RVers have been taking advantage of solar panels for a variety of reasons. Not only does it provide electrical power to your RV, but also helps to keep your appliances and batteries charged while you’re on the road.
But with so many options available, how do you choose the right ones for your rig?
In this article, we will explain the importance of each factor and offer tips on how to select the best solar panel system for your RV.
Read more to learn about how to choose solar panels for your RV!
How to choose solar panels for RV/Campers?
Solar panels work by converting sunlight energy into electrical energy. The solar panel consists of solar cells that are made of silicon.
When the sun hits the solar cells, the electrons in the silicon are excited and they flow from one side of the cell to the other. This creates an electric current that can be used to power your RV or to charge your batteries. Solar panels can also be used to power appliances in your RV.
Solar panels are a great way to get power while on the road, but there are a few things you need to take into account before making your purchase.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing solar panels for your RV:
- Size of solar panel: Solar panels come in a variety of sizes, from small panels that can fit on a laptop to large panels that take up an entire roof. The size of the panel you need depends on how much power you want to generate.
- Type of RV: The type of RV you have will affect the size and type of system you need. If you have a small RV, you will not need as large or powerful a system as someone with a larger RV.
- Price: Solar panels can range in price from $100 to $1000 or more. The price will vary based on the size and quality of the panel.
- Warranty: Most solar panels come with a warranty of 20 years or more. This is important to consider because it will protect you in case something goes wrong with the panel.
- Brand: There are many different brands of solar panels available on the market. Do some research to find out which brands are the most reliable.
- Average amount of sunlight: The average amount of sunlight will affect how much power your system can generate. If you live in an area with more sun, you will need a larger system.
Types of Solar Panels
Now that you know how to choose solar panels for your RV, let’s take a look at some of the different types of solar panels that are available.
1) Monocrystalline
Monocrystalline solar panels are made of a single crystal of silicon. They are the most efficient type of solar panel and they perform well in both high and low light conditions.
2) Polycrystalline
Polycrystalline solar panels are made of multiple crystals of silicon. They are less efficient than monocrystalline solar panels, but they are also less expensive.
3) Amorphous
Amorphous solar panels are made of silicon that is not in the form of a crystal. They are the least efficient type of solar panel, but they are also less expensive.
4) Portable Solar Panel System
A portable solar panel system is a great option for those who want to be able to take their system with them when they travel. These systems are typically less expensive than a permanent system, but they are not as powerful.
5) Permanent Solar Panel System
A permanent solar panel system is a great option for those who do not plan on moving their RV very often. These systems are more expensive than portable systems, but they are more powerful.
How to choose right size solar panel system for your RV?
Let’s take a look at how to size your solar panel system.
- The first thing you need to do is determine how much power you use on a daily basis. This can be done by looking at your electricity bill or by using a watt meter.
- Once you know how much power you use, you can then decide how large of a system you need. A good rule of thumb is to have at least 100 watts of a panel for every 1000 watts of power you use. For example, if you use 1000 watts of power per day, you would need a 10000 watt (10 kilowatts) system.
- Another thing you need to do is determine the average amount of sunlight that your RV will be exposed to. Once you know the average amount of sunlight, you need to determine the size of the solar panel system that you need.
You can use this Solar Panel Sizing Calculator to help you determine the size of the system you need.
How to install solar panels on your RV?
Here we describe the stepwise procedure:
- First thing you need to do is find a location on your RV where the solar panels will get the most sun. The rooftop is typically the best area.
- Place the solar panel on the roof of your RV, making sure that it is level.
- Once you have found a location, you need to attach the brackets that came with your solar panels to the RV. Make sure that the solar panels are level and secure before you continue.
- Connect the solar panel to the batteries using the positive and negative wires.
- Connect the solar panel to the charge controller using the positive and negative wires.
- Connect the solar panel to the inverter using the positive and negative wires.
- Turn on the inverter and you are now ready to use solar power to run appliances in your RV.
Maintenance of your RV solar power system
Just like any other electrical system, your RV solar power system will require some maintenance.
- The most important thing you can do is to keep the solar panels clean. Dust, dirt, and leaves can all reduce the amount of sunlight that solar panels are able to capture.
- You should also check the wiring periodically to make sure that there are no loose connections.
- It is also a good idea to have a qualified technician check your system at least once a year to make sure that everything is working properly.
FAQS – Choosing Solar Panels For RV
Is it better to wire RV solar panels in series or parallel?
It is usually better to wire solar panels in parallel since this will increase the amount of power that can be generated. However, there may be some situations where it is better to wire the panels in series.
Does connecting solar panels in series increase wattage?
No, connecting solar panels in series does not increase the wattage. It only increases the voltage.
Can I wire two 100-watt solar panels together?
Yes, you can wire two 100-watt solar panels together. This will give you a total of 200 watts of power.
Which type of panel has got the highest efficiency?
The highest efficiency solar panels are monocrystalline panels. However, they are also the most expensive.
What factors affect solar panel efficiency?
Solar panel efficiency can be affected by a number of factors, such as temperature, shading, and the type of panel.
Can you connect 2 solar panels to the battery?
Yes, you can connect 2 solar panels to the battery. This will increase the amount of power that can be generated.
Final words:
Installing a solar panel system on your RV is a great way to reduce your dependence on fossil fuels and save money on your energy costs.
- RV solar panels come in a variety of wattages, so it is important to select the right one for your needs.
- The most important factors to consider when choosing RV solar panels are how much power you need and where you will be using them.
- The other factors such as size, weight, and price become important considerations.
- It is also important to make sure that the solar panel system you choose is compatible with your RV’s electrical system.
- There are a number of reputable companies that sell RV solar panels, so do your research before making a purchase.