As operational costs rise and environmental awareness grows, RV and mobile home park owners are increasingly looking toward solar energy as a smart, sustainable, and financially savvy investment. Solar panels not only reduce electricity bills but also increase a property’s appeal to eco-conscious guests and investors. This article outlines the key benefits, strategies, incentives, and real-world examples to help you determine whether solar is the right move for your park.
Benefits of Installing Solar Power at RV & MH Parks
1. Lower Operating Costs
- Solar panels significantly reduce utility expenses—sometimes by as much as 85-90%, as demonstrated at the Tucson/Lazydays KOA.
- Auburn Gold Country RV Park offsets 60% of its energy use and is projected to save over $2 million in 25 years.
- Solar panels significantly reduce utility expenses—sometimes by as much as 85-90%, as demonstrated at the Tucson/Lazydays KOA.
2. Increased Revenue and Guest Appeal
- Covered RV sites with solar panels generate additional revenue, especially in hot climates. KOA’s shaded “PowerParasol” sites earned $3,800 more per year per site.
- Shaded RV storage fetches double the price of uncovered storage.
- Covered RV sites with solar panels generate additional revenue, especially in hot climates. KOA’s shaded “PowerParasol” sites earned $3,800 more per year per site.
3. Increased Revenue and Guest Appeal
- Publicly traded firms like Sun Communities are investing millions in solar for ESG benefits that attract capital and consumer goodwill.
4. Energy Resilience and Off-Grid Capability
- Solar plus battery storage allows parks to remain operational during outages and reduce peak-hour utility charges.
- Solar plus battery storage allows parks to remain operational during outages and reduce peak-hour utility charges.
5. Environmental Impact
- Installing solar reduces emissions and pollution. At Gold Country RV, annual offsets include 225,500 lbs of CO2 and the equivalent of 575 trees planted.
Actionable Implementation Strategies
1. Start with a Site Assessment
- Partner with solar firms to analyze your park’s sun exposure, power usage, and roof or ground space.
- Partner with solar firms to analyze your park’s sun exposure, power usage, and roof or ground space.
2. Target High-Yield Areas
- Focus on RV site canopies, laundry or clubhouse roofs, and storage areas. These not only save energy but also provide usable covered space.
- Focus on RV site canopies, laundry or clubhouse roofs, and storage areas. These not only save energy but also provide usable covered space.
3. Pilot Before You Scale
- Start with a smaller system covering part of your usage, measure ROI, and expand as needed.
4. Bundle Improvements
- Use solar savings to fund LED lighting upgrades, EV charging stations, or other park improvements.
Financial Incentives & Tax Credits
- Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
- Covers up to 30% of the total cost of installation.
- Covers up to 30% of the total cost of installation.
- Depreciation
- Solar systems qualify for Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) depreciation. Bonus depreciation allows a large portion to be written off in year one.
- Solar systems qualify for Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) depreciation. Bonus depreciation allows a large portion to be written off in year one.
- Grants and Rural Incentives
- Programs like USDA’s REAP and local energy grants can provide up to 25% in additional funding.
- Programs like USDA’s REAP and local energy grants can provide up to 25% in additional funding.
- Financing Options
- County-backed loans (like California’s mPOWER) and solar-specific lenders can reduce or eliminate upfront costs.
Vendors and Industry Resources
- Strategic Solar Energy (PowerParasol systems for KOA)
- Shorebreak Energy Solutions (California-based installer with RV park experience)
- Solar United Neighbors, EnergySage, and SunPower Commercial (aggregated quotes and consultations)
Case Studies: Proof in Performance
- KOA Tucson/Lazydays, AZ
- $330,000 in annual savings
- PowerParasols increased summer occupancy and boosted fruit yields from shade-tolerant citrus trees
- $330,000 in annual savings
- Gold Country RV Park, CA
- Total project: $500,000
- $350,000 loan + $150,000 federal grant
- Produces $90,000/year in energy value; 20%+ ROI
- Total project: $500,000
- Bellefonte/State College KOA, PA
- $430,000 project cost
- Received $247,000 in grants and tax credits
- Break-even in 7 years with ongoing savings and saleable green energy credits
- $430,000 project cost
Design Considerations for Park Owners
- System Sizing: Match your typical kilowatt-hour usage to the panel array size.
- Sunlight Exposure: South-facing structures, minimal shading, and year-round sunlight maximize output.
- Local Codes: Work with solar professionals familiar with state permitting and utility interconnection.
- Maintenance: Panels require minimal upkeep—cleaning a few times per year and occasional inverter/battery checks.
Educating Campers & Boosting Your Brand
Eco-conscious guests appreciate visible green practices. Consider:
- Signage explaining your solar system and energy savings
- Brochures or QR codes about your environmental efforts
- Listing sustainability as a marketing advantage on your website and online directories
Conclusion: A Bright Investment
Solar is no longer a niche upgrade—it’s a strategic investment that delivers long-term savings, adds value to your property, and elevates your brand in a competitive market. With rising energy costs, generous incentives, and proven financial returns, RV and mobile home park owners who make the switch to solar today are positioning themselves for a more profitable—and sustainable—tomorrow.
Interested in exploring solar options for your park? Contact North Star Brokerage & Advisory for vendor introductions, solar-friendly financing strategies, and help boosting the value of your property through sustainable improvements.
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