The Truth About RV Solar Power

The Truth About RV Solar Power

As there are pros and cons involved with everything in the world, rv solar power has its own pros and cons. Whenever someone is going to buy an rv, they should weigh the benefits against the shortcomings.

A solar powered rv will always be much more quiet than a generator.

The high cost of RV solar power and solar panels

Quality Solar kits are very expensive. Costs have actually dropped a little over the years. Nevertheless, a system can still be rather expensive if you want an excellent Recreational Vehicle solar energy setup.

A couple of 100-watt panels can get expensive quick. Add some deep-cycle solar cells to keep power and also a charge controller to stop them from overcharging. You will need an inverter in order to turn your DC power into some usable AC power.. You might be looking at a $1500+ financial investment when it's all over.

Some key components needed for a solar system

1. Solar panels

Solar has to do with the sun. A solar panel is used to convert the energy produced by the sun into usable power.

2. Inverters


Inverters transform the DC power created by your solar panels right into usable AC power. They are essential to place any one of the electrical power created into use. These usually cost around $150--$350 or even more.

3. Charge Controllers


A charge controller is used in a electrical system to prevent the system from overcharging. Another need feature of the chare controller is that it shuts the system down when the battery gets too low and also prevents battery drainage.

4. Battery storage

Without a way to store the energy from your solar panels, you will not be able to use the power at a later date. This is where batteries come in. These are however some of the most expensive batteries you will ever buy. You have a choice between different types of batteries which will be listed below.

• Gel Batteries


These types of batteries are a bit more expensive than the next battery on the list which is the electrolyte batteries. These batteries are however the money as they last longer and are maintenance free. These batteries however have a flaw in that they do not handle fast charging well.

• Flooded Electrolyte Batteries


Flooded Electrolyte batteries are one of the most generally utilized batteries on the marketplace today. Flooded Electrolyte batteries can be found in the largest range of dimensions as well as forms as a result of their prevalent use in a wide variety of sectors and also applications. Flooded Electrolyte batteries once more utilize a sulfuric acid electrolyte, lead plates, and also plate separators however that is where it quits. Normally swamped batteries are not secured, as well as do not recombine the gases to fluids inside. Rather, these gases are air vented onto the surface. Inner gases created are launched straight to the atmosphere. With these very same vents can leak some acid, condensation, as well as vapor, causing needed maintenance. Flooded Electrolyte batteries do need upkeep, in the form of water, to consistently restore shed electrolyte that pass through the available vents. Lead plates begin to wear away when they get in contact with the environment, so if you stop working to preserve your batteries, they will certainly fall short and also wear away. Flooded batteries are available at excellent prices and offer great rate of charge. However because of the inner construction, Flooded batteries have the weakest inner construction, and also some really high inner resistance stats.

• Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) Batteries


AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) batteries are especially created for today's vehicles that are power hungry. AGM batteries are crafted to supply approximately 2x the life vs. a common battery known as the flooded battery. This type of battery is perfect for vehicles with start-stop modern technology or high need electric devices like (back up cams, warmed seats, navigating, plug-in devices) which placed a much heavier power demand on the battery. Absorbent Glass Mat batteries are crafted with Stamped Grid modern technology, which includes a more powerful as well as extra sturdy favorable as well as adverse grid design.

Off-grid RV power an be tricky

When you decide to go fully solar or you are just trying it out. It will always be trickier than just pulling into a campground and hooking up to the electricity they have. Be fore you can effectively use solar energy,

Rv Solar Panels kit

Rigid vs flexible solar panels

Solar panels are becoming more efficient as the days go by. This gives us the options to move away from the traditional ways of getting power. Companies are finding creative ways to create new designs which in turn gives us the options of installing solar panels in a variety of applications that were not possible before. If for some reason you are easily overwhelmed by the options available, this post will go over some of the options you have.

Rigid rv solar panels

Rigid rv solar panels are the most common types of solar panels and have been around for many years. They are able to withstand almost any type of weather and can be angled to get the best sunlight possible. These types of solar panels are known to perform well and will be money well spent if you choose to go this route.

Flexible rv solar panels

Portable rv solar panels

Rv solar panel installation

Conclusion

Rv solar panels have been getting more and more popular as the years go by. As the technology gets better, the cheaper the systems will get. Having one of these as a backup power source can be a lifesaver in a pinch. But before you go and invest in one, be sure to do the necessary research.