What’s the Best Solar Panel for Your Pop-Up Camper

Are you looking to power your pop-up camper with clean energy? Solar panels are a great way to seamlessly integrate renewable energy into your camping trip. They can be installed in a matter of minutes and offer a reliable source of energy no matter where you’re camped. However, with numerous models on the market, it can seem daunting trying to decide which solar panel will work best for your needs. Fortunately, we've created this guide to help you learn some basics about solar panels for pop-up campers and help you choose the best solar panel for your pop-up camper.

 What is the Solar Panel for Pop-Up Camper

A solar panel for the pop-up camper is an energy-efficient unit that can generate electricity by using sunlight. It can convert the sun's energy into electricity to power up appliances like refrigerators or sound systems when you're on the go. There are typically two different kinds of solar panels available for pop-up campers: one is mounted on the top of the camper and the other can be moved around. 

While your pop-up camper is on the road or parked, the panels absorb sunlight and then convert it into direct current (DC). To ensure that the generated power is usable, an inverter is often installed to convert DC to alternating current (AC), a kind of electricity that your appliances use. With a solar panel for your pop-up camper, you can enjoy hours of uninterrupted power supply without worrying about running out of energy.

How Many Watts does a Pop-Up Camper Use?

Understanding your pop-up camper's power usage can help you decide the specifications of solar panels, so you will get enough power during the trip. The wattage of a pop-up camper will depend on its size, the number of appliances it has, and how often those appliances are in use. For example, a smaller pop-up camper that only has a few lights might use only a few hundred watts, while a larger one with a refrigerator and air conditioning could use upwards of 2,000 watts or more. On average, a standard pop-up camper may require around 1500-3000 watts of power.

How Many Solar Panels Needed for Pop-Up Camper?

To have a sufficient power supply and energy independence during your camping adventures, it’s necessary to know how many solar panels are needed for your pop-up camper. It depends on several factors. Besides knowing the power usage of your pop-up camper we have mentioned in the last section, you also need to examine the solar panels' wattage and their efficiency in converting sunlight into electricity.

Let's consider a specific example: Suppose your pop-up camper has an average daily energy consumption of 500 watt-hours (Wh) based on the appliances you use. You decide to install solar panels with a wattage rating of 100 watts per panel. To calculate the number of panels needed, divide the daily energy consumption (500 Wh) by the wattage of a single panel (100 watts). In this case, you would need 5 solar panels to meet your energy needs.

How to Choose Solar Panel for Pop-Up Camper

Now that you have had a general understanding of the energy consumption of your camper and the number of solar panels you will need, it’s time to choose solar panels for your pop-up camper, there are several factors you need to take into consideration-

Size

When choosing a solar panel for your pop-up camper, it's important to consider the size to ensure that it meets your energy needs, but is also compact enough to fit on your camper and easy to store when not in use. A panel that's too small may not produce the requisite amount of power to keep your camper's appliances running overnight. Conversely, a panel that's too large could be unwieldy as you try to store it for travel. The good news is that many manufacturers, like Anker, offer solar panels specifically designed for pop-up campers that are both powerful and compact.

Material

Material is another crucial factor to consider as it can affect the efficiency of the solar panel. There are a variety of options available, including monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film, each has its own strengths and weaknesses. Monocrystalline panels are efficient and long-lasting, while polycrystalline panels are more affordable. Thin-film panels are lightweight but less efficient. Among them, monocrystalline panels are the most popular on the market.

Durability

Since your solar panels will be exposed to the elements and constantly jostled as you travel down the road, durable solar panels are necessary for your pop-up camper. When making your decision, take note of the panel's warranty, as well as any protective features such as weather-resistant coating or impact resistance.

Portability

In addition to the size material, and durability, you also need to pay attention to the portability of the panel. A portable solar panel will make it easy to follow the sun's position, adjust your panel as needed, and maximize your energy intake. Furthermore, a lightweight panel may also save you on installation costs, as it can be attached more easily to your pop-up camper.

The Best Solar Panels for Pop-Up Camper

With so many options on the market, it can be tough to choose the best solar panel for your pop-up camper. To make things easier, we’ll introduce the two most popular Anker solar panels in this part.

Anker 625 Solar Panel

The Anker 625 Solar Panel is manufactured using high-quality monocrystalline material that guarantees superior efficiency and durability. It features a potent sunlight-trapping surface, which translates to a conversion efficiency rate as high as 23%. Apart from that, this 100W solar panel is compatible with Anker PowerHouse 521, 535, and 757, making it the perfect all-in-one power solution for a variety of outdoor activities like camping trips and road trips.

Additionally, this solar panel is lightweight and boasts two charging ports (USB-C and USB-A) so that two devices can charge simultaneously. What’s more, With the help of Suncast technology, you'll be able to correctly adjust the panels and maximize solar charging for superior energy absorption.

Anker 531 Solar Panel

With 200W solar input power, the Anker 531 Solar Panel is an ideal choice for your pop-up camper. This panel can power your most essential camping appliances, such as a lamp or mini fridge. Also, featured with an adjustable kickstand, it supports three-mode angle adjustments. You can seamlessly adjust the panel to 40°, 50°, or 60° for optimal solar power.

Moreover, due to its IP67 waterproof protection, the solar panel is capable of enduring even the toughest weather conditions to complement your adventurous lifestyle. Besides, it comes with short-circuit protection and over-voltage protection. This will keep you and your devices safe.

Conclusion

No matter what type of pop-up camper you own, finding the best solar panel is essential in order to take advantage of all of its features. Remember that you have to pay attention to factors such as size, material, durability, and portability before deciding on one. This will ensure that it has enough power to run all the equipment in your camper without issue. While higher-wattage panels may be better and are often more expensive, it's important to make sure that you still get a good value for your money. Ultimately, picking out the right solar panel for pop-up camper might require a bit of research, but it will be well worth the effort in the end. 

FAQ

What solar panel size do you need for a 12V fridge in your pop-up camper?

Using a 12 volt fridge for 12 hours a day can consume roughly 3 amps per hour, totaling 36 AH. To ensure efficient usage of the fridge alongside a 50AH battery, at least a 200 watt solar panel or two 100 watt solar panels are necessary.

Is a solar panel for pop-up camper worth it?

Adding solar panels is a great idea for any pop-up camper and will be a valuable addition. A solar panel can provide significant benefits for pop-up campers, allowing you to easily charge your small appliances and electronics while off-grid. Not only does this give you added convenience while on the road, but it can also save you money and reduce your environmental impact.