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 official camp sites because you need somewhere to recharge your batteries.  Even using your batteries sparingly to work on-board appliances you will still find they 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 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 and smelly.  [These days|Nowadays] you can fit solar panels to your RV which will give you all or most of the power you need without [hammering|damaging] your battery, and these panels are very easy to make at home, even for the total novice.  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 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.  A typical 24 ft RV would probably manage on this but it would depend, of course, on your own electrical needs. Most RVs use [less|no more] than 400 watts.  Perhaps start with a couple of solar panels, and fit some more as needed. 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]. Ensure that your solar panels have a rating of at least 17 volts to overcome this potential 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 the make-it-yourself route. It is easy and fun and well within the competence of every oxygen-breathing adult, even the ham-fisted ones!  And much cheaper than buying a kit.  It is very sensible, however, to get professional advice and guidance as you plan and build your 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.