Why do RVs and vans need flexible solar panels?

If you were to try and install commercial or home solar panels onto a recreational vehicle, you wouldn’t have a lot of room to move. They would also be open to the elements, the wiring could become exposed from transport (especially across rough terrain), and they would be bulky and heavy. Combined, all of this would lead to excess fuel consumption, defeating the purpose of using solar power on the road in the first place.

Fortunately, there is an alternative. Specialised solar panels have been created for recreational vehicles that are extremely thin. These designs are also flexible so they can be bent around shapes without damaging the solar cells. They possess many benefits for those looking to get away, including:

• Drastically reduced installation cost: You wcan install these flexible solar panels yourself and won’t need to outlay money for an experienced and licenced installer which you would with regulation panels.
• They are portable: Not only will they weight a lot less and put less strain on your vehicle, it means that you can easily just roll them up and move them to where they need to be without fuss.
• They provide the power you need: On the road, you don’t have the same energy requirements as you do at home or at work. These lightweight options deliver all of the electricity you need for your appliances, lighting, and charging and power your devices.
• They are affordable and expensive: Once upon a time, solar technology for RVs and vans was costly, and it was a lot easier to just use a fuel generator for hire. Now, the tables have turned, and you can get flexible solar panels easily and affordably so there is no need to lug around that noisy generator and its associated fuel anymore.

Devices available for your next trip away

There are many different kinds of flexible solar panel available in different shapes and sizes, depending on your needs. Here are some of the popular all-round options that can be installed on most vans and RVs to generate all of your power requirements:

XINPUGUANG 100W Solar Panel: Priced at under $350, this is highly competitive compared to a generator’s cost and the ongoing fuel and maintenance costs you would need to pay for.

It can be curved up to 30 degrees, weighs just 2.2kg and is only 3mm thick, so you can easily move it around and install it yourself. It can be contoured to fit most vans and RVs, but it can also be installed on several other vehicles, including boats, trailers or your car. Then, when you arrive at your destination, it can easily be affixed to your tent or cabin as well.

CHOETECH 14W Waterproof Portable USB Outdoor Solar Panel Charger: Stay safe when you leave camp to bushwalk, hike or go fishing with this flexible case for your devices featuring panels so you will always have power for your phone or tablet.

What are the essentials you can’t live without on your road trips?