The roof of an RV is constantly exposed to the sky, for example, so those who have roof-mounted solar panels can freely harvest sunshine and use it to power electrical appliances and accessories. Plus, RV users typically depend heavily upon battery power or electric hook-ups when they travel and camp. But with an independent solar powered system it is possible to enjoy greater freedom and convenience by generating your own power supply as you travel. That means enjoying the luxury of electrical gadgets in more places ' regardless of whether conventional power is available ' and not having to worry as much about on-board batteries losing their charge and leaving you stranded without juice.
Solar Panel Tips and Recommendations
Because solar panels do not have moving parts, repairs are almost never required and routine maintenance is minimal. They are tough, and can withstand strong winds and even hailstorms. Solar panels are also lightweight, so they don't overtax your RV or cause significant increases in vehicle fuel consumption.
But unless you have special training and expertise it is advisable to engage a certified solar contractor to help you select, design, and install your RV solar panel system. Electrical engineering is complicated, and if you are going to pay for solar alternatives you will get a stronger return on your investment by buying a system that is expertly balanced to meet your particular energy consumption needs. Otherwise you can face a steep, frustrating learning curve as you study solar science and then tackle the job of proper installation. Hiring a reputable professional usually pays for itself by saving you time and helping you avoid the purchase of solar components that you do not really need ' or ones that are already obsolete as solar technology rapidly evolves and improves.
With any solar system, it helps to invest in 'deep cycle' batteries to store the electricity that is generated on sunny days, so that it can be used on overcast days or at night. In fact many people who use solar only use their self-produced electricity at night ' which is when they normally burn the most electricity anyway in order to keep the lights on, watch television, or use computers.
Another good idea is to install RV solar panels using a flexible mounting system, so that they can be tilted or aimed in a particular direction to capture more sunlight when necessary. The brighter the sunlight, the more power the panels will generate, so expect the optimum output on intensely sunny days. Keep in mind, however, that whenever there is sufficient sunlight to cast a shadow, a solar panel that is correctly configured will generate power. As one solar engineer explained, 'If you have enough sunlight to grow tomatoes, you can harvest more than enough power to run electrical components in your motor home.'
But factors besides weather and cloud cover can influence how much sunlight gets absorbed by a panel, so remember to park in sunlit areas rather than in the shade and always keep your solar panels clean. Just as less light enters through a window when it is covered with grime and dirt, less energy can be generated by a rooftop RV solar panel that never gets washed and is obscured by layers of dust and dirt. Poor electrical connections can also contribute to poor performance, so the gauge of wires used should be appropriate to the system and connections should be kept tight, clean, and free of debris.
Other Ways to Go Solar
Keep in mind that there are also more primitive forms of solar energy use that are uncomplicated and unsophisticated but still offer some wonderful benefits. Use a dark-colored rubber or plastic water storage bladder that hangs from a tree limb, for example, to heat enough water to take a hot shower ' or dry laundry outdoors. Clothes hung outside on the line are dried by solar and wind power, and laundry from the clothesline smells much fresher.
You can also buy solar powered fixtures like porch lights, and the Solar Lights Today company distributes solar-powered 'solar ball lights' that can be hung from awnings or tree branches or even floated on water. When fully charged by their handy solar panel battery packs these LED lights will stay on all night long, giving off a soothing glow.
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