3 Tips For Getting The Most Out Of Your RV Solar Panels
Posted on: 25 July 2018
If you want to be able to run all of the equipment inside of your RV, you have to rely on the battery power from your RV when it is turned on, a generator, or a hook-up at a campsite. If you want access to energy at all times, without having to need to run a generator, hook-up to a campsite, or keep your vehicle running, your RV is in need of some solar panels.
Solar panels are a great addition to an RV. RV's have the perfect flat surfaces for the installation of solar panels. Since your RV is mobile, you can always make sure your RV is placed in the best position to generate and gather light.
1. Set Up a Battery Bank
Solar panels generate energy when the sun is out. As soon as the sun goes down, your solar panels stop generating energy. However, that doesn't mean that you stop needing energy, which is where a battery bank comes into play.
In order to use all of the energy that the solar panels on your RV generate during the day, you are going to need a battery bank. When you purchase batteries for your battery bank, make sure that you purchase deep cycle batteries that have series that run parallel to one another. Some of the best batteries are Lithium batteries as they can hold and deliver more power to your RV without all the weight that other battery set-ups leave you with. Make sure that you purchase enough batteries for your current and future needs, and set aside a specific space in your RV set-up for a battery bank. A battery bank is what will allow you to get energy from your solar panels throughout the day.
2. Use Other Energy Sources As Well
Just because you have solar power doesn't mean that you can't use other energy sources. For example, you can run your refrigerator on gas instead of electric power. This is a great appliance to run on an alternative source of power as it needs a constant source of power and can really suck up a lot of the energy that you can use to power the rest of your RV. Remember, its okay to pair gas appliances with your electrical use. Gas is another effective and clean method of powering your RV.
3. Install More Efficient Equipment
Your solar panels are only going to be able to produce so much power, which is why it makes sense to switch to more energy efficient equipment if possible. One of the easiest switches to make starts with your lights. Install LED lights, which use significantly less power than incandescent lights and last longer as well.
When you have a chance to upgrade appliances in your RV, always opt to purchase appliances with an energy star certification. Those appliances are designed to save on energy, which is important when you are working with a set supply of energy. For more information, contact your local RV solar panel kits company.
Share