ONE OF THE BIGGEST PERKS of RV life is the ability to go off-grid—finding your own private campsite and enjoying the quiet of the outdoors. With solar power, you can extend those stays, reduce your reliance on hookups, and enjoy more freedom. And if you’re a fan of driving your camper, the right motorhome with solar panels combines maneuverability with off-grid versatility.
In this guide, we’ll cover some of the top motorhomes and camper vans with solar panels. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, a family, or solo, there’s a solar-enhanced RV that fits your adventure style.
Key Takeaways
- Motorhomes with built-in solar can extend off-grid stays by keeping batteries charged longer without relying solely on hookups or generators.
- Options range from entry-level solar (100–200 watts) for weekend trips (e.g., Freedom Traveler, Scope, Freedom Elite) to higher-capacity systems (360–460 watts) in models like the Travato and Granite Ridge, designed for extended capability.
- Features like expandable solar ports, inverter systems, spacious living layouts, and flexible sleeping arrangements make these RVs versatile for solo travelers, couples, or families seeking greater independence and comfort off-grid.
Class A Motorhomes with Solar Panels
Class A motorhomes are the kings of the road, offering spacious interiors and all the comforts of home. Here’s a look at three Class A RVs with solar panels—ranked from good to better to best based on solar capacity.
Thor Freedom Traveler A26
Images by Camping World
Specs
- Length: 27’2’’
- Chassis: Ford® E-Series
- Solar Capture: 100 watts
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 3
Compact yet upscale, the Freedom Traveler A26 is an excellent choice for couples or small families who want to dip their toes into off-grid camping. The 100-watt solar panel is paired with a solar controller and an expandable solar port, allowing you to add panels in the future. This setup makes it easy to charge phones, laptops, and small appliances while boondocking for a night or two.
Inside, the living area feels roomy thanks to a clever layout. A theater-style sofa sits opposite the TV, and the swivel captain’s chairs feature a removable coffee table—perfect for meals with a view. The split bathroom design is a highlight, letting one person use the shower while the other uses the vanity or toilet across the hall.
In the bedroom, a queen-sized bed is flanked by dual wardrobes, offering more storage than most small motorhomes. Entertainment options include living room and bedroom TVs, making rainy days enjoyable. This coach is a comfortable starter for RVers ready to try off-grid camping without sacrificing comfort.
Jayco Precept 36C
Specs
- Length: 38’10”
- Chassis: Ford® F-53
- Solar Capture: 200 watts
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 7
The Precept 36C is built with families in mind, combining sleeping space for up to seven with a solar system capable of handling longer trips away from shore power. With 200 watts of solar and multiple house batteries, you can comfortably run lights, fans, and the residential fridge while exploring national parks or remote campsites.
Inside, the nearly 40-foot layout feels spacious thanks to three slideouts. The living area includes a large sofa and a dinette, which convert into additional sleeping spaces. The kitchen features a residential refrigerator, a three-burner stove, and ample counterspace, making it ideal for cooking meals for a crowd.
The main bedroom has a king-sized bed on a slide, dual nightstands, and plenty of storage for long trips. The highlight is the rear full-width bathroom with a large shower, generous counterspace, and a convenient half bath off the living area. This solar-ready motorhome provides outstanding space and features for extended family adventures.
Winnebago Sunstar 33K
Specs
- Length: 34’3″
- Chassis: Ford® F-53
- Solar Capture: Up to 460 watts
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 6
For RVers who want maximum power independence, the Sunstar 33K delivers up to 460 watts of solar capacity, a 2,000-watt inverter, and roof ports for adding even more solar later. This setup allows you to go beyond weekend trips—perfect for full-time RVers or those wanting to spend more time off-grid.
The living area is highly customizable, letting you choose between a sofa bed or theater seating. You can even add a power StudioLoft bed above the cab. The kitchen is designed for serious cooking, with dual pantries and plenty of prep space. Across the hall, a half bath provides convenience for guests and kids.
