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 install and if well maintained can provide years of clean, reliable electrical power without having to resort to the use of noisy generators which produce pollutants and greenhouse gases.
Most RV solar power systems of any size will require three or four basic components: solar panels, batteries, regulator (charge controller) and inverter. The solar panels are the source of electrical energy, which is converted directly from sunlight by the silicon cells in the panels. Batteries store this electrical energy and make it available for use at any time of the day or night. A regulator is required to maintain the batteries in a good state of charge and to prevent harmful overcharging. An inverter is necessary if only if mains voltage AC power is required.
Solar panels are manufactured in three basic forms: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and amorphous. These terms refer to the type of silicon cells used. While monocrystalline panels are typically the most efficient, there are good reasons to consider amorphous panels as they are much more tolerant of heat and shading than other panels, and they are also more robust. The only drawback associated with amorphous panels is that a larger area of panels is required for the same energy output.
While many types of batteries are available, the most practical and cost effective solution remains the tried and proven lead-acid battery. In a recreational vehicle, sealed AGM (absorbent glass mat) or gelled electrolyte batteries are a good choice as they cannot spill electrolyte (sulphuric acid) and can even be mounted on their side or upside down if necessary. These batteries are also low-maintenance because the electrolyte does not require regular topping up. AGM and gel batteries must be charged with care, however, and it is especially important to avoid overcharging. This is the job of the regulator or charge controller.
Regulators control the charging voltage supplied to the batteries, ensuring that it is high enough to maintain a good state of charge without overcharging. Overcharging is a problem as water in the electrolyte is boiled off, making the sulphuric acid stronger and decreasing battery life, but also creating explosive hydrogen gas. It is therefore important that batteries are always well ventilated. A wide range of regulators is available, with the more advanced models providing multiple charging modes (boost, float and equalisation) and features such as programmability and data logging.
While it is possible to source 12 volt DC versions of most appliances, there is a growing trend towards the use of inverters, which make it possible to use standard mains voltage appliances with the solar power system. Typically, a greater range of standard appliances is available, at a lower cost, and standard plugs and fittings can also be used. The efficiency of many inverters is now over 90%, meaning that they can be used with little overall efficiency penalty.
RV solar power systems are flexible and can be configured in many ways. The solar system batteries (or "house" batteries) can be configured in parallel with the vehicle battery to allow the vehicle alternator to charge them while the on the road. Other configurations allow parallel batteries to run power hungry devices such as winches, and solar panels to charge the vehicle starting battery when necessary.
Miguel Scaccialupo is a qualified solar power systems designer and solar panel consultant.
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 ar...
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...
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...
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...
Finding the Ideal Recreational Vehicle Part
Finding the ideal recreational vehicle part means knowing a little bit about your recreational vehicle and what makes it operate the way it does. This...
Preventing Fire in Your RV
If you own an RV you know that they are not built like a house and that everything bounces around in them. It is for this reason that every once in a ...
RV Readiness Are You and Your RV Ready for The Road?
Do you think you have RV readiness? If you are not sure what it means then you probably dont have it. It does not mean that you are ready to purchas...
Recreational Vehicles and Limitations
When choosing a recreational vehicle many people want to get the biggest possible motor home that they can buy. Sometimes this is a mistake because o...
Used Recreational VehicleWhen You Should Not Buy
Buying a used recreational vehicle can be a great investment. But it can also be a nightmare if the RV is not as promised. Most buyers will advertis...
Rent a Recreational Vehicle
Though modern recreational vehicles are almost like a fully furnished apartment house on wheels, affording all the comforts and luxuries conceivable c...
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...
RV Microwave Options for Motor Homes and Recreational Vehicles
For those who wish to take it on the open road on a part-time or full time basis and see this great nation by RV, it behooves them to pick the right M...
Car Insurance - Hybrid Cars - Part 1
The Hybrid car was for a long time seen as belonging to the science fiction genre. These days it is in actual fact a reality with many manufacturers r...
Recreational Vehicle Over Head Fans
Not all overhead fans for recreational vehicles, motor homes and RVs are created equal. There are some fans, which do not cost very much and work oka...
Diesel Pushers - Could This Be The RV For You?
How much do you know about diesel pushers? If you are in the market for a recreational vehicle you have probably seen information about them and you ...
Where to Find Available Recreational Vehicle Storage
For those who own RVs, the issue of finding reliable and affordable recreational vehicle storage is one of great importance. Although the matter of re...
Secrets to Manual RV Leveling
When traveling most people like to park on level ground in an RV when they stop. Most RV campsites do have perfectly level pads, but sometimes you do ...
Recreational Vehicle Safety Keeping Your RV Safe and Secure
An important part of recreational vehicle safety is keeping your RV secure both when you are on the road and when you are parked. Although you may ha...
For Recreational Vehicles; DataStorm Two-Internet RV Satellite Systems
If you own an RV and like to take long trips for months on end in your motor home and tour North America, then may I recommend the ultimate in Interne...
Recreational Vehicles (RV) - The Basics For Enjoying a Camp
The people in the U.S. are increasingly choosing recreation vehicles for their field and camping trips. If you are contemplating getting one for yours...