7 Best Solar Batteries for RVs
Solar power is perfect for RVers on the go who need all the energy they can get from nature. It is clean, eco-friendly, and quiet. What more could an RV owner ask for? It can be challenging to look for the best solar batteries for RV. Rest assured, we already looked for the best ones for you.
The best thing about solar power is that it is FREE. By equipping your RV with solar panels, you can charge your batteries independently with a long lifespan and low maintenance. Also, solar batteries come in kits now. Isn't that awesome? Here are seven of the best solar batteries for RV, along with the accessories that come with the kit.
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WindyNation 100W Solar Panel
The WindyNation 100W kit is the perfect choice for starters. At such an affordable price, you have everything you need in a solar panel kit. The easy installation allows you to start harnessing that free energy from the sun immediately.
Renogy KIT-RV400D 400W 12V RV Solar Kit
This Renogy kit is for those who are looking for impressive high energy output. The kit includes four 100W monocrystalline panels to deliver power to all the devices inside your RV. The kit can generate an average production of 1,600-watt hours or 80 ampere-hours per day.
WindyNation 400 Watt Solar Kit
This is the second WindyNation kit on the list since we can't just get enough of the high-quality output it offers RV owners. It has one of the best solar batteries for RV.
HQST 100W 12V Solar Kit
HQST is another solar kit that is suitable for solar power newbies for easy and convenient installation. It can support 12V and 24V arrays, including small appliances and water pumps. The daily output would average 500 watt-hours per day or 40 ampere-hours.
WindyNation Complete Solar Panel Kit with Inverter
This is the third WindyNation product on the list. You could say that we do have a brand favorite for solar kits. From the name of the product itself, you could say that it is a versatile and full-scale solution for your RV power needs, specifically for your mobile off-grid power.
Allpowers SunPower 100W RV Solar Panel
The solar panel is bendable, which is a unique feature in this model. It is ideal for installation on uneven surfaces, at rough angles, or even rounded roofs. Allpowers SunPower is indeed convenient to install.
Go Power! Weekender Complete Solar System
This kit is perfect for long trips and vacations where you want to use high-powered appliances. The average output is 800 watt-hours or 50 ampere-hours per day, which is always depending on the sunlight.
Best Solar Batteries for RV Reviews
WindyNation 100W Solar Panel
Product Highlight
The WindyNation 100W kit is the perfect choice for starters. At such an affordable price, you have everything you need in a solar panel kit. The easy installation allows you to start harnessing that free energy from the sun immediately.
The kit includes a polycrystalline panel that can deliver 100 watts. The output runs around 350 watt-hours, which is equivalent to 33 ampere-hours on a daily basis. That will depend on sunlight conditions. Another gem included in the kit is the P20L charge controller to monitor ampere, load draw, voltage, ampere-hours, and temperature while charging.
The user settings allow you to fine-tune the charging and customize the values if you have a bit of the needed knowledge to do so. This increases the efficiency of the charging.
The Good
The WindyNation 100W kit is the perfect choice for starters. At such an affordable price, you have everything you need in a solar panel kit. The easy installation allows you to start harnessing that free energy from the sun immediately.
The kit includes a polycrystalline panel that can deliver 100 watts. The output runs around 350 watt-hours, which is equivalent to 33 ampere-hours on a daily basis. That will depend on sunlight conditions. Another gem included in the kit is the P20L charge controller to monitor ampere, load draw, voltage, ampere-hours, and temperature while charging.
The user settings allow you to fine-tune the charging and customize the values if you have a bit of the needed knowledge to do so. This increases the efficiency of the charging.
The Bad
None. This solar kit is close to perfection. Check the reviews to believe us.
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CONs
Renogy KIT-RV400D 400W 12V RV Solar Kit
Product Highlight
This Renogy kit is for those who are looking for impressive high energy output. The kit includes four 100W monocrystalline panels to deliver power to all the devices inside your RV. The kit can generate an average production of 1,600-watt hours or 80 ampere-hours per day.
This kit includes corrosion-resistant aluminum frames, which mounted panels can withstand weather elements for decades to come. Rough winds and blizzard do not stand a chance. The TPT back sheet maintains the performance of the solar panel over time. Also, the cable junction box keeps out water jets and some particles.
Renogy's LCD screen displays essential information such as charging data and allows you to set the parameters and analyze the diagnostics as well.
The Good
The Renogy Solar Kit guarantees solar panels of excellent quality and efficient charging for different appliances.
The Bad
Some reviews say that the kit is incomplete since some items in the kit are missing upon delivery.
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CONs
WindyNation 400 Watt Solar Kit
Product Highlight
This is the second WindyNation kit on the list since we can't just get enough of the high-quality output it offers RV owners. It has one of the best solar batteries for RV.
This WindyNation model comes with four 100W polycrystalline panels; that is a total of 400W. On an average day, you can expect an average output of 1,700 watt-hours, which is equivalent to 150-ampere hours a day, but that will always be dependent on weather conditions.
You may monitor the charging on the equipped LCD screen and adjust the settings to your liking. It also has readouts, which include amperage, voltage, load draw, temperature, and ampere-hours.
The Good
The WindyNation 400W kit includes everything you need, especially if you currently do not have a battery bank in your RV. The kit consists of all the cables you need, MC4 connectors and durable mounting hardware for your panels.
