More people are ditching the traditional generators and batteries and embracing more efficient, reliable and clean power alternatives such as solar for their camping, RV, off-grid and camper van adventures.
The off-grid RV solar systems for RVs and camper vans have become popular over the past few years, and it's good news for adventure seekers. The off-grid solar systems work similarly to the residential solar systems, except they are portable and designed to meet all your power needs as you hit the road.
Due to the rising popularity of off-grid RV solar systems, the market is getting saturated with various solar systems making it difficult to choose an off-grid system that will meet your RV power needs. We have compiled a list of some of the best BLUETTI solar power stations for your RV to give you a pleasant experience.
1. BLUETTI Apex 300+B300K+2*350W Solar
Features
- Expandable Power- The BLUETTI Apex 300 is a modular unit capable of supporting up to 6×B300K battery modules with 2,764.8Wh per pack battery for a groundbreaking power capacity of up to 58kWh. It’s a reliable unit for your RV especially during longer travels or remote destinations.
- 3,840W Pure Sine Wave Inverter- It allows you to adjust the charging rate from 1,800W to 3,840W using wall outlets to meet your energy needs quickly. Additionally, with a P050A, the AC input boosts up to 12,000W with bypass.
- High 6,240W Input Rate- The system allows double charging with both solar panels and wall outlet for a fast 6,240W Max charging rate with expansions. You can get 3,840W from AC and 2,400W from solar with just one B300K battery. Allowing you to save time on charging and longer hours of enjoying power.
- Instant 0ms UPS Backup- The BLUETTI Smart Home Panel allows you to tie the Apex 300 power system to your grid. It keeps you always protected in case of emergency power outages. It is easy to set up and will keep your RV and home powered even during prolonged power outages.
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240V Connection- The system is compatible with 120V & 240V dual voltage, allowing units to be hooked together to increase the output power to run air conditioners, refrigerators, or electric stoves.
2. BLUETTI AC200L+350W
Features
- Expandable Power Station- The BLUETTI AC200L is a modular expandable power station kit. The power unit is packed with 2,048Wh plus durable LiFePO₄ batteries with a 2,400W pure sine wave inverter. If you are looking for a mobile or off-grid all-charging power unit, consider the portable AC200L.
- Large Capacity Capabilities- The unit is powerful and flexible. It has expansion capabilities and can accommodate up to 2 x B210, 1 x B230 or 2 x B300 which boosts the power capacity up to 7,577.6Wh.
- Multiple Outlets- The AC200L is fitted with AC outlets including 4 x 120V/20A Outlets and 1 x 120V/30A NEMA TT-30 to meet all your power and charging needs. Excellent choice for RV and power outage emergencies. It has built-in 30A NEMA TT-30 and 48VDC / 8A (RV Outlet).
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Versatile Charging- You can charge the power station with solar, wall plug or both simultaneously. It allows 1,200W of solar charging and up to 2,400W using the AC input. A simultaneous charging of solar panels and wall plugs allows up to 2,400W charging rate for a full charge within 1.7-2.2 hours with solar.
3. BLUETTI AC200P + 3*PV200
Features
- High Capacity- With a high capacity of 2000Wh, your devices will stay charged throughout your camping adventures or power outages and emergencies. Some of the appliances you can power with AC200P include an air conditioner for four hours, a coffee maker for one and a half hours, a car fridge for 20 hours, and an electric grill for 1.5 hours.
- Multiple Charging Ports- The power system features several charging ports including AC outlets, 12V/3A DC Port, USB-A, USB-C, a cigarette lighter port, a 12V/25A RV port and 15W wireless charging pad.
- Durability and Safety- The system runs on LiFePO4 with 3,500+ life cycles and lasts for approximately 10 years. Additionally, it features an advanced battery management system (BMS) on the AC200P for monitoring the system and protecting your devices against any potential risks.
- A Wide Range of Applications- The BLUETTI AC200P can power nearly all your home appliances such as radios, TVs, ice coolers, blenders, projectors, coffee machines, and more. It’s an ideal power system for off-grid living and home backup during power outages. Also, a great companion for camping and van life.
