Are you thinking about outfitting your RV with solar power? Solar-powered RVs can give you the ability to travel off-grid and explore wherever you want to go.
They’re the perfect option if you’re interested in camping on public lands. They can also help you avoid having to stay in over-booked campgrounds and save money on electric fees.
It’s possible to camp off-grid with a gas-powered generator, but the downside is that they make a lot of noise. In contrast, solar panels offer a quiet environment. What’s not to love about that?
Here are a few things to keep in mind, while you’re deciding whether you want to add solar power to your RV.
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1. How Much Power Do You Plan to Use?
The first thing you need to think about is how much electricity you’ll need on an average day. If your RV has skylights, you’ll have a lot of natural light while you’re in your RV. This means you may not need to use the lights most of the day.
You can get a good idea of the amount of power you’ll use daily by adding up all your appliances and calculating how much energy you need to run them.
Most RVers use around 20 kWh a day. If you plan to use more than that, remember to figure that into your calculations.
Going completely off-grid is risky and can be dangerous if you don’t have the right equipment for your needs. So be sure to do accurate calculations if you plan to spend a lot of time out on your own.
2. Are You Going to Be Off-Grid Most of the Time, or Only Occasionally?
Your off-grid RV plans will determine the type of portable power you need to install. If you want to stay off-grid for extended periods, you’ll need a full solar panel system and a battery array.
If you’re planning on multiple short trips, you could probably choose a smaller portable system and still do just fine.
The key to successful portable power is to be realistic when predicting your energy consumption needs.
A full solar power system may be expensive. Plus, it’ll take up more space and weigh more. So it doesn’t make sense to purchase one unless you’re going off-grid for extended periods.
3. How Much Storage Space Do You Have?
You’ll need to store your solar panels in your RV when you’re on the road, so keep that in mind when choosing a system. You’ll also need a generator and a battery bank which take up additional room.
Here is a list of the Best Solar Generators available on the solar market today, with some ideas for how to select the right one for you.
Outfitting Your RV With Solar Power Can Give You New Freedom
Outfitting your RV with solar power is exciting. It can open up the doors to new adventures and many happy memories with friends and family.
And if you’re exhausted and need to get away from everything, being able to venture out into pure wilderness solitude can be incredibly freeing.
Once you know the amount of power you’ll need in your RV, you can plan your solar setup. Your solar-powered RV will become your escape vehicle into the wild.
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