Best Reviewed Portable Solar Power Generators for 2018
All-time Portable Solar Panels in 2022
(Camp Addict does NOT accept payment from any company to review or endorse their products.)
Portable solar panels are a great style to recharge your RV batteries when dry camping.
With portable panels, you tin easily dip your toes in the solar power waters.
They are also swell if yous only need to generate electricity via solar energy on occasion.
As well, portable solar systems are a slap-up mode to complement an existing installation of rooftop panels.
They requite you a chip of flexibility when it comes to parking in less than ideal solar locations.
On this folio, you will find reviews of three different price points for portable solar panels.
You will too learn some things to consider earlier purchasing portable solar.
All About RV Solar Console Systems!
Beneath are reviews of the best portable solar panels.
If y'all desire to educate yourself more than about the technical details of a solar panel system, read our guide here.
All-time Portable Solar Panel Reviews
Nosotros narrowed down the many choices in solar ability to bear witness only the best portable solar panels.
Zamp is an manufacture leader in portable solar ability. They are a natural choice for inclusion.
They produce an awesome product and a broad variety of panel sizes. Yet, they have the well-nigh expensive portable RV solar panel kits.
Renogy offers a much more than limited selection of portable solar panels. Nevertheless, they have more than affordable solar power kit options.
Finally, if you don't want to spend much to get portable RV solar panels, look at our best on a budget solar panel kit. It isn't the best quality, but it will do the job.
Best Portable Solar Panels
Zamp Solar Panels
Pros
Zamp portable solar panels are some of the best portable folding solar console systems that money tin buy. But they aren't cheap.
Zamp portable solar power suitcases can cost twice what Renogy portable systems toll. Are they worth it?
That's for you lot to decide - we merely provide the facts about these solar console kits. Zamp does offering the widest range of console wattage choices.
In our book, choices are a proficient thing.
Proceed Reading Zamp Portable Solar Panel Review
Zamp makes its foldable solar panels in Curve, Oregon.
This separates them from other solar power manufacturers that have overseas manufacturing.
All Zamp's solar panels are of the higher quality monocrystalline type.
This ways they offer smaller overall dimensions for the same power output when compared to the cheaper polycrystalline solar panels.
Smaller is ever a adept affair when you lot are dealing with a portable solar panel organisation. Information technology helps keep the size and weight down.
Zamp Solar - Fabricated In The USA
Renogy portable solar panels also are monocrystalline, so they are a feasible consideration.
Simply what makes Zamp 'better'? A few things:
Zamp 90 Watt
Zamp 140 Watt
Zamp 180 Watt
Zamp 230 Watt
Ergonomics and Storage
Very high-quality latches secure the solar panel suitcase in the closed position while beingness stored.
It comes with a padded ballistic nylon case.
Each solar panel kit has an ergonomic handle. Carrying the folded up camper solar kit couldn't be easier.
Latch In Open up Position
Latch In Closed Position
Legs, Wires, and Connectors
The solar panel legs are adjustable.
That said, the amount of tilt will vary with the season and your location, depending on the angle of the sun.
All Zamp portable folding solar panels come with a 15-foot lead. Information technology runs from the mounted solar controller to the RV.
The ability lead has alligator clip electrical connectors. Simply connect them directly to your RV battery bank.
The alligator clips are removable, which reveal SAE connectors that can plug into the solar port of your motorhome or travel trailer.
(Some RVs come up from the factory with SAE mode solar connectors that allow easy connection of portable solar console arrangement.)
Electrical Lead
Conveying Instance
About the Accuse Controller...
Depending on the wattage of your Zamp portable solar power kit, you will take the post-obit rating on the included PWM solar charge controller:
- a 10-amp (90 and 140-watt systems)
- a 15-amp (180 and 230-watt systems)
All Zamp charge controllers are waterproof, which ways yous don't have to worry nigh them getting wet while outside.
Zamp solar accuse controllers accept 5 charge stages (soft, bulk, absorption, float, and equalization).
All manufacturers brand solar charge controllers that have bulk, assimilation, and float accuse modes (called a 3-stage charger).
The vast majority will as well take an equalization mode (4-stage charger).
