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.
Zack
Sunday 18th of April 2021
How come these "Hightec" panels did not make the cut?
https://www.continuousresources.com/products/hightec-solar-210w-36-cell-12v-nominal-solar-panel-6-busbar?currency=USD&variant=31252966637699&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&gclid=Cj0KCQjw38-DBhDpARIsADJ3kjnaLv1VrnL-DoCsWQJ1ZDdiZU-iobwHQ-8V1wjDEVxium1d9xDSghAaApyFEALw_wcB
Are the stretching the truth about their rating?
Flash Buddy
Friday 26th of March 2021
I'm getting the idea that it doesn't matter what voltage panels output since I'm seeing voltages all over the map. ERGO I'm guessing the charge controller deals with what voltage one sends down the pipe?!
Fran
Thursday 18th of March 2021
I know you've written a post on mixing solar panels with different wattage, but can I mix the same watt panels from different manufacturers/brands? I am looking at marine walkable solar panels to make a deck on part of my van, but they are expensive and I'd like to mix them with less expensive panels from another brand. Is this possible? Thanks!
Ken
Friday 27th of November 2020
What are your thoughts about residential panels? Seems like there is incredible value in this market (e.g. 330 Watt panels for $140.00). Two manufactures stand out: Longi and Q Cells.
Nate Yarbrough
Tuesday 8th of December 2020
They are fine. When comparing price, though... be sure to account for shipping. Most of the panels in the $.50 range do not include free shipping; and shipping a panel that size can cost hundreds of dollars.
Tess
Monday 12th of October 2020
Hey Nate,
I bought ur 3000W inverter 4-6 battle born batteries 600w solar diagram.
I’m pretty much done setting up my electrical. I just need to wire to my alternator. Wiring from inside through the driver side where can I find the easiest way to wire to the alternator? I have a 2020 159 2500 promaster. If you have any pics that could help me as well that would be great.
Thank you, Tess