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The functionality of solar power
is still a new concept to many
RVers. Many believe that solar
power systems are not practical
or that the systems are too
complex and expensive.
After one experiences solar
power generation, many agree
that it is one of the most
useful tools to come around in a
long time.
The creation of solar power is
pretty simple. Solar panels
convert light from the sun into
energy. The process is known as
“photovoltaic process”. The word
Photovoltaic is a combination of
the Greek word for Light and the
name of the physicist Allesandro
Volta.
95% of all solar cells are made
up of the semiconductor silicone
(SI). As light hits the cells,
the semiconductor absorbs the
light and electrons on the
semiconductor are excited
creating an electrical reaction
in the form of a DC charge. The
DC current can then be used
immediately or routed to
batteries for storage.
Setting Up An RV Solar Panel
System.
The components needed to set up
an RV solar panel system are:
A Solar panel
A Charge Controller
A Storage Battery
And an Inverter
Multiple solar panels can be
wired together to generate
enough power for the needed
output. The most important
factor when choosing the right
panels is the semiconductor
material. Crystalline panels
produce power more efficiently
and have a longer life span than
other semiconductor materials.
A charge controller is another
piece of equipment needed. The
charge controller monitors the
batteries and when current is
needed, it is supplied in the
right amount.
The controllers voltage
regulation is needed to ensure
the batteries are not damaged by
excessive voltage. 12v solar
panels can produce voltages up
to 19-21 volts depending on the
amount of sunlight. Charge
controllers are rated in amps.
This is the total amount of
current is can regulate.
Where To Store The Power For
Later Use.
The energy produced by solar
panels is normally stored in
“Deep Cell” batteries for future
use. Deep cell batteries are the
favored choice due to the fact
that they are designed to be
discharged and recharged over
and over again.
The amount of power need
determines that amount of
batteries needed. Batteries are
rated in amp hours. For example,
a 1 amp hour battery will
provide 1 amp of current for 1
hour. Two 150 amp hour batteries
in parallel would total 300 amp
hours and would provide 10 amps
of power for 30 hours. To
determine how much power is
needed, Add up the total current
draw of all the loads on your
RV.
The lights in your RV are
typically DC and can be operated
from the storage battery But
most appliances run on AC power.
In most cases you will need an
inverter. An inverter converts
DC power into standard AC
current.
Inverters usually come in two
types, “True Sine Wave” and
“Modified Sine Wave”. Modified
sine wave inverters are usually
cheaper and can be used to power
basic ac power devices.
True sine wave inverters are
best for sensitive electronic
equipment such as laptop
computers, etc. Inverters are
rated based on how much power
they can supply.
Connecting Solar Panels
Together.
Solar panels can be connected
together to obtain a higher
voltage or power capacity.
Connecting two 12volts 5amp
panels together in series would
give you 24volts 5amps.
Connecting two panels in
parallel would yield 12volts
10amps. The same is true for
batteries.
The panels are then connected to
the charge controller. The
controller then connects to the
batteries. And then the
batteries would connect to the
inverter. The inverter can then
be connected to route AC power
to the RV’s electrical outlets.
So there you have it. RV solar
panels are great for dry camping
or on the go. Solar power is
clean, reliable, and the most
cost effective means of keeping
your batteries charged and the
lights on.
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