Zamp 10-Amp Solar Charge Controller
Zamp 15-Amp Solar Charge Controller
The soft charge mode that is unique to Zamp controllers slowly ramps up the battery to 10 volts of accuse after it has suffered an extreme discharge.
This smells a little of marketing hype (soft accuse mode) to us, but we aren't electric engineers.
Other than the 'fancy' 5 charging modes, the Zamp solar controllers feature LED lights that display what charge manner is currently active likewise as RV battery status (voltage).
It's a pretty slick feature that allows for a glance to see what is going on.
The Zamp solar charge controller has a digital LCD display which cycles through the following readings:
- Battery voltage
- Charging electric current (amps going into battery banking concern)
- Charged chapters (amp-hours)
- Bombardment temperature reading (requires optional battery temperature sensor)
Zamp Portable Solar Panel Overview
Zamp Foldable Solar Panel Features and Specs:
- Bachelor in 90, 140, 180 and 230-watt versions
- Monocrystalline solar cells - made in the United states of america
- Anti-reflective coated drinking glass for maximum solar energy absorption, particularly at low sunlight angles
- Anodized aluminum frame
- Ergonomic carrying handle
- Precision machined butterfly clasps for secure closure of suitcase
- Tilt legs allow for precise solar panel angle adjustment to maximize the capture of solar energy
- Padded carrying case made from ballistic nylon
- 15-foot cable (from controller to RV) with alligator clip ends for direct connection to the battery bank, and SAE fashion connectors to plug directly into RV's solar port
- 25-year limited power output warranty (tiered)
Zamp 90-Watt Portable Solar Panel Specs:
- Maximum power output: five amps
- Open dimensions: 39.75" x 21.5" x 1.v"
- Airtight dimensions: 21.vi" x 21.five" x three.1"
- Weight: 27 pounds
Zamp 140-Watt Portable Solar Panel Specs:
- Maximum power output: 7.8 amps
- Open up dimensions: 39.4" ten 32.four" x 1.v"
- Airtight dimensions: 21.5" x 32.4" x iii.1"
- Weight: 32.75 pounds
Zamp 180-Watt Portable Solar Console Specs:
- Maximum power output: 10 amps
- Open dimensions: 40" ten 39.5" x ane.five"
- Closed dimensions: 21.5" x 39.5" x three.1"
- Weight: 34 pounds
Zamp 230-Watt Portable Solar Panel Specs:
- Maximum power output: 12.6 amps
- Open dimensions: 53.ane" x 39.5" x 1.5"
- Closed dimensions: 28" x 39.5" x 3.1"
- Weight: 47 pounds
Zamp Solar Charge Controller Features and Specs:
- PWM (pulse width modulation) solar charger controller
- Waterproof
- ten-amp solar controller (xc and 140 watt systems) or 15-amp controller (180 and 230-watt systems)
- five-stage charge controller (modes: soft charge, bulk charge, absorption charge, float charge, and equalization accuse)
- For use with lithium, flooded, gel, AGM, and calcium manner lead-acid batteries
- The regulator prevents battery overcharging
- Equalizes batteries every 28 days or if the battery is drained below 10 volts - Equalization mode simply for wet lead acid or calcium battery types
- Colored LEDs bespeak battery condition and controller operational status
- Digital LCD screen shows battery voltage, charging current (amps), charging capacity (amp hours), bombardment type (user selected), and fault codes
- Maximum wire approximate accepted: #12 AWG
- Optional battery temperature sensor to optimize charger performance based on the temperature of the battery banking concern
- one-year warranty
Best Value in Portable Solar Panels
Renogy Solar Panels
Pros
Cons
Renogy offers a cracking combination of price and functioning with their portable solar panel kits.
Both Camp Addict Co-Founders have a legacy 100-watt Renogy portable solar ability system. They used them for several years.
There are a few negatives to a Renogy system when compared to a Zamp portable solar arrangement.
But for the money, you cannot go wrong with a Renogy solar panel kit.
Eclipse Or 'Legacy'?
Renogy Eclipse foldable solar console kits are the latest applied science that features more than efficient solar panels. This means they are smaller and lighter than the (older) 'legacy' version, just the Eclipse does cost a bit more than.
Therefore, if you need a 100-watt solar power kit, simply decide if the price is the virtually important factor for you lot (legacy panel), or if y'all want smaller and lighter (Eclipse panel).
