[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"LiveBlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/rv-solar-basics\/#LiveBlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/rv-solar-basics\/","headline":"RV Solar Basics","name":"RV Solar Basics","description":"Motorhomes come with built-in electrical systems in most cases. Campers, trailers, and other RV towable can either be charged while being towed by a truck or be plugged into campground hookups or shore power. Some RVers like to have solar power using solar panels to produce an additional source of electricity. Installation of a solar […]","datePublished":"2021-07-16","dateModified":"2024-01-05","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/author\/pete\/#Person","name":"Pete","url":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/author\/pete\/","identifier":2,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/wp-content\/litespeed\/avatar\/30c83c48d82c080140bb064c7762d28a.jpg?ver=1779254525","url":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/wp-content\/litespeed\/avatar\/30c83c48d82c080140bb064c7762d28a.jpg?ver=1779254525","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Living Pioneer","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/living-pioneer-icon-logo-50x50-1.png","url":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/living-pioneer-icon-logo-50x50-1.png","width":50,"height":50}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/panel-158630_1280-600x400r.jpg","url":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/panel-158630_1280-600x400r.jpg","height":400,"width":600},"url":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/rv-solar-basics\/","video":[{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=hn6-lpErz5w#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=hn6-lpErz5w","name":"Jackery Explorer 1000 Power Station Review (1000W Of POWER!)","description":"Jackery Explorer 1000 Review. 1002Wh \/ 1000W Power station with two AC plugs, various D\/C outputs, and solar panel support. Also tested with the Jackery Solar Saga 100W panels. More info and pricing: \nJackery Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station: https:\/\/amzn.to\/3iH6bJr Jackery SolarSaga 100 Solar Panel: https:\/\/amzn.to\/3vtAOVp \nJackery UK Store: https:\/\/amzn.to\/3vvbBcY \nJackery Lightning Deals for Prime Day: Save up to 30%! Only 48 Hours! (21-22 June)\nJackery Explorer 240\/500\/1000 Portable Power Station: 20% Off.\nJackery SolarSaga 100 Solar Panel: 30% Off.\n\n00:00 - Intro\n00:54 - Unboxing\n01:47 - Build, design & ports\n04:24 - Load test & fan noise sample\n05:28 - Peak load, surge, and safety cutout\n06:22 - Drain test 100% to 2% D\/C and A\/C\n06:48 - Solar Saga 100W solar panels test\n08:09 - More test uses & car charging\n09:12 - 2 weeks later thoughts with Pros & Cons\n\n\nPlease remember to subscribe! (It's free) http:\/\/youtube.com\/techtablets?sub_confirmation=1\n\nSupport me on Patreon: https:\/\/www.patreon.com\/techtablets\n\nRecommend places to buy tech from China:\nAliExpress: http:\/\/s.click.aliexpress.com\/e\/GnncWLO\nBanggood: https:\/\/www.banggood.com\/?p=QZ14021624945201505Y\n\nIf you liked this video and want to see more like it, why not subscribe?\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/Hendrickson?sub_confirmation=1\n\nPlease help translate videos into your own language: http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/timedtext_cs_panel?tab=2&c=UCrI6_31b1OHRE62BHTMYN0Q\n\nAbout:\nTechTablets reviews the latest in tech, mobile phones, laptops mini pcs, and other related gadgets. We aim to deliver honest reviews, from a user perspective to help you choose the best tech for your needs. Covering points that matter to you as a user with comparisons, benchmarks, thermals, and testing popular games.\n\nFollow TechTablets:\nWeb: http:\/\/techtablets.com\/\nForums: http:\/\/techtablets.com\/forum\nTwitter: https:\/\/twitter.com\/TechTabletscom\nInstagram: https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/realtechtablets\/","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/hn6-lpErz5w\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/hn6-lpErz5w\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/hn6-lpErz5w\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/hn6-lpErz5w\/sddefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/hn6-lpErz5w\/maxresdefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2021-06-20T12:00:12+00:00","duration":"PT12M13S","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/hn6-lpErz5w","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCrI6_31b1OHRE62BHTMYN0Q#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCrI6_31b1OHRE62BHTMYN0Q","name":"TechTablets","description":"In-depth tech reviews since 2013. \n\nMobiles | Laptops | Gaming notebooks | Mini pcs | Tablets | TWS audio | Drones | eBikes & eScooters. 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Hope you enjoy it!\n\nDon\u2019t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more RV adventures! \ud83d\udd14\n\n\ud83d\udccc Check out these RV must-haves on Amazon:\n https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/shop\/totallytrailer \n\n\nMusic is found on epidemicsound.com\n\u201cDeep into my World 1\" \nComposer: Niklas Gustavsson\n\n*********************\nList of items that appear in our videos:\n\nweBoost Connect RV 65 Cell Phone Signal Booster\nhttps:\/\/amzn.to\/3clCAly\n\nAmped Wireless High Power Wireless-N 600mW Gigabit Dual Band Range Extender Repeater (SR20000G)\nhttps:\/\/amzn.to\/3csH61B\n\n100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Lightweight Flexible Solar Panel\nhttps:\/\/amzn.to\/3an3KWK\n\nGo Power! 