Does Solar Panel Type Really Matter?

Monocrystalline. Polycrystalline. Fixed. Portable. Which type do you need, and does it really matter?

The short answer? Yes. At least, it will probably matter to you. Choosing a solar panel essentially comes down to four things: efficiency, looks, convenience, and price. Read on to discover the differences between the most popular panel options and determine which type is right for you.

Shop Solar Power or read on to discover the difference between:

Monocrystalline, Polycrystalline, & Amorphous Solar Panels
Fixed & Portable Solar Panels
Flat & Flexible Solar Panels

Monocrystalline vs. Polycrystalline vs. Amorphous Solar Panels: What's the Difference?

The difference between solar panel types is in their composition. They also differ in size, efficiency, and cost.

Monocrystalline Solar Panels

Pros: Monocrystalline panels are made with single-crystal silicon, which makes them the most efficient panel for their compact size. These panels typically have a decades-long lifespan (a 25-year warranty is common). They are often selected by RVers for their unobtrusive size and aesthetically pleasing black glass.

Cons: Their many benefits come with a higher price tag.

Polycrystalline Solar Panels

Pros: Like monocrystalline, polycrystalline boasts a long lifespan and usually comes bundled with a 25-year warranty. Polycrystalline panels are somewhat less efficient than monocrystalline panels (think 13-16% efficiency rather than 15-20%), but not by much, and for the slight decrease in efficiency, you can save a considerable amount of money.

Cons: If you care about aesthetics, it's worth noting that these panels generally have a blue hue, rather than sleek black. But the main drawback of polycrystalline panels is that they're generally larger than their monocrystalline counterparts and are not as efficient due to the fact that they are composed of multiple silicon pieces. What this means is that polycrystalline panels will take up more space to produce the same amount of energy. However, for the price, it's often beneficial to take the slight energy hit and go with the more economical choice.

Amorphous (Thin Film) Solar Panels

Pros: The biggest draw of amorphous panels is the cost—these panels are the most economical option in most cases. They are made by depositing a thin layer of silicon or other photovoltaic substance on a panel surface (this is the same technology used in solar-powered calculators). This construction method contributes to a lighter weight and greater flexibility. Amorphous panels also tend to function better than crystalline panels in partial shade and hot conditions.

Cons: Amorphous panels require twice the amount of space as their crystalline counterparts to produce the same amount of energy. And when it comes to your RV or camper roof, space is always a consideration. Amorphous panels are also not as durable as crystalline panels, so their warranties are typically much shorter (typically by half or more).

Our Recommendation: Polycrystalline Solar Panels

Polycrystalline panels are the "goldilocks" option—smaller and more efficient than amorphous panels, yet more cost-effective than monocrystalline panels. There's a small trade off in terms of efficiency, but the difference is small enough that it's usually not worth being concerned over unless you want to maximize the efficiency of your roof space.

Fixed vs. Portable Solar Panels: Which Do I Need?

Trying to decide between a fixed (roof-mounted) system and a portable system? There are benefits and drawbacks to each. The choice mainly comes down to how you plan to use your panels and how much setup you are prepared to do each time you camp.

Fixed Solar Panels

Pros: The great thing about fixed panels—they're permanent. Install them on your roof, and you never have to worry about setting up when you reach a new campsite. Your panels will even work to keep your battery charged in storage. Plus, if you have to leave the campsite, you don't have to worry about your panels sprouting legs and running off.

Cons: The bad thing about fixed panels—they're permanent. Flat fixed panel installations usually mean putting holes in your roof. Fixed panels are also much harder to tilt as the sun moves (be prepared to climb on top of your RV several times a day), and if you park in the shade, they won't work as effectively.

Portable Solar Panels

Pros: With portable panels, you're not limited to parking in the blazing sun. You can enjoy the refreshing shade while your panels soak up those rays, and you can easily adjust the panels in order to constantly achieve the best angle throughout the day. If you don't like the idea of modifying your trailer, portable panels are a great choice.

Cons: The main downside of portable panels is that they must be packed up, moved, stored, and set up again whenever you change locations. They don't have the hassle-free benefit of fixed panels, and you may even find they get in your way at the campsite. Unlike fixed panels, portable panels can't be used to charge your battery in storage. There is also a security risk with these panels—since the panels aren't bolted to your roof, it's often worth storing them inside the RV when you leave the campsite to protect against potential theft.

