RV solar panel: A complete guide for beginners

RV solar panel kit is becoming a new trend in the town, and everyone is on the train. But before investing, know how solar panels work. Moreover, don’t forget to collect data about what RV solar kit can do for you. Later, this information will help you know whether the investment you are doing will benefit you or not. So, lets’ start with the following:

RV solar panel

What is the RV solar panel kit? An ultimate guide:

In 1800 scientists invented a kit that was able to convert solar energy into electricity. However, the scientists at that time named that system as Photovoltaic effect. Thus, the engineers made efforts over the years and tried to improve the system. In early times, the solar panel kits produced low energy, and it was the main issue. But in 1950, the breakthrough happened when scientists discovered silicon that could create a much more efficient solar panel system. Thus, here are the processes that scientists followed and made RV solar system:

  • Scientists started to work on the initial plan where they discovered solar cells. Later, they were able to convert sun rays into electricity. Later, the technology changed, but the central concept remained the same.

So, after all, inventions and experiments over the year, we have advanced solar panel systems. Now the solar panel has solar cells that catch the sun rays and convert them into usable electricity. Later, we can use this electricity for any purpose for residential or commercial uses. The main difference between other and RV solar systems is that they are small and easy to set up. As a result, you can mount these movable panels anywhere on top of the RV.

Working on the RV solar panel kit:

The working of the RV solar kit is the same as other residential or commercial solar kits. For instance, solar panels catch sunlight and convert it into electricity that you can use anywhere. So, if you are traveling and have installed RV solar panels on the rooftop, it would be easy and cost-effective. Along with this, there are plenty of other benefits that you can enjoy by using the RV solar system. But it is vital to know the anatomy of the RV solar kit. However, the system consists of three main components:

the system consists of three main components

The solar panel system consists of three solar panels that are 100 watts each. Thus, you install these 100 watts panels to the roof and a 40amp solar charge controller. The solar charge controller is in the electronics bay that is on the back of the vehicle. But it would help if you place solar chargers and batteries close to each other. As a result, it will reduce power losses that happen through the long wires.

Top reasons to choose RV solar panel kit:

If you have placed a couple of solar panels on top of your RV and parked in the sunlight, panels will catch the light. The cells absorb the direct light from the sun and turn it into an electrical current. Later, the current travels through wires and goes to the charge controller. The charge controller is the main machine that handles everything related to the battery’s current. Here is the chart that is showing the pattern of electricity traveling:

Top reasons to choose RV solar panel kit

The energy that becomes DC charge the RV’s battery and store the energy. Later, you can use this energy in power devices and home appliances. Apart from this preliminary information, here are the following reasons why you should prefer an RV solar panel kit.

RV panels are best and cheap:

The top reason to prefer an RV solar system is that it is economical as we get free of cost energy from the sun. The RV panels help us to transform pure sun energy into DC electricity. Apart from this, the DC is good for the health of your batteries. So, this is the real reason you should invest in the RV solar panel kit.

RV solar panel kit is silent & safe:

The other highlighted benefit of the RV solar kit is that it doesn’t create any noise like generators and other machines. It means you get to enjoy noise-free electricity that is economical too. Above all, the RV solar system is safe from risks. For instance, the generators emit carbon monoxide poising or fires. But you don’t have to face any issue like this while using RV solar panel kit. Moreover, you don’t have to deal with electric shocks because RV panels produce low-level currents.

Good for the environment:

If you were looking for something good for the environment, then RV solar panel is here to help. These solar panels are good for the environment as the panels don’t emit anything that destroys the environment. For instance, the RV solar system doesn’t release CO2 and doesn’t produce noise while working. So, it means these panels are neighbor-friendly.

Apart from the above qualities, there are many other benefits that you can enjoy after installing RV solar kit.

  • The RV panel doesn’t require maintenance, and you don’t have to pay much. So, as a result, you can save money and time.
  • Above all, the RV solar panel battery is automatic; you only need to flip the switch to start working. The batteries charge when the sun shines and turn off when the sun goes down. The electricity that already has produced stays in the panel during nighttime.

Note:  Apart from all the above reasons, there are some precautionary measures that you must take to keep the panels in working condition. For instance, don’t forget to dust off the boards after some time.

the RV solar panel system

How to choose the RV solar panel system?

