Expect to pay around $1,500 for a very basic starter system, and up to $18,000 for an elaborate solar/lithium setup that can power your entire RV for days.
If you don't want to DIY your RV solar installation, you'll need to factor labor into the cost of RV solar system setup. Labor costs will vary widely depending on your location and who is available to do the work, but budgeting up to $1,500 for RV solar panel installation cost is a good starting point.
The Residential Clean Energy Credit, formerly known as the federal investment tax credit (ITC), can reduce your solar panel system's cost by 30%. Your entire system, including all the equipment, labor, permitting, and sales tax, qualifies for the ITC. In Georgia, the average cost for a 5 kW solar panel system is around $13,160.
In Georgia, the average cost for a 5 kW solar panel system is around $13,160. Once you factor in the 30% credit, the cost of a solar panel system in Georgia comes down to $9,212. When you file your taxes, you can claim this incentive as a credit towards your federal tax bill.
Should you buy an RV Solar System?
While the cost of an RV solar system can seem high upfront, many RVers find the benefits far outweigh the expense. You'll be able to camp wherever you like without hookups, avoid the noise and fumes of a generator, and reduce long-term fuel and campground costs.
This article focuses specifically on estimating the cost of adding solar to RV setups, using a simple 400-watt solar setup as an example. What Does an RV Solar Installation Cost? You can expect to spend between $975–$2,150 for components in a 400-watt RV solar system.
Do solar panels power my RV?
Solar panels do not power your RV. Solar panels are primarily used to recharge your RV batteries. Your battery bank is where energy is stored for use throughout the day. Solar panels and generators provide supplemental power when in use, but their primary purpose while off-grid is battery charging.