Power Your Adventures: The Complete Solar System for an RV
To experience off-grid independence in your rig, you need a reliable off-grid power source. What about a solar system for an RV?
But what appliances can a solar system power on your RV?
We get that question every day. Everyone wants to know the same thing.
The easy answer? The more solar panels you can fit on your rig, the more you'll be able to power.
The only limit is the amount of panels we can fit on your RV's roof. We can provide a free estimate for your specific RV.
The longer answer is, “It’s complicated.” We get into the nitty-gritty of what the complete package from Solar Power My RV includes in this article. We'll delve deep into each piece of a complete solar system from Solar Power My RV and how they power your RV adventures.
Components of a Complete Solar System
Batteries
Solar Power My RV uses state-of-the-art lithium batteries for our solar power systems, explicitly chosen for their performance, longevity, and reliability in various weather conditions. Batteries are the heart of our off-grid power system, serving as the primary energy storage component.
They store energy not only from solar panels but also from battery chargers. Multiple batteries can be combined in different configurations to ensure ample power reserves (they essentially function as a single, oversized battery).
We use Rich Solar Alpha 1 and Alpha 2 Lithium batteries because they are notable for their compact design, internal Bluetooth, battery monitors, and internal heating capability. They also come with a 10-year warranty.
Battery Monitor
When using Lithium batteries in an RV solar system, it's essential to have a reliable battery monitor. We use the Victron BMV 712. This monitor provides a comprehensive overview of your battery's status, including current, voltage, state of charge, and ampere-hours consumed.
It accurately calculates and displays the time remaining at the present discharge rate (how much power you're using). The BMV 712 features a programmable alarm with visual and audible alerts and can monitor the amount of power flowing in and out of the battery. It's designed to keep track of amperage and remaining power.
The BMV 712 can also measure the battery's temperature—a critical factor in maintaining battery health. For added convenience, it has a standard temperature sensor and an internal display. The unit can be programmed and monitored remotely via a smartphone app, making it a versatile and user-friendly tool for managing your RV's solar energy system.
Solar Panels
The heart of any solar system, these panels harness the sun's energy. When the sun is shining during the day, the energy collected by the solar panels is sent to the solar charge controller to charge the battery bank.
Solar Power My RV offers a range of high-efficiency panels to maximize energy capture in limited space. We typically use Rich Solar’s 100W or 200W panels, they’re easier to maneuver and fit on an RV’s roof.
Solar Controller
This essential component regulates the voltage and current from the solar panels to the battery. The charge controller regulates the voltage and current supplied to your batteries from the solar array.
It acts like the system's brain, ensuring nothing is overloaded. Solar Power My RV provides MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) controllers, ensuring optimal charging efficiency and battery health. We highly recommend that if you want to add more solar panels to your system down the line, install a larger solar controller than you think you need upfront.
Inverter
The Victron Multiplus 3000W inverter is a versatile and powerful addition to any RV solar system, converting 12-volt DC power from the batteries into 120-volt AC. This conversion capability allows you to power standard AC appliances and outlets within your RV, making it possible to use everyday electronics.
In addition to its inverter function, the Victron Multiplus also serves as a lithium battery charger, ensuring your batteries are efficiently charged and maintained. One of the standout features of this inverter is its capacity to power the entire electrical panel of your RV, as opposed to just a partial system.
This means that all your outlets will function as if you’re plugged into a generator, and you can run appliances up to a total of 3,000 watts simultaneously. This comprehensive power solution enhances the overall functionality and comfort of your RV.
Wondering about the difference between an inverter and a converter? Find out in this article.
Inverter Monitor
The Cerbo Touch 50 is a comprehensive inverter monitor that serves as a whole system monitor for RV solar systems. It effectively tracks and displays key information about the battery, solar controller, and inverter, showing AC and DC power flow. Its user-friendly interface is easy to read and offers Wi-Fi accessibility.
