Build A Portable Solar Generator
One of the main attractions of RVs (Recreational Vehicles) is the flexibility they give you. In theory you can [go|drive] anywhere you like, but often you are restricted to available camp sites because you need somewhere to recharge your batteries. Even if you only use your on-board appliances a little, your batteries will need recharging from time to time – usually more often than is convenient! And [beware|be warned], regularly [draining|flattening] a battery will shorten its life [dramatically|considerably]. But there is now an attractive option that will give you true flexibility to go where you want, and it can be made easily and for very little money.
RVs can be fitted with gas generators, but these tend to be noisy, smelly and gas-guzzlers. [These days|Nowadays] it is quite common to fit a solar panel or two which will provide most if not all the power you need without [hammering|damaging] your battery, and literally anybody can put these together in their backyard. Your gas generator, if you have one, can then become a backup – much less [harmful for|wearing on] the ears and pocket. Keep it for powering the lights at your next [outdoor|backyard] party!
Solar panels for RVs can be made foldable for easy storage, and they tend to be quite lightweight so are easily moveable. [A single|One] [4ft x 2 ft|8 square foot] solar panel will [produce|generate] about 75 to 100 watts, which is about [equal to|the same as] a pair of golf cart batteries. This would probably be sufficient for a typical 24ft RV but it would depend, of course, on your own electrical needs. Most RVs use [less|no more] than 400 watts. The best advice is to start with one or two solar panels, and add more as and when you feel they are necessary. You can get more information about these portable solar generators here.
There are some additional things you will need if you will be driving regularly in hot climates. You should instal a solar-powered battery charger with battery temperature compensation to reduce the danger of damaging your batteries. Also, solar panels on the roof of an RV can get very [hot|warm], which can [affect|lower] their efficiency and can lead to [voltage drops|a drop in voltage]. Ensure that your solar panels have a rating of at least 17 volts to to stop this becoming a problem. Just keep these thoughts in mind when planning your RV’s solar panel system.
There is a good range of RV solar panel kits on the market but these tend to be very pricey. We thoroughly recommend the make-it-yourself route. You will find it very easy, a lot of fun, and literally anybody can do it. And you will save a packet compared with the bought variety. What you will need, however, is expert advice before you start to build a solar panel, otherwise you will probably waste a lot of time and effort doing research and not necessarily doing the job properly. Don’t worry, professional advice and step-by-step instructions are readily available if you know the right source, and only cost a few bucks. We believe this is a good investment.
