In this buyers' guide, let's check out the 4 best 100 watt solar panels for RV, other small scale solar system setup and even the one that can curve.
There are tons of options out there and we have narrowed to down a simple and easy to consume list for you to browse without purchase decision fatigue.
Let's check them out.
4 Best 100W 12V Solar Panels
Renogy 100W 12V Solar Panel - Best Overall
Why Use Renogy? - Renogy is one of the top solar panel producer. Want a longer service life & the highest efficiency rating? This one is as efficient as 21% for building a small shed, RV project and a motorhome.
All Included Connectors - Included with your purchase, no additional cord or connectors purchases required
Simple Install - The connector leads are compatible with the Renogy Solar Adaptor Kit for a fast and simple connection.
Endure Bad Weather - Withstanding heavy snow and strong wind out by the beach, remote locations or in the mountains to keep supplying power
Off Grid & On Grid Use - Use for RV, offices, trailers, off-grid tiny homes and more. Z bracket, tilt mount and pole mounts are included right out of the box so there was little that you needed to purchase separately.
Water Cleaning Safe - IP65 rated junction box provides complete protection against environmental particles and low-pressure water jets
Specs
- Max Power: 100W
- Short Circuit Current: 6.24A
- Maximum System Voltage: 600 VDC UL
- Weight: 14.3 lbs
- Open Circuit Voltage: 21.6V
- Operating Temperature: -40°F to 185°F
- Dimensions: 42.2 x 19.6 x 1.38 in
Goal Zero Boulder 100W 12V Briefcase - Best Mobility
Why Buy Goal Zero? - The 12V Goal Zero Boulder 100W solar panel is unique because it can be folded for easy carry, and it has built in leg stands for use on any surfaces. This is essentially a all in one package including 2 50W monocrystalline solar panels for charging solar generators and other power stations.
Fast Charge Times - As slow as 20-40 hours & as fast as 3-6 hours when charging a Goal Zero Yeti generator.
Easy To Carry & Flexible - Fold it up for easy carry without taking up space, and unfold to maximize sunlight capture area for any outdoor activities.
Protected Edges - Fully protected sizes against drop to prevent solar panel glass shatter when carrying it around or in and out of the vehicle.
Multi Panel Setup - Use a combiner for multi panel connection for even faster charge time.
Specs
- Max Power: 100W
- Short Circuit Current: 12.45A
- Maximum System Voltage: 1000 V DC
- Operating Temperature: 40°F to 176°F
- Maximum Series Fuse Rating: 15A
- Dimensions: 26.75 x 43.5 x 1.75 in
HQST 100W 12V - Best For Low Light
Why Try HQST ? - HQST has been around in the off grid solar business for a long time. The panel is designed to withstand heavy snow and wind conditions. It uses the same material as others we have recommended above, and it's much smaller than other 100W panels & it can do the same thing with everything included for easy plug and play use.
Works During Cloudy Days - No sun? no problem, the panel works in low light conditions and can produce up to 500 watt hours per day.
Works In Series Connection - Maintain voltage by connecting multi solar panels setup in series, so when one breaks the whole system continue to work.
Specs:
- Max Power: 100W
- Short Circuit Current: 5.7A
- Open Circuit Current: 21.4V
- Maximum System Voltage: 600 V DC
- Dimensions: 35.6 X 25.9 X 1.4 in
ALLPOWERS Flexible 100W 12V Panel - Best For Curved Surfaces
Why Try This Flexible Solar Panel ? - Do you have to mount your solar panel on curved surfaces? If yes, then a flexible solar panel (30 degree max curve) like the ALLPOWERS 100W monocrystalline panel is the way to go with efficiency as high as 23.5 % compared to traditional models, and it's thinner and lighter.
However, they do wear out faster and easy to break due to how thin they make it. So install with care.
Specs:
- Max Power: 100W
- Short Circuit Current: 5.7A
- Open Circuit Current: 20V
- Maximum System Voltage: 600 V DC
- Dimensions: 35.6 X 25.9 X 1.4 in
Common FAQ
What Can A 100W Solar Panel Power?
A single 200W solar panel can power small appliances such as laptops, LED lighting, coolers, small TV and anything that don't take up too much power. It's a great solar panel power option for an RV.
Can a 100W Solar Panel Run A Refrigerator?
Most household refrigerators consume around 100 & 250W, so a 100W panel is not enough unless it's a much smaller unit. Try a 200W panel
How Much Power Does A 100 Watt Solar Panel Produce?
A 100W solar panel produces about 100 watt hour of energy in an hour. So 500 Watts in 5 hours assuming there is sunlight and it's working at its peak performance.
On average, a 100W panel produces around 18V or 5.55 amps of power in an ideal situation.
Can I Use Multiple 100W Panels To Get The Output I Want?
Yes you can, but you can do it in a smarter way.
Depend on the amount of power you need for your particular solar system project. Sometimes you need more wattage to supply power to your system.
You can either get a big panel with higher or multiple smaller panels to get the same amount of output. So how do you know much many panels you need based on the sunlight exposure time, daily watt hours and specs of the solar panel. Click here to learn how to calculate the number of solar panels needed
How Long Does It Take To Charge A 12V Battery With A 100W Solar Panel?
On average, a 100W solar panel can charge a 12V battery under 14 hours only under ideal sunlight conditions.
Polycrystalline VS Monocrystalline VS Thin Film
Monocrystalline is the most efficient (Up to 15 - 25% efficiency rating) It's rigid for durable use on RV and small home projects. Thin film (Amorphous) is recommended for flexible solar panels on curved surfaces.
Learn more about the differences between amporphous vs crystalline solar panels here.
What Other Devices Are Needed To Complete A 100W Solar Panel Setup?
A solar panel inverter, a charge controller and battery are needed.
Solar panel with 12V should work with a 12V rated inverter, charge controller and battery to keep the same voltage (Different current).
We recommend using a 100W 12V solar panel with a 12V 1500W VertaMax power inverter and a 30 amp charge controller