The Bad
This does not work for AC units and can be very sensitive to clouds and dim areas.
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CONs
HQST 100W 12V Solar Kit
Product Highlight
HQST is another solar kit that is suitable for solar power newbies for easy and convenient installation. It can support 12V and 24V arrays, including small appliances and water pumps. The daily output would average 500 watt-hours per day or 40 ampere-hours.
Another impressive feature is its ability to charge 50Ah battery up to 50% in just three hours, still dependent on the sunlight conditions. A pulse width modulated charge controller is also included in the kit. The controller is suited for 30A and may automatically detect a system voltage of 12V or 24V.
The Good
The solar kit includes overload and overcharge protection and smart charging that can handle 400W. Moreover, you can upgrade your installation with three additional 100W panels.
The Bad
The charge controller that is included in the kit is a little flimsy.
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CONs
WindyNation Complete Solar Panel Kit with Inverter
Product Highlight
This is the third WindyNation product on the list. You could say that we do have a brand favorite for solar kits. From the name of the product itself, you could say that it is a versatile and full-scale solution for your RV power needs, specifically for your mobile off-grid power.
The kit includes a 1500W power inverter for a 12V battery, which may be added with a 300Ah and 400Ah 12V to the kit. You can click on that additional accessory before checking out if you plan to order online. The solar panels' daily output is 1600 watt-hours, equivalent to 135 ampere-hours per day.
The Good
This solar kit is one of the most versatile units on the list with the necessary safety components such as cooling and temperature protection, internal fuse, overload protection, and of course, the battery.
The Bad
This is a relatively expensive unit. If you are looking for a more affordable find, you might want to check out the other products on this list.
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CONs
Allpowers SunPower 100W RV Solar Panel
Product Highlight
The solar panel is bendable, which is a unique feature in this model. It is ideal for installation on uneven surfaces, at rough angles, or even rounded roofs. Allpowers SunPower is indeed convenient to install.
Its frameless design and lightweight materials make this a perfect choice for small RVs. The durability is also something you need not worry about. The unit is resistant to weather elements and wind stress. The 100W panel offers outstanding efficiency of 23.5 percent and can also perform in dim and low-light conditions.
The Good
The diode in the junction box shields the panel from reverse polarity. It is also equipped with safety features such as the short circuit and surge protection.
The Bad
The whole panel is only secured with silicone.
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CONs
Go Power! Weekender Complete Solar System
Product Highlight
This kit is perfect for long trips and vacations where you want to use high-powered appliances. The average output is 800 watt-hours or 50 ampere-hours per day, which is always depending on the sunlight.
The huge monocrystalline panel has a 16.4% efficiency and can deliver up to 160 watts. It is also flexible in a way that you can add two more identical panels with a total of 480W. You can safely mount the panel on the roof with its anodized aluminum frame. As to the charge controller, it can handle multiple batteries at a time with a 30A 4-stage smart charging.
The Good
This solar kit has one of the best solar batteries for RV that can power up power-thirsty devices and appliances. You also have the option of enhancing this up to 480W of solar power.
The Bad
The packaging is of poor quality according to user reviews, and the whole kit is pricey.
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CONs
Buyer's Guide
We will discuss in this section all the information you need to buy the best solar batteries for RV.
Appliances
Some batteries and solar panels cannot run numerous appliances, especially ones that are power-hungry. You have to know the appliances you need to run and the power output you would need to run them.
Equipment
The bare minimum that an RV solar system needs to function fully is controller, batteries, battery monitor, and solar panels. Make sure that the kit you are purchasing at least has these items for a fully functional RV system.
Power
This is one of the most critical aspects that you need to consider in purchasing the best solar batteries for RV. The batteries should last you all night, considering your power consumption, at least until the sun comes out again.
Price
You need to consider your budget before buying a solar kit. Most of them are really expensive, so you need to pick the one that is worth the cash.
Installation
Chances are, you will be installing the solar panel on your own. If you know how to use basic tools and have the right amount of knowledge in installing solar panels, then you may do so without assistance. If you feel uncomfortable doing this on your own, then look for assistance or have it professionally installed.
F.A.Q.
Should I install a battery in my RV?
Yes. You need to install one if you do not have a power bank in your RV yet. This is to store the energy your solar panels provide.
Which panel is the most efficient?
We suggest that you use monocrystalline panels. They can be costly but are proven to perform well for RVs. In installing this, make sure to pay attention to the controller to avoid becoming a bottleneck.
Do I need additional hardware?
That depends on the solar kit you choose. Some solar kits are not complete, so you might want to consider buying additional hardware.
Can I run an AC unit with solar power?
To run your AC unit with solar power, you need a high-performance inverter with at least 3000W and more power to run this on a DC battery.
What is the typical installation for a solar power system?
First, you have to mount the solar panel on the roof of your RV. Then, make sure that the controller is in place as well, along with the battery and power bank for storage.
Conclusion
Using solar power to run your RV is a quiet and low maintenance way of providing energy to your vehicle. It is free and does not require fuel. All you have to do is look for the best solar batteries for RV (which we did). I hope you already have a pick in mind too. Solar power for RVs is ideal if you are going to a place with a sunny climate. This way, you can maximize the use of your solar kit and everything that comes with it. Get more tips on RV power.