Monocrystalline. Polycrystalline. Fixed. Portable. Which type do you need, and does it really matter?The short answer? Yes. At least, it will probably matter to you. Choosing a solar panel essentially comes down to four things: efficiency, looks, convenience, and price. Read on to discover the differences between the most popular panel options and determine which type is right for you.
Monocrystalline, Polycrystalline, & Amorphous Solar Panels
Fixed & Portable Solar Panels
Flat & Flexible Solar Panels
Monocrystalline vs. Polycrystalline vs. Amorphous Solar Panels: What's the Difference?
The difference between solar panel types is in their composition. They also differ in size, efficiency, and cost.
Monocrystalline Solar Panels
Pros: Monocrystalline panels are made with single-crystal silicon, which makes them the most efficient panel for their compact size. These panels typically have a decades-long lifespan (a 25-year warranty is common). They are often selected by RVers for their unobtrusive size and aesthetically pleasing black glass.
Cons: Their many benefits come with a higher price tag.
Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Pros: Like monocrystalline, polycrystalline boasts a long lifespan and usually comes bundled with a 25-year warranty. Polycrystalline panels are somewhat less efficient than monocrystalline panels (think 13-16% efficiency rather than 15-20%), but not by much, and for the slight decrease in efficiency, you can save a considerable amount of money.Cons: If you care about aesthetics, it's worth noting that these panels generally have a blue hue, rather than sleek black. But the main drawback of polycrystalline panels is that they're generally larger than their monocrystalline counterparts and are not as efficient due to the fact that they are composed of multiple silicon pieces. What this means is that polycrystalline panels will take up more space to produce the same amount of energy. However, for the price, it's often beneficial to take the slight energy hit and go with the more economical choice.
Amorphous (Thin Film) Solar Panels
Pros: The biggest draw of amorphous panels is the cost—these panels are the most economical option in most cases. They are made by depositing a thin layer of silicon or other photovoltaic substance on a panel surface (this is the same technology used in solar-powered calculators). This construction method contributes to a lighter weight and greater flexibility. Amorphous panels also tend to function better than crystalline panels in partial shade and hot conditions.Cons: Amorphous panels require twice the amount of space as their crystalline counterparts to produce the same amount of energy. And when it comes to your RV or camper roof, space is always a consideration. Amorphous panels are also not as durable as crystalline panels, so their warranties are typically much shorter (typically by half or more).
Our Recommendation: Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Polycrystalline panels are the "goldilocks" option—smaller and more efficient than amorphous panels, yet more cost-effective than monocrystalline panels. There's a small trade off in terms of efficiency, but the difference is small enough that it's usually not worth being concerned over unless you want to maximize the efficiency of your roof space.
Fixed vs. Portable Solar Panels: Which Do I Need?
Trying to decide between a fixed (roof-mounted) system and a portable system? There are benefits and drawbacks to each. The choice mainly comes down to how you plan to use your panels and how much setup you are prepared to do each time you camp.
Fixed Solar Panels
Pros: The great thing about fixed panels—they're permanent. Install them on your roof, and you never have to worry about setting up when you reach a new campsite. Your panels will even work to keep your battery charged in storage. Plus, if you have to leave the campsite, you don't have to worry about your panels sprouting legs and running off.Cons: The bad thing about fixed panels—they're permanent. Flat fixed panel installations usually mean putting holes in your roof. Fixed panels are also much harder to tilt as the sun moves (be prepared to climb on top of your RV several times a day), and if you park in the shade, they won't work as effectively.
Portable Solar Panels
Pros: With portable panels, you're not limited to parking in the blazing sun. You can enjoy the refreshing shade while your panels soak up those rays, and you can easily adjust the panels in order to constantly achieve the best angle throughout the day. If you don't like the idea of modifying your trailer, portable panels are a great choice.Cons: The main downside of portable panels is that they must be packed up, moved, stored, and set up again whenever you change locations. They don't have the hassle-free benefit of fixed panels, and you may even find they get in your way at the campsite. Unlike fixed panels, portable panels can't be used to charge your battery in storage. There is also a security risk with these panels—since the panels aren't bolted to your roof, it's often worth storing them inside the RV when you leave the campsite to protect against potential theft.
Our Recommendation: It DependsWhat's the most important solar goal for you? Want to install your panels and forget about them? Go with the fixed option. Do you want to park in the shade but still reap the benefits of solar? Portable will be your best option.If you really can't decide, you can always go with a combined approach—stick the fixed panels to your roof for hassle-free energy (even in storage), and purchase a portable panel for when you want to park in the shade.
