Right now, solar power is basking in the limelight. “It’ll charge your batteries for free,” says the salesman, “and allow you to boondock anywhere you want!”

The highlights are legion: Solar power is green. It’s available anywhere. Many RVs come “solar-prepped.” It’ll pay for your kid’s college and cook your breakfast, besides.

But what’s the secret truth about RV solar power? Is it really everything it’s cracked up to be?