Ultimate Guide to Solar Panels on Mobile Homes [2023]

Solar panels have grown in popularity in the United States in recent years, and it is simple to see why no-money-down financing, home equity enhancements, and immediate electric bill reductions.

Solar panels on a mobile home will transform your lifestyle. They are the most effective method for saving money on electricity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and achieving energy independence. As more homes turn to solar to produce their renewable energy, it is only natural that mobile homes should also jump on the sustainability bandwagon.   

Not all mobile homes, however, can sustain complete solar power systems. This solar panels on portable home guide covers everything you need to know, including whether or not your mobile home is suitable for going solar, its pros and cons, how many solar panels are required for a mobile home, and how to select the best solar panels. We recommend Jackery Solar Panels to power your mobile home's Portable Power Station to maximize solar power and renewable energy.    

Solar Panels	Product Image	Peak Power	Efficiency	Dimensions	Weight
SolarSaga 200W		200W	24.3%	21,2 x 24,2 x 1,6 in (540 x 615 x 40 mm)	17.5±0.5lbs (8.0±0.3Kg)
SolarSaga 100W		100W	24.3%	24 x 21 x 1.4 in (610 x 535 x 35 mm)	10.33 lbs (4.69 kg)
SolarSaga 80W		80W	25%	35.67 x 20.79 x 1.06 in (906 x 528 x 27 mm)	10.33 lbs (5.1 kg)

Can You Use Solar Panels on Mobile Home?

Yes, you can use solar panels in a mobile home! However, solar systems are only compatible with some portable pads. For instance, if your mobile home is nestled in a community that operates off-grid or has its septic system, it will likely not be compatible with solar panel installation.

Before selecting your solar panels and solar system, you must determine whether your mobile home is suitable for solar panels.

Verify that your mobile home is structurally suitable for solar panels mounted on the roof and that your local government allows the installation of solar systems on mobile homes. If the roof structure of your mobile home is not sturdy enough to support roof-mounted solar panels, you should also consider a portable solar panel kit for your mobile home.

A portable solar kit that provides a small quantity of charge throughout the day without requiring a building permit. Typically, portable kits are intended to be laid out in a sunny location.   

What Are Solar Panels on Mobile Homes?

Mobile home solar panels can be any solar panels that are small and lightweight enough to be moved easily. Because mobile homes can be moved from one location to another, special considerations must be made when attempting to power them, including their structure, location, power consumption, and more.

They function similarly to residential portable solar panels, allowing you to lessen your reliance on the grid and your monthly electricity cost. They can be used as an emergency backup energy source in a power outage.   

What Are The Pros & Cons of Solar Panels on Mobile Homes?

Solar panels on mobile homes have numerous benefits, ranging from the personal to the global and the financial to the environmental.  

Here are some of the benefits of transitioning to solar energy.

• Saving Bills: Do not experience sticker shock upon seeing the initial cost of an off-grid mobile home power solution. The proper solar energy system can eliminate electricity costs and save you substantial money.  

You want to minimize the upfront expense as much as possible, and financing your purchase is typically an option. Consider a portable power system, ideally suited for mobile homes, and solar energy, free, renewable, and limitless.

• Sustainability: Solar systems provide substantial environmental benefits. Wind and solar offer an infinite quantity of energy that can be used to power everything from a single mobile home to an entire community, resulting in long-term environmental benefits and lower electricity costs.

• Power Independence: The possibility of energy independence attracts numerous mobile householders to off-grid renewable power systems. Frequently, mobile homeowners spend half or more of their income on utility expenditures. Using solar energy, you can avoid the high costs of grid-tied energy. You can also lessen the impact of a deteriorating power grid and rising energy prices.

Solar panels are only a viable option for some mobile homeowners. Some potential disadvantages include. The disadvantages of solar panels on mobile homes are as follows:

• Mobile Home Restrictions: Are you searching for the best solar panels for your mobile home? Building codes and your mobile home's design may prohibit solar panel installation. Solar panel installation on most mobile homes is impossible or restricted due to building regulations.  

