Natural renewable energy sources like wind, water flow, geothermal steam and tidal surges can all be harnessed and extracted efficiently — with the right technology.
However, the sun is the most suitable renewable for keeping the habitation battery in your motorhome charged because the infrastructure is affordable enough. Even fitting the most basic solar panel system to your motorhome will help lower your overall cost of ownership — so you can freedom camp for longer and reduce your overall camping spend.
In this blog, we examine how solar systems work, the types of solar panels available and the many benefits of owning a motorhome with a solar system. We also discuss the affordability of solar panels, the risks of installation and whether solar power is right for you.
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A solar system reduces a motorhome’s dependence on sourcing energy from the national grid — and gives you greater opportunities to park up somewhere scenic. With campground costs rising, should a solar system be an essential element of your motorhome lifestyle?
How solar panel systems work on a motorhome
When sunlight hits the solar panel on your motorhome's roof, it creates electricity, which powers your lights, fridge and other appliances.
Your solar panel works by harnessing light energy, or photons, through the many connected photovoltaic (solar) cellsAn energy harvesting technology that converts solar power into useful electricity that make it up. The sunlight is converted into electricity — as a direct current (DC).
This current trickles into your motorhome’s domestic 12 volt (V) habitation battery, where it builds and maintains the battery’s voltage. The amount of power available in your motorhome depends on the size of your habitation battery.
After reaching your habitation battery, the current:
- Flows onto the 12V sockets — and any 12V appliances inside your motorhome
- Gets converted into a 240V alternating current (AC) — to power up the standard sockets located throughout your motorhome via an inverter.
For your habitation battery to charge efficiently and safely while protecting your motorhome’s electrical system and maximising its lifespan, you’ll need a quality solar charge controller.
Why a quality solar charge controller is important
The longevity and safety of your habitation battery and electrical system are vital — and a solar charge controller is the tool to help manage this. Motorhome solar charge controllers:
- Protect your battery — by regulating the current and voltage from your solar panel to prevent overcharging
- Optimise charging — through technology that improves charging efficiency and maximises the power harvested from your solar panel
- Monitor the health of your solar system — while providing crucial information about its performance, including the charging current, power generated and the battery voltage.
When there’s a low demand for electricity within your motorhome and a high rate of solar energy capture, a solar charge controller stops too much current from reaching your habitation battery. It also highlights that battery storage capacity and solar energy capture must be in sync.
After storing electricity in your habitation battery, you can power your essential appliances and devices — with the freedom to live off-the-grid.
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There’s little point in having extra solar panels if you don’t have enough battery storage to take full advantage of the extra energy captured.
Paul Owen — Award-winning motoring journalist |
Types of solar panels
You’ll find three types of motorhome solar panels — monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. These different kinds of solar panels come in two formats, which are rigid and flexible.
Monocrystalline solar panels
Monocrystalline solar panels are a popular choice for motorhomes. They’re uniform black in colour and made from a single silicon crystal using a precise process that moulds the crystal into a cylinder-like shape.
Solar panel manufacturers then cut the cylinder into thin wafers and shave the edges to form octagons — which fit closer together across the panel.
Pros and cons of monocrystalline solar panels
Monocrystalline solar panels can be slightly more sensitive to extreme heat, so you may see a slight dip in power output on hot summer days.
The upfront investment of monocrystalline is greater than that of other solar panel types. However, this is often outweighed by the long term benefits, such as:
- High efficiency — being the most efficient of the three types of solar panels, they convert between 18 and 22 percent of sunlight into energy
- Durability — generally having a longer lifespan of 25 years or more compared to other kinds of solar panels
- Performance — especially in cloudy conditions or shaded areas when the panels receive low light
- Space optimisation — the higher efficiency of these solar panels works well on a motorhome roof that has limited space
- Aesthetics — the sleek black appearance of monocrystalline panels generally blends well with how motorhomes are designed.
Monocrystalline solar panels give you the highest efficiency and longest lifespan, making them a smart choice for your motorhome despite their higher initial cost.
Polycrystalline solar panels
Polycrystalline solar panels offer an effective alternative to monocrystalline, particularly if you have a tight budget.
They’re often made from the shavings created during the manufacture of monocrystalline panels. By melting these many silicon shavings together, the panels gain a distinctive blue colour and give a slightly less uniform appearance.
Pros and cons of polycrystalline solar panels
Polycrystalline panels usually capture solar energy for 20 to 25 years before they need replacing — so they have a marginally shorter operational life span than monocrystalline panels.
You should expect a lower energy capture efficiency from polycrystalline solar panels — something between 15 and 17 percent. Space on your motorhome’s roof can, therefore, be an issue as you’ll need more panels, compared to monocrystalline, to harness enough energy for a fully charged habitation battery.
The performance of polycrystalline solar panels may also be slightly reduced in hotter temperatures.
Some of the advantages of polycrystalline solar panels are:
- Price — having a simpler and less expensive manufacturing process means these solar panels can be more affordable
- A less wasteful process — the manufacturing process uses less silicon and produces less waste than when making monocrystalline panels
- Performance — polycrystalline solar panels still perform well in sunny conditions with strong sunlight.
