RV/Camper / Make the power

RV solar panels

Rigid panels on the roof for most RVs; lightweight flexible panels where weight or a curved roof matters.

What matters

  • A "12 V" panel is rated for a 12 V battery system, not 12 V output: Renogy lists 24.3 V open-circuit for its 100 W panel.
  • Add panel open-circuit voltages in series and keep the total under your charge controller's limit, with margin for cold (voltage rises in the cold).
  • Flexible panels: Renogy says its flexible 100 W weighs about a third of the rigid one and bends within 240 degrees.

Watch out for

  • Roof penetrations must be sealed; a leak costs more than the panel.
  • Shade from an AC unit or vent on one panel cuts the whole string in series.

Equipment we have researched

Not for sale through us yet. Specs are copied from the cited source on the date shown; nothing here is hands-on tested.

Jackery

Jackery SolarSaga 500 X

Folding solar panel for power stations

Rated
500 W (545 W bifacial test)
Weight
22 lb +/- 2.2 lb
Not yet available

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Sources