.

When you compare the qualities of a 100W monocrystalline solar panel suitable for motorhomes to 100W of other solar panels, you will find that the monocrystalline solar panels are more efficient, smaller, and lighter.

Polycrystalline Solar Panels:

These types of solar panels are light blue in color. They comprise different fragments of silicon. One big advantage of polycrystalline solar panels is that they are not so expensive when compared to monocrystalline solar panels.

However, polycrystalline solar panels are large in size, taking up more space than their counterparts. Also, the light-blue solar panels are heavier than monocrystalline panels. Hence, they are not the best option for motor homes.

How Much To Fit Solar Panels To A Motorhome?

When buying motorhome solar panels, you want to consider your budget and put into account initial purchase costs and any additional installation or wiring expenses.

Remember that while higher-quality and more efficient panels may have a higher upfront cost, they provide better long-term value through increased energy production and durability.

The rigid solar panels at Renogy have an average cost per watt of between £0.84 and £1.20 per watt. It’s one of the most affordable options available to motorhome owners.

Alternatively, the flexible solar panels from Renogy have an average cost per watt of between £1.20 and £1.50 per watt. It is also an affordable option, next to the rigid solar panels.

The third option is the foldable suitcase solar panels that cost between £1.34 and £2.0 per watt on average.

What Size Solar Panel Do I Need For My Motorhome?

You will be better off with solar panel sizes that are not too big so they can comfortably sit on the top of your motorhome. Thinner and lighter options are also better off. For that reason, the monocrystalline solar panel for motorhomes is highly recommended.

How Many Solar Panels Do I Need?

To know how many solar panels you will need for your motorhome, you will first need to ascertain your daily electricity usage, the panel’s wattage, and the number of hours when the sun is hottest during the day.

After getting these variables, do the following simple calculation: divide the daily electricity usage by the product of the panel’s wattage and the number of sun peak hours.

What Does A Solar Panel Kit Include?

A solar panel kit that is suitable for motorhomes comprises all the components you require for installation.

The kit comprises wires, charge controllers, connectors, brackets, and Bluetooth monitoring modules. It also comes with a guide, so you don’t mix up any of the accessories.

Some products in our solar panel kits include:

1. Starter Kits

100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Solar Starter Kit

2. Premium Kits

200W 12V/24V Monocrystalline Solar Premium Kit w/Rover 20A Charger Controller

What Is the Best Solar Panel for A Motorhome Installation?

1. Rigid Monocrystalline Solar Panels

These solar panels are highly suitable for motorhome installations. They have good support structures and a solid frame that prevents them from twisting after installation.

Rigid Monocrystalline Solar Panels include:

100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Solar Panel

2. Flexible Monocrystalline Solar Panels

Renogy flexible monocrystalline solar panels are lightweight. They are a good option for motorhome installations.

You can easily glue the flexible monocrystalline solar panels on the roof of your motorhome with the help of Eternabond or a VHB tape. You don’t need to drill your roof and cause damage to it. It would, however, be best to allow a little space for the panels to air properly.

Flexible Monocrystalline Solar Panels include:

3. Folding Solar Suitcase Solar Panels

These types of solar panels are a good choice for motorhome owners who don’t want a permanent installation yet. They can easily fold the solar suitcase and store it in the motorhome when it’s not in use.

Folding Solar Suitcase Solar Panels are:

200W 12 Volt Foldable Solar Suitcase

Components of Motor Home Solar System

Motorhome solar system comprises different components, which all work together to ensure you have electricity to power your appliances.

1. Solar Panels

Solar panels for motor homes comprise photovoltaic (PV) cells. These cells are usually made from silicon and generate electricity when sunlight hits them. Multiple solar panels are installed on the roof or other suitable locations of the motorhome to maximize exposure to sunlight.

2. Solar Charge Controller

This component is essential to a motorhome solar panel system. The solar charge controller rations the amount of electricity that flows to the battery bank from the solar panels and prevents overcharging. It ensures that the batteries are charged efficiently and protects them from damage.

