Solar Panels for boondocking

I am about to by my first R Pod 179. We are new to RVing, have always been tent and backpack campers. One of our first trips will be to the Southwest and not having elec hookups is concerning. I am looking to use solar panels. How big a panel will I need? How long will it take to charge the batteries? Will I be able to operate items in the rv while it is charging? Should I add another battery?
A lot of questions I know but I haven't even started yet.

P and D

You're likely going to want AC in the SW and solar panels will not cut it. If you'll be off the grid most of the time, you may want to invest in a generator instead. Yes, they're noisier than solar, but you can get enough power to run the AC or anything else you could run on grid power, as well as charge the battery. Fortunately, nights in the SW aren't bad, so you could probably shut off the generator at night.

Picked up the 179 today and can't wait to get on the road. First trip will be GA to Colorado to the Dakotas to Michigan and home. Most of the time in National Parks or off grid. We will only be spending at the most 2 nights and 1 day before traveling on. I had the dealer set me up with 2 6v batteries so I will be able to see how they last. I have been looking into Zamp panels and they recommend a 160 watt set up. If we go into the SW it will probably be mid spring or fall to avoid the worst heat and hopefully will not need AC. I plan to install a 12 volt outlet soon and use a converter for small appliances.

Zamp panels are pricey. What brands are good but affordable?

Originally posted by IdahoBoy Zamp panels are pricey. What brands are good but affordable?

It depends on how much you want to do yourself.  Zamp and Renogy are plug and play.  Both are relatively expensive compared to build it yourself systems.  I have 2 140 watt panels (each about $230) plus a charge controller ($90 and up depending on type and amperage, but some as low as $40).  If you want a portable unit, it is possible to find smaller panels that you can join together with hinges.  A 100 watt panel would cost about $120.  Add the cost of a controller, a bit of wiring and hardware.  You could put together a 200 watt "suitcase" for less than $400.  Of course, you'd have to do all the work.  It's not hard but it's not plug and play.