If you are an RV enthusiast, you know that one of the biggest challenges of traveling on the road can be how to keep your RV powered. Powering your RV with diesel or gasoline generators can be noisy, polluting, and expensive. With the development of RV solar panel systems, RV owners can now utilize power from clean, affordable and renewable energy.
Benefits of RV Solar Panels
RV solar panel systems have several advantages over traditional power sources. Solar energy is abundant, renewable, and eco-friendly. It doesn’t produce any noise, vibration or emissions that can disturb you or your neighbors. There are minimal costs associated with the ongoing use of solar energy compared to gasoline or diesel fuel that you must purchase and store. RV owners who use solar panels enjoy greater flexibility and peace of mind thanks to the freedom of boondocked camping.
Types of RV Solar Panel Systems
1. Monocrystalline Panels
Monocrystalline panels are the most common type of RV solar panel system. They are made from high-grade silicon and are incredibly efficient in regard to converting sunlight into electricity. Monocrystalline panels can produce more power than other varieties of solar panels while using less space. They are also very durable, making them popular with many RV owners.
2. Polycrystalline Panels
Polycrystalline panels are another popular choice for RV solar panel systems. They are made of several small silicon crystals instead of one large crystal. This makes them less efficient than monocrystalline panels but more affordable. Polycrystalline panels still offer reliable performance but require more space than monocrystalline panels in order to produce the same amount of energy.
3. Thin-Film Panels
Thin-film panels are an innovative new type of RV solar panel system. They are made of thin layers of photovoltaic material applied to a substrate like flexible plastic or metal. Thin-film panels are lightweight and flexible, making them perfect for curved surfaces or irregular spaces. They are less efficient than crystalline panels but perform better in low light. They’re ideal for cloudy areas.
4. Amorphous Panels
Amorphous panels are another type of thin-film panel that can be used for RV solar panel systems. They are incredibly lightweight due to the thin layers of photovoltaic material. Amorphous panels are also very flexible, so they’re ideal for unconventional RVs. They are less efficient than crystalline panels, requiring a larger surface area to produce the same amount of energy.
5. Folding Panels
Folding panels are a portable option, making them ideal for RV owners who frequently move from one location to another and don’t want anything permanently attached to their vehicle. They are available in various sizes and capacities and are incredibly lightweight. Folding panels are usually made from monocrystalline or polycrystalline material. Their efficiency depends on the quality of the solar cells used.
Components of RV Solar Panel Systems
A typical RV solar panel system includes four main components: solar panels, a charge controller, a battery and an inverter. The solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, which is then stored in the battery. The charge controller regulates the power sent to the battery, preventing overcharging or undercharging. The battery stores the energy and provides power to the RV appliances and devices as needed. The inverter converts the DC power from the battery to AC power, which is compatible with your RV sockets and devices.
How to Choose the Right RV Solar Panel System
To choose the right RV solar panel system, there are several factors to consider. It will help if you calculate your power needs based on your daily usage of appliances and devices. You also need to estimate the amount of sunlight you can get based on your location, season and orientation of the RV. We recommend checking with your RV dealer to recommend the best panels for compatibility with your rig.
Contact Us Today
If you use solar panels for your RV and have considered installing solar panels and batter storage at your home, call GVEC Solar Services. We’ll listen to your needs and expectations and provide a free, no obligation estimate for a custom-designed system to fit your expectations. For local, affordable solar panel systems and battery storage you can rely on, call GVEC Solar Services.
