A Recreational Vehicle (RV) provides you independence from hotel bookings and enables you to alter your journey at will. In theory you are able to drive anywhere you like, however you are still restricted to certain camp sites because you need to recharge your electric batteries.
RV Solar Panel
Even should you use your electric batteries to power on-board appliances they’ll require recharging from time to time – generally more frequently than you had planned! And be warned, frequently draining a battery will shorten its life span considerably. But there’s an alternative choice which will provide you with flexibility to go where you like, without worrying about running out of batteries and need to search for places to recharge your batteries.
Most RVs have on-board generators, but these always very noisy and smelly. Therefore, it is good that if you using portable solar panels which are frequently fitted to supply all or most of your electrical needs without having hammering your battery. These panels are easy to use, even for those who never experience with solar panel. If you have a generator you are able to keep it like a backup – less wearing about the ears and pocket. Maintain it for powering the lights at your later backyard party!
Portable solar panels could be simply stored if foldable, and they often be very lightweight so are portable as well. Just one 4ft x 2 ft solar panel will produce about 75 to 100 watts, that is similar to a pair of golf cart electric batteries. This would most likely be enough for any standard 24ft RV however it would depend, obviously, in your individual electrical needs. Most RVs use less than 400 watts. Possibly start having a couple of solar panels, and match some more as required.
Should you plan to use your RV frequently in warm climate, you’ll have one or two other points to think about. You’ll have to match a solar-powered battery charger with battery temperature compensation to reduce the risk of damaging your electric batteries. Also, roof-mounted solar panels can get really hot, which can impact their effectiveness and can cause voltage drops. Make sure that your solar panels possess a rating of a minimum of 17 volts to stop this turning out to be an issue. Just keep that in mind when preparing your RV’s solar panel system.
You’ll see a variety of kits for RV solar panels available, but note what do they cost. We completely suggest the make-it-yourself route. It’s easy, enjoyable, and a lot cheaper compare to buying a solar panel kit.
What you need is expert advice before you start to construct a solar panel, otherwise you can end up having a system that doesn’t function correctly. Take into consideration of getting expert guidance and step-by-step guidelines which are readily obtainable should you know the source, and only cost you a few bucks which can be a really great expense.
Kieran Gracie is an expert engineer and DIY enthusiast. His website, buildthingsdirect.com, offers numerous suggestions and fascinating projects for beginners and experienced do-it-yourself individuals alike.
Welcome to the site. This is Hopkin Joseph. A 53 year old electrical planner from .
