RV Solar Panels - How To Get Started
The functionality of solar power is still a new concept to many RVers. Many believe that solar power systems are not practical or that the systems are too complex and expensive. After one experiences solar power generation, many agree that it is one of the most useful tools to come around in a long time.
The creation of solar power is pretty simple. Solar panels convert light from the sun 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 up of the semiconductor silicone (SI). As light hits the cells, the semiconductor absorbs the light and electrons on the semiconductor are excited creating an electrical reaction in the form of a DC charge. The DC current can then be used immediately or routed to batteries for storage.
Setting Up An RV Solar Panel System.
The components needed to set up an RV solar panel system are:
- A Solar panel
Multiple solar panels can be wired together to generate enough power for the needed 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 span than other semiconductor materials.
A charge controller is another piece of equipment needed. The charge controller monitors the batteries and when current is needed, it is supplied in the right amount. The controllers voltage regulation is needed to ensure the batteries are not damaged by excessive voltage. 12v solar panels can produce voltages up to 19-21 volts depending on the amount of sunlight. Charge controllers are rated in amps. This is the total amount of current is can regulate.
Where To Store The Power For Later Use.
The energy produced by solar panels is normally stored in Deep Cell batteries for future use. Deep cell batteries are the favored choice due to the fact that they are designed to be discharged and recharged over and over again.
The amount of power need determines that amount 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 total 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 on your RV.
The lights in your RV are typically DC and can be operated from the storage battery But most appliances run on AC power. In most cases you will need an inverter. An inverter converts DC power into standard AC current.
Inverters usually 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 laptop computers, etc. Inverters are rated based on how much power they can supply.
Connecting Solar Panels Together.
Solar panels can be connected together to obtain a higher voltage or power capacity. Connecting two 12volts 5amp panels together in series would give you 24volts 5amps. Connecting two panels in parallel would yield 12volts 10amps. The same is true for batteries.
The panels are then connected to the charge controller. The controller then connects to the batteries. And then the batteries would connect to the inverter. The inverter can then be connected to route AC power to the RVs electrical outlets.
So there you have it. RV solar panels are great for dry camping or on the go. Solar power is clean, reliable, and the most cost effective means of keeping your batteries charged and the lights on.
Author: Steve Vox http://www.stevevox.com
RV Solar Power: http://www.stevevox.com/getting-started-with-rv-solar-panels.html
RV Freedom with Solar Power
If you RV, you undoubtedly like the freedom of cruising around where you will. Sooner or later, however, you have to find somewhere to plug inor do yo...
Dump the Generators and Solar Up Your RV for About $8,000
To adequately set up a motor coach with solar power will run you about $8,000 and this will include the panels on the roof, super batteries, installat...
Solar Power System Components For Recreational Vehicles
Solar power systems are a great addition to recreational vehicles that are used for any length of time in remote areas. They are relatively simple to ...
RV Charging System Invention Idea
Someone needs to design and build an RV battery recharging system that runs off each wheel. When the vehicles brakes are used the system charges the b...
Owens Corning Basement System - Is This Option For You?
The Owens Corning basement system is a system of high quality, highly insulated wall panels that are installed by professionals. These panels are ins...
Top RV Accessories
An RV is an exciting way to travel, live in and see different places. With the demand for RVs increasing, owning an RV has become quite popular. It ha...
Watch Terms Part II
The previous article I wrote covered some basic watch terms. This article will cover some various features timepieces have. Timepieces have function...
Yacht Wind Generators
This is one of my dream possessions, a yacht that is. If I get one I probably will install a yacht wind generator to charge my onboard batteries. You ...
Why Should You Renovate Your Home?
When youve made the decision that a home renovation is affordable and desirable, ask yourself exactly why youd like to renovate. Theres no right or wr...
Essential RV and Camping Supplies
Even if you are camping in an RV, some of the amenities of home can be added to the RV to help experience the vagaries of nature better. According to ...
Some Ideas for Remodeling Porches
Fixing up a porch is a great idea that will extend the use of your home considerably. Using just some paint, stain and basic carpentry skills, you ca...
New and Used Motor Home RV Values - Blue Book and NADA
Unlike the guides for automobiles which are based on analyses of actual car prices, the Blue Book and NADA guides are based primarily on a percentage ...
Motorhome Body Repairs: Do You Know What Your Motorhome Is Made Of? Advice On Repair
Plastic mouldings ABS and GRPQuite often, front panels are made from acrylic capped ABS plastic and some manufacturers have been known to use a gauge ...
Australian Wine Clubs
Have you ever come across a wine bottle bearing the insignia of an Australian wine club? Then it must be top quality wine. Australian wine clubs are a...
Experiences of an Accidental Judge
There is a story that, years ago a person high up in the U.S. Patent Office resigned. The reason stated was that everything worth inventing had been ...
Is it Worth the Cost to Make a Home More Energy-Efficient?
Making a home more energy-efficient will be worth the investment, especially over time. Not only will you be doing your part for the environment, you ...
Canadian RVs For Sale
If buying a recreation vehicle in Canada is on your mind, or you are thinking about upgrading your RV, you should go to different dealers in your area...
Basketball For Youngsters
Are you looking for a way to get your young kids more involved with sports? Do they need a bit more exercise in order to stay in shape? If you answere...
Mobile Home Remodeling
Staying in a home with lots of rooms that require several pieces of furniture, fixtures, and appliances is more convenient for some people, but others...
Your Propane Tank on Your RV
Most all recreational vehicles use LP Gas for heating the motor home, heating the water and for their refrigerators too. Having a large LP Gas contain...