Fixed vs Portable Solar Panel Infographic

Our Recommendation: It Depends

What's the most important solar goal for you? Want to install your panels and forget about them? Go with the fixed option. Do you want to park in the shade but still reap the benefits of solar? Portable will be your best option.

If you really can't decide, you can always go with a combined approach—stick the fixed panels to your roof for hassle-free energy (even in storage), and purchase a portable panel for when you want to park in the shade.

Traditional Flat vs Flexible Solar Panels

Flat Solar Panels

Pros: Standard flat panels, also known as traditional or rigid panels, are more efficient than their flexible counterparts. They typically sit a few inches off the RV's roof, allowing for airflow and preventing overheating (which can cause a drop in efficiency). Flat panels are more economical, they can be tilted at an angle as necessary, and they have the potential to last decades (most come with warranties of 20+ years). Flat panels are also typically more economical.

Cons: Flat panels are considerably heavier than flexible panels, which makes them difficult to move or mount on a rooftop. Then there's the installation itself, which generally involves putting holes in your roof. Aside from these considerations, flat panels also simply don't offer the same aesthetic value on curved RV rooftops.

Flexible Solar Panels

Pros: Flexible panels are thin, lightweight, and aerodynamic—just what you want for a moving vehicle that can bear a limited amount of weight. Flexible panels sit flush against the rooftop, which makes them the more aesthetically pleasing choice for curved RV roofs. Flexible panels can often be attached to the roof via adhesives, rather than screws, so they are a good option if you don't like the idea of holes in your roof.

Cons: Flexible panels are less efficient than flat panels, though they usually cost more. Because they sit flush against their mounting surface, they don't allow for that beneficial airflow beneath the panels, and they can't be adjusted to acheive the best angle. Flexible panels are also less durable and scratch easier (hello, low-hanging tree branches). Because of this, flexible panels have shorter lifespans and warranties (compare this 5-year flexible panel warranty to this 25-year flat panel warranty.)

Flat vs. Flexible Solar Panel Infographic

Our Recommendation: Flat Panels

Flexible solar technology is sure to advance in the coming years. But until then, unless you have a good reason to go for the flexible style (such as RV weight restrictions), flat panels will get you more bang for your buck.

Save or Share This Idea

4 Reasons Not To Use Solar Power (And 4 Reasons You Should)

Related Products

Shop Inverters

Shop RV Battery Boxes

Shop Hiking Panels

Written by: Amber S.

Updated on: 2/8/19

Mike M.

7/26/2021

I have a travel trailer with a pre-wired for solar roof. Do I need a controller as well? If so, how do I find out where to tap into the existing wiring to install it? 2021 Rockwood Minilite 2104S

Victoria B.

7/30/2021

From what we've seen, when a camper is wired for solar they typically already have a controller wired in. It should look something like the Go Power Controller # 34280503. This controller may be mounted somewhere obvious in your camper, but it could also be tucked in a storage compartment or inside a cabinet in the trailer. Being pre-wired for solar means there should be a plug or a port, similar to the Go Power Entry Plate # 34273841REVA, somewhere on the roof. I couldn't find anything definitive online about your 2021 Mini Lite, so if you can't seem to find a controller or a brand that the camper is wired for it may take a call to Rockwood to learn a little more about the system that came with your camper.

Explore Expert Info

on RV Solar Panels

Videos

for RV Solar Panels

Help Articles

for RV Solar Panels

Expert Answers

for RV Solar Panels

Finding The Right Trailer Dolly For The Job

A Closer Look at the Trailer Valet RVR5 Remote-Controlled Trailer Dolly

Review of Dexstar Trailer Tires and Wheels - Wheel Only - AM20766

Hands-On with the Advent Air Low Profile RV Air Conditioner System

What to Know About the Furrion Chill HE RV Air Conditioner System-FR23PV

Review of Progressive Dynamics RV Converters - Power Converter W Charge System - PD4045KA

Hands-On with the BulletProof Hitches Extreme Duty Coupler Lock

Let’s Check Out the BulletProof Hitches Extreme Duty Coupler Lock

How to Install: Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System on your 2019 Ram 2500

Let’s Check Out the Go Power Overlander Expansion Kit

Checking Out the Go Power Overlander Expansion Kit

Detailed Breakdown of the Progressive Dynamics 1800 Watt Inverter w/ Transfer Switch

How Much Solar Power Do I Need For My RV?

