Those who use their RV for camping and long road trips know that there’s nothing quite like living on the road in a comfortable space. You save money that would otherwise go towards lodging, but you might still want to enjoy the modern amenities that come with staying in an RV. Whether you want to power essential electronics or the lights, an RV solar battery charger could prove itself useful here.
This guide will discuss why an RV solar battery charger is a necessity rather than a luxury. We will unveil some of our best options for you to choose from, based on your specific needs.
Why Do You Need an RV Solar Battery Charger?
Your RV relies on deep-cycle batteries to power all its components, including interior lighting, water pumps, television, kitchen appliances, and more. Simply put, it’s something you’ll need to have for those off-grid adventures. The key point to remember is that such batteries can’t depend on shore power or your vehicle’s alternator to stay operational.
That’s why an RV solar battery charger should be an excellent investment. They are high-quality and will come in handy wherever you are on the road. Here are some examples of what one can do:
- It converts sunlight into energy that will recharge the battery.
- Provides power that is silent and emission-free. Ideal for those seeking sustainable power solutions.
- Maintains good battery health while preventing sulfation and discharge due to idling.
- Provides you with the freedom to go off-grid without relying on other power sources.
The one thing to remember is that no RV solar battery charger is equal to others on the market. You’ll want to find one that will handle the job of charging your battery. Not to mention, the size of your RV will play a factor as well. Smaller RVs will rely on smaller-sized batteries, and larger RVs will use larger batteries, mainly because larger RVs have more components to power.
If, for example, you have a larger RV, a solar battery charger made for smaller models might not be effective. It could take longer for a battery to charge. Aside from the battery it can charge, you’ll want to consider a solution that has excellent durability, efficiency, portability, and ease of use.
What Should You Look For in an RV Solar Battery Charger?
An RV battery charger will have numerous distinctive characteristics. You must consider the following features and attributes.
Panel Wattage
The wattage of the solar panel determines how fast it takes to replenish the battery. RVs tend to use 10W to 45W panels for the purpose of maintenance charging.
Most modern off-grid RV setups use 100W to 400W or larger solar arrays to support daily energy needs. It's important to distinguish these systems from maintenance charging systems:
- Maintenance Charging: Uses small panels (5W–50W) to keep RV batteries topped off during storage, preventing self-discharge. Not designed to run appliances.
- Off-Grid Solar Arrays: Use larger panels (100W–400W+) to power appliances and recharge batteries during daily off-grid use. These systems support devices like lights, fridges, and fans, enabling off-grid living rather than just battery upkeep.
In summary, maintenance chargers maintain battery health during inactivity, while off-grid solar arrays provide the power needed for daily RV use and appliances.
Portability and Mounting Options
An attribute that always makes an RV solar battery charger even more useful is portability. Taking it wherever you go will be essential, especially if it provides portable power. You want one with flexible mounting solutions, meaning it takes less time to install and break down. Flexible storage for portability will also apply. Some battery chargers may feature a permanent roof installation that might be more complex.
Charge Controller
One feature of an RV solar battery charger is a charger controller. This controller regulates the voltage and current to prevent overcharging, damage to the battery, and overnight backflow. Most high-quality solar battery chargers must include a charge controller, especially for lithium or AGM batteries.
Weather Resistance
Of course, the battery charger will remain outdoors at all times, so it makes sense that weather resistance is a non-negotiable thing. It needs to be constructed to withstand numerous weather elements such as rain, snow, wind, etc. Not to mention, it should also be resistant to cold or hot weather.
Battery Compatibility
Since RVs have deep-cycle batteries, compatibility is important. Specifically, such batteries are 12V and may either be flooded, lead-acid, or AGM (unless otherwise noted). Before choosing a battery charger, you will need to double-check the type of battery you have.
The Best RV Solar Battery Charger Options from Battery Tender
Now that you have an idea of what to look for in RV solar battery chargers, we will be taking a look at the following list of what we suggest for your power needs. Carefully review each option to decide if it fits your RV’s battery, your budget, and other deciding factors.
17 Watt Mountable Solar 12V Battery Charger with Solar Controller
The first option will be the 17 Watt Mountable Solar 12V Battery Charger with Solar Controller. To begin, this features a mountable design that you can use for your RV, which will allow you to use the sun to draw in the energy it needs to recharge your battery, keeping all its functions operational. It has an LED light indicator that will display the charging status, letting you know if the battery is good to go or still needs to be charged. It’s IP67 rated, providing you with excellent weather resistance. You’ll have confidence knowing that you’ll have a charger that won’t quit when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
This charger also comes with an easy-to-use solar controller. It will prevent overcharging and any discharge that may occur with a battery linked to an idle RV, perfect for setting up shop or storing it for the winter.
Key Features:
- IP67 rated for water resistance.
- Has an output of 12V at 17 watts.
- Compatible with AGM, GEL, Lithium, and Standard (Sealed or Flooded Lead Acid) batteries.
35 Watt Mountable Solar 12V Battery Charger with Solar Controller
If you want something that has double the wattage of the previous option, this is it. At 35 watts, this RV solar battery charger will prove its worth as your best portable solution for larger RVs. It has a solar panel designed to convert sunlight into the energy your battery needs to power all of your essential components. With four mounting holes, you will be able to install it quickly, so you can use it as soon as possible.
The solar controller will also have its uses. It prevents overcharging and battery discharge with the help of the 3-step charging process the controller has, and it gives you peace of mind knowing you have a battery charger that will make sure your RV’s battery keeps things powered. Keep in mind that these are maintenance-level solar chargers, not full-scale RV solar systems, and are not sufficient to run energy-hungry appliances (like air conditioning, microwaves, or TVs) directly or even recharge a heavily used RV battery daily.
Key Features:
- Larger solar panel compared to the 17 watt charger.
- Has an output of 12V at 35 watts.
- Compatible with AGM, GEL, Lithium, and Standard (Sealed or Flooded Lead Acid) batteries.
Choose an RV Solar Battery Charger That Fits You Best
When it comes to your RV energy needs, we know that a solar battery charger will be your best option. These two options might be what you need to keep your RV well lit and allow your most essential appliances to function with enough power. At Battery Tender, we do our part to make sure that you get simple-to-use battery chargers that go above and beyond to keep your RV powered while you’re off the grid. Explore our top solutions for all your RV battery needs today.