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Installation of a solar power system, even a basic one, is best done by a qualified, experienced installer.All battery, solar, and electrical work is potentially dangerous! Therefore, it\u2019s always recommended that a skilled person does the work.It\u2019s not something for an amateur to dabble in. As our disclaimer, you are solely responsible for any electrical work on your RV, towable, van, or another vehicle type. We highly recommend hiring a qualified electrician or solar specialist to do the work for you. It\u2019s immeasurably safer that way. Don\u2019t try to install solar yourself! We disclaim all liability. Enough said.            Table of Contents                                    show                                                RV Solar Basics                            Harness Irradiance from the Sun                            Solar Panels Do the Work                            Is Solar Power Like Photosynthesis?                            Solar Panels are Far More Effective than Photosynthesis                            Charge Controller                            PWM Regulator                            MPPT Charge Controller                            Battery Monitor Unit                            House or Coach Battery Pack                            RV Inverter                            Any Quirks with Batteries to Be Aware of?                            Power Depletion is the Risk Factor                            Lithium Batteries Are the Best                            How Many Solar Panels Do I Need to Run an RV?                            What Will a 100 Watt Solar Panel Run?                            Benefits of a Solar Power System in an RV or Towable                            Closing Thoughts                            Related Articles        RV Solar BasicsFirst, we\u2019re going to list out the main parts of an RV solar system. We\u2019re not going to drill down to every fuse, wire, and so forth.We\u2019re aiming kind of at RV Solar for Dummies with our language and approach. Hopefully, this will be best for most people because solar power is filled with confusion!So, intermediate solar people, please don\u2019t be offended that we\u2019ve kept it simpler!Second, this article is to give you a solid idea about solar power and RVing.After that, we\u2019ve added other useful information to know before you arrange to have a solar power system installed for you.Here are the main parts of an RV solar installation:Solar panelsCharge controller systemBattery monitor unitHouse\/Coach 12-volt AC battery packRV inverter (optional, if requiring AC power for household appliances)In the next few sections, we explain these in more detail:Harness Irradiance from the SunWithout getting all fancy, the power of the sun is sufficient to provide more than brightness alone.It has power that can be harnessed and turned into forms of electricity. It\u2019s unnecessary to understand the science behind that; just know that it can do it.  If it\u2019s any easier, envision how a wind turbine turns when there are high winds and this turning motion generates power. Solar cannot be visualized physically in the same cause-and-effect manner, but it still can provide additional power when the sun is shining. This provides greater independence for an RVer.Read Also: How to Tell If a Deep Cycle Battery is BadSolar Panels Do the WorkSolar panels can receive the sun\u2019s rays and each cell of the panel produces an electrical current. There are different types of solar panels with various pros and cons.Silicon crystal is the primary material for solar panels. Panels come in various levels of durability depending on the quality of the product and how the individual cells on the panel are created.Polycrystalline vs Monocrystalline for RVs? Well\u2026 actually\u2026 there are three types of solar panels, not two:Poly-crystalline \u2013 Multiple small silicon crystals are used in its creation. Almost as power-efficient as mono-crystalline solar panels. Affordable too. Currently, the most popular type. Requires a rack system for roof installation.Mono-crystalline \u2013 Each panel uses one crystal, not several. The solar cells comprise a thin layer of silicon. Space-efficient. Best performer in low-light conditions. Requires a rack to install it on the roof.Amorphous \u2013 Far more sizable in panel dimensions vs. power output. Thin flexible solar panels with backing to stick the panel to the roof of an RV or camper for improved stealth. Doesn\u2019t always need a rack system to install it. Lowest cost.Is Solar Power Like Photosynthesis?Plants are capable of using photosynthesis to receive the sun\u2019s energy and convert it into the chemical energy that they require. They can also store the energy created too.Solar panels receive the sun\u2019s power and create an electrical current. So, it\u2019s similar but again, different at the same time. Also, solar panels are unable to store the electricity created by solar cells. So, there\u2019s another difference between plants.Solar Panels are Far More Effective than PhotosynthesisSolar panels work more effectively when they are directly facing the sun at the right time of day. They can be fitted to the roof of an RV or camper.Solar is many times more efficient in harnessing solar energy than plant life.There are fixed, inflexible solar panels and flexible ones that fit on some curved roofs that won\u2019t accept a fixed solar panel style.When on the roof, they\u2019re usually fitted to a rack system to ensure they stay in place when driving and don\u2019t suddenly