Differences between permanently mounted RV Solar Kits and Portable Solar Panels
While Permanently Mounted Solar Panels provide less maintenance due to the panels being deployed in a static permanent location on the RV roof they do have several drawbacks compared to Portable Foldable Solar Panels.
Whether driving to the destination or at the camp site the permanently mounted solar panels are fixed and cannot be moved other than by moving the RV itself. Because the goal with solar panels is to capture as much sun as possible this often means that the RV has to be in the sun also. With portable panels you do have the option of parking the RV in the shade and placing the portable solar panels in an area with good sun exposure. The portable panels generally come with about 15-20 feet of wire which allows greater flexibility in the placement of the portable panels. The Zamp Solar portable solar panels come with crocodile clips to easily attach to the battery once the camp site has been reached. An alternative to this is to use a quick disconnect side wall port which allows you to simply plug the portable solar panels into the side wall port allowing the compartment door to the battery bank to remain closed. The side wall port is placed into the wall of the rv near the battery bank and the wires form this port are permanently attached to the battery bank.
Permanently fixed solar panels which lay horizontally on the roof are not at the optimum angle for sun exposure and the proximity to the surface of the roof can cause the panels to be hot and therefore less efficient. The portable solar panels can benefit from more air flow which can keep the panels cooler and therefore produce more power overall. In our experience using portable panels can provide approx 150% more power from the same wattage of solar panel compared to permanent horizontally mounted solar panels. If you are around the RV during the day and can take the time to move the portable solar panels to follow the sun this will also increase the power production. If you will be away during the day then you want to place the panels facing south and make sure that shading issues will not effect the solar panels as the sun moves through the day. Also consider the wind, if a gust does come how will you ensure the panels will not move or blow over.
Issues to consider before purchasing portable foldable solar panels is where you will store these during travel. The portable foldable panels do pack fairly flat and are usually no more than 2” deep.