If y'all need a 200-watt solar panel arrangement, Eclipse is your but pick (available with and without a solar charge controller).
Eclipse 200W (WITH controller)
Eclipse 200W (NO controller)
Buy directly from Renogy and get an additional 10% off your solar console kit purchase. Utilise the coupon code below on the Renogy website (button below).
Get 10% Off Using Our Coupon Code: CampAddict
Yous get 10% off of any Renogy solar panel (or other products) purchase. Items on sale and batteries exempt from discount.
Continue Reading Renogy Portable Solar Panel Review
Wattage Options
Renogy offers 100-watt and 200-watt portable solar panel systems. Both feature monocrystalline solar power cells.
The 100-watt portable solar power system is bachelor in the older style panels (Legacy) and the newer Eclipse panel.
The 200-watt organisation is available only in the newer Eclipse portable solar panels.
All Renogy foldable solar panel kits use monocrystalline solar cells.
This allows them to be a smaller overall bundle size and weight when compared to the more than affordable polycrystalline solar panel kits.
Size Matters
With a portable solar system, size matters. The larger the size, the heavier the panels and the more space it takes up.
While monocrystalline solar cells are more expensive, having a more than compact size is worth the actress toll.
Renogy has newer fashion 100-watt and 200-watt portable solar panels. They telephone call them Eclipse.
The Eclipse camping solar panels are higher efficiency (make meliorate use of 'incoming' solar energy when converting it to usable electricity).
This makes them smaller sized and lighter than the legacy 100-watt portable solar panels.
Renogy Eclipse 100-Watt Console
Renogy Eclipse 200-Watt Panel
Back Of Renogy Eclipse Portable Solar Console
Renogy Eclipse Solar Panel Folded
Zamp VS Renogy
When compared to the all-time portable solar panels for camping, Zamp portable solar systems, the Renogy portable solar systems aren't built also.
They have lower quality overall. Also, they lack the features of the Zamp portable solar panels for RV use.
Having said that, Renogy makes very satisfactory products.
You cannot get wrong with them.
Even so, the main downside to Renogy foldable solar panels is they practise not offer the broad selection of wattage choices that Zamp does.
Latch In Open Position
Latch In Closed Position (Plus Handle)
Renogy Construction
Renogy folding solar panels take a sturdy aluminum frame.
Notwithstanding, their latching arrangement leaves much to be desired. It can give a bit of a hassle.
And the back up legs can be a bit shaky. Why? Their hold-down bolts tend to back out easily.
Neither of these 'issues' are deal-breakers, merely they are abrasive enough to share.
A very prissy padded case comes standard with the Renogy portable solar systems.
This provides acceptable protection while storing your panel.
Case With Solar Panel Inside
Please Alibi The Well Used Instance
Additionally, the back up legs are infinitely adjustable.
Therefore, you lot can adjust the tilt angle of the solar panels for maximum output.
Of course, the amount of tilt you demand depends on the time of twelvemonth and your location. Location determines the angle of the sun in the heaven and hence, the angle needed.
Connectors and Cables
Renogy portable RV solar panel kits come with a x-pes electrical pb that has alligator clip electric connectors.
This makes for an like shooting fish in a barrel connection to your RV battery banking concern.
There are MC4 style connectors near the alligator clip end of the lead.
This allows you lot to disconnect the alligator clips.
Then, yous tin can either connect the portable solar panels straight to a solar port on your RV, or extend the lead'south overall length if you want to add an extension cable.
Legacy 100-Watt Renogy Console
Legs Adjust To Tilt Panels
Charge Controller Data
The 100-watt and 200-watt Eclipse foldable solar panel, too as the legacy Renogy 100-watt solar suitcase, include a 20-amp solar charge controller (Renogy's Voyager model).
This is a 5-phase PWM charge controller. It's equipped with a digital LCD screen and LED indicator lights.
The screen shows RV battery charge information plus other of import information.
Its LED indicator lights show battery state of charge and which charge mode is currently agile.
Additionally, the Voyager xx-amp controller is waterproof. This is important considering information technology's going to 'live' outdoors in all types of atmospheric condition.