Traditional Flat vs Flexible Solar Panels
Flat Solar Panels
Pros: Standard flat panels, also known as traditional or rigid panels, are more efficient than their flexible counterparts. They typically sit a few inches off the RV's roof, allowing for airflow and preventing overheating (which can cause a drop in efficiency). Flat panels are more economical, they can be tilted at an angle as necessary, and they have the potential to last decades (most come with warranties of 20+ years). Flat panels are also typically more economical.Cons: Flat panels are considerably heavier than flexible panels, which makes them difficult to move or mount on a rooftop. Then there's the installation itself, which generally involves putting holes in your roof. Aside from these considerations, flat panels also simply don't offer the same aesthetic value on curved RV rooftops.
Flexible Solar Panels
Pros: Flexible panels are thin, lightweight, and aerodynamic—just what you want for a moving vehicle that can bear a limited amount of weight. Flexible panels sit flush against the rooftop, which makes them the more aesthetically pleasing choice for curved RV roofs. Flexible panels can often be attached to the roof via adhesives, rather than screws, so they are a good option if you don't like the idea of holes in your roof.Cons: Flexible panels are less efficient than flat panels, though they usually cost more. Because they sit flush against their mounting surface, they don't allow for that beneficial airflow beneath the panels, and they can't be adjusted to acheive the best angle. Flexible panels are also less durable and scratch easier (hello, low-hanging tree branches). Because of this, flexible panels have shorter lifespans and warranties (compare this 5-year flexible panel warranty to this 25-year flat panel warranty.)
Our Recommendation: Flat Panels
Flexible solar technology is sure to advance in the coming years. But until then, unless you have a good reason to go for the flexible style (such as RV weight restrictions), flat panels will get you more bang for your buck.
I have a travel trailer with a pre-wired for solar roof. Do I need a controller as well? If so, how do I find out where to tap into the existing wiring to install it?
2021 Rockwood Minilite 2104S
From what we've seen, when a camper is wired for solar they typically already have a controller wired in. It should look something like the Go Power Controller # 34280503. This controller may be mounted somewhere obvious in your camper, but it could also be tucked in a storage compartment or inside a cabinet in the trailer. Being pre-wired for solar means there should be a plug or a port, similar to the Go Power Entry Plate # 34273841REVA, somewhere on the roof. I couldn't find anything definitive online about your 2021 Mini Lite, so if you can't seem to find a controller or a brand that the camper is wired for it may take a call to Rockwood to learn a little more about the system that came with your camper.
Hi Cheryl, The antennas are unfortunately not sold separately so if you're just needing a coaxial connection the Jensen Antenna #44US01R is going to be the right kit for you. You can hang on to extra wiring as a backup incase your current…
In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.
The Mighty Cord RV Power Cord Adapter #A10-3030D90VP is 12" long. We do have the Mighty Cord RV Power Cord #A10-3025ED90 which has the 30-amp twist lock and is 25' long.
I believe you are asking if the Go Power Overlander Expansion Kit - 200 Watt Solar Panel #34282182 will work with the Go Power PWM Solar Charge Controller #GP72RR, which is a 30 amp controller, and the answer to that is yes it will. It comes with…
For a landing gear set that has an electric motor with it, like the 6K Lippert Electric Landing Gear Set #LC333964, you can disconnect the motor and use the manual override handle. If you hear clicking still then it's the landing gear and…
To get that much solar panel wattage you'd want to start with the Go Power Solar Panel kit part #34282185 and then add three of the panels #34282182 and that would put you at 1,200 watts. If you ordered 4 of the panels you'd be up to 1,400…
The first thing I would check is the condition of the battery that powers the landing gear on your trailer. If the battery is starting to go or doesn't have enough charge then the first step I recommend is replacing the batter or charging it with…
It could be the motor but it could also be the screw/nut inside the jack leg that is causing the problem. Since you mentioned that it is hard to crank it manually I suspect that it is likely the screw and/or nut. On jacks that have an ACME screw the…
The clicking you are describing sounds electrical. Kind of like when a vehicle doesn't want to start due to a dead battery it makes a clicking sound. When powered fifth wheel landing gear setups make this noise it's typically due to a weak…
It could be some internal parts but it could also be the electrical system itself. The easiest way to know if the internal parts are the issue or not is to use the manual override to see if it will extend and retract without any electricity. If it…
Since you are having trouble lifting the jacks manually, the issue seems most likely to be the gear box, so a replacement is in order. The replacement you can use is the Replacement Aluminum Gearbox for Stromberg Carlson Landing Gear #LG-179015. This…
Mike M.
7/26/2021
I have a travel trailer with a pre-wired for solar roof. Do I need a controller as well? If so, how do I find out where to tap into the existing wiring to install it? 2021 Rockwood Minilite 2104S