become flying objects!Also, there are portable ones that can be folded out and propped up on the ground or grass and plugged into a charge controller and onto an RV\u2019s battery pack or a portable battery pack to store the energy created.https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=hn6-lpErz5wVideo can\u2019t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Jackery Explorer 1000 Power Station Review (1000W Of POWER!) (https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=hn6-lpErz5w)Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 1000, 1002Wh Solar Generator (3 x 110V\/1000W AC Outlets)Check at Amazon\u24d8 If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.Charge ControllerThe charge controller sits between the solar panel and the battery system.Its role is to regulate the power that\u2019s been created through solar panels.It also helps to avoid any of the batteries being over-charged (when they\u2019re already fully charged, and the solar panels are still receiving energy from the sun).Charge controllers come in 4 main types. These are:Series RegulatorShunt RegulatorMPPT Charge controllerPWM RegulatorMost RVers only need to know about the MPPT and PWM types because these are both the most common and easily available.PWM RegulatorThe PWM regulator is seen as the less expensive, more economical but less efficient charge controller compared to MPPT. For lower-powered systems requiring a cheaper setup, PWM can get it done.Smaller systems often don\u2019t see much upside when opting for more expensive MPPT charge controllers.However, if you\u2019ll be eventually adding hundreds of watts of solar on the roof and a hefty battery bank, then MPPT is likely to be a better choice.PWM is at least 20% less efficient in low-light conditions. So, overclouded days or parking up regularly in the forest public land will make it harder to keep your batteries topped up.MPPT Charge ControllerThe MPPT charge controller is the premium option. Over 150 watts of solar on the roof or folded-out solar packs beside the RV or camper is necessary to see a benefit.Also, when staying in climates where the temperature drops precipitously but the sun is still out, then the MPPT unit will perform better than PWM too. System systems use MPPT every time.Our recommended MPPT charge controller is from Victon Energy. It handles 100 volts and 30 amps to keep smooth power running through to the battery pack. Also, there\u2019s a Victron mobile app to check the readings via Bluetooth:https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=M6ZGkpZpNcEVideo can\u2019t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT 100V 30 amp 12\/24-Volt Solar Charge Controller (https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=M6ZGkpZpNcE)Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT 30 amp 100V 12\/24-Volt Solar Charge Controller (Bluetooth)Check at Amazon\u24d8 If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.Battery Monitor UnitA battery monitor unit is a useful addition to a solar panel system in a motorhome or towable RV.It can provide detailed information about the current charge level in the batteries, confirm battery health, and offer other benefits too.In modern systems, apps are available to monitor your battery charge level from a smartphone. This saves having to regularly check the readings manually on the battery monitor or charge controller.House or Coach Battery PackMost RVs and campers will have one or more 12-volt deep cycle DC batteries installed in the coach\u2019s living area.Batteries are often installed beneath the seating in the dinette. However, their exact location depends on the make and model of the RV and whether a previous owner chose to re-install them in a different location post-purchase.These are often connected to the starter motor in a motorhome where an alternator or other system is incorporated to trickle charge the batteries when the engine is running.Whilst this might be fine when traveling regularly, if stationary for any period, the batteries will run down unless they\u2019re recharged.The 12-volt DC power can run 12-volt TVs and other equipment that uses this amount of volts to operate. However, it won\u2019t run 110-volt appliances or devices like the ones used in a residential home.There are different types of batteries including flooded, sealed, gel, VRLA acid, and lithium.Each requires varying amounts of maintenance. Lithium is usually the most expensive but the best performer. The batteries must match both type and capacity in a battery pack for best performance.A solar power installation by a professional provides a second way to charge up the house batteries to ensure you never lose power in the living space.RV InverterAn RV inverter is an additional piece of equipment. Some RVs have them pre-installed whereas others do not.To run 110-volt AC systems household appliances require, an RV inverter is used to do that. \u00a0Without one, none of any of the 110-volt outlets will receive power.There is some power loss during power conversion through an inverter.A generator can be used to provide temporary power to the RV, but it supplies dirty power that can hard electronic devices. Therefore, an RV inverter is still useful to own too.With a solar power system, it\u2019s an option to connect the 12-volt battery system to the RV inverter too.It will allow you to plug household appliances into the RV inverter directly but use the power stored in the 12-volt batteries (the inverter converts the power from DC to AC for you).RV inverters also act as power regulators to smooth out any spikes or irregularities in the power created. This can save your