12v Solar Panel

There are several components that you need when setting up an RV solar panel system. These components include the solar panels, the charge controller, the storage battery and an inverter. When choosing the right type of panel, it is important to go for the right semiconductor that it is made up of. One of the most effective of these conductors would be crystalline panels since they generate a more efficient amount of power and are extremely durable.

Each solar panel can be linked or hooked together to generate the exact amount of power that is needed. The charge controller in the solar panel system monitors the amount of current the batteries are receiving and needs. This prevents batteries from getting damaged since the current is controlled. Provided it is exposed to proper sunlight, a single 12v solar panel can generate at least 19 to 21 volts. Deep cell batteries hold in the excess energy that was generated by the panels. These batteries are ideal since it allows the power to be discharged and recharged repeatedly without any hassles.

The bigger the power you need, the higher the number of batteries you would need. One amp hour of battery generates one amp of current for a single hour. If you want to calculate how much power is required to power up your vehicle, all you need to do is add the total current taken from your RV. Usually, there are appliances and devices in your vehicle like the light that would only require power from the storage battery since they run on DC power. However, most of the other devices will require an AC power. When this happens, then an inverter is needed to transpose the DC current into the more usable AC current.

There are generally two kinds of inverters, the True Sine Wave and the Modified Sine Wave. The latter is much more affordable and highly usable when generating electricity for basic devices. On the other hand, True Sine Waves are ideal when a more sensitive device is the one needing power; devices such as laptops, digital cameras etc. The prices for these inverters are based on their capability to supply power. When you link two solar panels together, it is possible to generate a higher amount of voltage and capacity. For instance, when you have two 12volts 5 amp panels stringed together, this tandem would generate about 24 volts and 5 amps. If you connect them parallel wise, then you can get about 10 amps and 12 volts. This is also applicable with batteries.

All the panels are then attached to the charge controller and these controllers will be linked to the batteries. In turn, the batteries are hooked to the inverter while the inverter is attached to direct the AC power to the RVOs electrical outlets. This is the whole setup for the RVĀ solar panels. These panels are ideal if you like going on camping trips or just being on the road. The energy generated is sustainable, clean and very cost effective. Overall, it helps generate the power you need for all your devices.

 

 

Portable Solar Panels

As good as solar power seems to be, it is not the cure all that will restore used up energy. Some people who want to reinstate power in their motors or vehicles like RVs, house or other electrical devices, want it done in a very short time. To illustrate the amount of time needed to charge a battery by using solar panels, take for example a discharged 100 amp hour battery and juice it up using a 30-watt solar panel during summertime, perfect conditions for sunlight. It will take a full week or so until it becomes fully charged. As you can see, it will take almost 100-watts of solar energy before the battery can be recharged at 100-amp. It is also important to remember that it takes full, 100% sunlight in order for the panel to generate 100% energy. Plenty of factors like overcast skies, or improper mounting of the panels will affect the output of the panels.

Solar panels are usually suited for 12 VDC appliances or batteries; however, this doesn’t mean that there aren’t smaller 24 volt panels available. When there is a need for a smaller 24 volt panel, stringing together a series of panels is possible.

Using a controller for the voltage is necessary if you will be using a solar panel that is capable of accommodating more than 5 watts. Having a controller can provide plenty of advantages since it will help to regulate overcharging. It also assists in improving the charge quality as well as prevents battery discharge if there is low or no light situations. To sum up, the solar panel charge controllers act like a switch, turning the inflow or outflow of the current or voltage. Controllers allow current to pass when there is a need for it and blocks it off if there isn’t or if the battery is already full. It is important to note when picking out a controller that they will be rated in amps while photovoltaic panels are measured in watts. For instance, the morning SS-6, since it is a 6 amp controller, it can work with all other types of panel save ones that are up to 70 watts.

Solar panels are rated in watts, thus, a rating of 15-watts will generate about 1 amp per hour when placed in full sunlight. For example, if you notice the SP-5 panel can create one third of an amp every single hour. This energy will be directed to storage in a battery until it is used later on. It also functions as a filter that will prevent damage to any susceptible devices that you will use.

 

12v Solar Charger

Millions of Americans all across the US are using RVs to get around; traveling for vacation, mini camping trips or just great sightseeing across the wide open roads. RVs are not difficult to maintain and they need very little power requirements. When you are on the road or at a campsite, power outlets are usually available for you to use, but if cutting back on costs is essential, then having an alternative power source is the best way to go. If this is the case, using a solar powered source is ideal. The energy source is environmentally friendly, cutting back on pollution and harmful emission. Best of all, after initial setup charges, its all free.

Solar technology uses solar panels composed of photovoltaic cells that allow you to collect the energy from the sun. These solar panels come in different sizes and voltages, but the most notable would be the 12V panel.

It is important that you are familiar with the amount of power your RV will need before choosing the right size solar panel. Large RVs usually require a minimum of three 110 watt solar panels while smaller RVs would only need one panel of 110 watts. On the other hand, medium sized RVs only need two of these panels to get it up and running. These solar powered panels should be mounted onto the roof to get the most direct sunlight.

Each 12v output will be attached to a charge controller that will regulate the amount of voltage running to your batteries and will stop it from overcharging. The batteries are charged as you park since it will soak up the suns rays and generate power for your motor home. Moreover, the solar panels help to reduce the load on your engine and thus decrease the amount of fuel you consume. These solar panels are easy to install and are considerably lightweight which makes it ideal if you want to generate power and at the same time cut back on fuel consumption.