This feature enables remote control of the generator, allowing users to turn it on or off from a distance. The Cerbo Touch 50 supports remote assistance from Solar Power My RV, making system troubleshooting more efficient by providing detailed data on all components.
A notable function is the auto-gen start feature, which is useful for giving pets air conditioning when owners are not physically present. This advanced monitor enhances the management and maintenance of RV solar systems, offering convenience, detailed system insights, and improved control.
Battery Isolator
An isolator, which is essential for charging lithium batteries from alternators in RVs, serves as a protection mechanism to prevent damage to these batteries. We recommend the Victron Cyrix. When charging lithium batteries with an alternator, especially in motorhomes, it's crucial to ensure the existing isolator is upgraded to a version compatible with lithium batteries.
This is because motorhomes typically come equipped with high-power alternator charging systems that need to be appropriately matched with lithium batteries. On the other hand, for towable RVs, it's necessary to add an isolator to the trailer's charging system. This addition ensures the lithium batteries can be safely charged via the alternator, maintaining the longevity and efficiency of the battery system.
What Can a Solar System for an RV Power?
Back to the million-dollar question!
The first question we ask when someone asks us, "What can a solar system for an RV power?" is, "What do you want to power, and for how long?"
Every solar system we build at Solar Power My RV is custom-designed to cater to your various power needs, depending on the size and specifications of your system. Depending on what you need and how heavy your electricity usage is, we can set you up for a fantastic off-grid experience.
Our solar-powered RV systems generate more than enough energy to operate regular 12V DC devices (such as lamps, exhaust fans, USB ports, etc.) and compact 120V AC gadgets (smartphones, e-readers, televisions, etc.) for as long as needed.
Additionally, they support more significant appliances (such as air conditioners, microwaves, hair dryers, etc.) for hours on end.
The greater your system's battery capacity, the more energy you can use to power your devices. The more solar you can fit on your RV's roof, the longer you can use whatever devices you want.
Every RV is different. To understand what a solar system can power, it's essential to understand which RV components take the most power. Get a free estimate to understand how much solar your RV needs to meet your energy needs.
Lowest to Highest Energy-Using RV Components
Let’s quickly discuss some appliances that require low, moderate, and high energy usage.
Basic Needs: Lights, charging stations for phones and laptops, small fans, and other low-draw devices are easily powered by even the most basic setup.
Moderate Usage: With a more robust system, you can power a refrigerator, TV, microwave, and other medium-draw appliances, making your RV feel like a home on wheels.
High Energy Demands: For those with more significant energy needs, upgraded solar systems can handle air conditioning units, residential fridges, and even power tools, ensuring comfort and convenience no matter where you are.
There's no simple answer to the question, "What can a complete solar system for an RV power?" If you plan on going to Florida in the summer, you'll want to run your air conditioner for several hours. To do this, you will need the maximum amount of solar panels that you can fit on your roof and a battery bank that can handle the heavy load of the air conditioner.
On the other hand, if you plan on going to a temperate climate in the summer, like Montana, you won't need to run your air conditioner very much.
Solar Power Your Adventures
The simplest way to see what a solar system can power in your RV is by booking a call with one of our certified techs at Solar Power My RV. We'll walk you through your RV needs and give you a quote for a system that will set you up for off-grid success.
A complete solar system for an RV is more than just a power source; it's a gateway to freedom and sustainability on the road. By choosing the right system for your needs, you can ensure uninterrupted power, regardless of where your travels take you.
The specific capabilities of your solar system will depend on its size and configuration, so it's vital to assess your power needs and consult with Solar Power My RV experts to find the perfect setup for you.
Embark on your next adventure with the confidence of a reliable, eco-friendly power source. Get started with a free estimate today.
Become campground optional
Once you've accepted your quote and set an appointment, just drop off your rig and we’ll take it from there. Your solar powered RV will be ready in three days or less, and you'll hit the road more free than ever.