electronics from getting messed up!Our recommended RV inverter to maintain safe electricity:ETREPOW 1,000-Watt\/2,000-Watt Pure Sine Wave, Power Inverter 12V DC to 110V AC Power Converter \u2013 Wireless Remote Control (2.1A USB Port & 4 AC Sockets)Check at Amazon\u24d8 If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.Here is a video about how one couple set up their RV solar basics system:https:\/\/youtu.be\/LH1D_Tq6-6AVideo can\u2019t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: How we set up our RV Solar Panels, Inverter and Batteries \u2013 Ep. 36 \u2013 Full Time RV Living (https:\/\/youtu.be\/LH1D_Tq6-6A)Any Quirks with Batteries to Be Aware of?Batteries are a broad topic, so we\u2019re only covering minimal information in this \u2018Basics\u2019 article.Be aware of any maintenance requirements with the different battery types. Also, ask about the durability of the batteries to get a sense of their annual running cost.Power Depletion is the Risk FactorThe main issue with 12-volt batteries is how much the battery can be drained before running into trouble.With most battery types excluding lithium, it\u2019s advisable to keep them topped up between 40-60% at all times. Otherwise, it can damage the battery cells and they will not hold a full charge thereafter.Batteries in this situation are prone to instant failure once this has occurred. Because of this, RVers must carefully monitor their battery system to ensure it isn\u2019t allowed to decline below the recommended safe level.Otherwise, you\u2019ll find yourself needing to replace all the batteries together. And that will get expensive fast.Lithium Batteries Are the BestThe more expensive but better option is to buy lithium batteries.The advantage of these is that they can hold a charge reliably down to 20% or less without becoming damaged.Whilst an RVer might get 50% (55 AH) of the use out of a 110 AH battery capacity, they\u2019ll likely get up to 90 AH from a 110 Ah lithium battery. So, there\u2019s less chance of ruining them or running low on power too.The downside is that lithium is considerably more expensive than any other type of deep-cycle battery for an RV.How Many Solar Panels Do I Need to Run an RV?To get a general idea, look to have installed at least 250 watts of solar panels per 110 amp-hour of batteries (12 volts). These will either be on the roof or as a solar panel that can be unfolded and carefully positioned to capture the sun while stationary.The rough formula can be adjusted depending on the solar panel and the charge controller\u2019s expected efficiency.The likelihood of good sunny conditions in travel locations providing ample opportunities to fully charge the batteries is also a determining factor in how many panels and the wattage to get for them.RVing in the winter or mostly on overcast days, it proves difficult to capture enough solar to fully charge the batteries.At these times, more solar on the roof can be beneficial to avoid the 12-volt batteries ever being drained too much.  What Will a 100 Watt Solar Panel Run?With a 100-watt solar panel, it can be used to power a few electronic devices.Certainly, smartphones, tablets, a ceiling fan, a desk lamp, a router for Wi-Fi, and a laptop will be possible for a certain number of hours. However, likely not all at once.More energy-hungry appliances like TVs, AC units, heaters, and refrigerators will typically require more solar power to keep running.They will need so much juice that the battery will drain faster than the solar can top it back up again with only 100 watts to play with.Benefits of a Solar Power System in an RV or TowableHere are some of the benefits of having a solar power system installed:Free power from the sun.Greater independence from campground hook-ups, running the engine to charge the batteries, or turning on the noisy generator.Less noise to annoy the neighbors when running the engine or the generator.Ability to run more appliances at the same time.Use the laptop, TV, or gaming system for more hours each day (good for digital nomads and remote workers in RVs).Can be less expensive than campground hook-ups, using a generator, or recharging through the engine.Maintains the 12-volt batteries better through a steady stream of electricity from solar.Boondock off-grid for longer before needing to head to a campground or into town to recharge and get supplies.https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=3RYIhLh2omgVideo can\u2019t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: How to Tell if Solar Panel is Charging the Batteries (https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=3RYIhLh2omg)Closing ThoughtsMany RVers choose to have RV solar installed or to purchase portable solar that folds out.Power issues are a constant concern for people on the road. The last thing anyone wants is for the power to suddenly go out.Having an additional, cheap power generation option is a no-brainer for most campers. It is an upfront cost to bear, but it repays itself over several years and solar panels can last for a decade or longer.Also, it\u2019s more eco-friendly than the electricity generated by power plants, even when accounting for the materials used to produce the solar installation equipment. Therefore, solar energy has a green, feel-good factor to it too.Related ArticlesHow to Tell If RV Thermostat is Bad?How to Watch TV with a GeneratorHow to Tell If a Deep Cycle Battery is Bad Charging Trailer Battery from Tow Vehicle"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"RV Solar Basics","item":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/rv-solar-basics\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]