RVing is a great adventure but also comes with multiple implications and among that managing a reliable power source is fundamental. Though multiple options like fuel and propane generators can fulfil the needs, their fuel prices and associated pollution are big concerns.
That is where the solar panels come into the scene. They are pollution-free and consume solar radiation to generate power. But how many solar panels do you need to power your RV?
Well, the answer to this question involves probing into factors like your power needs, the efficiency of your panels, and information about factors that impact solar panel's power production capacity. This article will help you navigate through all this.
How Many Solar Panels Do I Need to Fully Power My RV?
There is no straightforward answer to this question. However, the number of solar panels you need to power your RV fully depends on multiple factors, such as the availability of peak sun hours in your area, your energy consumption patterns, and the efficiency of your solar panels.
Below is a comprehensive discussion about each of these parameters.
Availability of peak sun hours
Peak sunlight hours is the time when solar radiations are available at maximum. This is around 1000 watts of photovoltaic energy per square meter.
Peak sun hours vary from place to place. Understanding them is crucial to knowing how much energy your solar panel can generate in one day. Usually, solar panels can generate 100 to 400 watts of energy during peak sun hours, depending on their power-generating capacity.
Below is a table of peak sun hours for five main demographics of the US.
|
Area |
Per Day Peak Hours |
Per Month Peak Hours |
|
West |
4.3 |
39 |
|
Midwest |
4 |
19 |
|
South |
4.5 |
32 |
|
South East |
4.4 |
26 |
|
North East |
3.6 |
13 |
Your power consumption patterns
Knowing your power usage is basic to calculating your need for solar panels to power your RV. For this, the process is simple. Check the running power and surge power of your appliances and add them to get an estimate of how much power you will need.
You can do this by following the steps below.
Calculate the watt requirements of your appliance
The watt requirement of each appliance is usually given on their labels. Check the labels of appliances you want to run and add them to get an idea about your wattage requirements.
In some cases, the power requirement is given in volts and amps instead of watts. You can use the equation below to convert this into watts.
Volts X Amps = Watts
Check the surge power of your appliance
Before you calculate your total wattage requirement, it's important to understand the difference between running watts and surge power first. Running power is the energy a device uses during its normal functioning. Contrarily, surge power is the energy required by an appliance to start. This is usually higher than the running wats.
Check the surge power of your appliances and take the maximum surge power as your threshold. If your solar generator does not support this, you need to reconsider your choice.
Power production capacity of solar panels
The power production capacity of solar panels is measured in watts per hour. Among the various types of solar panels available on the market, the most commonly used are 400-watt solar panels.
To calculate their power production capacity, assume you are receiving 5 peak sun hours. Multiply 5 by 400, and you will have 2000 watts of power generation per day. Now, if your wattage requirements are 6000 watts, you will need 3 solar panels to fulfil your needs.
One important thing to mention here is that, the power production capacity of solar panels is also influenced by some external factors like their placement, temperature, and debris. Additionally, rainy and cloudy days could also affect the total energy produced.
How to Choose the Best Solar Panels for Your RV?
Going solar requires investigation of various factors, some of which are mentioned above. But that’s not all. You will also need to understand how to choose the best solar panels for your RV.
Some important considerations regarding this are discussed below.
Check the panel size and capacity
When choosing solar panels for an RV, checking their size is critical. It indicates how much energy a solar panel can produce.
The bigger the solar panel, the more energy-producing capacity it will have. So, if you have more wattage requirements and less space, high-capacity solar panels are recommended.
Rigid or flexible solar panels
Solar panels come in rigid and flexible variants. Rigid panels are difficult to install yet offer high power production capacity. On the other hand, flexible solar panels are lightweight, easy to install, portable, and have low production capacity.
If you are camping for long periods with more energy needs, rigid solar panels could be a good choice. Contrarily, flexible solar panels are recommended if you are on the move.
Monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels
Depending on their manufacturing material, there are two types of solar panels available that are monocrystalline and polycrystalline. Monocrystallines are more efficient, durable, and offer more energy than polycrystallines, which are easy to install and cheaper. The choice between them ultimately depends on your personal preferences.
Portable and mounted solar panels
As their names indicate, portable solar panels are lightweight and easy to install. They can be installed in surroundings and are easily portable. In contrast, mounted solar panels are placed on RV roofs and offer safer installations. Consider your travel routines, and RV parking space is important before opting for any of them.
BLUETTI PV420 can help you end your quest for the best solar panel. This can be used as both rigid and portable. With its monocrystalline cells and exceptional 23.4% conversion capacity, it is the best among all its competitors.
Important Points to Consider While Choosing Solar Panels for Your RV
While going solar can save you from hefty energy bills, it requires handsome initial investments. This makes it vital to gauge your budget and energy needs first and then decide which size of solar panels will be suitable for you. For complete off-grid living, harnessing the benefits of BLUETTI solar generators is a prudent approach.
