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5 RV Solar Starter Kit Essentials to Power Your Adventures

Written by

Gabriel Rivero

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RVing isn’t all rainbows and butterflies — turns out that it’s about sunshine too! Personally, I am all about that. (A little too much if you ask my wife.) While on the road, I always try to harness solar energy and long battery life. That fact is that power — or the lack thereof — can make or break your RV experience. So, in this article, my goal is to help you identify the right RV solar starter kit essentials. (That way, you’re not in the dark about what to expect out on the road.)

Whether you’re just beginning your journey into solar or looking to level up your existing setup, these RV solar starter kit products helps offer a practical and impactful way to power your adventures.

This list is a brief starting point into the solar world to help you get an idea of where to start. For a more in-depth look at how solar power works or the components involved, feel free to jump ahead to those articles. Also, please note that the example s provided are just a few of the quality options available. 

 

1. Portable Solar Panels – Power Wherever You Roam

Portable solar panels are a versatile and convenient option for RVers who need a flexible and lightweight energy solution. They’re ideal for supplementing power when you’re parked in a shady area or require additional charging capacity on the road. Just connect. Move it to a sunny spot. And you’re good to go. Some have connectors that clamp directly onto your house battery like jumper cables. Others have specific connectors that come with your standard solar setup. Solar panels can range in size, shape, and performance, but the price will show it.

Examples:

  • Hiluckey Solar Charger. This falls into the pocket-sized solar panels that you can have with you to charge up small items like phones and tablets. It work on your RV directly, but these are cheap options that can save your life if you need power to make a call, text, or go online.
  • Renogy 100W Foldable Solar Panel. This model offers ease of use with a built-in charge controller and clamps to connect directly to your batter without needing anything else. This provides consistent power even in less-than-ideal conditions.
  • Renogy 400W Lightweight Portable Solar Suitcase. Among one of the most trusted brands and coming in at a reasonable price for what it offers, this portable panel provides a lot of bang for buck.

Why You Need It: Portable solar panels allow you to maximize solar energy use without committing to a fixed installation. They’re perfect for boondocking, day trips, or supplementing your rooftop panels during extended stays. Some are small enough to fit in your pocket on hike, if you want to charge up your phone in a pinch.

Pro Tip: Position portable panels throughout the day to capture maximum sunlight, and pair them with a solar generator or full install for better energy storage.

 

2. RV Solar Kits – A Comprehensive Solution

For RVers who want to go all-in on solar, an RV solar kit provides as close to a complete package as possible. These kits typically include high-quality solar panels, charge controllers, and necessary mounting and wiring hardware, making them a one-stop shop for solar upgrades. They are a little easier and more affordable then a completely custom build, but these are as plug and play as DIY can be. You may still likely need to purchase a few smaller products or accessories to fit your RV, and you will likely want to upgrade your batteries, but a phone call to the company or an experienced tech can make life a lot easier.

Examples:

  • Go Power! Rigid Eclipse Solar Kit. This kit includes premium rigid solar panels, a 30-amp MPPT controller, and all the essentials for a seamless installation. It’s an excellent choice for serious solar adopters.
  • Renogy Premium Solar Kit. Offers a range of options from 200W to 800W, providing flexibility for different RV sizes and power needs.
  • Zamp Solar Legacy Kit. Known for durability and efficiency, these kits are designed for RVers who demand top performance.

Why You Need It: A well-designed solar kit simplifies the transition to solar by ensuring all components are compatible. This is a great option for RVers looking to power appliances like fridges, microwaves, and entertainment systems while off-grid.

Pro Tip: Invest in an MPPT controller for better energy efficiency, particularly if you plan on expanding your solar setup in the future. We recently upgraded our solar setup to a Go Power! kit along with some extras, and here is a little look at our setup. We had it professionally installed, and we recommend you do too, unless you are really confident in your ability to DIY.

 

3. Solar Generators: Compact Powerhouses

Solar generators offer a clean, quiet, and portable solution for powering your needs. From big units that can power an entire RV, to smaller units that can charge phones, laptops, and run a few appliances and gadgets, solar generators or power stations are the easiest ways to jump into solar. These all-in-one units combine solar panels, inverters, and batteries to deliver reliable energy whenever and wherever you need it.

Examples:

  • Go Power! DuraCube. This 500 watt power station is great, lightweight, and portable for phones, laptops, and smaller appliances on the go.
  • Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus. A well-balanced option with multiple output ports and excellent portability, ideal for light to medium power needs.
  • EcoFlow Delta Pro. This powerhouse offers expandable battery options, lightning-fast recharge rates, and enough capacity to run larger appliances and some RVs completely.

Why You Need It: Solar generators eliminate the need for noisy gas-powered generators, providing an eco-friendly alternative that’s easy to transport. They’re particularly useful for emergencies, short trips, or RVers who don’t want to commit to a full solar setup.

Pro Tip: Opt for models with pure sine wave inverters to safely power sensitive electronics like laptops and CPAP machines. If you want to power your full RV, make sure you know your power needs and the capacity of the unit you want to buy.

 

4. Battery and Energy Storage – Reliable Power When You Need It

A robust battery system is the cornerstone of any solar-powered RV setup. Lithium-ion batteries are the gold standard for their efficiency, longevity, and ability to provide deep cycling capabilities, making them an essential investment for solar enthusiasts.

Examples:

Why You Need It: High-quality batteries store the solar energy you collect, allowing you to use power at night or during cloudy weather. They also reduce dependency on shore power and noisy generators.

Pro Tip: Pair your batteries with a monitoring system to track usage and ensure optimal performance, prolonging their lifespan.

 

5. Solar Charge Controllers – The Key to Efficiency

A solar charge controller ensures that the electricity generated by your panels is safely and efficiently stored in your batteries. These devices regulate voltage and prevent overcharging, making them critical for any solar setup.

Examples:

Why You Need It: By regulating energy flow, a charge controller ensures that your batteries are charged safely and efficiently. MPPT models, in particular, provide superior performance, especially in varying sunlight conditions.

Pro Tip: Look for controllers with app compatibility to monitor and control your system from your smartphone.

 

Your RV Solar Starter Kit and the Power of the Sun

Solar power can revolutionize your RV lifestyle, offering independence, sustainability, and convenience. Which is why it’s increasingly popular. But whether you’re easing into an RV  solar starter kit  or going all-in with a full solar system, these five essentials help provide the perfect foundation for a bright future on the road. Ready to make the switch? The sun can help fuel your next adventure!

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