Solar Power for the RV

Solar Power for the RV is one of the most popular upgrades in the world of RVing. Is the addition of a solar system to a rig right for you? Solar panels are great for many reasons. That said, installing an entire system can become quite pricey.

For this reason, you want to be sure solar power is the right option for your family and that you are purchasing the setup that is ideal for your needs.

Reasons to Invest in Solar Power

Why would a person want to invest in an expensive solar system? Well, as mentioned before, there are a number of benefits to this upgrade. The first is freedom. Having a solar-powered rig means you can camp virtually anywhere in comfort whether or not that spot happens to have electric hookups.

The second big benefit is cost savings. If you are a person who regularly camps off-grid, you may find yourself spending quite a bit on fuel to run a generator. Meanwhile, those who camp only in campgrounds are likely spending a small fortune on site fees. Solar panels remove the need for hookups, and while you will still need that generator on the most cloudy days, you won’t be using it nearly as often.

Of course, for the environmentally conscious camper, there is also the benefit of being self-sufficient. This reduces your carbon footprint by quite a lot, especially if you camp often or live in your RV full-time.

Related Read: Solar Power in your RV (part 1)

Who Should Consider Solar Panels?

While all of the above benefits are great, it is important to note that solar power isn’t for everyone. If you’re uncomfortable boondocking, you probably aren't going to get much use out of solar panels. Meanwhile, those who only camp occasionally would probably not find a solar setup to be a wise choice, financially speaking.

People who would make good use of a solar system are those who camp often or RV full-time and plan to stay outside of campground most or all of the time.

Types of Panels

There are several different type of panels out there, but only a few options that most people consider for their RV setup.

The first and most popular is the crystalline silicon panel. In this category, there are both polycrystalline and monocrystalline. While the former is more popular and less expensive, the latter option is more efficient. Crystalline silicon panels can be mounted to your RV roof, but there are also portable versions for those who only want to trickle-charge a battery or two.

Another popular panel option is made using thin-film solar cell (TFSC) panels. These panels are flexible and lightweight, making them a good option or those with little cargo capacity. That said, they are less efficient than either of the crystalline silicon panel options.

Related Read: Solar Power in your RV (part 2)

How Many Panels Do I Need?

Once you decide which kind of panel to invest in, you’ll need to know how many to purchase. Most RVers can squeak by with a 400-watt system if they tend to camp on sunny days and in direct sunlight. That said, an 800-watt system will serve you much better in the long run and doesn’t require perfect conditions to keep you chugging along.

With an 800-watt system, you should be able to run most appliances aside from your air conditioner. That said, certain “energy hogs”—such as your microwave, vacuum cleaner, and hair dryer—will need to be used sparingly.

Types of Batteries

Even the best solar panel setup in the world is no good without a decent battery bank. There are several options when it comes to battery types.

Lead Acid

Lead Acid batteries are typically what RV manufacturers use. These batteries do their job fine and are the cheapest option on the market. That said, they don’t charge as quickly or stay charged as long as other options. Additionally, they tend to wear out much faster and require the user to fill them with water from time to time.

AGM

Absorbed Glass Mat batteries are a step above lead acid batteries. This option charges more quickly than the lead acid option and require no maintenance. They are immune to vibration and can store a bit more power than other batteries.

Lithium-Ion

Lithium-Ion batteries are the best of the best. They don’t require refilling, charge quickly, hold a charge longer, and can be completely discharged without issue. Best of all, these batteries are very lightweight, making them perfect for RVers. Unfortunately, lithium-ion batteries are super expensive.

How Many Batteries Do I Need?

Typically, an RV comes with at least one 12-volt battery. In order to ensure you have plenty of battery storage to keep running without issue, you will want to expand upon your stock battery and create a bank of at least 4 batteries in parallel.

Some people like to stick to the traditional 12-volt battery, but many switch over to 6-volt batteries, which can give you more amp hours when used in pairs. Either way, it’s important to keep in mind that the more power your panels produce, the more battery capacity you’re going to want to have. Therefore, you may need more than just 4 batteries.

Other Must-Have Items for Your Solar System

Besides batteries and solar panels, you will also need an inverter for converting gathered power from DC to AC, plus a charge controller which prevents batteries from being overcharged or discharging below 50%. A charge controller is almost always included in an RV solar panel kit, and some kits even include the inverter. That said, if these things are not included with your panels, you’ll want to be sure to pick them up before jumping into the installation process.

As you can see, there is a lot to learn before buying and installing solar panels on your RV. That said, if you enjoy boondocking, then the learning, purchasing, and installing processes are all well worthwhile. Why not start shopping today?

After all, the sooner you get your solar system set up, the sooner you can start exploring the great unknown.