20-Amp Voyager Waterproof Controller
Accuse Controller Swing Mount (Older Style Controller)
Renogy Solar Panel Manufacturing
Renogy Portable Solar Panel Features and Specs:
- Available in 100-watt (Eclipse and legacy versions) and 200-watt (Eclipse) versions
- Monocrystalline solar panel cells
- Anti-reflective coated glass for maximum sunlight assimilation, especially at depression sun angles
- Aluminum frame
- Carrying handle
- Latches to secure solar panels in the closed position when non in employ
- Tilt legs allow for precise solar panel angle aligning to capture the solar energy
- Protective carrying case
- 10-foot cable (from controller to RV batteries) with alligator clip ends for direct connection to the battery banking company, and MC4 style connectors for easy lead extension
- 5-year textile and workmanship warranty. 25-year limited power output warranty (tiered). View warranty hither (PDF).
Eclipse 100-Watt Portable Solar Panel Specs:
- Maximum power output: five.6 amps
- Open dimensions: 42.two" x 21.five" x i.6"
- Closed dimensions: 21.i" x 21.5 x iii.i"
- Weight: 19.4 pounds
Eclipse 200-Watt Portable Solar Panel Specs:
- Maximum power output: 11.3 amps
- Open dimensions: 42.2" x 41.three" x i.6"
- Airtight dimensions: 21.1" 10 41.3" 10 3.1"
- Weight: 33.six pounds
Legacy 100-Watt Portable Solar Panel Specs:
- Maximum power output: 5.half-dozen amps
- Open dimensions: forty.2" x 27.iii" x 1.6"
- Closed dimensions: 20.1" ten 27.3" ten 3.1"
- Weight: 27.6 pounds
Renogy 'Voyager' Solar Charge Controller Features and Specs:
- 20-amp solar charger controller
- Waterproof
- PWM (pulse width modulation) solar controller
- v-stage charge controller (modes: soft charge, bulk charge, assimilation charge, float charge, and equalization accuse)
- For utilise with flooded, gel and AGM style lead-acrid batteries as well as lithium batteries
- Equalizes batteries if they fall below 11.5 volts or every 28 days
- The digital LCD screen shows battery voltage, charging current (amps), charged capacity (amp-hours), and battery temperate (if optional battery temp sensor is used). Any error codes volition likewise show on the LCD.
- LED lights show current charge way also equally battery state of charge
- Maximum wire gauge accepted: #10 AWG
- Includes bombardment temperature sensor (to optimize charger performance based on temperature of battery banking concern).
- ane-yr warranty
Best Portable Solar Panels on a Budget
Eco-Worthy Solar Panels
Pros
Cons
Eco-Worthy portable solar panels for camping are one of the well-nigh affordable ways to get solar free energy into your batteries.
But, are they worth the small savings compared to getting a substantially improve portable solar system?
We think not, but information technology's up to you.
Certain, you lot tin save a trivial nether $100 by going with an Eco-Worthy portable solar kit versus a Renogy solar system. However, yous'll brand some sacrifices.
You get cheap structure and a solar charge controller giving cypher information about your state of charge.
120-Watt Organization
Continue Reading Eco-Worthy Portable Solar Console Review
Camp Addict Co-Founder Kelly was gifted an Eco-Worthy portable RV solar panel kit.
So, we take showtime-hand knowledge of what you get when you choose this solar power option.
Be prepared to deal with a very cheaply constructed solar suitcase.
Who Is The Eco-Worthy Line of Panels For?
They suit the camper/RVer who doesn't very oftentimes demand solar ability for camping and doesn't care nigh having the best portable solar panels for RV utilize.
If you practise a lot of boondocking and/or like to meet what is going on with the charge and bombardment states, become a different portable solar power arrangement.
Monocrsystalline Solar Panel
Monocrsystalline Solar Console
Panel Construction
As has been noted, these are cheaply synthetic.
They have legs that bend if you look at them sideways, and it has no carrying case.
These are just a few of the downsides to going with Eco-Worthy solar panels for camping.
There is an aluminum frame for the Eco-Worthy portable solar panels, and folding aluminum legs.
However, the legs are not adjustable.
Therefore, you cannot control the tilt bending of the solar panels to adjust for varying lord's day angles.
