Solar Panel for Pop Up Camper with Jackery

For those who intend to go camping or go off the grid, the solar panel for pop-up camper is a need. More power is needed for long-term camping, and portability makes it more convenient. Any pop-up camper can benefit from adding solar power. When not plugged into shore power, it offers an alternative storage and energy storage method.

Almost any rig may be modified with a wide variety of settings. However, the most straightforward place to begin is finding the solar panel for the pop-up camper. You will then have a basic system that you may expand as your needs for solar energy increase. Let's take a closer look at these solar panels to see what your pop-up camper may require. Jackery makes it simple to set up solar panels and use solar power, enabling outdoor exploration, clean charging efficiency, and accessibility on and off the grid.

What is The Solar Panel for Pop-Up Camper

Scientists first noticed the photovoltaic phenomenon in the 1800s, in which certain materials will generate an electric charge and current when exposed to sunshine. Over the years, various "solar engines," as they were known, were developed, although most had relatively poor efficiency. A solar panel is a panel made of solar cells that collect energy from the sun and convert it into electrical power for use in buildings, companies, appliances, and pop-up campers.

How Does The Solar Panel for Pop-Up Camper Work

There are mainly two types of solar panels for pop-up campers: ones mounted on the top of the trailer and ones that are moveable. When your pop-up camper is parked or on the road, the solar panels absorb energy from the sun. Circuits inside the solar panel cells convert the solar energy absorbed by the sun's cells into electrical current. A charge controller regulates the current flowing through the battery and receives the electrical current through cables. Essentially "saving" energy to operate devices and appliances in your camper or charge items for later use, this energy transforms into DC electricity that charges your RV's house battery or batteries.  

To power 120-Volt appliances like a coffee maker, you can also take that 12-Volt DC power and convert it to 120-Volt AC electricity using an inverter, just like the outlets in a sticks-and-bricks house. There are numerous 120-Volt outlets in your RV, but they are only powered if you use a generator or connect it to shore power. The sun's energy can power anything if you have enough solar panels, batteries, and conversion tools.

How Many Watts Does A Pop-Up Camper Use

How many watts does a pop-up camper use? Pop-up campers typically consume between 1500 and 3000 watts, while some air conditioners can boost that number as high as 3500. Your camper's size and air conditioning or heating systems will determine this. The following table will assist you in deciding your pop-up camper's electrical requirements.  

How Many Watts Does A Pop-Up Camper Use

Because each pop-up camper has a different set of appliances, it isn't easy to estimate the precise wattage each camper consumes. While some individuals use a microwave, others use an open flame or a camp stove. While some people don't use their air conditioning while on vacation, others cannot function without it. The number of watts your pop-up camper will need will depend on the equipment you utilize.

How Many Watts Does A Pop-Up Camper Heater Use  

Depending on the type of heater inside the pop-up camper, a primary heater can require as little as 1,300 watts. Because of this, it is challenging to estimate the precise amount of electricity your pop-up camper will need. There are too many factors to take into account. However, if your generator only generates 2000 watts of power, like the AC unit, you will have to turn off several appliances to utilize the heater. It will be difficult for you to stay warm and prepare breakfast using the coffee maker first thing in the morning.

How Many Watts Does A Pop-Up Camper AC Use

The size of the air conditioning unit in your pop-up camper will also affect the answer to this query. Despite having a base wattage of 2,800 and 3,000 watts, a smaller 13,500 BTU air conditioner uses 1,500 and 2,000 watts. The more oversized 15,000 BTU air conditioner uses an average of 1,300 to 1,800 watts per hour and has a base power of 3,300 to 3,500 watts. Your generator should have a higher wattage rating than what the AC can consume. The drawback of having an AC unit in your pop-up camper is that you will have to turn it off when you need to use another appliance because it will consume most of the power.

How Many Solar Panels Needed for Pop-Up Camper

Variety exists among solar panels. The minor panels can charge small appliances like your computer, phone, or flashlights. If you get an 18W solar panel, it will provide electricity adequate to recharge your car's battery while you aren't using it for a more extended period. It would be best to estimate how many hours of sunlight there will be where you are camping to determine how many solar panels you will need. With some room to spare for times when it is overcast or raining, you want to charge your battery entirely when you are in direct sunshine.

For example, if you want to buy a 100W solar panel:

100 watt / 12 volt = 8.3 amps

50 AH battery / 8.3 A = 6 hours

Thus, it will require a 100-watt solar panel for six hours to charge the battery fully. As certain regions only receive about 4 hours of direct sunlight, when the solar panels can operate at their most effective, 6 hours may still need longer for the battery to charge. It also depends on how much electricity you consume every day. A pop-up camper may use 196W every day. Thus you'll require at least 2* 100W solar panels or 1* 200W solar panel daily via the statistics.

Benefits of Portable Solar Panel for Pop-Up Camper

Suppose your solar panels are permanently attached to your camper. In that case, you will run into the issue of having to move the entire camper for the solar panels to be in whole light and be able to produce power at their highest capacity. Using an extension cord, portable solar panels may move around much faster than your camper. They come in sizes up to 200 watts. The movable solar panel can then be stored away at night.  

How to Choose Solar Panel for Pop-Up Camper

When it comes to solar panels for a pop-up camper, there are several alternatives. Your pop-up camper's superb option might not be the best choice for everyone else. Rigid monocrystalline panels are something you should think about. The best panels for boondocking are these because they are the most dependable and robust. However, semi-rigid monocrystalline flexible solar panels are excellent choices for curved rooftops.

