RV Solar Power – 3 Reasons to Take Your RV Solar

By Randy Rhoads

If you love taking your RV or camper out on road trips, then RV solar power is definitely for you. Heading out on the open road is a joy shared by millions of people, but far too few utilize solar energy as a power source. Here are three solid reasons why you should consider solar power for your RV:

1. Freedom from the Grid and Campsites

   Running electrical appliances from your RV house battery bank without charging will drain your capacity quickly. While commercial RV parks offer hookups, relying on monocrystalline RV solar panels allows you to generate clean electricity anywhere the sun shines. You can pull over at remote boondocking spots anytime without worrying about shore power access.

2. Grid Power Isn't Free – Solar Is

   Campgrounds factor electrical hookups directly into their nightly site rates. Setting up a solar array lets you book unpowered primitive campsites or dry-camp on public land, saving substantial money over time.

3. Environmental Benefits and Generator Noise Reduction

   Grid electricity is often produced by non-renewable utility sources, and idling your vehicle engine or running a noisy gas generator to charge batteries burns expensive fuel and emits exhaust fumes. Utilizing a quiet portable solar panel suitcase combined with an MPPT charge controller keeps your deep-cycle batteries charged cleanly and quietly.

Getting set up with solar equipment is straightforward and affordable. Installing a DIY solar kit allows you to customize panel placement and expand your battery bank as your off-grid power needs grow.

See also:

• RV Solar Panels & Charging Systems – Overview of solar kits, controllers, and inverters.
• RV Solar Inverters – Selecting pure sine wave inverters and calculating DC amp draw.
• RV Battery Life Expectancy & Care – Depth of discharge, 6V vs 12V banks, and battery maintenance.