Recommended Solar Panels For RV Use in All Weather & Conditions

Question:

Im looking for solar panels to charge standard deep cycle 12 volt 950 cold cranking batteries for periods of time in between use the solar panels need to be able to be mounted and exposed to all weather and conditions and speeds of 70 mph

asked by: Matt H

Expert Reply:

So there are a couple really good options for solar panels for the roof of your RV for all types of elements, depending on the power you need. For both wind and all weather, I highly recommend rigid panels over flex panels to resist the wind. And for a controller, an MPPT is necessary, particularly if you are in colder weather, as this type of controller is much more efficient and optimizes the charge your batteries get. Here are the options for you:

- 200 Amp Hours of AGM/100 Amp Hours of Lithium: Go Power Rigid Eclipse Solar Charging System with MPPT Solar Controller - 190 Watt Solar Panel # GP97MR

- 800 Amp Hours of AGM or Lithium: Go Power Solar AE-4 All Electric System with MPPT Solar Controller - 760 Watt Solar Panels # 342-75010

If you're somewhere in between you can add an expansion kit to the # GP97MR that gives you another 190 watt panel, the Go Power Rigid Eclipse Expansion Kit # GP47MR.

The solar panels on both are weatherproof and impact resistant, and their frames are made from anodized aluminum which means they won't rust in the elements. The only other thing you may need, if you go with the # 342-75010, is an inverter, the Go Power Heavy-Duty Modified Sine Wave Inverter # 34280176.