I recently bought a beautiful pop-up camper. But the power system was outdated, So I researched the best solar panel for pop-up campers. In this article, you will learn a lot about the following :

Solar systems do not have to be complicated, and with a bit of research, the correct tools, and a few practical skills, you can also install a solar panel to your pop-up camper.

Pop up camper by the sea

Common Questions About Solar Systems

In my quest to find the perfect solar panel and ultimately the best solar system for my pop-up camper, I had to answer the following questions first:

What Materials Do I Need For A Solar System?

I realized very fast that I didn't only need a solar panel for my pop-up camper but also required other components, so here is a list:

I have to add that it is recommended to use an approved technician for any installation.

See also: Best Solar Panels for RV: Your Ultimate Guide to Optimal Off-Grid Living

How Much Power Do I Need?

This question was not easy to answer, and I had to analyze what my power needs were going to be. Lighting, heating, refrigeration, and charging play a role here.

The best option I had was to install a solar system for my lights, charging needs, and water pump. I opted to run my water heating and refrigeration on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

The points to consider are:

What size solar panel do I need?

Solar panels come in different sizes and wattage ratings, so finding the right panels to mount on the pop-up camper can be challenging.

Here is what I needed to get from my power source:

So my total consumption would be 690 watts together; I won't always run everything simultaneously. I usually pump out enough water to get me through the night so that the solar panel can charge the battery to full capacity

I also make sure that I charge my electronics during the day so that I do not tap into my reserves.

We divide the daily watts needed by the number of sun charge hours for the season to get the panel size (for summer conditions).

After I did these calculations, I opted for two 120-watt foldable solar panels. I made this decision to ensure that I would get enough charge from my panels.

What Battery Do I Need For A Solar System?

There are many different batteries on the market, so which one do we choose? We are going to look at deep cycle batteries.

Deep cycle batteries come in 6-volt, 12-volt, 24-volt, and 36-volt variants. All variants obviously have different prices so make sure to do your homework.

Below is a calculation you can use to make sure that the battery you choose will work for you:

If you choose a 12-volt battery and it is 200 AH or amps per hour, you can work out the number of hours you would be able to run a certain amount of watts on it.

12V X 200AH = 2400WH, which is the watt-hours, but most batteries should not be discharged by 50 %, so we now only have 1200 watt-hours.

Using a single 12-volt battery for only my lights would mean that I can get 40 hours of use without charge; using my chargers and lights will still give me 5.7 hours of use without charging.

It's why I charge my electronics during the day and pump my water during the day. This way, the solar panels can keep my battery fully charged.

You can also use a 24-volt battery, which would double the watt hours, or even a 36-volt battery, which will triple.

Remember to get a charge regulator; otherwise, you might damage the battery from overcharging or drainage.

What Size Inverter Should I Get?

Inverters are a crucial part of the solar system for a pop-up camper, and they range in size from 120 watts to 20000 watts. The inverter converts power from the 12 volts it gets from the battery to 110 or even 220 volts in some other countries.

Before buying an inverter, it is essential to understand that it has continuous power and spike or peak power. That means that even though some inverters say it is 2000w on surge power, it can handle that load for a short time.

Some appliances like fridges only pull strong currents when the compressor kicks in, which is the peak rating we are talking about in this case.

Using inverters to double the wattage rate is common to compensate for the surge rating. So even though I only require 690 watts of current, I decided to get an inverter rated at 1100watt. It has a peak power of about 2200 watts that way, it ensures that I will have enough current to handle the load.

Best Solar Panel For A Pop Up Camper

Solar power has really changed the way we look at power solutions in terms of leisure vehicles. I still remember going to campsites where nearly everyone had a generator. Boy, those gas guzzlers can sure cause a ruckus; let's look at some tips for solar panels on a pop-up camper.

In most cases, it is a very good idea to install the entire solar system by a qualified solar technician. I did my own installation with the assistance of a qualified electrician. How do I know I am getting the best solar panel for my pop-up camper? Here is some info:

Solar panels need to catch as much sun as possible that is why some camping fans prefer to keep their solar systems mobile, but moving the camper in line with the sun's direction also works.

As mentioned earlier, I opted for two 120-watt foldable solar panels from Aeiusny. I chose these panels because they are mobile and easy to store. It was also affordable in comparison to some other solar panels.

Choosing Solar Inverters For A Pop Up Camper

There are a lot of choices in this case, and it is crucial to make a well-informed decision on this front, seeing as the inverter is a critical part of a solar system.

In the case of sourcing a solar system for a pop-up camper, it is crucial to understand that we need an off-grid inverter. Here is a list based on specific criteria.

One of the best value inverters that are also cost-effective is the GoWise power 1000w inverter. I did not go for this option because the output was more than I needed.

So I went for a Krieger 1100 watt inverter because it was in the mid-cost region and also carried a decent warranty.

Choosing Solar Batteries For A Pop Up Camper

Like with the inverter, we will look at the price and quality of batteries for a pop-up camper. Here it is essential to get the battery with the correct voltage.

Once again, Renogy 200ah would be the option, but I went with something cheaper and opted for the Mightymax 12 volt 200ah battery.

Tips To Install Solar Systems On A Pop Up Camper

Here are some tips for doing a solar system installed on a pop-up camper :

Doing a solar system installed on a pop-up camper is not that complicated because it is a mobile install, and it is mostly plug-in and use, but some things require basic skills.

Resources