3. Battery Bank

The battery stores the power generated by the solar panels. It serves as a storage reserve for the surplus energy converted by the solar panels. This supplies power to your mobile home when the sun is no longer in sight, such as at night or on cloudy days. The battery bank is usually made up of deep-cycle batteries designed to handle repeated charging and discharging.

4. Inverter

The electricity stored in the battery bank is direct current (DC), but most appliances and systems in a motorhome require alternating current (AC). An inverter changes the DC power from the batteries into AC power, which you can use to run devices like lights, appliances, and electronics.

5. Monitoring and Maintenance

A motorhome solar panel system often comes with monitoring systems that allow you to track the performance and energy production of the solar panels. Regular maintenance includes:

Keeping the solar panels clean and debris-free.
Ensuring proper connections.
Monitoring the battery bank's state of charge.

Note that the efficiency and effectiveness of a motorhome solar panel system depend on some factors like:

The quality of the solar panels
The size of the solar panels
The amount of sunlight available
The energy demands of the motorhome
The overall design and setup of the motor home solar system

Consulting a professional like Renogy or referring to the specific instructions and recommendations provided by the solar panel manufacturer is advisable to ensure optimal performance.

Different Ways to Install a Solar Panel on a Motorhome

Several ways exist to install solar panels on a motorhome. Your chosen method will depend on your precise requirements, available space, and budget.

Here are some common approaches:

1. Roof Mount

This is the most popular method and involves installing solar panels on the roof of the motorhome. The panels can be secured using brackets, adhesive, or mounting hardware specifically designed for RVs.

Roof mounting allows maximum exposure to sunlight and keeps the solar panels out of the way, but it may require drilling into the roof and can affect the vehicle's clearance height.

2. Portable Panels

Portable solar panels are a good option if you prefer flexibility or have limited roof space. These panels are typically foldable and can be set up and positioned anywhere outside the motorhome using adjustable stands or brackets.

Portable panels are easy to install, require no permanent alterations to the vehicle, and can be repositioned to maximize sunlight throughout the day. However, they must be manually set up and stored when not used.

3. Window Mount

Another option is to use solar panels specifically designed to be mounted on windows. These panels use suction cups or other mounting mechanisms to attach to the glass surface.

Window-mounted panels are easy to install and remove but may obstruct your view and limit natural light coming into the motorhome.

4. Tilting Mount

To optimize solar panel performance and maximize energy production, consider installing a tilting mount system.

These mounts allow you to manually adjust the panels' angle or with automated systems to follow the sun's path. Tilting mounts are handy if you frequently camp in shaded areas or during seasons with lower sun angles.

5. Pole Mount

A pole-mounted solar panel system involves installing a sturdy pole or mast on the ground near your motorhome and mounting the panels on top of it.

This method provides flexibility in panel placement and allows you to station the solar panels at an optimal angle for maximum sun exposure.

However, it requires extra space outside the motorhome, and you can only consider this option if you don't plan to be mobile with your motorhome.

How to Connect a Solar Panel on a Motorhome?

To connect a solar panel to your motorhome, you should:

1. First, install solar panel mounts on your motorhome roof. The job of the mounts is to hold the solar panels in place so they don’t slide or fall off when you are driving. To help your system’s performance, tilt the mount to between 18 and 36 degrees so your panels can receive adequate sunlight.

2. Next, you will mount the solar panels onto your motorhome roof using your preferred method (industrial adhesives, Z-shaped brackets, straight bolts, drill-less mounts, u-shaped bolts) to keep them secure.

3. Thirdly, connect the wires that come with the kit to the solar panels. It’s best to take appropriate precautions in this step, such as turning off any available electricity supply.

4. Fourthly, connect the charge controller to the solar panels and install the solar inverter, mounting it in an airy place near the main panel.

5. Next, connect the charge controller and the solar inverter to the battery bank.

6. Finally, start the solar system and test it to ensure everything works as it should.

FQA

1. Can House Roof Solar Panels Be Used On Motorhomes?

Yes, you can use house roof solar panels on a motorhome, although using solar panels for motorhomes is best. If you must use house roof solar panels for your motorhome, there are some considerations to keep in mind.

