Solar
Installation, Maintenance &Upgrades
At RV Mobile Rescues, we understand installing a solar system on an RV involves several key considerations to ensure it meets your energy needs and is properly integrated with your RV’s existing systems. Call us today to schedule your consultation!
Here are the main factors to consider:
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1. Energy Needs Assessment
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Power Consumption: Calculate your daily power usage by listing all the electrical devices you'll use and their wattage. This includes lights, appliances, electronics, and any other electrical equipment.
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Energy Storage: Determine the size of the battery bank you'll need to store enough energy to meet your power consumption, especially for periods with less sunlight.
2. Solar Panels
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Type of Panels: Choose between monocrystalline, polycrystalline, or thin-film solar panels. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient but typically more expensive.
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Panel Size and Number: Based on your energy needs, calculate the number of solar panels required. Consider the available roof space on your RV and the wattage output of the panels.
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Mounting: Decide on a fixed or tilt mount. Tilting can improve efficiency but requires more setup effort.
3. Charge Controller
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Type: Choose between Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) and Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) controllers. MPPT controllers are more efficient, especially with larger systems.
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Capacity: Ensure the charge controller can handle the total output of your solar panels.
4. Battery Bank
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Type of Batteries: Options include lead-acid (flooded, AGM, gel) and lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are more efficient and have a longer lifespan but are more expensive.
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Capacity: Based on your energy needs, calculate the amp-hour (Ah) capacity required for your battery bank.
5. Inverter
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Type: Choose between a pure sine wave and a modified sine wave inverter. Pure sine wave inverters are more efficient and suitable for sensitive electronics.
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Size: The inverter's wattage should match or exceed the total wattage of the devices you plan to run simultaneously.
6. Wiring and Safety
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Wire Gauge: Use appropriate wire gauge to handle the current from the solar panels to the charge controller, batteries, and inverter.
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Fuses and Breakers: Install fuses and breakers to protect against overcurrent and short circuits.
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Connections: Ensure all connections are secure and weatherproof.
7. Installation Location
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Roof Space: Assess the available space on your RV roof for installing solar panels.
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Shading: Minimize shading from roof-mounted equipment like air conditioners or vents, as this can significantly reduce panel efficiency.
8. Monitoring
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System Monitor: Install a monitoring system to keep track of energy production and consumption. Many modern charge controllers come with built-in monitoring features or can be paired with external monitors.
9. Expandability
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Future Proofing: Plan for potential future expansions. Consider oversizing some components (like the charge controller and inverter) to accommodate additional panels or batteries later on.
