RV Solar Basics (Go Solar to Save Money)

Many RV campers are “going solar” — adding solar power to their recreational vehicles. Is it smart? Is it frugal? Should you consider solar power for your motorhome, travel trailer, fifth-wheel trailer, or other camping units? The answer depends on how and where you camp. Let’s take a closer look at RV solar power.

RV Solar Basics

The sun, our sun, has been around a long time. And chances are it will be around a lot longer. We’re counting on it! Basically, the sun is a nuclear reactor in motion approximately 93 million miles from earth. About 10 percent of its radiant energy reaches the earth. How can we use that energy to make us boondock coffee?

To convert radiant solar energy into electricity you need: clear, unshaded access to the sun; adequate space for solar collectors; and some solar power generation equipment. To produce solar electricity at a campsite you will install solar collectors on the roof of your RV or nearby.

The better location depends on where you camp. Open-sky desert camping can be powered by roof-mounted solar collectors. If you typically camp under trees, a portable unit that can be placed in a nearby sunny location is a better option. If you camp under clouds, expect reduced electricity from solar collectors.

Another question for campers going solar is: how much electricity do you need? Smaller systems can easily take care of low-amperage appliances: TVs, computers, coffee pots, etc. Microwaves need more amps. Air conditioners need more solar power. Only the largest motorhomes have sufficient roof space for solar collectors to power RV ACs.

RV Solar Systems

So, what “solar power generation equipment” will you need to make solar power at your campsite?

• Solar panel(s) to create electricity from solar radiation. A 12-volt solar panel produces about 17-24 volts of electricity, depending on sunlight.
• Charge controller to deliver electricity from the solar panel(s) to the storage batteries. The controller sends 12.6 to 14.5 volts of electricity to the storage battery bank. Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) charge controllers are more efficient — and much more expensive — than pulse width modulation (PWM) charge controllers.
• Battery bank to store electricity for use as needed by electrical 12V appliances and gadgets in your RV. If 110V electricity is needed, the electricity is sent through an inverter first. Battery banks for smaller RV solar systems may only be one deep-cycle 12V battery, typically AGM or lithium-ion. Improved storage requires more batteries including 6V batteries (two 6V, wired in series, produces 12V).
• RV solar systems also need wires and a battery monitor to tie in your RV electrical system.

Most RV solar systems for non-AC RVs are sized between 100 and 400 watts and are available as kits or partial kits (batteries sold separately). For more specific information on RV solar systems, I recommend Mobile Solar Power Made Easy!

If you’d like to know more about household solar power, read the book, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Solar Power For Your Home (Third Edition).

How to Calculate Camper Solar System Size (Video)