How about getting your hot coffee in front of a marvelous waterfall? Well, traveling in an RV and having solar generators let you enjoy the trips at their best. You have enough power to connect with your friends, have unique foods and chilled drinks, and even watch Netflix at night.
Solar generators are the easiest way to get your RV fully equipped with modernity, as you can power up anything in your RV. Yet, before you enjoy an outstanding experience in your RV during your vacations in the center of a natural spot, you’ll need to choose an RV solar generator. But you don’t need to panic because here you are about to unveil choosing the best solar generator for spicing up your adventures.
What are the different types of generators for RVs?
When it comes to adding a generator to your RV, there are three categories available to you. But the game doesn’t end here, as you can get many more options within each category.
1. Built-in Generators
Most of the RVs have a built-in generator to power up your devices, yet these generators sometimes prove to be an inefficient source. However, checking out the detailed features of the RV before buying it may help you to get the one with a high-powered generator. Having their fuel tank connected to the RV’s main tank, these generators operate on the same fuel as the RV. This includes gasoline, diesel, and propane.
2. Portable Generators
Portable generators are an easy-to-carry source of power for your RV, so if you get out of power from your built-in generator, you can use this one. These generators can range in output voltages, allowing you to choose the one that’s enough for your power needs. The most prominent feature of these generators is that they do not make heavy sounds that ruin your fun, and on top of that, they are more efficient.
3. Solar Generators
Imagine you have to go on a fifteen-day journey in between the mountains on your RV. Can you carry enough fuel for your RV and generator? Of course, it’s not possible at all. That’s where solar generators jump in and save the day. Solar generators are a one-time purchase, and you can recharge them countless times without adding extra fuel. That’s what makes these solar generators more common among RVers.
Essential Considerations When Buying Solar Generators for RVs
You can’t choose just any solar generator unless it suits your power needs. To ensure you’re buying the right solar generator for your RV, you’ll need to take care of a few things.
1. Power Output
Consider the output of the solar generator you’re about to buy because it should be enough to not only light up your day but also charge the backup batteries for the night. But how to do this? You need to find the total power consumption in watt-hours depending on what appliances you’ll need to power with the solar generator. But don’t forget to add up the battery charging you need for the night.
After knowing the total watt-hours, you must add enough solar panels to get this output for your RV. To have a rough estimate, a single solar panel of 350-400 watts will produce 1.5kWh daily. This way, you can quickly know how many solar panels you need to add in.
2. Battery Capacity & Type
At night, when there is no solar energy available directly, these batteries will help you fulfill the power usage all night. This makes battery capacity an essential factor. You must know your power needs at night to get the relatable battery for your RV. Sometimes, you may even encounter bad weather, which means your battery should have enough charge to at least recharge your mobile and other small devices, even the next day.
Battery type determines how efficiently the batteries will perform over time. Lithium-ion and lead-acid are two common battery types used with solar generators. Lithium-ion batteries are relatively efficient and long-lasting. You can go for more advanced options like LiFePO4 battery packs, but the costs will be higher.
3. Inverter Rating & Type
An inverter is a device that converts the direct current from a solar generator to an alternate current to make it usable for your devices. To choose an inverter, you need to know whether you need one with a surge rating or a continuous rating. If your power need is heavier, your inverter will need a surge rating (in watts).
There are various inverter types available, and if you want to have the better one, then choose the sine wave inverter and skip choosing a modified sine wave inverter. The AC output from a modified sine wave inverter is low quality and can affect sensitive electronics like mobile phones and laptops.
4. Portability and size
Space is a big concern for RVers as you are already settling up so many things in less space. That's why portability should be ignored when purchasing a solar generator. To save up some extra space, select a generator that’s less heavy and takes less space. You can also use a solar generator from the RV as a portable power source; choosing a portable option is better.
The solar panels usually take up more space, but you can buy foldable panels. Foldable solar panels are not hard to find today. They will save a lot of space and be convenient to use. One last thing to consider is connections; electrical cords can be a headache to manage. Choose a solar generator with a plug-in connection rather than a stiff wire.
What Size of a Solar Generator Do You Need?
You will need to determine the size of your solar generator based on your power needs. As your power needs increase, the size will also increase. You may only need a single panel and battery if you require a solar generator to charge a few devices and run small appliances.
However, the solar generator will be more significant if you want to power an entire RV, including heavy appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners. It will include several panels and battery packs.
Here are three solar generator sizes to give you a fair idea.
|
S no. |
Category |
Output (Watts) |
No. of Panels |
Battery Backup (Wh) |
|
1. |
Compact |
100-500 |
1-2 |
100-500 |
|
2. |
Mid-range |
500-1500 |
2-4 |
500-1500 |
|
3. |
High-capacity |
1500-3000+ |
4-8 |
1500-3000+ |
Best Solar Generator for RVs
Introducing BLUETTI, a market leader in the solar generator category. If you want advanced tech-integrated solar generators at market-competitive prices, BLUETTI is the best option. Here's what's on offer:
BLUETTI AC300 + 1*B300 Home Battery Backup is the ultimate power solution for RVs. It has an enormous 3072 Wh capacity to power all your AC/DC appliances. The beast has a pure sine wave inverter with a 6000 W surge capacity. It has a LiFePO4 battery for increased durability and longevity. You can charge it on solar, grid supply, or any other way. It supports dual fast recharging so as not to keep you waiting without power.
If your power needs grow, you can expand the system up to 12288 Wh. Moreover, it's highly portable and can fit in one of your cabinets. You can control and monitor it through a mobile application. Combined with BLUETTI PV350 Solar Panels, it makes a complete solar generator kit for your RV.
The BLUETTI PV350 Solar Panels have a high conversion rate and are designed to harness every ray of solar energy. They stand out with their durability; the panels are coated with ETFE material for scratch and scratch resistance. The panels have an IP65 rating, making them dust and water-resistant. For RVers, the panels are made foldable, lightweight, and easy to carry.
How often do you feel like having a power station to carry when fishing, hiking, or boating? You can have the BLUETTI AC180 Solar Portable Power Station, the most portable and powerful power station. It has an 1152 Wh capacity to power all your devices and a few appliances like coffee machines and microwave ovens. It can be the perfect addition to your RV.
The power station has 11 AC/DC output ports to connect anything you want. You can charge it from solar panels, AC supply, RV, and conventional generators. It supports fast recharging and gets ready within an hour. Plus, its portability is next-level, and it feels like a hand-carry bag. If you want freshly brewed coffee on the lakeside, don't miss it!
Is an RV Solar Generator Worth It?
Whether you are on a budget or not, choosing a solar generator is always worth it. You can have travel sustainability and still enjoy your journey without putting a lot of load on your pocket.
Energy Independence
Who likes to have an amazing tour without having comfort? But the solar generator inside your RV gives you energy independence so you can power almost anything you want from a coffee maker to a hair dryer.
Cost Saving
Even if you are just living inside an RV because you want to save on home rent, a solar generator can be another cost-saving power option for you. Because of rising energy bills, solar generators have made their way into the lives of youngsters and newcomers.
Maintenance-free
The most amazing fact about solar generators is their low to no maintenance needs. Having solar energy as a power source, they’ll not need any additional cleaning, fuel change, or tunning.
Environment-friendly
Environment is our responsibility; solar generators help you embrace sustainability. You can reduce your carbon footprint and go green. If you care for nature, a solar generator is something you shouldn’t miss. It enables you to play your part in saving nature.
Final Thoughts
Concluding this article, we would say, you need to do your research and math before you swipe your card to pay for the BLUETTI solar generator. Being money saving, sustainable, and reliable, solar generators are a must have for your RV.