4. BLUETTI Elite 200 V2+200W Solar Kit
Features
- High Power Capacity- It’s a portable power station with high capacity 2,073.6Wh automotive-grade LiFePO₄ cells with 2,600W power and Pure Sine Wave Inverter.
- Power and Flexibility- The power station is not expandable but offers versatile applications, powering up to 7 devices simultaneously - perfect for fueling your essentials during RVing, camping, and road trips.
- Versatile Charging-You can charge the Elite 200 V2 with both AC and solar. It allows 1,800W with AC (Charging + Bypass) and 1,000W with solar and it allows for simultaneous charging with both for 2,400W charging rate for 80% charge in just 1 hour.
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Several Outlets- The BLUETTI Elite 200 V2 has USB-C Port 2 x 100W Max., USB-A Port 2 x 15W, 5V / 3A, Cigarette Lighter Port 1 x 12V/10A. You can charge and power all your devices and appliances simultaneously making it a worthwhile investment for your RV.
5. BLUETTI Elite 100 V2+200W
Features
- High Power Capacity- The BLUETTI Elite 100 V2 + 200W power station is a hybrid of high innovation and technology. It is equipped with an 1,800W/ 2,700W lifting power with 1,024Wh LiFePO₄ battery. The power capacity from the generator kit is adequate to power all your appliances and devices on the road.
- 11 Output Ports- The BLUETTI Elite 100 V2 + 200W power station has 11 ports allowing you to charge and power various devices and home appliances simultaneously. Additionally, it comes with fast charging capabilities for your phone.
- Versatile- The power station allows you to charge and power different devices simultaneously. You can light up the house during power outages, run fans, charge phones, laptops, use projectors and much more.
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Easy Portability- The BLUETTI Elite 100 V2 + 200W power station has a hidden handle for easy portability and handling. It is relatively lightweight and compact-sized, so you can lift and carry it with one hand. It does not take much of your space, thus a great companion for camping, hiking, RV-ing or during home power outages.
How Does a Solar System Work in an RV?
An Off-Grid RV Solar System allows you to travel freely anywhere you desire anytime, without worrying about your power needs. RV solar system is cost-effective with minimal maintenance. That, even without access to electricity, you can light up your RV at night and use appliances such as refrigerators, water pumps, coffee makers, and charge your devices.
The solar panels on the roof of your RV absorb sun energy during the day. The sun's energy is converted into electrical current. The current moves from solar panels to the RV battery through the wiring system.
The electricity is converted into 12V DC and it charges the battery, thus storing up the energy for lighting the RV, charging devices, and running small to medium appliances. The 12V DC passes through the inverter and converts to 120V AC, which powers heavier appliances such as coffee makers. The entire solar system for the RV comprises solar panels, batteries, and converters.
What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing an RV Solar System?
Before you install an off-grid RV solar system, you should consider these factors:
1. The Amount in Wattage Your RV Needs Daily
Before buying or installing the solar system on your RV, you must first establish the size of the RV and the amount of energy you use daily. You will achieve this by calculating the amount of electricity every device and appliance uses. Then, multiply the number by the number of hours every device is in use.
Then, add the total from every appliance to get the total watt-hours your RV needs. With this information, you can easily determine the type of solar system you need, the number of solar panels, the storage battery, and other components.
2. The Amount of Energy the Solar Panels Can Absorb
There are different types of solar panels, each with varying sun absorption capabilities. The monocrystalline solar panels are the most popular and most efficient. Also, factors such as your energy needs and the size of your RV roof will determine the number and type of panels you need.
3. The Battery Capacity
You will need solar batteries to store up energy tapped by solar panels during the day for nighttime use. A 100 ah 12V battery can hold up to 1200 Watt-hours of solar power. Batteries allow you to continue powering RV even on days when the weather is not sunny.
Make the Right Decision for Your Travel
RV solar systems allow you to access power, use home appliances and charge your devices as you camp and travel. It’s time to ditch the noisy and fumes-emitting generators for clean and renewable energy.
Additionally, a solar system in your RV will significantly reduce your traveling costs in the long run since you don’t have to pay for generator fuel and camping ground fees to access electricity.
You have the ability to travel and camp in remote areas without worrying about the lack of power for your devices. Consider the above-discussed BLUETTI solar system and transform your camping and RV experience for the better.
