Author: Xantrex Team

Solar power usage has been on the rise in the RV community, with many RVers taking advantage of the sun to power their systems while boondocking. Where it is a no brainer to use solar in sunny states like Arizona, many RVers who live in less sunny states may wonder whether it makes sense to use solar if they live in a climate with limited sunshine.

Solar panels are designed to harness sunlight and convert it into electricity, but just because a day is cloudy, power output may not dip all the way to zero unless it’s very cloudy. Despite the reduced power production on cloudy days, solar panels can still generate electricity and contribute to meeting energy needs, especially when coupled with energy storage systems like batteries. Additionally, advancements in solar panel technology, such as improved efficiency and tolerance to low-light conditions, have helped increase the overall performance of solar panels even in less-than-ideal weather conditions. With these facts in mind, let’s look at ways RVers can make the most of solar in a climate that is not sunny all year long.

One way RVers can prepare for a climate with less sunlight is to use an energy storage system like a lithium iron phosphate battery. Compared to AGM and lead acid, iron phosphate batteries allow faster charging and deeper power draw, which gives RVers more power on cloudy days. Having a compatible power system allows RVers to store excess energy generated during sunny periods for use later when sunlight is limited. Depending on the number of solar panels and batteries installed as well as how much sun you get in the climate, you may be able to boondock comfortably in a less than sunny climate.

In addition to battery storage, RVers can optimize the power generated by the sun through the placement and tilt of rigid RV solar panels. By adjusting the angle of the panels to match the sun’s position in the sky, RVers can improve their efficiency and capture as much sunlight as possible. Tilting the panels toward the sun can help compensate for the reduced intensity of sunlight in cloudy conditions, helping RVers make the most of their solar power system. Unfortunately, this is not possible with flexible adhesive panels. As RVers stop during their travels, they need to take into consideration where they park and the direction the RV is facing to ensure the solar panel tilt gets the most sunlight.

Another strategy to ensure comfort in cloudy climates is to have alternative charging methods as a backup. While solar panels may be less effective on cloudy days, RVers can still harness other sources of energy to meet their needs. Generators (both portable and installed) can provide additional charging capacity during extended periods of inclement weather, ensuring that RVers always have access to electricity when they need it most.

Last, but not least, RVers can also benefit from energy conservation practices. In cloudy climates, it’s crucial to be mindful of energy usage and to conserve power whenever possible. This could involve using energy-efficient appliances, minimizing unnecessary electricity consumption, and maximizing natural light during the day. By adopting these practices, RVers can reduce their reliance on solar power during periods of limited sunlight.

In conclusion, while solar power may pose some challenges for RVers in less sunny climates, it remains a viable and eco-friendly option for off-grid living. By implementing strategies such as energy storage, conservation, supplementation, and panel optimization, RVers can harness the power of the sun to meet their energy needs, even when the skies are overcast. With careful planning and the right equipment, solar power can help RVers enjoy a sustainable and self-sufficient lifestyle, no matter where their travels take them.

You’ve heard a lot about adding Solar Panels to RVs and you may be ready to get started, but how much do you need to spend to have decent solar power? The RV Solar Cost will vary depending on the needs of your RV, so in this article we will go over three setups for different budgets and utility.

Before we review the options, here’s a quick guide to help you determine how much power your current RV setup is using:

1. Take Inventory of Appliances: Start by making a list of all the appliances and electronics you use in your RV regularly. This includes lights, fans, water pumps, refrigerators, TVs, laptops, smartphones, tablets, microwaves, and any other devices you plan to power with solar energy.
2. Calculate Power Consumption: Determine the power consumption of each appliance in watts. You can usually find this information on the appliance’s label or in the user manual. If wattage is not provided, you can estimate it by multiplying the voltage (V) by the current (A) the appliance draws when in use. Keep in mind that some appliances may have different power consumption levels depending on their settings or usage patterns.
3. Estimate Daily Usage: Next, estimate how many hours each appliance will be in use on an average day. This will give you an idea of the total energy consumption for each device over a 24-hour period.
4. Calculate Total Daily Energy Usage: Multiply the power consumption of each appliance by the number of hours it’s used per day, then add up the energy consumption for all devices. This will give you the total daily energy usage in watt-hours (Wh) for your RV and help estimate the RV Solar Cost.
5. Factor in Efficiency Losses: Keep in mind that solar panels don’t operate at 100% efficiency, especially in less-than-ideal conditions. Factor in efficiency losses due to factors like shading, angle of sunlight, and temperature. A common rule of thumb is to add 25-30% to your total energy usage to account for these losses.

Once you calculate this information, you will have a rough idea of how many RV solar panels are needed and the associated RV Solar Cost. Solar panel output is typically measured in watts (W), so choose panels that can generate enough power to cover your daily energy consumption.

Here are three examples of different solar setups and what they can power:

Budget Option ($500 – $1,000)

A budget option allows you to power electronic devices and keep your battery-operated devices, like cell phones and laptops, charged when there’s sunshine. However, without a battery bank solution, you may have trouble keeping your devices fully charged for long periods when the sun is not shining.