The aluminum folding mechanism bends VERY easily.
If they should bend (and they will), they're difficult to fold back into the stored position.
Legs Do Not Adapt For Panel Tilt
It comes with a carrying handle
Also, it has a fairly decent latching system (better than Renogy) to secure the solar suitcase in the closed position.
Latch In Open Position
Latch In Closed Position (Plus Handle)
Connectors and Wires
ten feet of electrical lead is included with alligator prune style electrical connectors to connect direct to your RV battery bank.
The wire is very small-scale, which allows Eco-Worthy to save money.
Yet, this doesn't help with power transmission between the portable solar panels and your RV bombardment bank.
Also, at that place are no boosted electric connector types included (which come standard with the other reviewed portable solar systems). Therefore, you cannot easily extend the atomic number 82.
Backside
Folded
Accuse Controller Information
The included xv-amp solar charger controller is equally basic as it comes.
It is a 3-stage charge controller, whereas the competition comes with either a 4 or a 5-stage charge controller.
15-Amp Solar Charge Controller
In that location is NO display of whatsoever type on the connected solar charger controller.
This means you have absolutely no thought what charge mode information technology is in.
Y'all don't know what the land of charge of the battery banking concern is.
Y'all are given zero useful information about your portable solar organization.
There is only a single green LED. It indicates that the solar battery charge controller is receiving power and functioning.
So Who Benefits?
Therefore, why would anyone buy an Eco-Worthy camper solar kit equally it's far from existence the best solar panels for RV apply?
Nifty question!
The simply scenario we tin see this being a viable pick is if you lot don't need a portable solar panel for camping except on the rare occasion. Or, if you have an extremely tight budget.
If this is you, then the cheap structure and lack of information provided by the solar bombardment charge controller might be something you can live with.
If you rely on solar power to go on your RV batteries charged, we strongly recommend sending a little more money.
This means going with one of the other reviewed portable RV solar console options.
Knowing what your RV batteries are doing is vital in keeping them from dying prematurely. This ways having a solar battery charger controller that gives y'all the necessary information.
This is not the example with the Eco-Worthy foldable solar panels.
Eco-Worthy Portable Solar Panel Features and Specs:
- Monocrystalline solar ability cells
- Aluminum frame
- Carrying handle
- Latches to secure foldable solar panels in airtight position when not in utilize
- Protective carrying instance NOT INCLUDED
- x-foot cable (from controller to RV) with alligator prune ends for direct connectedness to the RV battery bank
- 5-year material and workmanship warranty. 25-yr limited ability output warranty (tiered).
120-Watt (Mono Cells) Portable Solar Panel Specs:
- Maximum ability output: 7.3 amps
- Open dimensions: 62" x xx" ten ane.5"
- Airtight dimensions: 31" ten 20" ten 2.8"
- Weight: 26.v pounds
Solar Charge Controller Features and Specs:
- PWM (pulse width modulation) solar charger controller
- Waterproof (sort of): IP22 rated (which is protection from vertically dripping h2o, as well known as the lowest waterproof rating, so it'south best to keep information technology from becoming wet)
- 15-amp solar battery controller
- 3-stage charger controller (modes: bulk charge, assimilation charge, and float charge)
- No equalization accuse mode
- For utilize with flooded, gel, and AGM style lead-acid batteries (Not compatible with lithium batteries)
- The regulator prevents RV battery overcharging
- No digital display and then you cannot tell what mode charger is in, what amperage it'due south sending to the bombardment bank or any other data about battery or charge condition.
- Green LED light that indicates the accuse controller is powered up and operation
- No user-adjustable settings
Portable Solar Panel Purchase Considerations
Below we offering some boosted things to consider when shopping for the all-time solar panels for RV bombardment charging.
Also, y'all volition notice information on what to practise if your camper has a Zamp solar port.
Waterproof Solar Charger Controllers
The all-time RV solar panels come up with a solar bombardment accuse controller that is waterproof.
That said, in that location was a fourth dimension when Renogy'southward solar controllers were not waterproof.
However, they have since corrected this and are using waterproof charger controllers.
So, both Zamp and Renogy controllers on the foldable solar panels are waterproof.
If y'all happen to purchase a portable solar panel without a waterproof controller, exist very mindful of the wet weather.
