This is a test paragraph
Solar power lets you take your RV off-grid and still use your refrigerator, lights and other appliances. The best part? It’s cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and requires little maintenance – but how does it work? In this guide, we will explain how RV solar works, and the components to a complete solar charging system.
Solar power lets you take your RV off-grid and still use your refrigerator, lights and other appliances. The best part? It’s cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and requires little maintenance – but how does it work? In this guide, we will explain how RV solar works, and the components to a complete solar charging system.
A solar panel is made up of individual solar cells — small devices that can convert sunlight to energy.
A solar panel is made up of individual solar cells — small devices that can convert sunlight to energy.
Solar panels convert the sun’s energy into direct current (DC) electricity, and this charges your RV’s batteries, storing the electricity. When several panels are joined together you have a solar array.
What to look for. There are common three types of solar panels — amorphous, monocrystalline, and polycrystalline.
While amorphous panels are the least expensive, they are the least efficient and take up the most room. They can also lose up to 30 percent of the power-generating capabilities in their first year—they actually degrade when exposed to sunlight!
Polycrystalline panels take up roughly half the space to produce the same power as their amorphous counterparts, however, they can vary widely in quality. Look for panels with the highest rated wattage for their size. A smaller footprint means a more efficient panel.
While monocrystalline panels are also available with different grades of cells, they are almost always more efficient than poly panels.
Click here to find out more about solar panels, including the difference and benefits of rigid and flexible panels.