Polycrystalline may be the best type of solar panel for your motorhome if you prefer to prioritise affordability without significantly compromising solar capture performance.
Thin-film solar panels
Thin-film solar panels aren’t as widely used but offer a unique and increasingly attractive alternative for motorhomes. Their construction and workings differ from the more familiar monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels.
Thin-film panels can be made from different materials, leading to variable lifespans depending on the technology used. The most popular thin-film panel uses a layer of cadmium telluride placed between two conducting layers.
Pros and cons of thin-film solar panels
The main drawback of thin-film panels is their lack of efficiency, rated between seven and 13 percent. As a result, they need more surface area to generate the same amount of power as monocrystalline or polycrystalline panels.
Thin-film panels do come with some pros, which include being:
- Lightweight — due to their construction they’re far lighter than crystalline panels
- Thinner and more flexible — making them easier to secure on the top of your RV roof
- Potentially cheaper than crystalline silicon panels — the cost can vary with the materials used.
Flexible, lightweight thin-film solar panels may be appealing if space and weight are primary concerns with your motorhome.
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Some campervan owners with flexible panels curving over their cab roofs report that they gain more efficiency by simply parking with their RV pointing in the right direction. Parking for the night, so the panel is aimed directly at the rising sun in the morning, is an excellent hack for increasing solar energy capture.
Paul Owen |
Flexible versus rigid solar panels
Motorhome solar panels in NZ are either rigid or flexible. Your choice will depend on your personal travel needs and the specific attributes of your motorhome.
Rigid panels, like most monocrystalline and polycrystalline, are the more traditional options. Their rigid structure can present challenges with installation — especially if your motorhome has a curved roof. However, their strong build and excellent performance make them a reliable choice.
Flexible panels are usually made with thin-film — a newer branch of solar technology. These solar panels are relatively lightweight and can conform to the slightly curved surfaces of many motorhome roofs.
If your recreational vehicle has a unique roof design or limited space, flexible thin-film solar panels generally offer more versatility in roof placement.
However, flexible solar panels generally have lower efficiency levels than rigid ones — so you'll need more surface area to generate the same amount of power. They may also be less durable if subjected to hail or heavy impacts.
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Both thin-film and crystalline panels can be made to be flexible enough to conform to gentle curves on your motorhome’s roof. The drawback with flexible panels is that there is no longer a gap between the roof and the panel, and the increased build-up of heat affects their efficiency.
Paul Owen |
Benefits of owning a motorhome with solar panels
After understanding the types of solar panels on the market, it’s essential to know what range of benefits motorhome travel with solar power can give you.
Energy independence
Even a basic 100 watt (W) solar panel trickling electrons into a modest 95 amp hour (Ah) habitation battery can significantly boost your potential to camp independently.
Some owners of solar systems of this size report they wake up in the morning with the battery at 50 percent charge after:
- Running the fridge all night
- Watching some TV in the evening, and
- Recharging a device or two overnight.
If it’s a sunny start to the day, the panel will replenish the battery’s charge to 100 percent by mid-morning — and your RV will be ready for another night of freedom camping.
Should you invest in a more powerful 455W array of solar panels and 450Ah of battery capacity, it’s likely that you’ll never actually need to plug into mains power. That is, provided you don’t have any high-demand tasks like recharging ebikes.
Read our blog on powering your motorhome with 12V batteries.
Cost savings
Although a solar panel system has a high upfront cost, it can pay for itself over time — depending on how often you travel off-grid and use it. You’ll be able to allocate more of your touring budget to experiences rather than electricity expenses.
Harnessing free energy from the sun will allow you to reduce, or even eliminate, campground fees.
Try our cost of ownership calculator to better understand your total motorhome expenses over time.
Reliable power supply
With solar panels onboard, you’ll enjoy a reliable and relatively consistent energy source even when parked up in more remote locations. Your motorhome’s essential appliances will keep running without the noise and fumes of a generator.
Solar systems also don’t have any moving parts — a real plus for the durability of the hardware.
Non-intrusive operation
A solar system is a quiet achiever — going about its business in total silence with no pollution of the surrounding air or annoyance to your neighbouring campers.
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Comparing generators to solar panels
Portable solar panels offer an alternative to fixed installations, especially if you value flexibility and multi-purpose use. New portable systems can capture just as much energy as a non-portable system when you’re freedom camping.
If minimising ongoing costs and reducing your environmental impact are priorities, solar panels provide a better long term investment. However, if you're on a tight budget and only need power occasionally, a generator might be the more appropriate short term solution.
Solar panels come with a higher initial cost — but they offer free, clean energy with low running expenses and minimal maintenance. On the other hand, generators are less expensive upfront yet require fuel and regular upkeep — resulting in ongoing costs and pollution. |
Low maintenance
Once installed, your motorhome solar panel kit won't need much maintenance except regular cleaning of the panel array to remove dust and maintain efficiency. However, you’ll have to check the external cabling and panel mounts approximately every five years to maintain optimal performance.
Solar panels let you focus on enjoying your motorhome road trips rather than worrying about maintenance.
