Unplugged and Unbound: The Benefits of Solar Power for Your RV
When it comes to living on the road, RVs are a popular choice for many people. They offer the flexibility to travel wherever you want, whenever you want, without sacrificing the comforts of home. However, one of the challenges of RV living is finding a reliable power source.
If you spend a lot of time off-grid or in remote areas where hooking up to shore power isn't an option, electricity becomes top-of-mind very quickly. This is where solar panels come in.
4 Benefits of Solar Panels for RVs
There are many benefits to installing solar panels on your RV or even just having small portable solar panels that you can set up when camping.
Let's take a quick look at some ways an RV solar panel system can benefit you, whether you are a full-time van lifer or just looking to do remote weekend getaways.
1. Cost Savings
Using solar can reduce or eliminate your need for expensive campground fees, as you will no longer have to plug into shore power. You'll also save on fuel for a generator. This alone can make RV solar panels worth the investment.
Solar panels are relatively cheap to install, and once they are set up, they provide you with bountiful free energy production as long as you have access to the sun.
2. Environmentally Friendly
Solar produces no emissions, which makes it a great choice for RVers who want to reduce their carbon footprint.
It's also silent, unlike a noisy, intrusive generator, which not only improves your experience in the wilderness but also reduces your impact on the wildlife and other campers around you.
3. No Need to Refuel
Solar panels provide a reliable power source without the need for fuel, so you won't have to worry about running out of gas for your generator in the middle of nowhere or draining your battery bank.
4. Increased Independence
With solar panels, you can become more independent, allowing you to camp in remote locations and enjoy the great outdoors without worrying about power.
Also, you'll have peace of mind knowing that you have a backup power solution in case something goes wrong, even in urban areas.
How Much Solar Do You Need To Power Your RV
Before adding solar panels to your RV, you must determine how many solar panels you need to power your RV. This will depend on several factors: the size of your battery bank, your daily power draw, the amount of sun you are likely to receive, and the quality of the panels you buy.
For a more in-depth look at solar power and the components needed for a solar system, check out our comprehensive guide about how solar power works.
Determine Your Power Needs
The first thing you should do before installing solar panels for your RV is make an audit of your power needs. Your draw will depend on the size of your RV, the number of appliances and electronics you have, and how often you use them.
List all the electrical hookups and devices that draw power.
This will include things like your refrigerator, lights, internet, navigational equipment, kitchen appliances, air conditioner, heater, and personal devices like laptops, cell phones, tablets, etc.
Look up how much power each of these things draws. Most appliances and devices list this on the device itself, in the manual, or on their website.
Calculate Your Daily Energy Usage
Once you know your power needs, you can calculate your daily energy usage. This will give you an idea of how much solar power you need to generate daily to meet your energy needs.
You need to know the number of amp hours you use per day. Include an amp-hour estimate for each appliance and device on your audit list, so you can simply total those to get your number.
Choose the Right Solar Panel
There are many different types and sizes of solar panels available. You'll need to choose one compatible with your RV that can generate enough power to meet your needs. Talk to the manufacturer, or if buying secondhand, talk to the seller to get an output estimate.
Remember, in order to get the full number of amp hours out of RV solar panels - or any solar panels - conditions need to be just right. You may not always get the actual amount of amp hours listed. Usually, you can expect to get at least 85% of the wattage listed, but there is no hard and fast rule. Keep this in mind when choosing your panels, and err on the side of over-producing power.
Install Your Solar Panels
Finally, you'll need to install your RV solar panels. You can also have a solar expert do this for you. Doing it yourself will require some basic electrical knowledge and tools, but it's a relatively simple process.
Things to Consider Before Your RV Solar Panel Installation
Here are the basic things you'll need when installing RV solar panels.
Solar panels. As mentioned, you must choose the right solar panel setup for your RV. Look for a lightweight, durable panel that can generate enough power to meet your needs (keeping in mind that you may not always get 100% of the available wattage.)
Charge controller. A charge controller is essential to any solar system. This device regulates the amount of power going into your RV's battery bank, preventing overcharging and damage to your batteries. It also prevents the batteries from draining too low, which can also damage them. Choose a charge controller compatible with your solar panel and your RV's battery bank.
Batteries. You'll need a battery or system of batteries to store the energy generated by your solar panel. Choose a battery bank compatible with your charge controller with enough capacity to meet the output from your solar panels.
Inverter. An inverter converts 12v power to 110v power that can power your regular appliances and allows you to plug into regular wall outlets. Remember that some energy is lost when converting between 12v and 110v.
Fuse box and fuses. Don't forget fuses! Ensure you have a fuse box that is large enough for your needs.
Not sure what any of this means? Learn more from our Understanding Solar PDF download.
Rigid or Flexible Solar Panels - Which Ones Are Best for RVs?
Flexible solar panels are a relatively new technology that many people are adopting for their RV solar panels. But are they better than rigid solar panels? That depends. As with everything that comes with RVing, both have pros and cons.
Flexible panels are lighter and (obviously) more flexible than rigid solar panels. They are also thinner, meaning they have a lower, less obtrusive profile.
This means they can be mounted in more places and in different configurations.
Flexible panels are also easier to install on your RV roof than rigid panels. Many can be installed with nothing more than strong double-sided adhesive tape. This benefits those concerned about drilling holes into their RV and allowing potential water damage.
The primary downside of flexible solar panels is that they are more expensive than rigid panels. Because they are new, the cost is still relatively high. However, as more people adopt them, the cost will likely decrease.
Flexible panels are also less durable and are reported to require more maintenance than rigid panels. Owners of flexible solar panel systems report that they don't last as long and need to be replaced more frequently.
Can You Run an Air Conditioner With Solar Power?
If you have a 12v or 120v air conditioner, it is likely the most significant power draw in your RV. So can an RV solar panel system handle powering an air conditioner?
Again, the answer depends on how much power your RV solar panel system produces. This will depend on the size of your panels, the amount of sun you're getting, and your other power draws.
Consider investing in an AC soft start if you plan to power your AC using your RV solar panel system. The most challenging part of running an air conditioner from an RV solar panel system is the power required to start it up.
With the help of a soft start, your air conditioner can start up using much less power. It can provide an initial power boost to give the unit the surge it needs to turn on the air conditioner. This can reduce the overall power demand by up to 75%.
RV solar systems have difficulty getting air conditioners started without a soft start.
RV Solar Panels Work to Benefit the Environment and Your Pocket
Off-grid solar systems are an excellent addition for those looking to expand their horizons in their RV. You'll get cheaper power and greater freedom with less pollution, and you'll have peace of mind knowing you have a backup power source that doesn't require gasoline.
Just make sure before you install your solar system that you correctly calculate your energy consumption and buy the right panels for your needs. Talk to an RV solar system professional for straightforward advice on setting up your solar panel system.
