Should I add solar panels to my RV?

Should I add solar panels to my RV?

Deciding on a solar installation for your RV or van

No matter the season, it’s always a good time to start planning a solar installation for your RV or van. There are many benefits of solar when you’re living on the road, from expanding your camping options to ensuring you have access to reliable, clean energy whenever you need it. Renogy’s solar panel kits make it easy to get started by providing all the essential components you need to get started. Here’s a breakdown of the important thing to know about RV solar, from sizing to costs.

What are the benefits for solar on an RV?

RV solar is a reliable, clean, and affordable way to ensure you’re comfortable on the road. Contrary to noisy, dirty gas-powered generators, solar power is clean and virtually silent. Solar panels are also virtually maintenance free, requiring only minimal cleaning over time.

RV solar panels can recharge your house batteries, allowing you to run appliances while on the road without needing to hook up to power. Maintaining a steady stream of power can also extend the life of the batteries in your RV since you’re not constantly drawing down power from them.

Having a solar installation can also expand your camping options. While you may have previously decided to stay in campgrounds with hook-ups or RV parks to ensure steady access to electricity, now you can take your RV or van off-grid into remote areas without worrying about being left in the dark or cold.

Are solar panels a worthwhile investment?

There’s not a one-size-fits-all answer to this. To decide if it’s worthwhile investment you need to ask yourself what your energy needs are, how much time you spend in your RV, how often you want your RV to be off-grid, and how much time you have access to full hook-ups at an RV park or campground.

If you spend the majority of your time at campgrounds, you’re probably better off paying the fees for hook-ups. Also, if you only take RV trips a few times per year, the upfront cost of an RV solar panel setup will likely not be worth the few times you’re actually using the system. On the other hand, if you like to head out into remote areas and you spend a lot of time in your RV, a complete solar installation or solar kit would definitely be worth your time.

I’m a weekend road warrior.

Is solar worth it?: We’d recommend installing a smaller system, such as the Renogy 100 watt solar panel kit. This gives you the ability to supplement your energy needs without having to pay for an expensive, large system that you won’t be using a majority of the time.

Is solar worth it?: Yes, a full system is definitely worth the investment. We’d recommend the Renogy 400 watt solar panel kit. This gives you the ability to cover your energy needs while you’re living off-grid.

I’m a full-time RV dweller who uses campgrounds and parks.

Is solar worth it?: A full RV solar installation most likely isn’t a feasible solution, but a solar generator for back-up emergency power would be a great investment. We’d recommend the Phoenix Generator.

Choosing your solar panels

Solar panels have some major differentiators: materials and form. They come in polycrystalline or monocrystalline options. They’re also available as suitcase panel kits or flexible panels.

Polycrystalline vs. Monocrystalline

Polycrystalline panels, which are light blue in color, are less efficient, but they are also cheaper than monocrystalline. The process used to make polycrystalline silicon is simpler and therefore costs less to produce. Monocrystalline solar panels, which are dark blue in color, have the highest efficiency rates and are much more space efficient than polycrystalline panels. However, they are also more expensive.

Flexible vs. Rigid Panels

There are a few things to consider when deciding between flexible and rigid solar panels. Flexible solar panels, which are often mounted to the roofs of vans and RVs, are typically thinner and weigh less than the rigid solar panels. They can also be hung from your RV or van or other vertical surface. Flexible solar panels are also typically a little cheaper than rigid panels. Rigid, suitcase-style panels come in folded forms and can be placed at an angle on the ground for maximum efficiency.

Should I purchase portable or roof mounted panels?

There are a few things to consider when deciding between flexible and rigid solar panels. Flexible solar panels, which are often mounted to the roofs of vans and RVs, are typically thinner and weigh less than the rigid solar panels. They can also be hung from your RV or van or other vertical surface. Flexible solar panels are also typically a little cheaper than rigid panels. Rigid, suitcase-style panels come in folded forms and can be placed at an angle on the ground for maximum efficiency.

Flexible panels can be mounted to the roof of your RV, as well as temporarily hung vertically on the side of your vehicle while parked. They’re lightweight, easy-to-handle, and an affordable option. Flexible panels are typically cheaper than rigid panels.

Should I purchase a solar kit?

Purchasing a solar panel kit ensures your components are compatible and efficient, and takes the headache out of shopping for solar products.   Renogy’s solar panel kits include solar panels, charge controller, wiring and cables, and mounting hardware. You’ll need to purchase an inverter and deep cycle batteries in order to complete your system. They’re available in sizes ranging from 100 watts to 400 watts.

How do I size my RV solar installation?

To decide how many panels you need for your RV or van, we recommend using   the Renogy solar panel calculator to help determine your specific needs. You’ll need to know what total watts your electronics will consume, how long you plan on running the devices, your charge controller efficiency, and average sun hours per day.

How many batteries do I need for my system?

You’ll need a   battery bank in addition to your solar panel kit. The amount of battery storage you need is based on your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatt hours. So if you need 300 watts for 8 hours per day, then your energy usage is 2.4kWh per day.

What kind of inverter should I buy for my system?

Inverters are a key part of a solar system and serve as the gateway between the photovoltaic system and the devices drawing energy from your system. They turn the direct current (DC) output into alternating current (AC), which is the standard used by all commercial appliances. Renogy sells a range of pure sine wave inverters of varying capacities.

How much do solar installations cost?

Costs of RV solar systems vary widely because of the different system sizes and technologies. However, what’s great about solar technology is that their costs continue to drop as their efficiency continues to increase. Complete RV systems can range from around $600 for the simplest, smallest set-up to upwards of $5,000 for larger installations. Renogy’s RV solar panel kits are an affordable way to get started, and they range in price between about $350 and $900.

Conclusion

No matter what kind of RV or van dweller you are, there’s most likely a solar product for you. Campers who reside in RV parks can benefit from a solar generator in case of emergencies, boondockers can take advantage of a full RV solar installation to meet their needs, and weekend RV campers can benefit from a small solar installation.