Solar Power for your RV or Marine Application

Since batteries are charged when traveling, RVs normally depend mostly on the vehicle's alternator for the primary power source. Power to charge the battery is also provided through a converter when plugged into regular utility or 'shore' power. But for those folks who likes to spend days or weeks (or longer!) not traveling nor plugged in, photovoltaics can mean freedom with plenty of power. It can also mean peace and quiet—especially if you do not have to run your generator. Also, an RV's battery bank and fuse box make installing a solar power system easy to do. If you cannot do it yourself, your RV shop is generally glad to do the installation for you, as can someone with general 'handyperson' skills.

Many of our RV systems use one or two modules—but like any other power system it's important to analyze your power needs. You will need to consider the wattage of the appliances and lights you want to power as well as the average hours of use each day. Unlike a stationary power system though, RVs travel through different sunshine zones, and park at varying angles to the sun, sometimes in shade, sometimes not; people with the same RV can have very dissimilar power usage. These factors must be considered—if you have questions, do not hesitate to give us a call.

Your battery charging depends on the intensity of sunlight and exposure to time in the sun. A sunny day can really sock some power into your batteries—and you'll get some charging on cloudy days though at a lower output. Also, solar modules provide a daily maintenance charge to help protect your batteries, as sitting idle for several months can be permanently damaging to them.

For marine use, the addition of a small wind generator may be even more cost-effective than solar, as oft times there are very windy conditions on the water.