Installing solar on your RV, caravan, or boat can be daunting; sometimes, it is helpful to have a basic understanding of the core products before talking to a solar professional, hence our RV Solar Product Guide. But don’t worry; you don’t have to become a solar expert. Just give us a call, and we will custom-design a solar solution specifically for your needs; we will then arrange installation or send you the complete kitset to install locally.
Here is a quick explainer of the four essential products needed for any RV/Caravan or Boat Solar System.
RV Solar Product Guide – Five Essential Products
1. Photovoltaic Solar Panels
Solar panels convert solar rays into Direct Current Electricity.
Top Tip: Choose the largest, most energy-efficient solar panels that can fit on your roof. In particular, select a Solar Panel that includes words such as “Half Cut”, “Mono”, & PERC
PV Monocrystalline
solar panels are made from the highest-grade silicon in a single crystal structure, giving them high-efficiency rates.
PERC
This is a reflective coating at the back that reflects sunlight and improves output. At its core, a PERC solar cell is simply a more efficient solar cell.
Half-Cut:
This means that the number of solar cells is double standard solar PV, reducing resistance and increasing available energy, even in shady conditions.
The great news is that most RV Solar Panels include all of these attributes.
2. Solar Controllers
Solar Controllers are essential in all solar installations; they regulate the Direct Current Electricity from the solar panels into your electrical circuits and batteries to protect them from damaging energy surges.
Top Tip: We highly recommend selecting an MPPT Solar Controller.
MPPT Solar Controllers (Maximum Power Point Technology)
Provides several benefits, particularly 30% greater charging efficiency, greater flexibility for system growth, and improved product warranties
3. Solar Batteries
Solar Batteries store Direct Current Electricity, ready to be used at night or when available energy from your panels is not enough to meet your electrical needs. Popular Battery Options include AGM, Gel, and Lithium.
Top Tip: Batteries are a significant investment, so we strongly recommend getting advice from a qualified solar engineer when selecting a battery. Before installation, ensure you understand what is required to maintain the battery and maximise its useful life
AGM Lead Acid Batteries:
Enjoy several benefits, including being relatively inexpensive, widely available and used; they can output a high burst of amps, work great in cold climates and recharge quickly.
Gel Lead Acid Batteries
Can withstand shock & vibration better than any other battery, are an excellent performer in cold and warm climates, can be installed near sensitive electronic equipment, and have impressive deep cycle performance.
Lithium Batteries
there are numerous benefits to Lithium batteries if your budget allows it. These include more useable capacity, longer life, fast, safe charging, tolerance of temperature changes and 50% lighter than lead-acid batteries.
4. Battery Monitors
Battery Monitors are like a fuel gauge for your battery. They display your battery’s charge, voltage, power consumption, estimated remaining runtime, current consumption, and battery temperature.
Top Tip: Battery monitors make it a whole lot easier to use your battery power and are very likely to extend the life of your batteries. So, if you want to remove the hassle and the guesswork from your solar system, ensure you have a battery monitor installed.
5. Inverters
Installing an inverter allows you to plug in your phone, laptop, TV and other household appliances. Inverters convert DC Electricity to AC Electricity (The type of electricity you use at home). A correctly sized Inverter gives you the comforts of home wherever you are.
Top Tip: it is critical to get the right-sized inverter; not every inverter works for every appliance.
