Thursday, March 28, 2024

Solar Panel For Travel Trailer

How Long Will It Take To Charge My Rv Battery With Solar Panels

How to Build a DIY Travel Trailer – Solar Panel Install (Part 11)

How long it will take to charge your RV battery with solar depends on several factors, lets name a few:

  • Battery Size How long it takes to charge your specific 12V battery depends on how big the battery is in Amp Hours.
  • Solar Panels How many solar panels you have and how efficient they are will determine how long it takes to charge your battery.
  • Charge Controller Do you have a PWM or MPPT charge controller? MPPT is more efficient and will bring in more amps in worse conditions like early morning/late afternoon and in the winter.
  • Weather A solar panel rated at 5 amps might only generate 0.5 amps when its cloudy. It can be a mistake to do a calculation based on perfect conditions because you wont have 365 sunny days every year. It also matters if its summer or winter. The sun is lower on the horizon in the winter, so it will be harder for the solar panels to generate their max amperage.

Remember that these factors play into how long it will take to charge your RV battery. But lets do a rough estimate.

Lets say that this is my setup:

100AH 12V Battery

200W 12V Solar Panels Wired In Parallel

I wake up at 8 am with my batteries at 50%, at 10 am I put my solar panels in the sun and its sunny all day until 3 pm, so my panels got five hours of sun.

My panels generate 5 amps each per hour, so 10 amps together each hour, equaling 50 amps after five hours.

See Also: How To Install Solar Panel On RV Roof & Connect To Battery

Rich Solar 200 Watt Rv Solar Panel

Buyers looking to travel in low light areas need to consider RICH SOLAR 200 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline RV Solar Panel. This model has gained a reputation for offering excellent performance in these situations.

In fact, this solar panel has received rave reviews about how well it functions, even in the most challenging weather conditions. I imagine even people traveling in frigid temperatures or through heavy storms will love how it performs.

You can attribute these benefits to its improved solar cells that increase efficiency and have a high conversion rate. Due to these cells, a rig owner could have the necessary power to charge their rigs batteries and run the onboard devices at any time.

I was also pleased with this products overall construction. It consists of anti-reflective coated tempered glass and an anodized aluminum frame, which keeps the device sturdy. These features are the reason why RICH SOLAR felt good about giving the product a 25-year warranty.

Id put this warranty down as a positive feature, too, considering RICH SOLAR has a reputation for honoring it. This aspect could save you from having to pay the full price for a replacement. It could remove a lot of hassle when something unfortunate happens with the product.

Do You Have To Buy Your Solar Equipment From The Company That Made Your Rv Solar Ready

As much as the warning sticker might tend to make you believe that youre locked into using solar panels from the company that installed the ports, thats not the case.

There are many solar panels that are likely to work well with the port on your new RV, with or without a bit of adjustment.

You may also opt to use portable solar panels. Or you can choose to bypass the originally-installed port altogether, and start from scratch using any solar equipment you want.

You can install your own choice of rigid or flexible solar panels on a solar-ready RV, or you can opt to use portable solar panels.

Some companies use a different polarity on the pre-installed plugs that make it difficult to use any other panels but their own. But there are ways around this as well!

Also Check: How Much Equity Does Solar Add

Northwood Snow River 234rbs

Northwood RV claims to provide both comfort and luxury with their 2017 Snow River 234RBS trailer. Under its appealing design, these units boast block foam insulation which is vacuum-bonded to ensure campers can enjoy their Travel Trailer throughout the year.

An important feature of this model is that it comes equipped with solar wiring and with a 20 W solar panel. Its good to know that when youre camping off-grid in your 2017 Northwood Snow River, youll be able to switch on the lights and some other electric features without having to start the generator.

Handy, spacious kitchen and dining room

Browse all Northwood Snow River RVs

View all Northwood RVs

2017 Pleasure-Way Plateau XLMB

Pleasure-way is known for custom Class B motor coaches built on Chevrolet, Ford, and Mercedes chassis.

