Your Guide to RV Solar Panels

During the sunny months, you’ll probably be taking full advantage of outdoor activities so you can soak up as many rays as possible (assuming it’s not too hot). But there are other ways to take advantage of the sunny months. With alternative energy sources booming, solar energy is now widely available and there are many RV owners who use it as a way to power their rig. But should you take the plunge? We’ve provided some important considerations to keep in mind when you’re weighing your options.

Are Solar Panels Right for You?

As exciting as it may be to help save the planet and a little extra money, not all RV owners benefit from switching to solar. Despite the fact that it’s one of the older alternative energy sources and they have gotten much better in terms of how the technology works, there’s still one problem with relying on solar energy: the sun needs to be present.

In the summer, this may not seem like a big deal, but the sun does go down every night and if you camp all year round, then you’ll have stretches where the sun’s rays won’t reach your panels. Because of this, most RV owners who use solar panels generally don’t rely solely on solar energy. Instead, they use it as a supplemental energy source for something like propane.

Making the Right Choice

If you decide to invest in solar panels, think about how much energy you’ll need from them. As we mentioned, it may not be a good idea to rely only on solar energy, but focusing power for a handful of appliances can be a great use of this technology. Add up the wattage from your selected appliances so you’ll know how much energy you’ll need from the panels.

The Battery

One way to keep your solar energy running throughout the night or when the sun is behind the clouds is to store and run energy through a battery. You can look into getting Lithium-Ion batteries which will be more expensive but more efficient at storing energy and last longer. It all depends on what works best for your budget, so consider what you can afford right now and long term.

Ultimately, it’ll be up to you to decide what’s going to work best for your camping needs. Whether you need more advice or you’re looking for the right RV, stop by 47 West Trailers in Troy, MO, and check out our selection of RVs for sale. We welcome all current and future RV owners from Columbia and St. Louis.