• Space Constraints: Even if a rooftop solar panel installation does not require any interior space, the balance of system components, particularly the less expensive options, can be significant. The Jackery Solar Generators (Solar Panels with Portable Power Stations) will only occupy a little space within your mobile home.

• Costs: Purchase and installation fees are steep. The price can be prohibitive if your system uses lead-acid batteries requiring frequent maintenance and replacement. However, a solar generator can cover your mobile home's requirements for less money and with the right components, and you should consider Jackery Solar Generators for their quality and efficiency.

What Are The Types of Solar Panels on Mobile Homes?

Frequently, manufactured homes could be more efficient and use a great deal of energy. If you make a few enhancements, you can reduce your energy consumption, which is a cost-effective strategy for adopting solar power. There are two categories of solar panels in mobile homes.

Types of Solar Panels on Mobile Homes: Solar Cell Technology

You can use solar cell technology to categorize solar panels on mobile homes. A solar cell can reflect, absorb, or transmit incoming light. The PV cell's semiconductor material conducts electricity more efficiently than an insulator but less efficiently than a strong conductor like a metal.  

• Monocrystalline Solar Panels: These cells are constructed from the available purest silicon. Thus, solar panels built from such cells often have the best efficiency ratings of any currently available option and carry out extraordinarily effectively in terms of electrical output.

These solar cells are the most efficient and durable material for mobile home solar panels. This type of solar cell is used to construct Jackery Solar Panels so that solar energy can be used with a higher conversion efficiency.

• Polycrystalline Solar Panels: Polycrystalline panels are quicker to produce for the manufacturer than other types of meetings. They are slightly less expensive to acquire than, for instance, monocrystalline options. Even though they are less high-quality than their monocrystalline counterparts, they are also highly efficient.

• Amorphous Solar Panels: Unlike the previous panels, these are made from thin silicon layers, allowing them to be flexible. Additionally, they are lighter than the other panel varieties mentioned.

Types of Solar Panels on Mobile Home: Usages

Individuals can install solar panels on mobile homes' rooftops to utilize the sun's energy and convert it into electricity. Or, you can install grounded-mounted solar panels on the ground of your backyard or front yard or portable solar panels, which are best for mobile homes.

• Rooftop Solar Panels: Rooftop solar is a photovoltaic (PV) system consisting of solar panels installed on the roof of a residence or business. Rooftop solar panel installation offers many benefits for firms and households. Due to the fragility of mobile homes, it is inappropriate to install solar panels on the roof of a mobile house.

• Ground-Mounted Solar Panels: A solar panel mounted on the ground resembles a rooftop solar panel. The only distinction is that ground-mount solar panels are installed on the floor using either a standard or pole-mount installation. Some ground-mounted solar panel systems can move with the sun to capture the maximum sunlight daily. However, there must be sufficient capacity for them in the mobile homes.

• Portable Solar Panels: As "Portable" implies, these solar panels comprise condensed components. These panels are portable and straightforward to install. Like a standard solar panel, portable solar panels use a solar power generator to turn solar energy into usable electricity. Due to their portability, these solar panels for mobile homesare ideal.

How Many Watts Does A Mobile Home Use?

Would installing solar panels on your mobile home be beneficial? Determine this by calculating your total electricity consumption requirements.

Annually, mobile residences consume an average of 6 kWh per square foot. The average size of a mobile home is between 200 and 600 square feet, resulting in an annual energy consumption of 1200 kWh, 100 kWh per month, and 3.3 kWh per day.

However, each mobile homeowner is different. Initially, it would be best if you determined the wattage needs of your appliances and HVAC systems. Examine your appliances' starting and operating wattage requirements, HVAC systems (if applicable), and devices you intend to connect to the solar generator. The wattage requirements are typically labeled on the machine, but we have also compiled common domestic appliances' starting and running watts in the table below.

If your appliance's power requirements are expressed in volts or amps, you can calculate its operating watts using the following formula:

Wattage = Voltage x Ampere

The total running watts of the appliances you intend to use should be the running wattage listed on your generator. Consider purchasing a generator with a higher output capacity if so.

