Which Type of Solar Panel Do I Need? Solar Panels Designed to Fit Different Rigs & Lifestyles

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How many watts do you have?  What type of solar panels are on the roof?  

We can't tell you how many times we've answered these questions over the past 13 years. RVers are solar curious!

There are about as many different types of solar panel styles and sizes available as there are styles of rigs out there, so it's important to choose what is best for YOUR rig, YOUR lifestyle, YOUR energy needs, and YOUR situation. See the pattern here?  It's not about what WE need, it's about what YOU need.

But, who has time to do all of the necessary research?  To help out, we've tried to simplify this decision making for you by highlighting a few key features and summarizing many of the latest styles.  Check out these blogs for more details:

New technology at the solar cell level has made the latest panels to hit the market even more efficient, lighter weight, and smaller overall!  Over the past couple of years, we've reviewed many of Renogy's newest panels.  Explore which panels are best for your situation, rig, and lifestyle, then use our Solar System Sizing Worksheet  to determine YOUR energy needs.  Use our link AND promo code CANLIFE at checkout to save a bundle on Renogy components.  Through July 7, 2025, Renogy is celebrating their 15th Anniversary with HUGE savings!

Renogy's new N-Type Panels are designed to fit smaller vehicles -- specifically with Class B van roofs in mind!  Available in both 12V and 24V options, these panels offer some great options for smaller roofs. Check out our blog for details.


On the other hand, Bifacial Solar Panels are ideal for bigger rigs with high energy needs as they can produce energy from BOTH sides. They can even be used as an awning on the side of a larger rig!  This video will show you how they work...



Maybe a 400W Portable Solar Suitcase is what you need to add some solar surface area when you are parked in the shade to get out of the summer heat, during a cloudy day when you need more power, or when the sun angle is lower during the fall, winter, and spring?  Our 400W is a great addition to the 200W of solar we have on the roof -- in every season.  Check out our video for details...


Another great option for shady situations is Renogy's new ShadowFlux Panel. It's able to keep producing energy even when up to 30% of the panel is shaded; so if trees, power lines, or boat rigging is a challenge to your solar goals, this panel may be your best choice!  This video outlines how well these panels work in both an angled and flat orientation...



Keep in mind, many of these panels can be mixed and matched to meet your needs as well. For instance, you can install ShadowFlux panels on the roof, Bifacial panels on the side that will double as adjustable awnings, and keep a 400W Portable Solar Suitcase handy for those days when you need a boost of power in a jiffy. No matter where you are parked, you'll generate all the energy you need, exactly when and where you need it.

☝Don't forget to use our Solar System Sizing Worksheet  to determine your energy needs, learn more about the components you need to build out a system, and even put together an order with all the wiring, fuses, monitor, and accessories you need.  It's a super helpful tool to simplify this complex process.  Remember to use our link AND promo code CANLIFE at checkout to save a bundle on Renogy components!  And, of course, holler back with questions.  We love to help!

This blog contains affiliate links. When you use our links and promo code to make a purchase at renogy.com, you get a sweet discount and we get a small commission. In addition to volunteering our time, we donate a portion of our affiliate proceeds to non-profit organizations that support youth education/development, sustainability, health, environmental education, and access to outdoor adventure. Discover more about us and how we've been traveling with solar power since 2012 -- all over the North American continent.












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