Author: Xantrex Team

Solar panels have become more common for their ability to recharge battery systems in RVs. As RVers rely less on fossil fuel based generators and increased attention is given to lithium battery power systems, having solar is a no-brainer for campers that want to go boondocking and get off the grid. However, not all solar panels are the same, these sleek energy sources come in various forms, each with its own set of quirks and capabilities, ready to harness the sun’s energy and fuel your journey into the unknown. In this article, we will conduct an exploration into the different types of solar panels for RVing.

Glass Panels:

The most common panels are fixed and rigid glass panels. These robust, sturdy modules are like the guardians of your RV or campervan, standing tall and soaking in the sun’s rays with unwavering determination. Mounted permanently on the roof, fixed panels are a staple for those who seek a reliable, hassle-free power source.

Fixed panels boast higher efficiency and power output compared to their flexible cousins, making them ideal for the serious off-grid enthusiast. These panels quietly go about their business, charging your batteries while you sip your morning coffee, completely hands-free.

However, these solar stalwarts do come with a catch – their immovability can be a drawback when navigating through shady campsites or tight spots. In certain locations where the sun exposure and angle varies greatly throughout the day, your output will vary as well. The sun may be your ally, but sometimes, the ability to tilt your panels towards its life-giving rays can make a significant difference. There are also many different techniques to maximize solar outputs during cloudy days. In addition, rigid panels are heavy and need to be secured through drilling onto the roof of a RV, which may affect the value of the RV.

Bifacial Panels:

Even more efficient than regular glass panels, are bifacial glass panels. The bifacial panels offered by Xantrex are built with highly efficient Mono PERC M10 cells that optimize the power output via additional light cells. 

To explain, this means that the bifacial panels capture light reflected off surfaces below the panel, due to the transparent glass back sheet, which results in up to 20% more energy generation. This means you can mount your panels at an angle and get benefits from both side of the panels.

The Xantrex panels also have half-cut cells that ensure higher performance over standard panels when in the shade. For example, if a corner of the panel is in the shade, standard panels could lose energy generation in 50% of the panel, while the half-cut cells reduce the area affected and the panel would only lose energy generation in 25% of the panel. This is a significant difference in efficiency!

Flexible Panels:

Flexible panels thrive when dealing with curved surfaces and installation. Suppose your RV or Van has a curved roof or you do not want to drill holes on the roof of your RV. In these cases, flexible panels are your best choice. With peel and stick features, you can easily have them installed on your RV roof. These thin and lightweight marvels use cutting-edge technology to integrate seamlessly with the curves of your RV, turning every inch into a potential power-generating surface.

Flex panels are like the contortionists of the solar family, allowing for creative installations on curved surfaces or irregularly shaped RV roofs. Whether your RV resembles a sleek spaceship or a vintage classic, these panels mold themselves to your vehicle’s design, making you the envy of the RV park.

In addition, the way you angle your flexible panels allows your panels to generate power when the sun is at certain angles (eg. early or later time of the day) where conventional panels will have little output. Flexible RV solar panels offer remarkable adaptability for power generation.

Portable Panels:

Now, imagine having your own personal power source on standby, ready to unfold and illuminate your RV wherever you go. Enter the portable solar panels – the wanderers of solar freedom. These compact powerhouses are the nomads of the solar world, providing a flexible solution for those who want to chase the sun without committing to a fixed installation.

Portable panels offer the ultimate in versatility. Set them up wherever the sun beckons, and revel in the freedom to park your RV in the shade while your panels bask in the sunlight. This flexibility is especially valuable for those who love to explore off-the-beaten-path locations, where traditional solar setups might struggle to keep up. The ability to fold up the panel and put them away, ensures your panels will not be affected by any harsh environment like hails or falling tree branches which may damage a panel.

However, the trade-off for portability is a slightly lower power output compared to fixed panels. If you’re a power-hungry adventurer with an arsenal of energy-hungry devices, you might need to strike a balance between convenience and capacity.

In the grand picture of RV solar panels, each type contributes its unique power-generating ability to the final power generation plan. Whether you opt for the glass panels, bifacial panels, flexible panels, or portable panels, the key is finding what resonates with your RVing style.

The cost of solar panels is plummeting, so it’s an excellent time to add solar to your RV. However, before you can start benefiting from free, clean electricity, your installer will determine whether you should have your panels wired in series, in parallel, or both.

What does it mean to put your solar panels in series or parallel?

