If you’re an RV enthusiast, you know how important it is to have a reliable source of power while on the road. After all, you need electricity to run everything from the lights to the fridge to the air conditioner. But, what if you could harness the power of the sun to power your camper? That’s where RV solar panels come in.
Here are the basics of how to power a camper with solar panels.
RV Solar Systems: Which Is Right For Me?
There are two main types of RV solar panel systems: portable solar panels and mounted. Portable systems are great for those who like to move around a lot and don’t want to be tied down to one location. Mounted systems, on the other hand, are more permanent and are ideal for those who like to park their RV in one place for an extended period of time.
The Portable RV Solar System
If you’re considering a portable RV solar panel system, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- First, you’ll want to make sure you have enough solar panels to generate the amount of power you need.
- Second, you’ll need to have a way to store that power so that you can use it when you need it.
- Finally, you’ll need to make sure you have the right equipment to connect your solar panels to your RV.
Here are the basic steps to setting up a portable RV solar panel system:
- Choose your solar panels — Look for panels that are lightweight, durable, and efficient.
- Purchase a solar charge controller — A solar charge controller regulates the amount of power that flows from your panels to your RV’s batteries. This helps prevent overcharging and damage to your batteries.
- Get a battery bank — You’ll need a way to store the power your panels generate. A battery bank is essentially a group of batteries that are wired together to provide a larger storage capacity.
- Connect everything — You’ll need to connect your solar panels, charge controller, and battery bank together. You may also need to purchase some additional equipment, such as wiring and connectors.
- Monitor your system — Keep an eye on your battery levels and make adjustments as necessary. You may also want to invest in a solar panel monitor to keep track of how much power your panels are generating.
How Much Solar Power Is Needed for an RV?
The amount of solar power (and how many solar panels) you’ll need for your RV depends on a few factors, including the size of your RV, how many appliances you’ll be running, and how often you’ll be using them.
Typically, solar panels designed for RVs generate between 100 to 400 watts of power, which is more than enough to meet the average energy requirement of an RV, which is approximately 120 watts. Depending on the specific power output, an RV may require three 400-watt panels, ten 200-watt panels, or a combination of panels to satisfy its energy needs.
To learn more about how to calculate solar for your RV, click here.
Here are some other things to keep in mind:
- RVs with larger batteries will need more solar panels to charge them.
- If you plan on using appliances like air conditioners, you’ll need a larger solar panel system.
- If you’re not sure how much power you’ll need, it’s always better to go with a larger system than a smaller one.
Conclusion
Solar power is a great way to power your camper while on the road. With a portable or mounted RV solar panel system, you can enjoy all the comforts of home without having to worry about finding a power source. Just make sure you choose the right system for your needs and monitor your power usage to ensure you always have enough juice to keep things running smoothly.