How to Install Solar Panels on Your RV
RV solar panels are environmentally friendly with neither smell nor noise and perfect for outdoor activities such as camping, it works best on dry camps with fewer power hooks, also called boondocking. The majority of RV solar panels’ power is between 100 to 400 watts perfect for small huge kitchen appliances. There are three types of RV solar panel divided into
Amorphous RV solar panel made from thin silicon cells and has attached material that backs it.
Mono-crystalline RV solar panel made from single-crystal cell
Polycrystalline RV solar panel made from varieties of crystal cells
Installation of solar panel on RV
Every home set up has a different way of solar panel installation. Some households use more electric power compared to others. A perfect installation depends on the number of panels you will use and the amount of energy required. It will help you save on the cost of electricity, especially if installed on the rooftop.
Before you install the solar panel on RV, you must have the following parts, the devices either come together with the solar panel or separated from it. The solar panel part helps in converting the generated power into electricity.
- Solar panels
The panels come in different sizes and shapes. For you to choose the right number of solar panels, you should first know the amount of electricity that you need. You can wire more than two solar panels to increase the voltage. You can either choose a flexible or a rigid solar panel depending on the space or the weather conditions of the place you will set RV solar panel. Don't use plagiarised sources.Get your custom essay just from $11/page
- Lithium Batteries
The solar panel comes with durable inbuilt 12Vbatteries used for storing the energy generated from the solar panels. The batteries must be long-lasting to be able to save the energy that can take you all the hours that you need.
- Battery Monitor
The battery monitor keeps track of the flow of power and determines the number of Amp per hour that comes and leaves the battery. It also helps in establishing an ultimately charged battery and the amount of energy that you require.
- Charger controller
Regulate the power flow in and out of the cell and prevents it from overcharging or damaging. The recommended voltage level of a fully charged battery is 14 to 14.8 volts. If it exceeds, the battery will spoil.
- Inverter
There are two types of inverters known as a pure sine wave and modified sine inverter. RV solar panels comers with built-in inverters. The inverter converts 12v DC into 110 AC power, the power used for coffee-making, or charging phones.
- Switches
The switches for connecting and disconnecting panels from solar controllers and electricity from batteries.
- Wires
The wires carry the charged energy from the solar panel to the batteries and the control box. The size of the cable to use will depend on the diameter that you will cover. To ensure enough flow of power, use the right size high-quality wire such as copper.
- Catastrophic Fuse
The RV solar panel comes with an inbuilt fuse use to protect the cable from direct short.
The Procedure used for Installation Process
RV solar panel requires sun rays to charge the batteries. This process takes place during the day. It then accumulates the energy at night. The collected and stored energy is used in the form of electricity to light up the house or to charge phones. For you to have the power, you should follow the simple installation procedure.
- Disconnect all the Battery Cables
Disconnect all the cables from the battery for safety purposes, such as electric shock. After disconnecting all the wires, you can begin with the installation process.
- Take the Roof Measurements
Measure the rooftop of the place where you will put the solar panel. The measurements will help you determine the number of solar panels that you require.
- Connect the Control Box
After measuring the roof, connect the control box at an accessible place. The control box is connected far from the gas pipes but closer to the batteries and ensures they are protected from weather hazards.
- Assemble the frames and Braces
Connect the wire from the frames or braces to the junction box. Keep the solar panel box on top of the roof through the drill holes. Drill another hole for connecting the wires to the panel.
- Connects the Batteries to the Control Box
After joining the junction box to the control box, use the additional cables to connect the control box to the batteries. In case you are using more than one battery cell, link them together before joining them to the control box.
Conclusion
The information discussed above will help you learn the installation procedures and the type of tools necessary during the installation process. RV solar panel is easy to install as long as you have the required devices such as inverter, batteries, charger controller, switches, and wires. The majority of people use the RV solar to run activities such as camping and not for broad purposes such as using in residential homes.
In the presence of light, RV solar panel will produce enough power use for light, phone charging, and coffee making depending on the number of solar panels that you use. After researching the installation process, you may not need a professional to help you with the installation. Instead, you install for yourself.