RV Solar Panels

Recreational vehicles (RV) are used for vacations and for camping trips among other leisure activity and having a reliable and renewable source of energy such as the one derived from solar panels really makes life comfortable as a number of appliances can be powered for entertainment or basics like cooking or showering.
 

The Types Of Solar Panels Commonly Used

• Polycrystalline solar panels are some of the cheaper options and they are made from silicon blocks. They are chosen widely due to the price point although they are less efficient than monocrystalline panels.

• Monocrystalline panels are made from a singular silicon crystal which is harder to come by hence these panels are more expensive and many top of the line RVs use them. They are very efficient and have a larger power turnover than other solar panel systems.

• Amorphous panels are the cheapest and can even be made at home as inexpensive silicon solar cells are laid out on a sheet. They yield very little power although might be useful for smaller tasks. The issue with these solar panels is that the slabs are much larger and have a bit more weight which makes them a slight inconvenience.

There is no special set up required as the space on top of the RV is gauged and the solar panels and their respective material is chosen according to the demands and budget of the owner. Even on a budget the bare minimum that the owner should opt for is 130watts so some basic appliances inside the vehicle can be powered like a small television for longer trips away. Most people do not reply entirely on these solar panels and do pack a small thermal electric power generator for emergencies especially for solar panels for boats.

The smallest solar set up such as RV portable solar panels can consist of as little as two solar panels, a remote meter and a charge controller to regulate the flow of power to the batteries which means you can have a fully lit RV at night. There are now larger more expensive systems available which can power everything from lights to electric ovens if need be.

Bulbs can need anywhere from 2 to 18 watts so a smaller set up is perfect for that. If your needs are more diverse such as using internet and charging your phone or running an electric kettle for tea, you will need to invest a lot more in the best solar panels for RV to meet the power requirements. Most manufacturers have something like small, medium and larger packages with specified watt provision.

Another reason why RVs are fitted with solar panels is because they are only used under special or occasional circumstances. This can often lead to battery corrosion of regular generators. With flexible solar panels RV there is no electrical hazard present as charging and usage is somewhat constant without the owner needing to maintain the system or even look in every now and then.

If an RV owner is not interested in installing the whole panel system such as the one required for a solar buggy he can simply invest in a solar trickle charger which is meant to power regular batteries that the RV draws energy from.