8 Best Solar Panels for a VW T4
Some of the links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
VW T4s need a power source, so you might find yourself shopping around for a solar panel as part of your campervan conversion. But with so many options on the market that all claim to be the “best”, it can be tricky to choose a solar panel that fits your power needs and budget. To do that, you need a list of panels that stand out from the crowd so you can narrow down from there and choose what serves you best.
Here are the 8 best solar panels for a VW T4:
- Photonic Universe 300W Solar Panel
- Renogy 160W Flexible Solar Panel
- Kings 110W Semi-Flexible Solar Panel
- Sunpower 110W Semi-Flexible Solar Panel
- XtremeVan Reinforced Semi-Flexible Solar Panel
- Solar Technology 120W Portable Folding Solar Panel
- Lensun 50W 12v ETFE Flexible Solar Panel
- LOWENERGIE Flexible ETFE Solar Panel
These panels range in size, power output, and price, making them a good fit for a wide range of van build budgets. So whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your existing solar panel, this product round-up will help you strike a balance between staying on budget and ensuring that you get adequate power supply in your van. Let’s find out what makes each solar panel special.
1. Photonic Universe 300W Solar Panel
The Photonic Universe 300W Solar Panel is an excellent choice for the VW T4. It is a high-quality panel that will provide you with enough power to charge your battery and run your appliances.
It has high efficiency, thanks to the five innovative busbar solar cells used to harness solar power.
Busbar solar cells provide several advantages when used in solar panels, but their biggest appeal is that they have a better power output to space ratio. That means they produce more power per surface area compared to other similar technologies, allowing manufacturers to pack more power production capability in a smaller solar panel.
The Photonic Universe 300W Solar Panel is made of high-quality materials and has an excellent waterproof design. While on the subject of the construction, it’s also worth noting that this panel is designed with non-corrosive materials, allowing you to use it in areas where it’s likely to come into contact with sea water.
Completing the sturdy construction is a durable aluminum frame that will not break easily even if you are transporting it in the back of your VW T4.This solar panel has an excellent warranty, too, meaning the manufacturer is willing to “bet” that it will last for many years without any problems.
2. Renogy 160W Flexible Solar Panel
The Renogy 160W Flexible Solar Panel is one of the best solar panels for VW T4s on the market today. It is lightweight and easy to install, making it perfect for those looking for an effortless installation process.
The panel also has a durable design that can withstand harsh weather conditions, so you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged in inclement weather. It has a high tolerance to heat, water, snow, and wind.
Renogy is an efficient panel, too. It has an efficiency rating of 21%, which makes it more efficient than most other panels on the market.
Other noteworthy features include:
- A power output of 160 watts, which is more than enough for the VW T4.
- The voltage input range is from 12V to 24V, which makes it compatible with many battery types.
3. Kings 110W Semi-Flexible Solar Panel
The Kings 110W Semi-Flexible Solar Panel is a portable solar panel that can be mounted on the roof of your vehicle. It is designed to fit most cars, especially those with a high profile. The panel has a slim design that makes it easier to fold and unfold when needed.
Kings 110W Semi-Flexible Solar Panel is an excellent choice for people who want to generate more power in their VW T4 but don’t have enough space for traditional solar panels. It can be installed on the roof or on other surfaces with a slope of up to 30 degrees.
The Kings 110W Semi-Flexible Solar Panel has a high wattage output of 110 watts, which means it can provide power even when the sun isn’t shining brightly. The voltage range is 18 volts, so it will work well with other appliances or devices.
The panel also has an MPPT charge controller and a built-in blocking diode to prevent reverse current flow and reduce power loss.
4. Sunpower 110W Semi-Flexible 12v Solar Panel
The Sunpower 110W Semi-Flexible 12v Solar Panel Kit is a great way to power your electronics on the road. The included 12V panel is lightweight and can be easily mounted on a car roof or on a trailer, boat, RV, or any other vehicle that requires power.
In addition to the semi-flexible solar panel, this kit comes with mounting brackets, an inverter, and all the necessary mounting hardware. All this can be mounted on the roof of your vehicle without any drilling.
The International Quality & Productivity Center (IQPC) has recognized the Sunpower 110W Semi-Flexible 12v Solar Panel Kit as the best solar panel on two occasions: in 2016 and 2017. It’s easy to see why, given the way the kit combines portability, power, and convenient installation in one affordable package.
5. XtremeVan Black Reinforced Semi-Flexible Solar Panel
The XtremeVan Black Reinforced Semi-Flexible Solar Panel is the best choice for Volkswagen T4 because of its high efficiency, durability, and low cost. It is one of the most efficient solar panels on the market, with a maximum power output of 300 watts.
The panel also has an anti-reflective surface coating, which helps to reduce glare and increase light absorption. The panel’s semi-flexible design makes it easy to install on any surface and allows it to be rolled up for storage when not in use.
XtremeVan Black Reinforced Semi-Flexible Solar Panel is a new and improved product. It has been designed to be more durable and stronger than before. It also comes in two different sizes, so you can choose what fits your power needs best.
This solar panel is made with the latest technology, making it more efficient and robust than many other similarly-priced models. It also has a longer lifespan, so you don’t need to worry about replacing it anytime soon.
6. Solar Technology 120W Portable Folding Solar Panel
Solar Technology 120W Portable Folding Solar Panel is yet another great choice for Volkswagen T4 users who want to power their vehicles with a sustainable and renewable energy source.
This solar panel is designed to be foldable so it can be packed away quickly. It also has an integrated battery that stores up to 12V and 120 watts, meaning it can provide up to 8 hours of power when fully charged.
The power output on this unit is enough to charge most laptops, tablets, and smartphones. The solar panel is also easy to install with clamps and mounting brackets, and features a carrying bag for easy transport.
7. Lensun 50W 12v ETFE Flexible Solar Panel
The Lensun 50W 12v ETFE Flexible Solar Panel is another excellent option for those looking for a solar panel that can be mounted on the roof of their car. The panel is lightweight and flexible for easy installation on roofs, and is made from high-quality materials to withstand the constant exposure to weather elements associated with a roof mount.
The protective coating is made of ETFE film, a polymer with excellent fire resistance, solar transmittance, and self-cleaning capabilities. The coating not only protects the panel, but also minimizes the need for cleaning and maximizes power generation.
Overall, the Lensun 50W 12v ETFE Flexible Solar Panel is a high-efficiency solar panel that can be used for various purposes. The 50-watt power output may seem somewhat limited, but it’s enough for most small-scale applications such as charging batteries or powering lights.
8. LOWENERGIE Flexible ETFE Solar Panel
The Lowenergie Flexible ETFE Solar Panel also features an ETFE coating, whose advantages we’ve reviewed above. The solar panel can be installed on roofs, facades, and other surfaces. It can also be used for greenhouses and carports thanks to its ability to withstand rain and other weather elements.
The Lowenergie Flexible ETFE Solar Panel has a high-efficiency rate of 20%. This means that it will produce more energy than other solar panels with the same surface area. The panel also has a low weight and low installation costs because it does not require additional mounting hardware.