Getting Started With RV Solar Panels.

The functionality of solar power is still a new concept to many RVers.Many believe
that solar power systems are not practical or that the systems are too complex and
expensive. After one experiences solar power generation, many agree that it is one of
the most useful tools to come around in a long time.

The creation of solar power is pretty simple. Solar panels convert light from the sun
into energy. The process is known as “photovoltaic process”. The word Photovoltaic is a
combination of the Greek word for Light and the name of the physicist Allesandro Volta.

95% of all solar cells are made up of the semiconductor silicone (SI). As light hits
the cells, the semiconductor absorbs the light and electrons on the semiconductor are
excited creating an electrical reaction in the form of a DC charge. The DC current can then be used immediately or routed to batteries for storage.

The components needed to set up an RV solar panel system are:

• Solar panel
• Charge Controller
• Storage Battery
• Inverter

Multiple solar panels can be connected together to generate enough power for the
needed output. The most important factor when choosing the right panels is the
semiconductor material.

Crystalline panels produce power more efficiently and have a longer life span than
other semiconductor materials.

A charge controller is another piece of equipment needed. The charge controller
monitors the batteries and when current is needed, it is supplied in the right amount.
The controllers voltage regulation is needed to ensure the batteries are not damaged
by excessive voltage.

12v solar panels can produce voltages up to 19-21 volts depending on the amount
of sunlight. Charge controllers are rated in amps. This is the total amount of current
it can regulate.

Where To Store The Power For Later Use.

The energy produced by solar panels is normally stored in “Deep Cell” batteries for
future use. Deep cell batteries are the favored choice due to the fact that they are
designed to be discharged and re-charged over and over again.

The amount of power consumption determines the size batteries needed. Batteries are
rated in amp hours. For example, a 1 amp hour battery will provide 1 amp of current for
1 hour. Two 150 amp hour batteries in parallel would total 300 amp hours and would
provide 10 amps of power for 30 hours.

To determine how much power is needed, Add up the total current draw of all the loads
on your RV. The lights in your RV are typically DC and can be operated from the storage
battery But most appliances run on AC power. In most cases you will need an inverter.

An inverter converts DC power into standard AC current. Inverters usually come in
two types, “True Sine Wave” and “Modified Sine Wave”.

Modified sine wave inverters are usually cheaper and can be used to power basic AC
powered devices. True sine wave inverters are best for sensitive electronic equipment
such as laptop computers, etc. Inverters are rated based on how much power they can
supply.

Connecting Solar Panels Together.

Solar panels can be connected together to obtain a higher voltage or power
capacity. Connecting two 12volts 5amp panels together in series would give you 24volts
5amps. Connecting two panels in parallel would yield 12volts 10amps.

The same is true for batteries. The panels are then connected to the charge controller.
The controller then connects to the batteries. And then the batteries would connect to
the inverter. The inverter can then be connected to route AC power to the RV’s
electrical outlets.

So there you have it. RV solar panels are great for dry camping or on the go. Solar
power is clean, reliable, and the most cost effective means of keeping your batteries
charged and the light on.