June 2022 was the sixth warmest June on record, emphasizing the worsening effects of climate change. While you may feel helpless, there are steps you can take to help the environment.
One small way you can make a change is to install solar panels on your RV to use when you travel. However, there are common RV solar mistakes that can make your panels less than worth it.
If you’re interested in solar energy for RVs, knowing how to avoid the most common errors can help make your solar panels as productive as possible. Keep reading to learn how to make the most of your system.
Table of Contents
1. Guesstimating How Many You Need
There’s nothing worse than investing in solar panels only to find that you don’t have enough to power your lifestyle or, on the flip, overpaying for a system you don’t need. This means your RV solar system budget is higher than it needs to be.
You’ll want to measure how much electricity you consume while in your RV, as this will help you determine how many panels or wattage you’ll need. You also don’t have to fully outfit your RV but buy smaller systems for individual appliances
2. Installing Them Out of Full Sun
If you plan on having your solar panels permanently installed on your RV, you’ll want to ensure they are as effective as possible. This means you’ll waste the full potential of your panel’s capabilities.
You’ll want to ensure your panels are installed in a position where they can receive the most sun possible.
3. Improper Installation
Next, when installing solar systems on your RV, ensuring they are properly installed is crucial to reaping the full benefits of an off-grid system. Even the best solar generators won’t perform to their capabilities if they’re not installed correctly.
This includes installing the panels entirely flat on your roof, which can cause your system to overheat and become less effective. There needs to be airflow under the panels to prevent an increase in temperature.
4. Relying Solely on Panels for Power
Though your solar system provider might seem like the end all be all of your power sources, not having backup power options is one of the most crucial mistakes you can make as an RV owner.
Keeping chargeable batteries on hand can help you at night time, on cloudy days, or during trips where you might not get the amount of sun that you usually would.
Avoid These Common RV Solar Mistakes
Remember, solar system maintenance is crucial to keeping your panels up and running. After all, keeping your system up to date with cleaning ensures that your electricity output is consistently high.
If you’re ready to hit the road and reduce your contribution to climate change, avoiding the most common RV solar mistakes is the way to go. You’ll want to check out the rest of our website for helpful auto and travel content. 5elifestyle
