Solar panels for mobile homes

Solar panels for mobile homes

Small house owners often doubt the viability of solar due to space and cost concerns. However, solar panels are now more affordable and efficient than ever. In this section of our website, we’ll take a look at solar panels for mobile homes.

Can you put solar panels on a mobile home?

The challenge that mobile homes present is the lack of space. However, the energy needs are lower as lower, and you don’t need a big powerful system. Pay attention to the efficiency of solar panels: a high conversion rate allows you to squeeze more energy from a limited area. Trailers are amazing for solar and you can switch yours to renewable energy easily with just a couple of powerful panels. 

Do solar panels work well on a mobile home?

Solar panels can work well on a mobile home, provided that certain considerations are taken into account during the installation process. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

1. Available Roof Space: Mobile homes often have limited roof space compared to traditional homes. It's important to assess the available area for solar panel installation to ensure that you can generate enough electricity to meet your energy needs.
2. Orientation and Tilt: Solar panels typically work best when they are installed facing south in the Northern Hemisphere to receive maximum sunlight exposure. The angle of tilt should also be optimized based on your geographical location for optimal energy production.
3. Roof Strength and Mounting: Mobile home roofs might have different structural characteristics compared to stationary homes. Before installing solar panels, it's important to assess the roof's strength and consult with a professional to ensure proper mounting and distribution of weight. There are mounting systems designed specifically for mobile homes.
4. Electrical System Compatibility: Ensure that your mobile home's electrical system is compatible with solar panel integration. You might need to work with an electrician to set up the necessary wiring, inverters, and connection to the power grid.
5. Mobility and Durability: Mobile homes are designed to be movable, so the solar panel installation should not hinder this mobility. Additionally, the solar panels and mounting systems should be durable enough to withstand transportation vibrations and various weather conditions.
6. Regulations and Permits: Depending on your location, there might be regulations and permits required for installing solar panels on a mobile home. Check with local authorities and adhere to any necessary requirements.

Pros and cons of solar panels for mobile homes

Installing solar panels on a mobile home comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here are the pros and cons to consider:

Pros:

1. Energy cost savings: Solar panels for a mobile home can significantly reduce your electricity bills by generating your own clean and renewable energy from the sun, which can be especially beneficial with fluctuating utility costs. While there's an initial upfront cost for installation, solar panels can provide a long-term return on investment through energy savings over their lifespan, which can be 20-25 years or more.
2. Environmental impact: Using solar energy reduces your carbon footprint and reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to a cleaner environment and sustainable energy consumption.
3. Energy independence: Generating your own electricity means you're less dependent on the grid, which can be advantageous in areas with unreliable power supply or during power outages.
4. Increased property value: Installing solar panels can potentially increase the resale value of your mobile home, as eco-friendly features like solar panels are becoming more attractive to homebuyers.
5. Incentives and tax benefits: Many regions offer incentives, tax credits, or rebates for installing solar panels, which can help offset the initial costs.

Cons:

1. Upfront cost of solar panels for mobile homes: The initial investment for purchasing and installing solar panels can be high, and mobile homes might have limited roof space, which could impact the overall energy generation potential.
2. Roof limitations: Mobile homes often have smaller roofs with limited space for solar panel installation. This could lead to suboptimal energy production if the available roof area is not sufficient.
3. Mobility challenges: Mobile homes are designed to be movable, and installing solar panels might complicate the process or require additional work to ensure the panels are secure and functional during transportation.
4. Regulatory hurdles: Depending on your location and local regulations, you might encounter obstacles related to permits, zoning, and other requirements for installing solar panels on a mobile home.
5. Installation complexity: Installing solar panels on a mobile home might require specialized equipment and expertise to ensure proper mounting and integration with the existing electrical system.

While solar panels generally require minimal maintenance, you'll still need to periodically clean them to ensure maximum energy production. This can be more challenging on a mobile home due to the potential for dirt accumulation during transportation.

3 Best solar panels for mobile homes

Our engineer helped us pick some models that work well with trailers and tiny houses. We have a variety of solar panels for mobile homes for sale — don’t hesitate to contact our managers and learn more about the prices, shipping options and warranties.

REC Alpha Pure Black

Alpha Pure Black, a cutting-edge solar panel from REC in Norway, boasts an impressive 21.9% efficiency, fitting among the most advanced panels. Its sleek all-black design not only looks great but also blends well with different roofs. The panel maintains 92% of its power output after 25 years of continuous use, supported by three 25-year warranties for product quality, performance, and labor if installed by a REC-certified installer.

Q Cells Q.PEAK DUO Black ML-G10

Q Cells Q.PEAK DUO Black works better and last longer than conventional panels. The manufacturer uses half-cut cell technology which makes the cells smaller, which means they lose less energy and can handle shade better. The panel is really good at using sunlight – it's 20.4% efficient, which means it works well for its size. Q CELLS also made sure this model is tough. It's guaranteed to still work at least 86% as well after 25 years. And if anything goes wrong, they promise to fix or replace it for 25 years.

Panasonic Evervolt

The Evervolt solar panel made by Panasonic is super good at converting sunlight to electricity – it shows a 21.6% conversion rate, while most others only work around 19-20% efficiency. Panasonic also gives you a guarantee for 25 years, and they promise that even after 25 years, it will still work at least as well as at 92% of its rated capacity, or even better.