Recommended Solar Charging System for a Motorhome w/ 2 Coach Batteries

Updated 09/05/2025 | Published 08/13/2025

Products Featured in This Question

OptiMate 5 Select Smart Battery Charger - AC to DC - 6V/12V - 4 Amp/3 Amp

(4)

$94.95

Go Power Eco Solar Charging System with Digital Solar Controller - 20 Watt Solar Panel

(65)

$327.99

Go Power Overlander Solar Charging System with Digital Solar Controller - 200 Watt Solar Panel

(77)

$543.59

Question:

Hi, I have a small motorhome. I’m looking for a solar trickle charger to charge 2 coach batteries and one battery for the engine. Of course a solar panel to run all of the above. Please help me find the correct products. Thank you

asked by: Lisa

Expert Reply:

Hey Lisa, welcome back. You can install a system like the Go Power Overlander Solar Charging System with Digital Solar Controller - 200 Watt Solar Panel item # 34282181 that will keep your batteries charged. It includes a 200 watt panel and has a solar controller that has an input charge of 30 amps.

Or you can use the much smaller Go Power Eco Solar Charging System with Digital Solar Controller - 20 Watt Solar Panel item # 34273837. It just depends on what type and size your batteries are and if you're going to be off grid.

How many amp hours are your coach batteries and what kind of motorhome do you have?

expert reply by: Jerred H

Jerred H.

8/26/2025

Hi Jerred, It is a small class b plus- 2018 Coachmen Orion. It's on a ford transit chassis. I want to be able to keep all the batteries charged. It has the engine battery plus 2 coach batteries- deep cycle SRM-24. I want to have a trickle charge on all of those plus maybe the ability to keep the fridge on but the main goal is to leave all the batteries in the coach for up to 6 months with a trickle charge to keep batteries in good shape. Please let me know if you think Go Power Eco Solar Charging System with Digital Solar Controller - 20 Watt Solar Panel item # 34273837 is good or do I need something bigger? I also want to purchase all the parts because I live in a remote area and need to get everything from you. Thanks, Lisa

Jerred H.

8/27/2025

@JerredH The Go Power Overlander Solar Charging System with Digital Solar Controller - 200 Watt Solar Panel item # 34282181 will definitely provide enough power to keep your batteries topped off while they're sitting idle for 6 months. To run your fridge you're going to need a pretty large solar setup. Are you able to access shore power and do you have a 12 volt fridge?

Lisa

8/28/2025

@JerredH Thanks for your help Jerred. If this system: The Go Power Eco Solar Charging System with Digital Solar Controller item # 34282181 is good for keeping my batteries charged and in good shape, are there any other parts I would need for an install? If I wanted a bigger system to run the fridge which is 12 volt, what system would you recommend? Thanks

Jerred H.

9/3/2025

@Lisa It depends on whether or not your RV is prewired for solar. As far as powering a fridge with solar for 6 months you're going to need a pretty big solar panel set up and large amp hour batteries. I recommend taking a look at the link below so you can get an idea of how many watts you're motorhome is going to be pulling and the size of a solar system you're going to need. https://www.etrailer.com/faq-how-much-solar-power-rv.aspx