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.