How to Double the Solar Wattage on Your RV with Deployable Panels

When it comes to off-grid RV living, more solar power means more freedom. If you’ve already maxed out the panels on your roof, you might think you’ve hit your limit—but that’s not the case. With deployable panels, also known as suitcase panels, you can easily double your solar wattage and extend your energy independence.

Fill Your Roof First—But Don’t Stop There

The first step is to load up your RV roof with as many solar panels as possible while still leaving access to essential equipment like air conditioners and vents. This will maximize your base production, but even with a full roof, there’s only so much real estate available.

That’s where deployable panels come in.

What Are Deployable (Suitcase) Panels?

Deployable panels are rigid solar panels that fold into a compact suitcase-style design. They typically weigh 40–50 pounds and can be easily stored in the bed of your truck, the back of a toy hauler, or tucked away in storage compartments while traveling. Once you arrive at your campsite, simply unfold them, position them in the sun, and plug them in.

These panels connect directly to your RV’s solar system using MC4 connections, and depending on how your system is designed, you can run them in series or parallel.

Real-World Example: The Big Beard Battery Mobile Command Center

In the Big Beard Battery Mobile Command Center, Todd runs multiple solar controllers to handle different panel arrays. One controller is dedicated specifically to suitcase panels, which means he can add power on demand. With his 24V system, just one extra string of deployable panels brings in 2,400 additional watts—all while running the air conditioner and still charging the batteries.

That’s the kind of flexibility that keeps you comfortable and fully powered off-grid.

Why RVers Love Deployable Panels

• Portable Power – Easy to store and transport.

• On-Demand Energy – Set them up only when you need extra wattage.

• Customizable Design – Add as many strings as your system allows.

• Efficient Charging – Keep batteries topped off even while running heavy loads.

Ready to Double Your RV’s Solar Power?

Deployable panels are one of the simplest and most effective ways to expand your energy system. Whether you’re a weekend camper or a full-time RVer, this upgrade ensures you’ll always have the power you need.

👉 Want to learn more or get help designing the perfect solar setup for your RV? Head over to BigBeardBattery.com, fill out our solar design form, and one of our certified solar experts will reach out to get you started.