There are many reasons why it might be a good idea to install solar panels. It provides you with a feeling of freedom. You can go off the beaten path and be confident that you are self-efficient. Panels are also, unlike loud power generators. Since the solar panels do all the work, you don’t have to think much about how you are getting electricity. The panels require little maintenance besides wiping them off or tilting them to get more sun. At the same time, it makes you more energy conscious since you only have the amount of energy your solar power can store.
RV Solar System Panels
The first thing that you will need to turn your RV solar is rv solar panels. The solar panels take the light from the sun and create an electrical current. There are many different types of Solar panels available. Monocrystalline, solar panels made from a single crystal. A benefit of monocrystalline is that it can produce more energy at low light. Amorphous, a solar panel made out of a thin silicon material. It is the cheapest type of solar panel. Polycrystalline, a solar panel made out of many small crystals. The most popular solar panel, polycrystalline is smaller than amorphous and produces just under monocrystalline.
Another thing to think about when considering solar panels is if you want flexible or rigid panels. Flexible panels are small thin panels that are lightweight. A larger number of panels are able to fit in the same space without adding weight. The panels do retain heat. They could make the roof of the RV hot which might affect you, especially on a hot summer day. Insulation requires gluing the flexible panels to the roof of the RV. It makes it hard to remove if you change your mind later. Rigid panels are glass panes inside an aluminum frame. These panels are more durable than flexible panels, but they do weigh more. Since they are on frames, there is a space between the panel and the roof which helps with the heat problem. They also stick up over the roof of the RV which some might see as an eyesore.
How the Solar Energy System Works
Once the solar panel creates a current from the light of the sun, the currents travel to a charge controller. The charge controller controls how much current goes to the battery. The battery converts the current to DC power and goes to an inverter. The inverter changes the DC power to AC. AC power is what we use to run all of our appliances.
How Much Energy Does Your RV Need
The best way to measure how much solar power you need is to go camping. Wait until nightfall and turn off the generator, or anything else running electricity. Then you can see how long it takes to run the battery down. At the end of the trip, you have to do a bit of figuring. For example, if you used 60 percent of your battery in three days, the battery compacity is 200. If you divide by three, you can discover that you need around 40 Amp hours per day.
Another thing to consider is that a 100-watt panel will not get you a hundred watts. It is because of many factors that can affect the effectiveness of the panel. A 100-watt panel will give you about 30 amp hours. If you need 40 amp hours, then it’s better to get a 160-watt panel.