Discover how to get your RV ready for summer — including cleaning your solar panels.
Lower environmental footprint
Solar energy is a clean and renewable source of power that reduces reliance on fossil fuels while helping promote eco-conscious travel. Owning a motorhome with solar panels will allow you to:
- Embrace more sustainable adventures
- Minimise your carbon footprint.
The sun delivers 10,000 times more energy than humans need to live every day. This energy is freely available and doesn’t degrade the environment. That’s one powerful reason why solar panels are worth considering on your motorhome.
Battery health
Solar panels can help prolong the life of your motorhome's house battery. Your battery benefits from the slow trickle of electrons from your solar system — which replace those lost through electricity use in your motorhome.
By providing a consistent and controlled charging source, solar panels prevent overcharging and deep discharging — two significant factors that can shorten battery lifespan. Therefore, your habitation battery will be:
- Kept in a better state of health
- Enjoy an extended lifespan.
Find out everything you need to know about charging motorhome batteries.
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Solar panels allow more choices when looking for a place to park for the night. They store the energy captured for free, operate non-intrusively and quickly reach breakeven point when recouping the cost of your investment.
Paul Owen |
The increasing affordability of solar panels
For years, the high cost of solar panels was a barrier for many motorhome owners. However, solar technology has become increasingly affordable — making it easier than ever to harness the sun's power on your adventures.
At the time of writing, aftermarket solar panels cost not much over:
- NZ$250 for this monocrystalline 100W panel
- NZ$200 for this polycrystalline 100W version
- NZ$290 for this thin-film 100W solar panel.
You’d have added around 33 percent to those prices a few years ago. Contrast these price drops with the rising cost of renting a powered site in a camping ground — a market significantly affected by recent inflation.
Motorhomes with solar panels have become much more desirable than those without, partly due to the contrasting cost trends of solar panels and campgrounds. Free solar power is a far more attractive energy source than an overpriced mains supply from a campground.
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China has whole university-sized facilities dedicated to purely improving the performance of solar panels while lowering the cost of their manufacture.
The benefits of this massive investment in research and development include lower panel costs. Then there’s the ongoing development of improved new versions of the most affordable type — the thin-film panels best suited to power motorhome solar systems.
Paul Owen |
Risks of installing solar panels on a motorhome
If you want to buy a motorhome with solar panels, first find out how they were installed. A poorly installed solar panel can lead to serious water ingress problems.
Motorhome manufacturers carry out stringent water tightness checks on the waterproofing of their range. So, when contemplating the purchase of any motorhome with a solar system, ask whether the solar system was factory-installed.
Some main reasons why it's generally best to buy a recreational vehicle with factory-fitted solar panels rather than a post-purchase installation are:
- The warranty — a factory-installed solar system should be covered under your warranty, so you’re protected against repair and replacement costs due to substandard installation or faulty parts
- A seamless integration — with a specific RV model’s roof, electrical system and aesthetics, ensuring a streamlined setup to deliver optimal performance
- Safety — manufacturers adhere to stringent safety standards, whereas solar panels installed incorrectly may present hazards like water ingress, electrical shocks and even fire through overheating components
- Skilled technicians — who utilise their expertise to install solar panels using high-quality components to standards of best practise
- Resale value — when it comes time to onsell your motorhome, potential buyers will have more confidence in its waterproofness if the solar panels are factory-fitted.
While factory-installed solar panels offer many advantages, it's vital to research and choose a reputable manufacturer that’s well-known for quality solar installations.
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The biggest gamble with any solar system is that it has been installed properly, so there’s no opportunity for water ingress. This is one of the key reasons for buying a motorhome with its solar system installed during the initial manufacturing process at the factory.
Paul Owen |
Is solar power the right option for you?
Solar panels aren’t for everyone. To take full advantage of a solar system's potential cost savings, you’ll need to be prepared to camp independently.
If you prefer to stay in campgrounds where non-powered sites cost marginally less than those with an electrical supply, you won’t enjoy the total cost savings solar energy capture can provide.
The same can be said if you usually move onto the next campsite after only staying a single night at the previous one. Your motorhome’s engine will take care of any habitation battery replenishment needed if this is your preferred method of motorhome travel.
Solar power will probably be of little benefit if you commonly follow either of these two camping trends. You can avoid a solar panel system's extra weight and purchase cost.
However, having solar power available may encourage you to try camping a little differently. Even if you never use it to its full potential, a solar system will boost the desirability of your motorhome in the eyes of potential buyers when it’s time to resell.
Check out our top ten essential motorhome accessories.
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What about portable solar panels for motorhomes?
Portable solar panels offer an alternative to fixed installations, especially if you value flexibility and multi-purpose use. New portable systems can capture just as much energy as a non-portable system when you’re freedom camping.
Find out more about portable solar panel solutions. |
Investing in a motorhome solar panel system can bring substantial benefits and savings over time. By reducing your reliance on paid camping grounds and alternative fuels like gas or diesel, you'll lower your overall cost of ownership — and free up your travel budget for more adventures.
Find out about buying a used motorhome with solar panels.
