RV Solar

Venturing away from the luxuries of electricity can be accomplished with RV solar. A system of panels, a charge controller, batteries and an inverter can fulfill some of the basic electrical needs.

Water and sewer can usually be managed with the tanks onboard most RV’s, including travel trailers, fifth wheels and motorhomes. An RV solar system may be just the right fit for getting off the grid for some boondocking or wild camping.

RV Solar Panels

Solar panels for this install: Renogy 400 Watts 12 Volts Monocrystalline Solar Premium Kit

Electricity typically comes in the form of a battery and certainly does not provide power for very long before it needs recharging. Even with the best of conservation efforts, one or even two batteries just will not provide sufficient power for camping needs without eventually recharging.

Providing a source for electricity while camping is frequently relegated to the generator. A generator can certainly provide power for both the coach or trailer, and to recharge the batteries. Either gas or propane is needed to fuel the generator and some level of noise will be a byproduct of producing electricity.

RV Batteries

Batteries for this install: Carmanah CMH-AGM-100 100 Amp AGM Deep Cycle Rechargeable Replacement Battery for PV Solar and Inverters (No Maintenance)

Another alternative is RV solar. RV solar can charge batteries, which can then be used to power the travel trailer, fifth wheel or motorhome. All that is needed is a solar panel, charge controller, battery and inverter for an RV solar installation. Basic and straightforward. How challenging can it be to install four components? Oh, and all the various wires and cables, mounting brackets, sealers, fuses, and cut-offs all add to the mix. All of this can present quite the conundrum!

Boondocking or wild camping away from RV parks and campgrounds can occur in a wide variety of areas ranging from remote wilderness areas managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to parking at a truck stop, rest area or a Walmart parking lot. These areas do not have a place to plug into shorepower and therefore an RV solar system may provide just the right amount of power for a comfortable stay.

There are certainly a lot of variables when it comes to RV solar, and an appropriate combination of the sun and electronic components would be able to provide power for the water pump, lights, charging phones, tablets and laptops, a fan and most other basic comforts. Running the air conditioner, although theoretically possible with a large enough array and battery bank, is highly unlikely with most RV solar.

Leave the campgrounds behind, enjoy RV solar the freedom to park anywhere and have a renewable energy source to provide power for your RV.