House roof solar panels are typically larger and heavier than the ones specifically designed for motorhomes or RVs. Before installing house roof solar panels on your motorhome, you must ensure that its roof structure is strong enough to support the additional weight of the panels. Additionally, house roof solar panels are usually fixed in place.

Overall, while using house roof solar panels on a motorhome is possible, it's crucial to evaluate the weight, aerodynamics, and power requirements to ensure safe and efficient operation. We, however, recommend solar panels for motorhomes instead.

2. Can You Charge A Motorhome Motor Battery From Solar Panel?

It is possible to charge a motorhome's battery using a solar panel. Solar panels are typically used in motorhomes and recreational vehicles (RVs) to harness surplus energy from sunlight, converting it into electricity.

You can then use the electricity generated to charge your appliances and the motorhome's batteries, including the motor battery.

3. Can You Leave Your Motorhome Solar Panel Disconnected?

Yes, it is possible to leave a motorhome solar panel disconnected.

However, whether or not you should leave your motorhome solar panel disconnected depends on your specific circumstances, power needs, and preferences.

For example, if you frequently rely on solar power and have a sufficient battery capacity, keeping the solar panel connected is generally more beneficial to ensure a continuous and eco-friendly power supply.

Here are a few things to consider you think of leaving your solar panel motorhome disconnected:

Power generation: Disconnecting your motorhome solar panel won't generate electricity to charge your batteries. That means you'll rely solely on other power sources to charge your batteries.
Battery health: If you leave your motorhome solar panel disconnected for an extended period, your batteries may gradually discharge over time. That can lead to reduced battery capacity and potentially damage the batteries if they are fully depleted. Monitoring the battery levels and ensuring they are appropriately maintained by periodically reconnecting the solar panel or utilizing alternative charging methods is essential.
Energy efficiency: Solar panels provide a sustainable and cost-effective way to generate power for your motorhome. You won't benefit from the free and renewable energy solar panels provide if you disconnect them. Depending on your travel habits and power requirements, this could increase reliance on fuel-powered generators or higher costs associated with traditional power sources.
Maintenance: Regularly connecting and disconnecting the solar panel might add some wear and tear to the system, especially if not done properly. If you choose to disconnect your motorhome solar panels, you must protect them from environmental factors. Moisture, dirt, and extreme temperatures can affect their performance and lifespan.

4. Is a 100-watt solar panel enough on a motorhome?

Your motor home solar system may need more than a 100 Watt solar panel if you use more energy daily; hence it may be grossly inadequate. You will require more than that to live comfortably in a motorhome and conveniently power your lighting and appliances.

5. What will 400 watts of solar run in an RV?

In an RV, you can use the solar power generated by 400 watts of solar panels to run several devices and appliances:

Lighting: LED lights are energy-efficient and consume minimal power. With 400 watts, you should be able to power multiple LED lights in your RV without any issues.
Small electronics: Devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and small fans consume relatively low power. You should be able to charge and operate these devices using the solar power generated by 400 watts of solar panels.
Small appliances: You can use solar power to charge small appliances like electric shavers, toothbrushes, or rechargeable batteries.
Ventilation fans: If your RV has roof-mounted ventilation fans, they typically consume 20-50 watts of power each. With 400 watts, you could power a few fans simultaneously.
Water pump: RV water pumps typically consume around 10-50 watts, depending on their size and efficiency. You should be able to run a water pump without any issues with 400 watts of solar power.
Refrigerator: RV refrigerators vary in power consumption, but a typical model may consume around 100-200 watts while running. With 400 watts, you could power a refrigerator, although you may need additional battery capacity to ensure continuous operation during low sunlight.

Conclusion

Powering your RV through solar panels for motorhomes is an excellent investment you can make.

Since solar panels leverage the sun’s energy to generate electricity, it is a cost-effective option. Also, since solar panels for motorhome require little to no maintenance, it is easier to run than conventional sources of power for motorhomes.

Following the tips provided in this post, you can easily make your choice of solar system for motor homes.

And if you encounter any challenges while making your choice of motorhome solar panels, contact us at Renogy for further enquiries.

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