There are 1000’s of different brands and types of solar panels on the market and this list will show you some of the best and most commonly used solar panels that have time-over-time shown good results and durability for installation in mobile applications like camper vans, RVs, truck campers, 5th wheels, and bumper pull campers. These solar panels are mostly similar in quality but vary a bit in size and wattage per square foot. Take a look at the chart and info below to find the solar panel that will best meet the needs of your DIY camper van electrical build.
DIY Camper Van Solar Panels Cheatsheet
The table below shows many different options for camper solar panels with several different important data points for determining which solar panel is right for your setup. Click any of the headings to sort the table by that column and be sure to scroll/swipe left and right to see more values.
Options for DIY Camper Van Solar Panels:
This 100 Watt solar panel from Rich Solar measures 20.1 inches wide by 46.7 inches long resulting in 15.35 watts per square foot. It has an open circuit voltage of 22.8 volts and a short circuit current of 5.78 volts. Click the 'Read More' button to view current pricing and more information.
This 200 Watt solar panel from Rich Solar measures 26.8 inches wide by 58.7 inches long resulting in 18.31 watts per square foot. It has an open circuit voltage of 24.3 volts and a short circuit current of 10.2 volts. Click the 'Read More' button to view current pricing and more information.
This 50 Watt solar panel from Renogy measures 19.6 inches wide by 23.7 inches long resulting in 15.5 watts per square foot. It has an open circuit voltage of 21.8 volts and a short circuit current of 3.1 volts. Click the 'Read More' button to view current pricing and more information.
This 100 Watt solar panel from Renogy measures 21 inches wide by 40.9 inches long resulting in 16.77 watts per square foot. It has an open circuit voltage of 21.2 volts and a short circuit current of 6.1 volts. Click the 'Read More' button to view current pricing and more information.
This 300 Watt solar panel from Renogy measures 39.06 inches wide by 64.75 inches long resulting in 17.09 watts per square foot. It has an open circuit voltage of 38.8 volts and a short circuit current of 9.71 volts. Click the 'Read More' button to view current pricing and more information.
This 320 Watt solar panel from Renogy measures 39.5 inches wide by 65.6 inches long resulting in 17.79 watts per square foot. It has an open circuit voltage of 40.1 volts and a short circuit current of 10.08 volts. Click the 'Read More' button to view current pricing and more information.
This 100 Watt solar panel from Renogy measures 19.6 inches wide by 42.2 inches long resulting in 17.41 watts per square foot. It has an open circuit voltage of 21.6 volts and a short circuit current of 6.24 volts. Click the 'Read More' button to view current pricing and more information.
This 50 Watt solar panel from NewPowa measures 19.88 inches wide by 23.07 inches long resulting in 15.7 watts per square foot. It has an open circuit voltage of 20.23 volts and a short circuit current of 3.12 volts. Click the 'Read More' button to view current pricing and more information.
This 180 Watt solar panel from NewPowa measures 26.57 inches wide by 58.35 inches long resulting in 16.72 watts per square foot. It has an open circuit voltage of 19.84 volts and a short circuit current of 11.75 volts. Click the 'Read More' button to view current pricing and more information.
This 100 Watt solar panel from NewPowa measures 19.88 inches wide by 44.49 inches long resulting in 16.29 watts per square foot. It has an open circuit voltage of 21.6 volts and a short circuit current of 6.25 volts. Click the 'Read More' button to view current pricing and more information.
This 200 Watt solar panel from NewPowa measures 26.57 inches wide by 64.57 inches long resulting in 16.79 watts per square foot. It has an open circuit voltage of 20.23 volts and a short circuit current of 12.45 volts. Click the 'Read More' button to view current pricing and more information.
mark
Monday 20th of June 2022
good morning, I am building a solar system for my TT and will use Rich Solar 200W panels (good fit for space). It is a 12 V system with 2 100Ahr batteries. I will start with 4 panels but will upgrade to 6 over time. My question is would you recommend using the 12V or 24V version panels...I have done the diagrams and know the numbers for MPPT controller specs (current one is 100V/40A but willing to change) and wires I would need for each configuration, but really looking for a recommendation of balance of volts/amps to determine best configuration, efficiency...
12V panels Definity look to push more amps to keep volts similar to 24V?
Leaning towards 2 in series/sets in parallel: 4-panel 75.2V/10.64A or 6-panel 75.2V/15.96A
Voltage climbs pretty high with 3 in series?
John Guinasso
Saturday 23rd of October 2021
Your teaching technique is commendable, and the content delivery is well done. As many in this forum have already said, you do a great job of delivering complex subject matter in an understandable manner. You have created, in a previous session, a Solar Charger Controller Calculator which works great. Might you have (or would you consider creating the same type of calculator for wiring size, length, amps, volts, fuse size. It would really help those of us that have difficulty figuring out those piece of the design. Thanks and I hope you will consider creating it if it doesn't already exist.
Nate Yarbrough
Wednesday 1st of December 2021
Sure! Already available: https://www.explorist.life/wire-sizing-calculator/
Kirk Brackebusch
Thursday 7th of October 2021
What about the rich solar CIGS panels. Since my boat is...weight sensitive and will not have a generator - cost is less of an issue. Performance is my only concern. And I am guaranteed to get some shading from the mast.
The cigs are supposed to work better with partial shading and they do not degrade as fast in the heat.
David M
Saturday 26th of June 2021
The voltages of the 100w panels are very similar to the voltages of the 200w panels that have twice the wattage. Why is that? If I want 400w of total panels on the roof of my van and am wiring in series does this mean that four panels instead of two will give me better panel efficiency in winter due to a higher total array voltage? I’ll be buying an MPPT controller sufficient for my loads later.
Andrew Bishop
Friday 18th of June 2021
What’s your opinion / thoughts on flexible panels? Thinking of using a few bc of the top curve of an airstream.