RV solar panels are a newer and more practical approach to RV power supply. They can save the battery and campsite electrical cost and give the ultimate mobility. Most RVers do not consider using solar panels as they think that they are complex and cannot generate enough power; this is wrong. These solar panels are in fact easy to install and they can fully supply the RV's required electricity needs. The power consumption in RV's is not usually that high.
The way the solar panels create power is known as the "Photovoltaic Process" and it is a simple one. When this occurs, light is converted to electricity or the flow of electrons. The solar panels are made of a semiconductor named silicone (SI). When light is cast on the solar cells, the electrons in the semiconductors get excited and cause the free electrons to flow across the whole circuit. This then leads to the direct current of DC. The overall electricity depends on how big the panels are and their wattage.
Some components are required to setup the RV solar panels. First, the solar panel, dependant on the RV's current requirement, then a charge controller which supplies the appropriate amount of electricity. The sun may not be available at all times during the day and the solar panels will not generate electricity at night. This means that there will obviously be a need for something to store the current. That is why storage batteries are needed. RV solar panels will generate the electricity and send it to the charge controller, which then convert the amount of voltage supplied to the amount that the batteries can store. Without the controllers, excess amount of current may be passed to the batteries and can damage them.
Most of the electronic devices in the RV use AC, which solar panels do not supply. To solve this problem, a DC to AC inverter is needed. It converts the DC voltage to AC. All in all, there are four essential things to use in solar panel of RV's. They are the solar panel itself, charge controller, storage battery, and an inverter.
To gain more power and voltage, multiple solar panels can be connected. The resulting voltage depends on the way the solar panels are connected to one another. For example, if two 12volts of solar panels were connected in series, then the setting will produce 24volts and 5amps. This is done while connecting them parallel will result in 12V and 10Amps.
When camping in remote places, where electricity is not available, RV solar panels are the perfect solution. They are reliable and will save you the cost of changing batteries regularly.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
RV Solar Panels - What Are They?
If you want the ultimate energy independence for your motor home, RV solar panels are what you need. Nothing can beat it because as long as the sun shines, you will get abundant power. You can use your electric oven, plug in your laptop, or do whatever you need to, knowing that you have all the energy you need. If you are thinking about having your own, find out more about them below.
The panels are the most visible component of your solar system. They consist of an array of individual photo voltaic cells, which are placed in a rigid frame. The modern RV solar panels come in eighty, one-twenty-watt capacity, and their sized from 2 by 3 inches and 2 by 4 inches. They are made this way so that they will readily fit when placed on a regular RV roof. Your solar panels may also be ‘tethered,' through a flexible piece of wire; then you may place them on the ground.
When you do it this way, your panels will be oriented to the sunlight during any time of the day. These panels do not come with any moving parts and most of them have a ten-year warranty. If you ever need more capacity, you may wire them together and have an increase in your system's power.
Another major component of an RV solar system is its bank of batteries. They are deep cycled and are different from your everyday automobile batteries. Batteries for RV solar panels are designed to be charged repeatedly, but remember not to routinely discharge them, for maximum performance. The capacity of these batteries should be balanced with the same amount of solar charging capability your whole system has.
When you choose, make sure that you anticipate all your power needs. Giving additional allowance is a smart thing to do since they will come in handy during cloudy weather. There is a component of the RV solar system in connection with the batteries. It is the charge controller. These are used to ensure that batteries do not become overcharged. There are certain types that even come with over-temperature protection.
Last but not the least is the inverter. This device is needed if you plan to operate AC appliances using solar charged batteries. Once again, choose the size according to power needs of your RV solar panels. The best thing to do is buy one that that is at least mid-range in current supply. This way, all appliances may function.
The panels are the most visible component of your solar system. They consist of an array of individual photo voltaic cells, which are placed in a rigid frame. The modern RV solar panels come in eighty, one-twenty-watt capacity, and their sized from 2 by 3 inches and 2 by 4 inches. They are made this way so that they will readily fit when placed on a regular RV roof. Your solar panels may also be ‘tethered,' through a flexible piece of wire; then you may place them on the ground.
