Do I Need A Solar Panel For My Motorhome

The overall program for pre wiring an rv with the equipment to add solar panels came from the need to create an easy path for the wire to run all the way to the battery during construction.

Do i need a solar panel for my motorhome. This is also assuming of course you have a lot of battery power too. Without sun you ll need to resort to one of these other methods. A solar charging system requires no gas makes no sound and can charge your batteries for hours and hours unattended as long as the sun is shining. If you re hoping to cut the cord go off grid live more greenly or get off the radar then installing rv solar panels may help your cause.

We suggest a battery bank of 800 amp hours. I don t know too many people who rv under those conditions. It s important to go into your solar power setup knowing what you need and what you don t. Maximizing roof space results in meeting the electrical demands required when boondocking.

This is assuming you are considering using 12 volt rv grade panels. That panel is rated at 100 watts at peak efficiency meaning on a 78 degree cloudless day at solar noon on the equator during the equinox. You will need at least 1 800 watts of solar panels to run your rv air conditioner. Solar panels are sold in varying sizes but a 100 watt panel is a commonly found size particularly for rvs.

Operate all of the electrical equipment in the same way you want to operate it while using rv solar panels normal usage here no conserving so you get a true reading of how much power you will need from your solar panels. Go boondocking and only use your rv battery ies as your power source. While rv solar panels are certainly not necessary they do have a lot of benefits. Many rvs today come pre wired for solar but what does this mean.

The higher the ah capacity the longer the battery or bank can supply the motorhome s electrical needs before it requires a recharge from the solar panels generator the motorhome s alternator or from plugging into shorepower. Solar panels do one thing they charge your rv s batteries. Before buying a new solar panel check with your caravan or motorhome s manufacturer that it will fit to your van easily. Position your solar panel to catch as much of the midday strongest sunlight as possible.