Archive for the ‘portable solar generator’ tag
DIY Solar Generator For Your RV
A Recreational Vehicle (RV) gives you independence from hotel bookings and allows you to change your journey at will. In theory you can [go|drive] anywhere the mood takes you, but often you are restricted to official camp sites because you need somewhere to recharge your batteries. Even if you use your batteries to power on-board appliances they will need recharging from time to time – usually more often than you had planned! And [beware|be warned], regularly [draining|flattening] a battery will shorten its life [dramatically|considerably]. But there is an alternative that will give you the freedom of the road, and you can make it yourself easily and cheaply.
RVs can be fitted with gas generators, but these tend to be noisy and also to eat up the gas. [These days|Nowadays] it is quite common to fit a solar panel or two which will provide most if not all the power you need without [hammering|damaging] your battery, and literally anybody can put these together in their backyard. Your gas generator, if you have one, can then become a backup – much less [harmful for|wearing on] the ears and pocket. Keep it for powering the lights at your next [outdoor|backyard] party!
Solar panels for RVs can be easily stored if foldable, and they are usually quite light and easy to move. [A single|One] [4ft x 2 ft|8 square foot] solar panel will [produce|generate] about 75 to 100 watts, which is about [equal to|the same as] a pair of golf cart batteries. A typical 24 ft RV would probably manage on this but it would depend, of course, on your personal electrical requirements. Most RVs use [less|no more] than 400 watts. You could begin with one or two solar panels, and add more as and when you feel they are necessary. We have some more information about these portable solar generators here.
If you plan to use your RV regularly in hot weather, you will have one or two other things to consider. You will need a solar-powered battery charger with battery temperature compensation to reduce the danger of damaging your batteries. Also, solar panels on the roof of an RV can get very [hot|warm], which can [affect|lower] their efficiency and can lead to [voltage drops|a drop in voltage]. Your solar panels will need to be rated at about 17 volts or higher to to stop this becoming a problem. These are just some things to keep in mind.
There is a good range of RV solar panel kits on the market but these tend to be very pricey. We thoroughly recommend the make-it-yourself route. It is easy and fun and well within the competence of every oxygen-breathing adult, even the ham-fisted ones! And much cheaper than buying a kit. What you will need, however, is expert advice before you start to build a solar panel, otherwise you could end up with a system that does not work properly or even at all. Don’t worry, professional advice and step-by-step instructions are readily available if you know the right source, and only cost a few bucks. We know this will be a good investment.
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