The main difference between residential and commercial RV solar panels is the size of the system. However, the devices produce enough energy that can run kitchen appliances. Apart from this, if the size is reasonable, you can meet all the electric needs of your property. But if the demands are increasing, you can add more panels into the system to enhance electricity. So, if you are interested in buying RV solar kit, then here are some guidelines that you shouldn’t overlook.

How many panels do you need?

It is one of the main questions that you shouldn’t neglect. So, at first, step access the need of your electricity that you want. For instance, RV solar panels come between 100-400 watts, and a full panel is around 800W. So, search to know what kind of solar panel you need according to the consumption. But before selecting the solar panel, ensure that you have the suitable batteries to store the electricity. Here is a small chart that is showing how many solar panels can provide you electrical supply.

AppliancesDaily use (Hour)Power consumption
Lightbulb660W
TV4200W
Microwave5800W
Fridge mini24200 W

Select inverters for RV solar panel kit system:

An inverter converts DC that is stored in the battery into AC. So, this is an integral part, and you should pay serious attention while buying an inverter. But you must select the inverter’s size according to the RV solar panel kit you are planning to install. If your requirement is minimal, you can choose an automotive-style inverter that can light up small appliances. Apart from this, there are other styles and types of solar panel inverters. If most of your devices work on the 12V DC, it is perfect to choose a 1000-Watt inverter.

Check main components of RV solar panel system:

The other important thing that you shouldn’t forget is about solar panel inspection. So, we discussed earlier there are following main components of the solar panel system:

  • RV solar panels
  • Solar charge controller
  • Deep cycled batteries (As they perform best)
  • Inverter

You need deep cycled batteries to store the energy produced by the RV solar panel. Apart from this, the inverter converts the 12volt DC power into 120volt AC power. So, if you get all these products of high quality, then you will be able to convert more solar energy into electricity.

the RV solar panel 2
the RV solar panel system

Calculate daily consumption of electricity:

If you want to meet your electrical needs using RV solar system, then a first step you must calculate consumption. So, here are the four points that you shouldn’t neglect while conducting the electrical needs.

  • Check what your daily consumption is
  • Check what specifications your RV solar panel kit entails
  • And determine the wattage of your RV solar panels

But before calculating the power consumption, don’t forget the devices that have phantom loads. Phantom load devices draw current continuously even when they are on standby. So, here is the list of all those products that we include in the phantom loads:

TVMicrowaveFridge
StereosCarbone monoxide detectorsClocks
Autoignition pilot lightsAnd other devices like this 

So, if you keep all devices on standby, it can add much to electricity bills. Thus, it will help if you can switch off these devices to save electricity.

Buying RV solar panel system:

There are two ways to get your RV solar panel equipment. At first, you can buy a kit that has everything, and in the second option, you can pick individual pieces to make a customizable setup. But most beginners choose the equipment because they get everything in one place. However, a complete kit comprises everything from batteries to wires. But its’ also essential to select the right supplier that can deliver quality products. Moreover, here are the things that you should check out while buying the RV solar panel:

Watt ratingPeak power (AMPS)
Peak power (Volts)Tolerance

On the other hand, you can choose individual items to make the customized RV solar panel kit. In this way, you can make sure all products are correct and of high quality. Many trustworthy services produce quality products in an affordable price range. It’s suggested and good if you can seek advice from an expert team before finalizing the products.

the RV solar panel system 3

Is RV solar panel system worth it? Join the bandwagon:

If you always like to spend time traveling, then RV solar kit is the best performing thing. You can use it to run daily life appliances and machines. Moreover, you can always add more panels if the power needs to increase. In short, it is a remarkable invention in renewable energy. But if you want to join the bandwagon, prefer using credible service.

Writer’s recommendation:

If you seek a writer’s recommendation, then “Tcpowertec” is a one-stop-shop that meets all your needs. Here you can order any solar panel in an affordable price range. Here are the highlighted qualities due to which you should prefer this venture over others:

Semi-flexible solar panelsPanels are 70% more lighter and 95% thin
You can place a customized orderOrder in bulk
Advance technologyNeed ZERO mounting tools during installation
The optimized battery can store more energyThe vast experience of the company since 2003 is a plus point.

If any customer wants to replace customized orders in bulk, supportive and responsive customer service is always helpful. You can contact us anytime to get assistance. The professional team does the proper research work and experiments before launching new RV solar panel technology. Moreover, you can seek the help of expert technicians if things are getting out of your hand. So, I think you shouldn’t miss this fantastic opportunity to try an economical and user-friendly energy source.