In the rear, the king bed slide and full-width bath create a private suite, offering a quiet retreat after a long day outdoors. The combination of high solar capacity, generator backup, and thoughtful interior design makes this one of the most versatile Class A coaches for boondockers.
Comparisons
- Freedom Traveler A24 – with a 100-watt solar panel and a unique king-to-twin conversion bed.
- Precept 31UL – a great mid-sized motorhome for couples.
- Riviera 38RB – for those seeking a luxury motorhome with solar.
Class B Camper Vans with Solar Panels
When someone imagines boondocking surrounded by desert vistas or high mountains, they generally imagine a Class B camper van. These Class B campers with solar panels will further that adventure, keeping you in nature longer.
Thor Scope 18M
Images by Camping World
Specs
- Length: 17’11’’
- Chassis: RAM ProMaster® 1500 XT
- Solar Capture: 200 watts
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 2
The Scope 18M packs a full RV experience into a compact, go-anywhere van. Its 200-watt solar panel makes finding and staying at remote campsites a breeze, perfect for spontaneous weekend trips or solo adventures.
Inside, the layout is efficient and comfortable. The swivel cab seats and sofa create a living space that doubles as a dining and sleeping area. While compact, it still offers seatbelts for guests—great if friends tag along with tents.
The galley includes a 12V fridge, two-burner cooktop, and microwave, while the rear wet bath provides a shower, cassette toilet, and drop-down sink. This van maximizes function in a small footprint, letting you get far off the beaten path without sacrificing comfort.
Thor Eddie Bauer 20EB
Specs
- Length: 21’1’’
- Chassis: RAM ProMaster® 3500XT
- Solar Capture: 200 watts
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 2
The Eddie Bauer 20EB builds on the compact camper concept with more space and style. The interior features a twin-to-king conversion sleeper sofa, making it perfect for couples or two friends traveling together.
The living space feels bright and open, with plenty of cabinetry and thoughtful design touches that reflect Eddie Bauer’s outdoor heritage. The rear wet bath is conveniently placed near the sleeping area, providing quick access during the night.
With 200 watts of solar, you can easily charge devices and small electronics. The Truma® Combi Eco system heats water and air efficiently, allowing you to save battery power for essentials like lighting and refrigeration.
Winnebago Travato 59K
Specs
- Length: 21’’
- Chassis: Ram ProMaster®
- Solar Capture: 245 watts
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 2
The Winnebago Travato 59K offers the highest solar capacity of this Class B lineup—up to 245 watts—giving you more off-grid power for extended trips.
Inside, the twin beds can be used separately or converted into a queen for a flexible sleeping arrangement. The kitchen has a convection microwave, an optional induction cooktop, and a fridge/freezer, while the rear wet bath provides a surprisingly spacious shower.
With Winnebago’s electrical system, you can run lights, fans, and even the fridge without relying on hookups. This is the ideal van for adventurers who want to roam freely while keeping their comfort level high. Plus, the Canyon interior design style is perfect for those looking to head off-grid in the southwest!
Comparisons
- Eddie Bauer 18EB – similar to the 20EB, but at just 18 feet in length.
- Revel 44E – for a rear Power Lift bed, saving you from a pullout bed option.
- Solis 59PX – sleeps up to 4, with a Murphy bed and additional pop-top bed.
Class C RVs with Solar Panels
Class C RVs strike the perfect balance between size, comfort, and drivability. They’re great for families or couples who want the amenities of a Class A without the size and cost. Here are three excellent solar-equipped Class C motorhomes.
Thor Freedom Elite 28HE
Specs
- Length: 30’
- Chassis: Ford® E-Series
- Solar Capture: 100 watts
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 6
The Freedom Elite 28HE is designed for family trips. Its 100-watt solar panel is paired with a 12-volt house battery and has space for four additional batteries, making it easy to power essentials like lights, fans, and the refrigerator for a weekend trip off-grid. With its additional 4.0 kW dual-fuel generator, you’ll always have backup power when needed.