Solar panels can be wired to each other in series and/or parallel.

Like the batteries you use at home, every solar panel has a negative and positive terminal. How they’re connected to each other determines whether your system is in series or parallel.

A series connection is when each panel’s positive terminal is wired to another’s negative terminal. This increases the system’s overall voltage and, therefore keeps the output amperage the same as one panel.

Parallel connections are the exact opposite. They involve connecting all the positive terminals to each other and the negative terminals to each other. This will keep the system’s voltage low while increasing its amperage.

A disruption in a series connection, if something casts shade on your solar array, for example, will cause every panel in the system to produce less energy. On the other hand, panels in a parallel connection will continue to work independently of each other, regardless of what happens to the rest of the system.

Let’s say you’ve put up a string of fairy lights. If one bulb unexpectedly goes out and the lights are wired in parallel, the other lights will stay on, but if they’re wired in series, they’ll all go out.

It’s also relatively common to use a combination of series and parallel connections to ensure your system reaches the highest voltage and amperage it can without overwhelming your inverter.

Your installer must choose between series, parallel, or both, as how your panels are wired will have a massive impact on the amount of electricity they generate.

Should you put your solar panels in series or parallel?

Ideally, your installer will recommend what is best for your system and will ensure you use the highest voltage and amperage possible with your inverter charger, generating the maximum amount of solar energy. 

If your panels are often in the shade, you may want to put them in parallel. Or if you aren’t getting many panels and they won’t be in the shade at any point, you may want to wire them in series alone. This quick overview should provide you with the basic knowledge necessary to have a conversation with your installer about whether to put your solar panels in series, in parallel, or both. Ultimately, though, you should primarily listen to your installer’s recommendation

Are you on the fence about whether solar power is worth the investment for your RV? Perhaps you’re thinking, “I already have a generator,” or “I’ve got lithium batteries—what more do I need?” Maybe you’re hesitant because you believe solar installation is a hassle, or you’re concerned about its reliability on cloudy days. Well, buckle up, because we’re about to shed some light on why solar power is a must-have for your RVing adventures.

Excuse 1: “I Have My Own Generator”

Ah, the trusty generator—the stalwart companion of many an RVer. But let’s face it: generators come with their fair share of drawbacks. They’re noisy, require fuel, and emit exhaust fumes. Not to mention, they need regular maintenance and can be a hassle to lug around. Enter solar power—a silent, clean, and maintenance-free alternative. With solar panels adorning your RV’s roof, you can harness the power of the sun to charge your batteries quietly and efficiently, without disturbing the peace of your surroundings.

Excuse 2: “I Have Lithium Batteries Already”

RV Lithium batteries are undoubtedly a fantastic energy storage solution for RVers. They’re lightweight, have a longer lifespan, and offer higher energy density compared to traditional lead-acid batteries. But here’s the kicker—lithium batteries need to be charged, and what better way to charge them than with free, clean, renewable solar energy? Solar power complements your lithium battery setup perfectly, providing a sustainable source of power to keep your RV running smoothly, no matter where your adventures take you.

Excuse 3: “Solar Installation is Too Much Work”

Yes, solar installation requires a bit of upfront effort, but trust us—it’s worth it. Think of it as an investment in your RV’s energy independence. Plus, with advancements in solar technology and easy-to-install kits available on the market, setting up solar panels on your RV has never been more straightforward. Once installed, your solar system requires minimal maintenance, giving you more time to focus on enjoying the journey rather than worrying about power.

Excuse 4: “Why Bother with Solar if It’s Not Sunny All the Time?”

Ah, the age-old misconception that solar power is only effective in sunny climates. While it’s true that solar panels perform best in direct sunlight, they can still generate power on cloudy days. Modern solar panels are designed to capture diffuse sunlight and convert it into electricity, albeit at a slightly reduced efficiency. Plus, with proper battery storage, you can store excess solar energy generated during sunny days to use when the skies are overcast. So, even if you’re chasing the sun in less-than-ideal weather conditions, solar power has your back.

The Bottom Line: Embrace the Sun

In conclusion, incorporating solar power into your RV setup is a game-changer that offers numerous benefits. It provides a clean, quiet, and sustainable source of energy, reduces reliance on noisy generators and fossil fuels, and enhances your RVing experience with newfound freedom and independence. So, whether you’re a seasoned RVer or a newbie hitting the road for the first time, don’t overlook the power of the sun—it’s your ticket to a brighter, greener, and more enjoyable journey on the open road.