The size and warranty of the solar panels are the two most crucial factors to consider. The output of a 200W solar panel is double that of a 100W panel while being bigger. You can only fit so many solar panels on the roof of your camper. Making the most of every inch will help you get the most value for your money. Additionally, you can choose portable solar panels for your pop-up camper, which are simple to transport and have the same amount of electricity as solar panels on roofs.

Solar System for Pop-Up Camper

When the solar panel is mounted correctly, you need a lot of sunlight to get the most out of a solar panel. Effective solar panels have been mounted flat on the vehicle's roof. In many camper van conversions, this is the most preferred position. A pop-up camper solar system typically consists of four components: a power bank, solar panel, charge controller, and inverter.

1. Power Bank: The battery bank is the nerve center of the RV's electrical system. A battery is the only source of power storage for an RV. Sun energy is stored in the battery for later use by you. Your solar panels will charge the battery bank.

2. Solar Panel for Pop-Up Camper:Solar panels for your RV will sit on the roof, capturing solar energy in solar cells and transferring it to your battery bank via a charge controller.

3. Charge Controller:Mounted inside the RV, the charge controller. Wires connect your solar panels to the charge controller, which is connected by cables to your battery bank.

4. Inverter:The 12-Volt DC electricity comes from your batteries. All 12-Volt gadgets and appliances can be powered by this, in addition to the 12-Volt ports in your camper.

However, a portable solar generator can also be appropriate for a pop-up camper because of its capacity and portability. Size is only sometimes a good thing when purchasing a generator for your pop-up camper. Even if you need enough power to meet your needs, choosing a generator that is too big upfront can end up costing you more money in the long run. Your generator will be louder and use less gas as its wattage increases. The noise made by a generator is one of the significant drawbacks that prompt pop-up owners to move to a full RV. You may go camping for less money and in greater quiet, if you choose a generator that can supply the energy you require.

Jackery Solar Panels for Pop-Up Camper

Choosing the best solar panels for a pop-up camper might be complex, with many possibilities. No more, though! Jackery offers the ideal method for utilizing solar energy and charging your electrical devices. The portable Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels have the most excellent efficiency of 25% and are simple to carry. You can combine it with Jackery rechargeable portable power stations to optimize electricity production. Jackery portable solar panels can be folded and strapped for simple carrying and use.

Jackery SolarSaga 100W Solar Panel

The Jackery SolarSaga 100W solar panel is the best option for unplanned power disruptions. It is also ideal for outdoor enthusiasts due to its collapsible, lightweight, and easy-carry handle. The monocrystalline silicon solar cells and multi-layered cell technology enable the solar panels' higher conversion efficiency of 24.3%, which improves performance. The Jackery Explorer 300/500/1000/1500 power station is compatible with this solar panel, making it the perfect choice for off-grid camping and unplanned power outages.

1. Easy to carry:It weighs just 10.33 lbs. It is portable, collapsible, weatherproof to IP68 standards, and lightweight for off-grid excursions.

2. High Quality:The ETFE-laminated case is robust enough to increase the solar panel's lifespan. Water splashes won't harm it because it is IP65 water-resistant.

3. Solar Panel Outputs:Solar Saga 100 features two direct charging ports for small devices: 1* USB-C (5V, 3A) output port and 1* USB-A (5V, 2.4A) output port.

Jackery SolarSaga 80W Solar Panel

Both sides of the dual-sided Jackery SolarSaga 80W panels may produce electricity. The back panel's extra-white glass increases conversion rates. It can survive challenging conditions because it is certified as dustproof and waterproof to the IP68 standard.

1. Dual-Sided Solar Efficiency:The updated solar panel can produce power from both sides and has dual-sided solar efficiency. The back panel's usage of extra-white glass aids in increasing conversion rates.

2. Extension Cable:A two-meter extension cable, flexible enough for outdoor use, is included to extend the charging distance.

3. Durable Enough:The solar panel is solid and durable thanks to its use of 2.8 mm low iron complete toughened glass and distinctive corner design.

Solar Panel for Pop-Up Camper FAQs

Circuits inside the solar panel cells convert the solar energy absorbed by the sun's cells into electrical current. A charge controller regulates the current flowing through the battery and receives the electrical current through cables. The following are the most typical questions about a solar panel for pop-up camper.

What size solar panel do I need to run a 12V fridge in my camper?

Operating a 12v fridge for 12 hours daily will consume around three amps per hour, or 36 AH. To use the fridge efficiently with a 50AH battery, you will need at least a 200W solar panel or two 100W solar panels.

How many watts does a pop-up camper use?

The average pop-up camper uses roughly 1500 watts per day, including the operation of a refrigerator. Of course, the size and quantity of appliances within the camper will determine this. The total amount of wattage required can be decreased in the camper by choosing energy-efficient appliances.  

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

Solar panels come in a wide range of types to suit almost any demand. Some solar panels can power small appliances and portable power sources directly. Besides, solar power is a renewable resource that is good for the environment. You can choose solar panels for your pop-up camper due to their versatility, fordable ability, and lightweight.

Final Thoughts

Traveling with solar panels for a pop-up camper gives you even more freedom because you don't have to worry about stopping at the next campground to recharge your batteries. Solar power is necessary for most outdoor enthusiasts who live in campers full-time. With Jackery, your solar electric system can be equipped with power banks and solar panels that suit your needs. It is the leading brand of solar panels for pop-up camper. By enabling clean charging efficiency and accessibility on or off the grid, Jackery ultimately helps outdoor adventure.