When you do it this way, your panels will be oriented to the sunlight during any time of the day. These panels do not come with any moving parts and most of them have a ten-year warranty. If you ever need more capacity, you may wire them together and have an increase in your system's power.
Another major component of an RV solar system is its bank of batteries. They are deep cycled and are different from your everyday automobile batteries. Batteries for RV solar panels are designed to be charged repeatedly, but remember not to routinely discharge them, for maximum performance. The capacity of these batteries should be balanced with the same amount of solar charging capability your whole system has.
When you choose, make sure that you anticipate all your power needs. Giving additional allowance is a smart thing to do since they will come in handy during cloudy weather. There is a component of the RV solar system in connection with the batteries. It is the charge controller. These are used to ensure that batteries do not become overcharged. There are certain types that even come with over-temperature protection.
Last but not the least is the inverter. This device is needed if you plan to operate AC appliances using solar charged batteries. Once again, choose the size according to power needs of your RV solar panels. The best thing to do is buy one that that is at least mid-range in current supply. This way, all appliances may function.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Finding The Perfect RV Solar Panels
As you might have already known, RV solar panels are a great way to have power, wherever your travels may be. There are plenty of them in the market, but as a wise shopper, you have to find the best kind. Here are some details you should consider when trying to find the best one for you.
Power requirements - recreational vehicles demand a lot of power. Whether it's for the TV, oven, or even the lighting, electric current will surely be needed. For this reason, you must choose RV solar panels that handle the amount of power you'll be needing. A small RV camper would require smaller ones, as the large recreational vehicles would need bigger sizes. The amount of power needed will have the same bearing on the size of solar panels and the capacity of batteries you end up choosing.
Efficiency - like all equipment, you must check how well the solar panels work. This is because the space at the roof is limited; therefore, you need one that can pack as much power as it can. It's a rule of thumb that poly crystalline panels only require half of the space of RV solar panels' roof and gives the same amount of power as amorphous panels.
Pricing - you may be on a tight budget and if that's the case, you must find a type of solar panel that will give you good results, at a price that won't hurt your pocketbook.
Budget - it is known that amorphous panels are cheaper than others. You may want to consider this while looking for the right one, but remember to choose a brand that is worth every penny.
Durability - the initial cost of having RV solar panels may be a bit high; that is why you need to find one that will last. There are also certain kinds that come with an extended warranty.
Using solar powers for your RV is a great way to have power in a way that will not harm nature. Many people are giving it a try and love it using it everyday. You get electric current in your motor home, whenever you need it and for whatever gadget or device you'll use.
Power requirements - recreational vehicles demand a lot of power. Whether it's for the TV, oven, or even the lighting, electric current will surely be needed. For this reason, you must choose RV solar panels that handle the amount of power you'll be needing. A small RV camper would require smaller ones, as the large recreational vehicles would need bigger sizes. The amount of power needed will have the same bearing on the size of solar panels and the capacity of batteries you end up choosing.
Efficiency - like all equipment, you must check how well the solar panels work. This is because the space at the roof is limited; therefore, you need one that can pack as much power as it can. It's a rule of thumb that poly crystalline panels only require half of the space of RV solar panels' roof and gives the same amount of power as amorphous panels.
Pricing - you may be on a tight budget and if that's the case, you must find a type of solar panel that will give you good results, at a price that won't hurt your pocketbook.
Budget - it is known that amorphous panels are cheaper than others. You may want to consider this while looking for the right one, but remember to choose a brand that is worth every penny.
Durability - the initial cost of having RV solar panels may be a bit high; that is why you need to find one that will last. There are also certain kinds that come with an extended warranty.
Using solar powers for your RV is a great way to have power in a way that will not harm nature. Many people are giving it a try and love it using it everyday. You get electric current in your motor home, whenever you need it and for whatever gadget or device you'll use.
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