System Components:

• 100-200 watt solar panels
• Charge controller
• Cables and connectors
• Mounting hardware

What it Could Power:

• LED lights
• Smartphone and laptop charging
• Small appliances like a portable cooler or fan

Mid-Range Option ($1,500 – $4,000)

By adding a deep cycle AGM or lithium battery bank and a RV inverter/charger, this system allows you to take surplus energy from solar panels and store them for periods when the sun is not as active. At higher watts generated, you may be able to power devices such as refrigerators and freezers. Using smart batteries, such as Xantrex lithium, allows you to see how much battery power you have left at any moment via your Xantrex battery app, helping you make decisions on how to best use your power.

System Components:

• 300-500 watt RV solar panels
• MPPT charge controller
• Deep cycle AGM or lithium batteries
• RV Inverter charger
• Cables, connectors, and fuses

What it Could Power:

• LED lights
• Smartphone, laptop, and tablet charging
• TV and entertainment system
• Refrigerator or freezer
• Water pump and fans

High-End Option ($5,000 – $10,000+)

The high-end setup allows you to run more appliances and electronics without having to worry about using too much power. A high-output inverter/charger ensures that you can power more appliances simultaneously, more solar panels ensure you have more power coming in, and a larger battery bank ensures appliances can run longer when the sun is down or behind cloud cover. However, this higher RV Solar Cost comes with greater benefits and reliability.

System Components:

• 600 watts or more RV solar panels
• MPPT charge controller with advanced features
• Multiple lithium iron phosphate cells
• RV inverter/charger with high-power output
• Monitoring system for real-time performance tracking
• Additional accessories like solar panel tilting or portable solar suitcase for added flexibility

What it Could Power:

• All appliances mentioned in mid-range option
• Microwave oven
• Air conditioning (smaller units)
• Coffee maker or blender
• Electric heater (limited use)

These are rough estimates, and actual costs may vary based on factors such as brand, quality, and installation complexity. Additionally, the power output and capacity of each system can be adjusted based on the specific energy needs and preferences of the RV owner. The RV Solar Cost is influenced by these various factors. It’s essential to carefully consider your energy requirements and budget constraints when selecting a solar system for your RV.

Solar panels have become more common for their ability to recharge battery systems in RVs. As RVers rely less on fossil fuel based generators and increased attention is given to lithium battery power systems, having solar is a no-brainer for campers that want to go boondocking and get off the grid. However, not all solar panels are the same, these sleek energy sources come in various forms, each with its own set of quirks and capabilities, ready to harness the sun’s energy and fuel your journey into the unknown. In this article, we will conduct an exploration into the different types of solar panels for RVing.

Glass Panels:

The most common panels are fixed and rigid glass panels. These robust, sturdy modules are like the guardians of your RV or campervan, standing tall and soaking in the sun’s rays with unwavering determination. Mounted permanently on the roof, fixed panels are a staple for those who seek a reliable, hassle-free power source.

Fixed panels boast higher efficiency and power output compared to their flexible cousins, making them ideal for the serious off-grid enthusiast. These panels quietly go about their business, charging your batteries while you sip your morning coffee, completely hands-free.

However, these solar stalwarts do come with a catch – their immovability can be a drawback when navigating through shady campsites or tight spots. In certain locations where the sun exposure and angle varies greatly throughout the day, your output will vary as well. The sun may be your ally, but sometimes, the ability to tilt your panels towards its life-giving rays can make a significant difference. There are also many different techniques to maximize solar outputs during cloudy days. In addition, rigid panels are heavy and need to be secured through drilling onto the roof of a RV, which may affect the value of the RV.

Flexible Panels:

Flexible panels thrive when dealing with curved surfaces and installation. Suppose your RV or Van has a curved roof or you do not want to drill holes on the roof of your RV. In these cases, flexible panels are your best choice. With peel and stick features, you can easily have them installed on your RV roof. These thin and lightweight marvels use cutting-edge technology to integrate seamlessly with the curves of your RV, turning every inch into a potential power-generating surface.

Flex panels are like the contortionists of the solar family, allowing for creative installations on curved surfaces or irregularly shaped RV roofs. Whether your RV resembles a sleek spaceship or a vintage classic, these panels mold themselves to your vehicle’s design, making you the envy of the RV park.

In addition, the way you angle your flexible panels allows your panels to generate power when the sun is at certain angles (eg. early or later time of the day) where conventional panels will have little output. Flexible RV solar panels offer remarkable adaptability for power generation.

Portable Panels:

Now, imagine having your own personal power source on standby, ready to unfold and illuminate your RV wherever you go. Enter the portable solar panels – the wanderers of solar freedom. These compact powerhouses are the nomads of the solar world, providing a flexible solution for those who want to chase the sun without committing to a fixed installation.

Portable panels offer the ultimate in versatility. Set them up wherever the sun beckons, and revel in the freedom to park your RV in the shade while your panels bask in the sunlight. This flexibility is especially valuable for those who love to explore off-the-beaten-path locations, where traditional solar setups might struggle to keep up. The ability to fold up the panel and put them away, ensures your panels will not be affected by any harsh environment like hails or falling tree branches which may damage a panel.

However, the trade-off for portability is a slightly lower power output compared to fixed panels. If you’re a power-hungry adventurer with an arsenal of energy-hungry devices, you might need to strike a balance between convenience and capacity.

In the grand picture of RV solar panels, each type contributes its unique power-generating ability to the final power generation plan. Whether you opt for the glass panels, bifacial panels, flexible panels, or portable panels, the key is finding what resonates with your RVing style.