Solar Panels for RVs: How to Get Started
Solar power functionality is still a new concept for many RVs. Many believe that solar energy systems are impractical or that the systems are too complex and expensive.
After experiencing solar power generation, many agree that it is one of the most useful tools in a long time.
The creation of solar energy is quite simple. Solar panels convert sunlight into energy. The process is known as “photovoltaic process”. The word photovoltaic is a combination of the Greek word for light and the name of the physicist Allesandro Volta.
95% of all solar cells are made of semiconducting silicone (SI). As light falls on the cells, the semiconductor absorbs the light and the electrons in the semiconductor become excited creating an electrical reaction in the form of a DC charge. DC power can be used immediately or routed to batteries for storage.
Setting up a solar panel system for RVs.
The components needed to set up an RV solar panel system are:
- a solar panel
- A charge controller
- A storage battery
- and an investor
Multiple solar panels can be connected to generate enough power for the required output. The most important factor when choosing the right panels is the semiconductor material. Crystalline panels produce power more efficiently and have a longer life than other semiconductor materials.
A charge controller is another necessary piece of equipment. The charge controller monitors the batteries and when current is needed, it is supplied in the correct amount.
The voltage regulation of the controllers is necessary to ensure that the batteries are not damaged by excessive voltage. 12v solar panels can produce voltages of up to 19-21 volts depending on the amount of sunlight. Charge controllers are rated in amps. This is the total amount of current that can be regulated.
Where to store the energy for later use.
The energy produced by solar panels is normally stored in “Deep Cell” batteries for future use. Deep cell batteries are the preferred option because they are designed to be discharged and recharged over and over again.
The amount of power needed determines the number of batteries needed. Batteries are rated in amp hours. For example, a 1 amp hour battery will provide 1 amp of current for 1 hour. Two 150 amp hour batteries in parallel would give a total of 300 amp hours and would provide 10 amps of power for 30 hours. To determine how much power is needed, add up the total current draw of all the loads in your RV.
Your RV lights are usually DC powered and can be powered by the storage battery. But most home appliances run on AC power. In most cases you will need an inverter. An inverter converts direct current to standard alternating current.
Inverters generally come in two types, “True Sine Wave” and “Modified Sine Wave”. Modified sine wave inverters are usually cheaper and can be used to power basic AC power devices.
True sine wave inverters are best for sensitive electronic equipment such as laptops, etc. Inverters are classified based on the amount of power they can supply.
Connecting Solar Panels Together.
Solar panels can be connected together to obtain a higher voltage or power capacity. Connecting two 12 volt 5 amp panels together in series would give you 24 volt 5 amps. Connecting two panels in parallel would produce 12 volts and 10 amps. The same is true for batteries.
The panels are then connected to the charge controller. The controller is then connected to the batteries. And then the batteries would connect to the inverter. The inverter can then be connected to route AC power to the RV’s electrical outlets.
So there you have it. Solar panels for RVs are great for dry camping or on the go. Solar power is clean, reliable, and the most cost-effective means of keeping batteries charged and lights on.