How Much Solar Power Does A Mobile Home Need

Please take the time to determine your total watt-hours before customizing a solar-powered system. It will enable you to make the best decisions so that you don't under or over, purchase equipment.

As previously mentioned, when calculating the solar power required for a mobile home, you must determine how much wattage a mobile home uses. Then, using the Watt-hour formula, the following result is obtained:

Watt-hours = Watts x Hours = (Volts x Amps) x Hours

For instance, if your 5Amp microwave requires 120V DC, it is a 600W microwave. Assuming you use the microwave for 30 minutes daily, you will need 300Wh (600W x 0.5H) of solar energy.

How Many Solar Panels on Mobile Homes?

As stated, portable solar panels are the most suitable for mobile homes. As its name suggests, a mobile home is a type of house that is mobile and does not remain in one location for an extended period, so portable solar panels are simple to transport and install anywhere.

Additionally, most mobile homes are less durable than homes, apartments, or other dwellings. Therefore, the rooftop solar panels must be lighter for a mobile home. The solar panels mounted on the ground require adequate space. Comparatively, portable solar panels are the best option for mobile residences.

Jackery's solar products, such as solar panels, portable power stations, and solar generators, have earned it widespread renown.

Typically, Jackery Solar Panels convert sunlight to electricity. Solar panels can be paired with the Jackery Portable Power Station through the solar connector and cables to store and use electricity. Alternately, you can connect Jackery Solar Panels in series or parallel to other third-party power stations.

Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panel

• Power Rating: 200W
• Materials: Monocrystalline silicon solar cells
• Waterproof: IP67
• Solar Power: Power voltage 18V; power current 11.12A; open circuit voltage 23.2V; short circuit current 11.76A
• Dimensions: Folded 21,2 x 24,2 x 1,6 in (540 x 615 x 40 mm); unfolded 21,2 x 91,3 x 1 in (540 x 2320 x 25 mm); weight 17.5±5lbs(8.0±0.3Kg)

The Jackery SolarSaga 200W solar panel is a portable and effective solution for solar energy collection on the go. As more households in the United States adopt renewable energy sources, solar power has gained popularity for residences and outdoor activities such as camping and fishing.

The Jackery 200W Solar Panel enables users to charge Jackery Portable Power Stations with clean, renewable energy, making it an ideal companion for those constantly moving.

The Jackery 200W portable solar panel is practical for outdoor excursions and emergencies. Using six SolarSaga 200W solar panels and the Explorer 2000 Pro power station, it can be entirely charged in only 2.5 hours. In addition to being compatible with other Jackery power stations, the solar panel is a versatile and dependable addition to your devices.   

*Learn more details from our product page.

Jackery SolarSaga 100W Solar Panel

• Power Rating: 100W
• Conversion Efficiency: 23%
• Materials: Monocrystalline silicon solar cells
• Waterproof: IP65
• Solar Power: Power voltage 18V; power current 5.55A; open circuit voltage 21.6V; short circuit current 6A
• Dimensions: Folded 24 x 21 x 1.4 in (610 x 535 x 35 mm); unfolded 48 x 21 x 0.2 in (1220 x 535 x 5 mm); weight 10.33 lbs (4.69 kg)

• watt solar panels are the most popular size for portable panels because they are neither too small nor too large. Jackery SolarSaga 100W solar panels are designed for portability, with a thin layer of solar cells wrapped in ETFE. ETFE is a plastic polymer derived from fluorine and an excellent lightweight alternative to glass. Not only is this material lightweight and more flexible than rigid plastic, but it is also durable.

Along the sides of the panel are two handles, one on each side, that meet when the board is folded together. These handles are manufactured from TPE, a combination of plastic and rubber. Instead of latches, two magnets are on each side of the folded panel to hold it close.

Two integrated supports serve as a stand. When folded, these are held in position by Velcro and, when extended, by two straps. The legs are strengthened by a portion of thick plastic covered by fabric. SolarSaga 100W solar panels are compatible with Portable Power Stations, allowing you to power your mobile home with solar energy on the go. 