Solar Panel Electrical Connectors
Another key matter to ponder before you pull the trigger on purchasing a portable solar power system is what type of electrical connectors it uses.
To be honest, this isn't a deal-breaker. Electrical connectors can be changed if necessary.
Nigh users of portable solar systems won't intendance what type of connectors come with a portable solar power system.
Often, they'll utilize the supplied wiring harness and alligator clips to connect straight to their RV battery banking concern.
Alligator Clips
Alligator Clips In Use
If your RV comes with a pre-wired solar port that you plug portable solar panels into, pay attention to what type of connectors a detail solar console kit has before you buy.
Or, only change the connector ends.
That said, if you lot want to put your portable solar console farther abroad from your motorhome or travel trailer, you'll need extension cables.
In that case, y'all must know what blazon of connectors your camper solar panels have. Then, you can buy a compatible extension.
MC4 Connector Apart
MC4 Connector Together
This may not surprise you, but each manufacturer of portable solar systems has its thought of which connector is best.
Just similar they have their idea of how to program a solar controller. Permit'southward hear information technology for industry standards! (LOL)
Some of the more common solar wiring connectors include:
SAE Connector Separated
SAE Connector Together
Solar console kit wiring connectors aren't something to lose sleep over. Worst-case scenario, you lot buy the connectors needed and change them out.
For nearly users of portable solar panels, what comes with the system is good enough.
Solar Panel Extension Cables
Portable solar panels have one big advantage over rooftop-mounted solar panels. The ability to motion panels to a location that has total lord's day.
Also, you can angle them to point directly towards the sun throughout the 24-hour interval, maximizing solar energy harvesting.
Trust united states of america, it comes in very handy to have a bit more ability cable than comes standard with the portable panels.
Indeed, this can assist keep your panel in the lord's day. Accept no fear, you tin purchase extension cables.
Nosotros BOTH have used them and nosotros both HIGHLY recommend getting extensions.
The most usually available extension cables (the ones with the correct size/judge wire and multiple length options) take MC4 connectors on the ends.
These are the connectors that come with Renogy portable solar panels. Zamp portable panels use SAE connectors.
It'due south a lot harder to notice the properly sized wire in this style of an extension cord.
Zamp does offering the xv-foot extension string, only sometimes it'due south not available on Amazon.
Don't forget to choose what wire guess and wire length you want for your solar panel extension wires.
Solar Extension Cables (MC4 Connector)
Zamp solar panel extension cord (part number ZSHE15N) is 10 AWG wire and only comes in a 15-pes length. It has SAE connectors.
Zamp Extension Cable (SAE Connector)
Like shooting fish in a barrel Portable Solar Panel Concur Downward
Portable solar panels for camping 'live' on the ground. There, they can be afflicted past high winds.
Winds tin can easily flip them over and crusade damage.
Fortunately, it's like shooting fish in a barrel to rig upward a hold-down organization that prevents this.
All You Need for an Easy, Affordable Solar Console Hold Downwards
For portable solar panels that have a Renogy style leg setup, you lot need:
- a metal fence mail service
- a 5-gallon collapsible water jug or the like
The metallic argue mail sits on pinnacle of the legs. The filled 5-gallon h2o jug sits on top of the fence post.
You cease up with 40+ pounds of water holding the panel in one identify. (Bonus- if at that place is no more than wind in the forecast, you accept spare water.)
Solar Panel Hold Downwards Setup
Both Army camp Addict Co-Founders Kelly and Marshall employ this exact setup to secure their Renogy 100-watt portable solar panels.
This has worked in some pretty extreme winds. We have still to experience solar panel flipping using this method.
(Update- Kelly shattered ane console by not securing it down in Moab in 2018. Inquire her if it is the only 1 she has broken...)
Discover How the Metallic Mail service Goes Over the Legs
If your portable solar console has legs like the current designed Zamp portable panels, you will merely need the collapsible 5-gallon h2o bag.
Place it over the leg'southward horizontal support.
You won't need the metal fence post because of the 'built-in' horizontal support.
five-Gallon Collapsible Water Container
Practise Yous Have A Zamp Sidewall Solar Port?
Some RVs come from the factory with a Zamp Sidewall Solar Port. This port is an SAE connector.
