Make a Portable Solar Generator for Your RV
Recreational Vehicles (RVs) are designed to give you the freedom of the open road. In theory you can [go|drive] anywhere the mood takes you, but often you are restricted to official 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 an alternative that will give you the freedom of the road, and you can make it yourself easily and cheaply.
Most RVs have on-board gas generators, but these tend to be noisy and also to eat up the gas. [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. If you have a gas generator you can keep it as 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 easily stored if foldable, and they are usually quite light and easy to move. [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 power needs. Most RVs use [less|no more] than 400 watts. Perhaps start with a couple of solar panels, and add more as and when you feel they are necessary. You can get more information about these portable solar generators here.
If you plan to use your RV regularly in hot weather, you will have one or two other things to consider. You will need to fit 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]. Your solar panels will need to be rated at about 17 volts or higher to to stop this becoming a problem. Just keep these thoughts in mind when planning your RV’s solar panel system.
You will see a range of kits for RV solar panels on the market, but note how costly they are. We thoroughly recommend making your own. It is easy and fun and well within the competence of every oxygen-breathing adult, even the ham-fisted ones! 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 could end up with a system that does not work properly or even at all. 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.