A solar panel is the new replacement of manual electricity or battery. And you know, people are using solar panels widely nowadays for different purposes. Apart from this, RV which stands for a recreational vehicle also runs its functionality with the help of solar panels. So, many people are getting used to it and they have started using solar panel kits for RV. And you’ve also planned to do the same in your next camping. But you might be wondering with a question: how many watt solar panel do I need for RV?
The requirements of power in a solar panel to run RV differs from person to person. It depends on many things and key facts to ensure the exact watt of the solar panel. So, let’s discuss the key facts.
How many watt solar panel do I need for RV?
Camping is nothing but a recreational thing? But what would happen if you’re going out with your RV to having more fun? That’s great, but you should bring a power source for the RV. What can be cooler than using a solar panel? Nothing and electricity won’t be a problem anymore. In order to fix a solar in your RV, you will definitely ask “how many watt solar panel do I need for RV?” You will get to know them by cracking the key points to find your solar panel’s exact watt. Let’s analyze the facts.
Calculating the RV devices
To get the exact amount of watt for a solar panel in RV, you will have to calculate the devices first. You will have to check how many types of devices like Ac, tv, hairdryer, fridge, light, etc. are there in the RV. Then you will have to check the power of electricity they consume. You can use an electrical meter to calculate the total power consumption of RV devices. Then you can calculate and set the amount of watt as per the value.
Calculating the required watts
Once you are done with calculating the electricity you need for your RV, you will need to know the amount of watt you will need in your solar. As there are many kinds of solar systems on the market, you will have to go for specific ones. These solar systems differ based on their volt values. These values start from 5V and go on to 10V, 12V, or more. Suppose you have a 10V system solar, and you will need 50Ah of charge in your batteries. So, you will need 10×50= 500Wh. Now, if you have 5 hours of sunlight, then you will need 500/5= 100 Watt. But in reality, it says to take 20% extra more than the requirement. So, it will be 120 watts. This is how you can calculate the exact value of watt in your solar panel you will need for RV. But this value is for normal situations. It also varies due to location, weather, direction, and much more. Check an RV with a bathroom for more.
Numbers don’t matter.
Now you know how many watts you need to run the solar system in your RV, but you may question the solar panel numbers? Maybe you are thinking the more watt you need the more solar panels you will have to get. But this is not the case. All make the difference is if you are giving the exact amount of watt the solar needed. Let’s assume, 500 watts of power is needed for your solar system in RV. Now you may have 25 panels which give 20-watt power or only 10 panels of 50 watts power. The result will be the same in both cases as 25×20 =10×50=500. That’s why just think about the watts you need, not the number of panels.
Think about backup
Surely you are done with calculating the number of watts you will need for your RV. But did you think about your backup or night stay? If you are at a camp, you will stay in the RV at night for sure. But there will be no sunlight at night so, how will your RV work? You will surely need a charged battery back-up. So in the daylight, the solar will also have to charge your battery for which it will need extra watts. So, keep that extra back up in mind to avoid problems at night.
Set the location and orientation
As you know, solar panels work with the help of daylight. So, it’s common sense to place the solar on top of your RV. If your RV is running, I cannot suggest a particular direction to place your solar, but if you have reached the destination and your RV is on rest, you can select a direction from where you will get most of the sunlight, place panels in that direction. You will get most daylight in the morning from the north, and other times it will be east/west direction.
Branded products last long
Now you may be thinking about buying solar but confused about the brands. Some people may suggest you buy a cheaper one because they work the same and don’t listen to them. Those cheap and unbranded products will not give you a guarantee of its service and may break down in a couple of years. The average lifespan of a solar is 9 years to 12 years, but those cheaper products will last a maximum of 5 to 7 years in most of the cases. So try to avoid cheaper products and buy branded ones because branded products last long.
Different seasons different wants
Weather is a big fact in your camp. You may like camping in different seasons and planning to keep the RV solar system the same. But you should change the system according to the seasons. In winter, the Ac or fridge may not be in need. You may need a heater in winter. In summer, you may need an extra cooler due to the heat. In autumn and winter, the requirements will be different. Different seasons require different settings and types of equipment, and their power consumption value will also be different. So, you should consider the guidelines before going to any camp.
Final Words
The thirst for knowing and exploring technologies has brought both you and me on the same page. We constantly keep searching for the things that we need to know for the betterment of our life. And you’re here for this purpose and have searched for “how many watt solar panel do I need for RV?” Hopefully, the discussions will help you to find out the exact amount of watt you will need, particularly for your RV. Use solar panels safely and save electricity.
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