Inside, the 30-foot floor plan feels spacious thanks to a large slide that houses the kitchen and dinette. The jackknife sofa across from the dinette doubles as a sleeping area and faces the entertainment center, creating a cozy living space for movie nights. Over the cab, the full-size bunk provides another bed, perfect for kids or guests.
The private rear bedroom features a queen mattress and dual closets, giving you a dedicated retreat at the end of the day. The full bathroom offers a curved shower curtain for extra space and a large countertop—an upgrade over a typical wet bath. This motorhome is great for families wanting a capable but budget-friendly solar-ready RV.
Jayco Greyhawk 30Z
Images by Camping World
Specs
- Length: 32’6″
- Chassis: Ford® E-450
- Solar Capture: 200 watts
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 7
The Greyhawk 30Z steps up solar capacity to 200 watts, which is ideal for longer trips where you want to reduce generator use. The two slideouts create a very open interior layout, giving you plenty of space to move around—something you’ll appreciate if you’re camping with a group.
The living area is thoughtfully arranged, with a tri-fold sofa facing an entertainment center and fireplace, making the RV feel cozy and homey. The kitchen has good counterspace, and the dinette provides seating for family meals or game nights.
One of the best features is the rear suite layout. The bedroom slide accommodates a queen bed with extra floor space, while the bathroom is split—the toilet and shower on one side, and the vanity and linen closet on the other. This allows multiple people to get ready simultaneously, which is perfect for families.
Jayco Granite Ridge 22T
Specs
- Length: 23’5″
- Chassis: Ford® Transit 350HD AWD
- Solar Capture: 360 watts
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 2
If you want a small Class C with big off-grid potential, the Granite Ridge 22T is the winner. With 360 watts of solar capacity, it’s built for boondocking. The enclosed tanks and two-inch walls make this a capable cold-weather RV, so you can confidently enjoy extended-season camping.
The interior makes excellent use of space, with swivel cab seats that face the unique L-shaped dinette. This setup creates a lounge-like atmosphere, ideal for relaxing after a day of adventure. The galley kitchen is well-equipped and conveniently placed across from the wet bath.
The rear bedroom offers flexibility with twin beds that can convert into a king. This setup is perfect for couples who like extra space or traveling friends who prefer separate sleeping areas. With its high solar output and rugged design, the Granite Ridge 22T is an excellent choice for travelers prioritizing off-grid independence.
Comparisons
- Eddie Bauer 31ED – has a lot of kitchen counterspace, plus the classic Eddie Bauer design elements.
- Coleman 24CL – provides a full-width rear bathroom for lots of space!
- Greyhawk 29MV – the main bedroom offers a lot of storage.
Can Solar Panels Power a Motorhome?
The length of time you can run an RV off solar depends on your setup, the weather, and how much power you consume. Lights, fridges, and devices are easy to run on solar, but high-wattage appliances like air conditioners, microwaves, and coffee makers will drain your batteries quickly.
Before purchasing a camper based on its solar panels, or adding panels to your existing RV, read this tutorial:
How Many Solar Panels Do I Need to Fully Power My RV?
The number of solar panels you’ll need to power RV electrical systems depends on your camper and energy consumption habits. With the right solar array, charge controller, and battery bank, you can power the RV for several days. However, to maximize usage, you’ll need to do some math. Check out the tutorial below for a full explanation.
Do I Need a Generator if You Have Solar Panels on My RV?
It can be helpful to have a generator and solar panels for extended boondocking trips and other use cases. Regardless, you will need an inverter to convert your DC solar power to AC power. Numerous inverter generators combine the two functions, providing one device for both.
Consult your RV manufacturer’s guide to see what you may already have installed, and then peruse these add-on options:
Solar power can make off-grid camping easier, providing a great alternative to busy campgrounds. Understanding solar power can initially be overwhelming, but the benefits are worth it. Check out these additional resources:
- RV Solar Installation for RVs with Solar Prep
- How To Boondock in an RV
- How To Conserve and Create Power When Boondocking
- What is the Best Travel Trailer with Solar Panels?
What kind of off-grid capability are you really looking for in a motorhome with solar panels? Let us know where and how you plan to camp in the comments below!