The companys standards of quality control are unmatched as they put every single motor home through rigorous test processes. Their test process involves auditing the work of each craftsman involved in building the units. Also, the company prides itself on having a top-notch dealer network so buyers can always get help when needed.

The 2017 design of Pleasure-Ways Plateau XLMB comes with an interesting addition. It has a 285 Watt Solar package, which is great for lighting, for your electronic gadgets or entertainment system when you take this luxury Class B into more remote areas without access to shore power.

2017 Pleasure-Way Plateau XLMB

Fantastic new modern LED lighting

What Are Rv Solar Panels

Edward Plumer: Solar Panels on Jayco Travel Trailer

In the 1800s, scientists observed something called the photovoltaic effect, where some materials would produce an electric charge and current when exposed to sunlight. Attempts were made over the years to create solar engines, as they called them, but most had very low efficiencies. It wasnt until the 1950s that scientists discovered that silicon could create a much more efficient solar panel.

This initial discovery led to the development of solar cells that could harness the suns energy and turn it into electricity. The technology has evolved over the years, but the concept remains the same.

A solar panel is a panel filled with solar cells that capture the suns energy and turn that energy into usable electricity that powers homes, businesses, coffee pots, and, yes your RV!

Lets find out how it all works!

Recommended Reading: Is Pluto In The Solar System

Forest River Sonoma Explorer Edition 270bhs

2017 Forest River Sonoma Explorer Edition 270BHS

Sonoma travel trailers by Forest River are designed to make camping convenient. Sonoma is known for its flipped axles which give you improved ground clearance so you can consider RVing into rougher terrains. These trailers are designed, with long-lasting aluminum framing, large tank capacities and fitted with LED lighting which can be powered by a battery.

2017 Forest River Sonoma Explorer Edition 270BHS has full solar installation and a 200W panel to make your stay in remote areas as convenient as possible.

The grand floor plan

A nice slide out to give you extra space

Pleasant kitchen and dining room

Fancy fully equipped kitchen with a modern back splash

Enjoy this quick Video Tour. It gives you a great look inside The Forest River Sonoma Explorer Edition 270BHS

Charge Your Rv Batteries With A Portable Solar Panel Charger When Boondocking/dry Camping

I use a portable 100W Renogy suitcase solar panel to charge my RV batteries when I am boondocking, and its incredible how much power can be generated on a sunny day, even in the winter.

The battery in your RV is there for when you dont have access to electricity from shore power.

It will let you use your 12V lights, run a tv if its a 12V model, and power the bathroom fan, water pump, etc.

The RV battery charges in several ways. As soon as you plug your RV in at the campground, it will start charging your battery and keep it charged.

If youre out boondocking/dry camping, gas generators and solar panels are popular ways to generate power for the batteries.

Today were talking about portable solar panels. Portable panels are an excellent option for people just getting started with solar that wants to try it out without having to mount something to their RV roofs.

Related Post: Considering an MPPT solar charge controller for your RV/van? Check out our review of the BougeRV MPPT here

Theyre also nice to have if youre camping in the shade since you can place it in the sun and still generate energy.

If your RV or trailer has a quick-connect port, I recommend reading this post if its a Zamp solar port, or this post if its a Furrion solar port.

The most important thing you need to know when choosing a portable solar panel to charge RV batteries is that you need to use a solar charge controller between the solar panel and the battery.

Don’t Miss: How Much Can Solar Panels Save

Understanding The Benefits Of Rv Solar Power

If youre an RV owner, chances are that exploring what nature has to offer is high on your list of priorities. And with solar power, you can go further off the grid than ever before.

However, its important to assess all the benefits of solar to determine how they align with the way you use your RV:

Free Energy and Cost Savings.

While there are upfront costs to adding a solar system to your RV, most operators see it as an investment. Solar systems can significantly reduce costs such as generator fuel and plug-in charges at campgrounds. And the more you take your RV on the road, the faster the return on that investment.