Additionally, while RVing, space constraints are a fundamental challenge. You see, an average RV has a length of 20 to 25 feet. This limited space is not completely available for solar installations as you have to manage your satellite dishes, too.
In such scenarios, crafting your installation plans and opting for high-capacity panels could be your way to go.
BLUETTI Solar Panels for RV
Imagine you are RVing off-grid in a countryside area, and your power backup betrays you. The situation could be quite uncomfortable. In such circumstances, solar panels are an easy way to use. They do not need any complex installations and fuel sources. You only have to put them in solar rays, and they will start power production.
Various types of solar panels are available in the market depending on their power production capacity. Here we have our top 3 recommendations for solar panels from BLUETTI.
All these products are reliable, efficient, and, most importantly, cost-effective. You can choose among them according to your energy needs and budget.
BLUETTI PV200 Solar Panel
BLUETTI PV200 could be an effective solution to your RV power needs. This solar pane comes with a power production capacity of 200W. If connected to a power bank, it can supply sufficient electricity for hours.
The panel is built up of monocrystalline cells with an exceptional efficiency rating of 23.4%. This means your solar panel will continue generating power even in bad weather conditions.
Solar panel installation to cultivate maximum solar radiation is crucial. For this, you can use the specifically built kickstands that come with the product. To further make PV200 your all-weather friend, it is coated with ETFE coating, which saves this from scratches and water splash.
BLUETTI PV350 Solar Panel
Renewable energy is a top priority whether you want to curtail your carbon footprints or save some extra bucks. PV350 solar panels with their 350W power production capacity can effortlessly fulfill both of your needs. They are a reliable source of free solar energy and can power laptops, fridges, and mini drills.
Their conversion rates are the same, 23.4%, as of PV200. But they come in foldable and portable variants. This makes them compatible with all your off-the-ground power needs.
You can pair them with almost all BLUETTI power banks, including AC200P, AC300, EP500, and AC500. Their monocrystalline cells will make them work even in low light conditions, and with ETFE coating, their durability is guaranteed.
BLUETTI PV420 Solar Panel
This giant solar panel has a power production capacity of 420 watts and an efficiency rating of 23.4%. From charging your mobile phone to running your heavy-duty appliances, PV420 can fulfill all your power needs.
Their ETFE coating has an IP65 rating. Simply put, they are water, splash, dust, and scratch resistances. With an average of 6 peak sun hours, you can yield 2kWh of power from one PV420 panel.
Their installation process is simple. You only have to place them in the sun, ensuring they are getting maximum sunlight. Additionally, their foldability and portability are cherry on the top. Now you can power all your appliances anywhere.
BLUETTI Solar Power Stations for RV
Imagine you are RVing off-grid in a countryside area, and your solar generator betrays you. The situation could be quite uncomfortable. But worry not. Here we have our top 3 recommendations for solar backup from BLUETTI.
All these products are reliable, efficient, and, most importantly, cost-effective. You can choose among them according to your energy needs and budget.
BLUETTI AC300 + B300
BLUETTI AC300 could be an all-in-one solution to all your RV power needs. The unit comes with an output capacity of 3000W and surge power of 6000W. It features a LiFePO4 battery type with a built-in capacity of 3072Wh. This can also be expanded up to 12,288Wh with 4 B300 batteries.
What makes this unit more reliable is its 7 recharging streams. This means that even if there is zero or low availability of sun, you will never run out of power. Its 10-plus output ports ensure its compatibility with all your RV devices.
This unit integrates smart operations and can be operated through Bluetooth or the BLUETTI smart app. So whether you are a regular RV traveler or a seasonal nomad, AC300 could be your reliable partner in all your adventures.
BLUETTI AC500 + B300S
Do you want a system that can run all your appliances simultaneously? If yes! AC500 could help you out. This giant unit comes with an output capacity of 5000W and surge power of 10000W. Its built-in LiFePO4 battery capacity is 3072Wh, which can be expanded up to 18432Wh with additional B300S batteries.
AC 500 comes with 6 charging streams and 16 outlet ports to support 99% of all your appliances. Like other BLUETTI products, this unit also supports smart operations through an app or Bluetooth.
So whether there are heavy-duty appliances or you need a solution to ensure a reliable power supply for all your gadgets, AC500 is the best in town.
Final Thoughts
With the RVing trend on the rise, finding spaces with a grid power supply could be overwhelming. It consumes a lot of time and also comes with heavy parking fees. In other cases, conventional propane generators have multiple pollution and fuel cost concerns associated with them.
Solar panels provide safe, clean, and free energy. However, their initial investments are high, so proper planning is necessary. For this, check your power requirements, available space, and budget constraints.
BLUETTI power stations could be your reliable partner throughout your RV adventures. They are cost-effective, come with a 4-year hassle-free warranty, and offer 24/7 customer service. Happy RVing