*Learn more details from our product page.

Jackery SolarSaga 80W Solar Panel

• Power Rating: 80W
• Conversion Efficiency: 25%
• Materials: Monocrystalline silicon solar cells
• Waterproof: IP68
• Solar Power: Power voltage 22V; power current 3.6A; open circuit voltage 28.5V; short circuit current 3.71A
• Dimensions: Folded 35.67 x 20.79 x 1.06 in (906 x 528 x 27 mm); unfolded 35.67 x 20.79 x 1.06 in (906 x 528 x 27 mm); weight 10.33 lbs (5.1 kg)

SolarSaga 80W Solar Panels are compatible with all Jackery power stations, providing a premier selection of charging options for up to twelve 80W solar panels simultaneously. The solar panel is made of 2.8mm low iron complete toughened glass, which gives it extremely high durability. It has a unique corner design that adds strength—providing a straightforward and rapid setup in under one minute.

Certified IP68 impermeable and dustproof function can act against extreme weather conditions. Flexible enough for outdoor use, a two-meter extension cable is provided for additional charging distance applications.

It has a transmittance of 95% and a conversion rate of 25% and is made of reinforced, low-iron glass. You can combine SolarSaga 80W solar panels with Portable Power Stations to generate more solar energy for mobile homes.  

*Learn more details from our product page.

How to Choose The Solar Panels on Mobile Home?

Not all solar panels are identical, and mobile homeowners have varying requirements. Consider factors such as the size of your trailer, your electricity consumption requirements, and the average peak sunlight hours in your area.  

• Solar Panel Wattage

The average mobile home consumes approximately 6 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per square foot daily. The average size of a mobile home is between 600 and 1200 square feet. Due to the nature of their homes, mobile homeowners use up to 70% more electricity than site-built homeowners. In general, PV panels with a higher rated power and efficiency are preferable, as fewer panels can produce more energy.      

• Solar Panel Efficiency

Solar panel efficacy refers to a photovoltaic panel's capacity to convert sunlight into electricity. For instance, the Jackery SolarSaga 200W portable solar panel has the highest efficiency in the industry at 24.3%, so 24.3% of the sun's rays will be converted into electricity.    

• Mobile Home Space

The design and structure of your roof should also factor into your purchase decision, which will decide how many solar panels you can install on your top and their optimal size, efficacy, and output rating.

Solar Panels on Mobile Home FAQs

These are the most frequently asked questions about mobile home solar panels:    

1. What size of solar generator do I need for my mobile home?

Using a solar generator to power a mobile home utilizes a renewable and limitless energy source and takes advantage of the portability of solar systems and mobile homes. The Jackery Solar Generator is renowned for its portability, high capacity, and versatility. Choose an accommodation between 240Wh and 24kWh according to your mobile home's requirements.  

However, you must estimate your mobile home's energy consumption before purchasing a solar generator to ensure it meets your needs. Typically, a mobile residence uses between 3kWh and 5kWh of energy. Simple calculations can then be used to estimate how long the Jackery Solar Generator will continue to function.

Working Time = Power Station Capacity*0.85 / Your Device's Operating Wattage

For example, charging a 600W microwave with the Solar Generator 3000 Pro (3024Wh capacity) will require 4.3 hours (3024Wh*0.85/600W).

2. Are solar panels too heavy for mobile homes?

Most solar panels are manageable for mobile homes, but this depends on several factors, such as the roof's pitch, structural integrity, and panel weight. If you want to install part or all of your solar array on the ground, portable solar panels are a great alternative to rooftop solar panels. Solar panels from Jackery are the best choice for your mobile home.    

Final Thoughts

Mobile homeowners who invest in solar panels are making wise decisions. This type of home consumes more energy than conventional homes. You may considerably cut or eliminate your electricity costs by installing solar panels.   

This article discusses the best forms of solar panels for mobile homes, the number of watts a mobile home uses, and the number of solar panels required. Jackery Solar Panels are best utilized with Jackery Portable Power Stations to provide your mobile home with clean, renewable, and limitless solar energy.