Using solar can also reduce the cost of battery replacements. Ask any long-term RVer, and theyll tell you that battery costs can quickly add up. However, adding only a single solar panel to your RV will keep your leadacid batteries healthy and triple their effective lifespan.

For many RVers, solar provides an excellent return on their initial investment.

Go Anywhere Flexibility.

Most RVers agree that the most compelling benefit of adding solar is freedom. With a solar system, you can set up camp in more remote places, enjoy stunning, untouched vistas, and truly get away from it all without worrying about how to keep the lights on.

Liberated from campgrounds as your only basecamp option, you have the freedom to explore and set up camp anywhere, from public lands to national, state, or provincial parks.

Standing Up for Mother Nature.

Calculating Energy Generation And Storage Needs

Casita Travel Trailer External Solar Panel

A decent assumption is that a 100-Watt solar panel will generate on average 350 Watt-hours of power per day. However, this will vary significantly by location and time of year. This article by Mortons on the Move explains a way to get a more accurate result by using PVwatts.

Youll also need to know how many batteries youll need to store that amount of power! One 100 ah 12volt Battle Born battery has about 1200 Watt-hours storage capacity.

Keep in mind that your solar panels will only give you the stated number of Watts under perfect conditions. Perfect conditions = direct sun pointing directly at the panel. On a rainy day, you wont get 100 Watts from your 100-Watt solar panel. If youre parking in the shade, you wont get 200 Watts from your 200-Watt solar panel.

Its also challenging to estimate the amount of power youll use on a given day because days are different. You may be outside all day today enjoying nature, and fall into bed and watch 15 minutes of television tonight. Tomorrow could be a rainy day, and youll stay inside your RV, do a lot of work on your laptop, and watch a couple of hours of television in the evening. So estimating high is usually a good idea!

Also Check: How To Feed Baby Solid Food For The First Time

Mighty Max Battery 100

The polycrystalline solar cells in this Might Max Battery panel provide a highly efficient 100 watts of power at a time.

The panel is encased in an aluminum framing that resists corrosion, withstanding damage from the elements. It even has drainage holes around the back portion of the frame. Thus, it can easily release any water, preventing damage.

Because the frame is built to be long-lasting and sturdy, it can withstand harsh, inclement weather, be it harsh winds, rains, or even heavy snowfall. It can take a load up to 5,400Pa with little to no damage. This is excellent if we re traveling in your van across cities with unpredictable weather.

I find that the frame has six pre-drilled holes at the back to make it easier and more convenient to mount on the roof.

The panel comes with essential MC4 connectors. These cables are about 35 inches long, which gives us more mobility as to where you set up our controllers, cables, and panels since short cables dont restrict them.

  • Polycrystalline solar cells provide 100 watts of power
  • Corrosion-free aluminum framing with drainage holes to release water
  • Frame can withstand harsh winds, rains, and snow up to 5,400Pa
  • MC4 connectors are 35 inches long for more mobility to set up
  • There are six pre-drilled mounting holes at the back of the panel
  • Doesnt come with mounting brackets to set up the panels

Parking In The Shade Can Be Tricky

On a hot summer day, youre probably dreaming of parking the RV in a nicely shaded campsite out of the blistering hot sun. However, if you have installed solar panels on your roof, they wont generate nearly as much power if they are not getting direct sunlight.

Portable solar power units might give you the best of both worlds IF you dont need tons of power. Its often easier to set up since it doesnt require drilling holes in your roof. Quality portable solar electric systems are made by Renogy, Acopower, and Eco-worthy. Goal Zero also makes portable power stations, to use with their solar panels. Whats nice is they have a built-in inverter and outlets for your electronics. Do you already own rooftop panels? Check out this easy mod from Do It Yourself RV on how to make them portable.

Read Also: Solar Water Heater For Sale

Installing Solar Panels On Your Property Leads To Savings

As an RV owner, you can save money by installing an RV solar panel system, but youll reap more savings when you install a ground-mounted or rooftop system on your permanent property. To better understand your options for installation, check out EnergySages Marketplace, where you can register your property and receive multiple solar quotes from local, pre-screened solar installers.

