Buying RV Solar Panels
Solar power is an increasingly popular source of renewable energy, and having one or more on your RV can save you on gas and help boost the amount of electricity you can use on your trips. But they’re not right for everyone, and not all are created equal, so where do you start? Here, of course! We here at Allan Dale Trailers & RVs want to help you avoid spending money on things that don’t work out, so we’ve put together some things to go over before buying an RV solar panel. To learn more, or to see the RVs we have for sale, contact our stores in Red Deer and Edmonton, Alberta, today!
Are RV Solar Panels Right For You?
When considering this purchase, there are two main factors to think about. The first is your RV camping style. Solar panels won’t do much good if they don’t have consistent and lengthy access to sunlight. If you tend to camp anywhere overly shady or in times of the year with shorter days, solar panels might not be the right investment. They’re always good as a backup, but only if they can soak up those rays.
Also consider your budget. Solar panels are able to pay for themselves over time, but they still require an initial investment. If you go boondocking often or camp regularly, then solar panels will be good for helping you use less fuel while charging electronics or using appliances. Just make sure you have the money to buy them first!
The Right Solar Panels
If you’ve decided to go for it with the solar panels, you’ll want to spend some time finding the right ones for your rig. Start by going through your camper and writing down the wattage of every electrical appliance that’s built in to determine the amount of energy your RV needs to avoid blowing fuses. Use the combined wattage as a baseline when shopping for the panels.
The Right Battery
It’s possible that you’ll generate an excess of energy, which can go to waste if you don’t have a battery that can store it for a time. However, if your solar panel feeds into a battery that then puts energy into your RV, you’ll be able to store and use some of the excess once the sun goes down. AGM or Lithium-Ion batteries are some of the more efficient batteries with the longest lifespans. The price reflects that, but it’s well-worth it if you have the budget.
We hope this guide helps you find the right energy solutions for your RV! If you have any questions, or you’d like to see our RVs and RV accessories, contact us at Allan Dale Trailers & RVs. We proudly serve the people of Alberta—let us serve you today!