4 Reasons Not to Use RV Solar Power (And 4 Reasons You Should)

4-Step Guide to Installing RV Solar Power

4 Common Myths About RV Solar Power

How Long Can You Boondock in an RV?

RV Propane 101: How Does My RV's Propane System Work?

How to Measure Your Trailer Wheel Bolt Pattern

30-Amp and 50-Amp RV Service: What's the Difference?

Troubleshooting a Curt WDS That Binds When Turning

Hey Bruce, I have not personally heard of that but I did go ahead and check out the instructions to see if anything like that was mentioned. What I think is happening is you have your chains adjusted up too high. Curt specifies that the Curt Round…

view full answer...

It looks like there actually isn't a direct replacement for your Magnetek series 6300A Model 6325 so you'd have to upgrade the entire system. I recommend checking out the Progressive Dynamics 4100 Series RV Converter w/ Charge Wizard and…

view full answer...

Can the Trailer Valet RVR9 Remote-Controlled Trailer Dolly be Used on Rough/Unlevel Terrain

I'm sorry to hear that your trailer dolly didn't work out as well as you had hoped. Since you plan to use the Trailer Valet RVR9 Remote-Controlled Trailer Dolly #TVRVR9 in areas that aren't always smooth and level, I would like to share…

view full answer...

Can the Trailer Valet Tow Dolly Be Used to Pull a Trailer Uphill

So you can use the Trailer Valet RVR9 Remote-Controlled Trailer Dolly #TVRVR9 you were looking at, at a maximum of 5 degrees of incline, but since your trailer is about a thousand pounds heavier than what the dolly can handle you won't be able to…

view full answer...

Is The Charge From The Tow Vehicle Alternator Something To Worry About With Lithium Batteries

The 12v accessory pin from the 7-way would need to be connected to the battery in order to charge it so you'd first need to make sure it was actually wired that way since not every manufacturer does. That being said the trickle charge coming from…

view full answer...

The tire covers we offer are constructed with vinyl, which can become hard when facing extreme weather like you see in the Northeast part of the United States. I recommend finding a cover that has other material used with vinyl to help keep it more…

view full answer...

Can I Safely Use Go Power Overlander Expansion Kit With Go Power Weekender System 220W Solar Panel

I contacted Go Power and you can safely use the Go Power Overlander Expansion Kit part #34282182 with your Go Power Weekender system with 220W solar panel with 30A controller. There is not a 220W panel expansion kit available because it is not…

view full answer...

Landing Gear is Difficult to Crank Up by Hand

Since you are having trouble lifting the jacks manually, the issue seems most likely to be the gear box, so a replacement is in order. The replacement you can use is the Replacement Aluminum Gearbox for Stromberg Carlson Landing Gear #LG-179015. This…

view full answer...

Fuses Blowing Under Load With Venture Landing Gear Which Can be Hand Cranked

Generally when landing gear is blowing fuses under a load, like what is happening with you right now, the issue is too much of a load on the circuit. So while it could be the motor, since the is the priciest fix, I recommend first checking the wiring…

view full answer...

Troubleshooting Clicking Noise Coming From Landing Gear or Motor

For a landing gear set that has an electric motor with it, like the 6K Lippert Electric Landing Gear Set #LC333964, you can disconnect the motor and use the manual override handle. If you hear clicking still then it's the landing gear and…

view full answer...

Will Go Power Overlander Expansion Kit Work With 30 Amp Controller

I believe you are asking if the Go Power Overlander Expansion Kit - 200 Watt Solar Panel #34282182 will work with the Go Power PWM Solar Charge Controller #GP72RR, which is a 30 amp controller, and the answer to that is yes it will. It comes with…

view full answer...

Kit Needed to Add 1,200 Watt Solar Panel Kit to RV

To get that much solar panel wattage you'd want to start with the Go Power Solar Panel kit part #34282185 and then add three of the panels #34282182 and that would put you at 1,200 watts. If you ordered 4 of the panels you'd be up to 1,400…

view full answer...