Home While We Roam Tip

200 Watts solar on my A

You will also see solar options that include tilting or being flexible. Our recommendation is to save yourself extra work and extra budget by going with flat, nontilted, polycrystalline panels. Monocrystalline are priced at a premium and the efficiency gains of tilting your panels versus the effort of going up on the roof to tilt, is just not worth it. If you have the roof space, cover it with more polycrystalline panels to offset the efficiency issues.

Also Check: Solar To Charge 12v Battery

Size Of 540 Watt Solar Panels

To give you an idea, a standard 540 watt solar panel is approximately 88 x 46 inches and tips the scales at around 72 pounds. Most modules with this output rating are monocrystalline and typically have at least 72 cells . Efficiencies vary widely from brand to brand, but most monocrystalline options fall into 1822% range.

Our staff will be glad to answer all of your questions concerning our products. Here is how we work:

  • Fulfillment centers on both the East and the West coasts of the USA
  • Split payment functionality to divide the total among up to three cards
  • Pickup option is supported by nearly all of our fulfillment centers
  • Orders are processed within 24 hours and shipped within 48 hours
  • Delivery takes 47 business days
  • Only trusted manufacturers

The High Cost Of Rv Solar Power

Quality RV solar panel kits are not cheap. Prices have gotten a bit more reasonable in recent years. However, a system can still get pretty pricey if you want a good RV solar power setup.

A few 100-watt panels can add up fast. Add on some deep-cycle solar batteries to store power and a charge controller to keep them from overcharging. Dont forget an inverter to turn the DC power into usable AC powe. When its all over, you may be looking at a $1500+ investment.

Read Also: How Much Does Tesla Solar Cost

The Permanent Rv Solar Panel System

Going the permanent RV solar panel route will be the most expensive of the two options, but this option also happens to be the most efficient. You’ll get the best bang for your buck per solar watt, can maximize any unused roof space for panels, the panels will be constantly collecting sunlight , and these won’t require setup once you are parked.

Permanent RV solar panel systems are typically installed by professional companies that specialize in RV solar panel installation. These systems are designed for those who are trying to maximize solar to charge not only devices, but appliances like refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, and even air conditioners.

Get Rolling With Solar

How to Install Solar Panels on Your “Solar Ready” RV

Is solar power for your RV a good investment? In most cases, absolutely. Adopting solar will reduce your carbon footprint, give you the ultimate freedom to explore and connect with nature, and save you money in the long run.

Want to learn more? to explore the full range of Go Power! solar panel kits and find the right fit for you and your rig. Whether you plan a cross-country road trip, a weekend getaway, or life as a digital nomad, the sun has your back.

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Renogy 100 Watt Rv Solar Starter Kit

If youre looking for RV solar kits, Renogys 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline RV Solar Starter Kit has got you covered. This Renogy solar panel kit comes with everything you might need to install a solar system onto your motorhome.

These items include a 100W solar panel, an 8ft 10AWG tray cable, 30A PWM charge controller, mounting Z brackets, and MC4 connectors. Each of these is fundamental to making sure your RVs solar system can function correctly.

It also means rig owners wont have to buy all these parts separately. As someone who doesnt enjoy buying components separately, this type of kit applies to me greatly. It just reduces the hassle of having to do even more product research.

This kits solar panel comes equipped with some impressive features, as well. Its corrosion-resistant aluminum frame makes it ideal for RV usage. After all, this frame ensures the device can handle extended outdoor use without any side effects.

You cant find fault in its lightweight design, either. This aspect makes it much more convenient than youd find with heavier models. I can imagine the entire installation process would end up being a one-person job instead of needing the help of a friend like with similar models.

The 21% cell efficiency rating provided by this solar panel is another appealing aspect. Its a percentage that beats the 15% standard of the average RV solar panel by quite a bit. As a result, it becomes one of the more cost-effective options available.

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