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Small camper boondocking solar8/12/2023 ![]() "It’s important to invest in a good quality solar controller to maximize energy," says Juniper. There are two main types: PWM (the more affordable type) and MPPT (efficient, yet expensive). Solar Controllers: Solar controllers (also called regulators) keep the flow going in one direction to prevent from overnight energy loss, and they also keep the voltage generated from the panels from overcharging or destroying the battery."Even if you were to buy an excessive number, like 5,000 watts worth of solar panels, if you only have one measly battery, you’re just pouring buckets of water into an already full fish tank.” Instead, start by asking what you want to do with the solar power, and then calculate your battery needs," says Juniper. “People often make the mistake of first asking how many watts of solar they’ll need to buy. Add up the how much power the electronics you plan on using will draw (anything with a heating element will use up a lot of power), then decide what type of battery storage you’ll need. Juniper, who has been traveling in her RV full-time for five years, says that when determining how much solar you’ll need, start backwards. In addition, solar panels come in different sizes and wattages, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. "Self-installation can be a little intimidating at first, but it’s very rewarding and there are plenty of resources online to help walk you through it," says Jennifer Juniper, full-time RVer and author of the Solo Chick Traveler blog.ĭetermining the number of solar panels will vary with every traveler, but most RVers can get by using between 100 and 500 watts of solar power, depending on how much energy they use daily. Some kits bundle in charge controllers and batteries as well-two necessary items in a solar power system. If you’re going the self-installation route, you’ll need mounting equipment, cables, and alligator clips (for the battery) and while some panels include this, others do not. There are also amorphous panels that are ideal for low-light environments, and flexible panels that work well on uneven surfaces. Monocrystalline are the more efficient of the two but are more expensive. ![]() Polycrystalline panels have blue cells made of multiple silicon crystal fragments, while monocrystalline cells have a single silicon crystal. The two common rigid panel types are monocrystalline and polycrystalline. Keep in mind that the maximum output advertised for solar panels is in optimal conditions, so once you’ve calculated usage, buy enough panels to produce about 25% more energy than your estimates. This is the most important question when determining the proper panel for your needs. ![]() What to Look for in Solar Panels for RVs Power Generation If you’re on a budget, the Newpowa monocrystalline panel is impressive, compact, and affordable. The Renogy’s 200-Watt Starter Kit is our top pick, especially if you’re just getting started with solar because it’s a premium product at a moderate price. You can also connect two additional panels to the system, for a total of 400 watts. The charge controller has a number of helpful features to ensure you get the most out of your system, including protection from short circuiting, overcharging, and overloading. For stability, the solar panel frames are constructed from anodized aluminum, and the junction box and connectors are waterproof. It also comes with a 20 amp MPPT charge controller, an adaptor kit, cable, and brackets. The moderately priced kit includes two 100 watt monocrystalline panels, enough to power a small refrigerator, lights, fan, electronics, and other small devices (with the right batteries). Its combination of value and performance makes it our top pick. What began as a student project at Louisiana State University has grown into one of the most established solar companies in the United States, and Renogy’s 200 watt starter kit is an excellent way to get started with solar power in your RV. View On Walmart View On Amazon View On Home Depot
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