It allows you to plug in a foldable solar panel. In other words, the RV is pre-wired to 'take' a portable solar console.
Does this hateful that you are only able to use Zamp portable solar panels with this setup?
Nope!
YOU Can Utilise ANY BRAND!
BUT, exist aware that the Zamp Sidewall Solar Port is reverse polarity (positive side goes to the negative battery last and vice versa).
This can create large problems if you just willy-nilly plug in a foldable solar console that is wired 'correctly'.
As in, things volition fry!
Have no fear! As long as you are aware, there is a simple workaround.
If you want to go with something else as well a Zamp system, you lot can.
Merely purchase ane, or both, of the below adapters, and you are in business organization.
If your portable solar panel of choice has an SAE connector, only purchase the SAE polarity reverser connector below.
Problem solved!
If you are wanting to plug in a portable solar panel (such as the Renogy portable solar systems) with MC4 connectors, you lot demand to purchase just the SAE to MC4 adapter shown below. Why? This particular adapter handles the polarity reversing.
Bingo! You are in business!
SAE Polarity Reverser
SAE to MC4 Adapter POLARITY REVERSING
Solar Bombardment Maintainers
If you don't need a portable solar system to keep your batteries charged WHILE camping, you lot can benefit from solar charging while your unit is stored.
Simply apply a solar battery maintainer. It keeps your RV house batteries charged when stored and not connected to power.
There is always a slight draw on your batteries when you are not plugged in.
Because of this, over time, the batteries bleed, unless you have some fashion to maintain the charge.
Solar battery maintainers (chargers) are available at many price points and many power outputs.
Be aware that cheaper products will most likely accept low wattage solar panels.
They may non be able to maintain your RVs firm battery bank at a fully charged state.
OR, they may come with a cheap solar battery controller that isn't 'smart'. This tin harm your batteries.
The below featured solar bombardment maintainer by BatteryMINDer comes with a xv-watt solar panel and solar controller.
Information technology will non overcharge your RV house battery bank. Also, it tin exist permanently mounted.
Otherwise, information technology comes with legs that allow for temporary installation.
Yous tin read the education manual (PDF) to find out how to properly utilize it.
BatteryMINDer Model SCC515-15 (xv-Watt Organization)
BatteryMINDer Solar Console
BatteryMINDer Solar Controller
Conclusion
Portable solar panels for campers are a nifty way to charge your RV bombardment bank. It uses gratis solar free energy, courtesy of the sun.
While a portable solar system isn't for anybody, it is a viable choice if your camping style includes boondocking or dry camping ground.
If you military camp off-filigree for long enough periods where your batteries would be drained from normal use, solar power is an crawly solution.
Your neighbors will thank y'all if y'all are using sunlight to charge your batteries instead of using a generator for RV utilize.
Now you have a better understanding of what is available when information technology comes to portable motorhome or travel trailer solar panels.
Start enjoying the free solar energy today!
Camp on, Addicts!
Kelly Beasley
He-llllo. I'm the co-founder of Camp Addict, which my biz partner and I launched in 2017. I frigging love the RVing lifestyle but in Dec of 2020, I converted to part-time RV life. Heck, I lived in my travel trailer for over 5.5 years, STRICTLY boondocking for pretty much all of it. Boondocking is a Swell way to alive, just information technology's not easy. Anyhow, I'm passionate about animals, can't stand campgrounds, I hardly always cook, and I love a good dance party. Currently, I tin exist found plotting and scheming whether or non to starting time collecting farm animals (or plotting my next RV trip!) at my beautiful new 'ranch' named 'Hotel Kellyfornia', in Southern Arizona.
Marshall Wendler
Army camp Addict co-founder Marshall Wendler brings his technical expertise to aid explain RV products in an easy to understand mode. Full-time RVing from April 2014 - Dec 2020 (at present RVing well-nigh 50% of the time), Marshall loves sharing his knowledge of the RV lifestyle. Marshall spends the majority of his RVing life boondocking. He is the office of Campsite Addict that knows 'all the things'. He's good at sharing his technical knowledge then yous can do good.
Other Manufactures You lot Should Read
Source: https://campaddict.com/reviews/electrical/portable-solar-panels/
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