Whether you love camping off the grid in the backcountry, or you are just an avid RVer looking for a way to minimize energy consumption, a solar panel is well worth the investment!
There are many options when it comes to solar powering your RV, so let us help guide you in the right direction with some of our top tips!
Solar Panel Benefits
Sense of Comfort
A great benefit to having solar panels for your RV is having your own self sufficient power source. Solar panels are a foolproof backup power source, so no matter how far you are travelling, what roadblocks you encounter, or how your plans charge – You will always have heat and power in unstable scenarios.
Environmentally friendly
Using solar panels rather than generators or other fuel-powered options means absolutely zero emissions from your power, and it will save you money on fuel!
Peace and Quiet
Nothing spoils the beautiful, natural music of the outdoors faster than the growl of a generator motor. Solar panels quietly produce the same power while you can enjoy the sounds of birdsong and running water.
Check out the video below for an overview of a recent solar panel installation done at Traveland Langley!
Is a Solar Power System Right for You?
Consider your daily use: will you need to power electronics like laptops and televisions, or do you spend most of your time outside? Do you normally camp in areas that offer connection to shore power, or do you want to be entirely self-sufficient?
Consider Compatibility
You may need to buy a power inverter to provide energy to your standard appliances depending on the difference in voltage between your batteries and electronics. This will avoid overloading your appliances with solar panel energy. It is also a good idea to purchase an inverter that allows your battery to charge on shore power if needed, so you have two possible options to power your RV. Our team is always happy to help assist you in finding the correct inverter for your RV at one of our locations!
About Solar Panels
Solar Panel Options
Here are our current options for top-quality solar panels, great for your RV. Please note these are not always available to every location.
• 120W Portable Solar Panel
XANTREX
80W Solar Charging Kit and Expansion Kit
100W Portable Solar Panel Kit
165W Solar Charging Kit and Expansion Kit
SAMLEX AMERICA
200W Solar Panel Kit and Expansion Kit
100W Solar Panel Kit and Expansion Kit
150W Solar Panel Kit and Expansion Kit
90W Solar Panel Kit
135W Solar Panel Kit
Solar Panel Batteries
No matter the size of your solar system, it will require a battery. It is recommended to have a battery large enough that you could survive 3-4 days without having to recharge, just in case!
Solar Panel Controllers
It is important to protect your solar system! A solar charge controller prevents you from overcharging your batteries. It regulates the power moving from the panels themselves to your battery storage.
Overcharging your batteries can affect the overall lifespan and performance of your batteries. Use a controller to avoid overworking those powerhouses!
There are many factors to consider when converting your RV to clean energy. Our Parts Department can help you get set up to go solar!
Looking for tips on reducing RV costs? Check out this blog on RVing on a Budget!