Solar Power in your RV (part 2)
08-23-2017
Author: in The Road Less Traveled
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"Solar Power in Your RV part 1" covered how solar power works for an RV and what size system works best dependent on your needs. Part 2 covers how to select the specific components and assemble the system. Once you've tallied up your daily electrical use—and you know whether you're installing solar to trickle charge your batteries or be the primary source of power for your RV—it's time to look at options.
Regardless of whether you're planning to use solar to trickle charge your batteries or totally charge your batteries and power your RV, you'll need the same basic equipment. You'll need solar panels, a solar charge controller, a bank of deep cell batteries, and an inverter. Since most RVers are familiar with—and most rigs are already equipped with—deep cell batteries and an inverter, this focuses on the solar panels and charge controller.
Solar Panels
There are three types of solar panels: amorphous, monocrystalline, and polycrystalline. With amorphous panels, each cell is created from a thin layer of silicon that's attached to an adhesive backing material. These can be molded into flexible panels. They're the cheapest, but least efficient type. Monocrystalline panels consist of cells made from thin wafers of a silicon crystal and polycrystalline cells are made of melted silicon that's poured into a mold. These are usually included in rigid frames, but are also available in flexible options.
Choose either a roof-mounted or stand-alone set-up. The benefit of a roof-mounted system is that you can charge your batteries throughout the day, even when you're driving. A stand-alone system has the benefit of allowing you to park in the shade and set your panels up in the sun. The down side of the stand-alone is that you actually have to set out your panels to use them at all.
Solar Charger Controller
The purpose of the solar charge controller is to read and adjust the battery voltage, determine the solar panel production, optimize the power flow, keep the system running effectively and ensure the batteries don't overcharge. It's advised to choose a charge controller with a rating of 25-perent higher than the solar panel's total peak power. This allows you to take advantage of long periods of sunshine when the panels produce more than their rated output. Plus, it will accommodate any additional panels you add in the future.
Consider installing a solar charge controller that has a multistage charging and pulse width modulation rather than a shunt controller, single-stage controller, or dual-stage controller. This type ensures the batteries become more completely charged. It also prevents overcharging while providing faster recharge times. There are other features you should look for, including the following:
Installation Basics
The manufacturer or dealer can likely inform you of the precise additional installation equipment you'll need for the specific panels you choose. In general, you'll need the correct gauge shunt wire, wire connectors, and screws, as well as sealant and a few basic tools.
The largest part of the job is most likely going to be installing the charge controller box and wiring. First, determine where you want to mount the box; it's best if it's located near the batteries. Then use a power reciprocating saw to cut a hole to accommodate the box. Mount the shunt wire near the batteries. Two wires are run to the solar panels and two wires are run to the batteries; a third grounding wire needs to be attached to the frame. Make sure to thoroughly read the instructions before installing and definitely before hooking up all of the wires.
If your intention is to install the panels on the roof of your RV, you'll probably need assistance getting the panels up there. Place them where they aren't likely to be shaded by air-conditioners or satellite dishes or catch the wind while driving. Drill the holes into the top of the roof after making sure exactly where each foot of the panel will sit, as you don't want to make a mistake where you are drilling. Screw the feet in and cover each with sealant. Use multibranch connectors to attach the panels together. Then run the wires to the solar charge controller. Double check everything before turning it on.
In Conclusion
Keep in mind, if you spend much of your time in cloudy climates you'll need more panels than if you remain in the sunnier states. Transitioning to solar power is a big decision and requires a fairly large investment just to get started. Many people find it easier to start with a few solar panels and a powerful charge controller to allow for the addition of more panels as desired.
Regardless of whether you're planning to use solar to trickle charge your batteries or totally charge your batteries and power your RV, you'll need the same basic equipment. You'll need solar panels, a solar charge controller, a bank of deep cell batteries, and an inverter. Since most RVers are familiar with—and most rigs are already equipped with—deep cell batteries and an inverter, this focuses on the solar panels and charge controller.
Solar Panels
There are three types of solar panels: amorphous, monocrystalline, and polycrystalline. With amorphous panels, each cell is created from a thin layer of silicon that's attached to an adhesive backing material. These can be molded into flexible panels. They're the cheapest, but least efficient type. Monocrystalline panels consist of cells made from thin wafers of a silicon crystal and polycrystalline cells are made of melted silicon that's poured into a mold. These are usually included in rigid frames, but are also available in flexible options.
Choose either a roof-mounted or stand-alone set-up. The benefit of a roof-mounted system is that you can charge your batteries throughout the day, even when you're driving. A stand-alone system has the benefit of allowing you to park in the shade and set your panels up in the sun. The down side of the stand-alone is that you actually have to set out your panels to use them at all.
Related Read: Finding Power On the Go
Make sure to check the wattage, peak power in amps and volts, as well as the tolerance of the panels. The lower the tolerance, the closer the panel comes to its rated wattage.Solar Charger Controller
The purpose of the solar charge controller is to read and adjust the battery voltage, determine the solar panel production, optimize the power flow, keep the system running effectively and ensure the batteries don't overcharge. It's advised to choose a charge controller with a rating of 25-perent higher than the solar panel's total peak power. This allows you to take advantage of long periods of sunshine when the panels produce more than their rated output. Plus, it will accommodate any additional panels you add in the future.
Related Read: 8 Handy RV Gadgets you can’t Live Without
Consider installing a solar charge controller that has a multistage charging and pulse width modulation rather than a shunt controller, single-stage controller, or dual-stage controller. This type ensures the batteries become more completely charged. It also prevents overcharging while providing faster recharge times. There are other features you should look for, including the following:
·Battery temperature compensation, which keeps the batteries from being over or under charged.
·Maximum power point tracking, which boosts the charging current to your batteries.
·Adjustable voltage set point so you can make sure it corresponds to the battery type you have.
·On/Off Switch to enable you to shut down the RV solar charge controller and stop charging without having to remove the fuse at the battery.
·Dry Camp/Shore Power
·Switch solar wiring and mounting hardware
An RV solar charge controller is necessary for not only voltage regulation, but also keeping the power from draining back into the solar panels from the batteries when the sun isn't shining.Installation Basics
The manufacturer or dealer can likely inform you of the precise additional installation equipment you'll need for the specific panels you choose. In general, you'll need the correct gauge shunt wire, wire connectors, and screws, as well as sealant and a few basic tools.
The largest part of the job is most likely going to be installing the charge controller box and wiring. First, determine where you want to mount the box; it's best if it's located near the batteries. Then use a power reciprocating saw to cut a hole to accommodate the box. Mount the shunt wire near the batteries. Two wires are run to the solar panels and two wires are run to the batteries; a third grounding wire needs to be attached to the frame. Make sure to thoroughly read the instructions before installing and definitely before hooking up all of the wires.
If your intention is to install the panels on the roof of your RV, you'll probably need assistance getting the panels up there. Place them where they aren't likely to be shaded by air-conditioners or satellite dishes or catch the wind while driving. Drill the holes into the top of the roof after making sure exactly where each foot of the panel will sit, as you don't want to make a mistake where you are drilling. Screw the feet in and cover each with sealant. Use multibranch connectors to attach the panels together. Then run the wires to the solar charge controller. Double check everything before turning it on.
In Conclusion
Keep in mind, if you spend much of your time in cloudy climates you'll need more panels than if you remain in the sunnier states. Transitioning to solar power is a big decision and requires a fairly large investment just to get started. Many people find it easier to start with a few solar panels and a powerful charge controller to allow for the addition of more panels as desired.
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Author: Carrie Todd
