One of the wonderful benefits of RV life is the ability to camp anywhere. To do this without a gas generator, and still have the ability to use microwave, TV, air conditioner and lights - you must have a solar power plant. A 100 ampere-hour deep-cycle battery with a power inverter can power a 32″ LED TV at 35 watts for 34 hours, or a smaller 20-watt TV for about 60 hours until the battery is fully discharged. Based on your power requirements, along wit space and other constraints - we'll custom design a solar power-plant for your RV or van.
Use the following chart to see their power requirements of most off-grid RV appliances.
The goal of any solar power plant is to produce as much 12 and 120 Volt wattage as possible, for as long as possible. This used to require the below five (5) separate components:
1. Solar panels
2. Controller
3. Solar generator
4. Batteries
5. Inverter
Today, many generators have built-in batteries, inverters and controllers. Moreover, some of the best generators are as small as a typewriter case, making it easy for small vans and RVs to enjoy the conveniences of AC or DC power. With the improved charging times, smaller foot prints and ability to add batteries -- modern solar power infrastructures have become more cost effective, efficient and compact.
Batteries store power for use after the sun as gone down. Many will discover that the term Amp-hours is more than just a technical buzzword. Amp hours let you know how long your battery system will work without any solar power. The more amp-hours, the better.
But when you're dealing with limited roof-top and equipment space inside, and a custom floor plan - you're faced with the fact that every solar installation is unique - depending on the aforementioned factors. Below, we'll talk about a few examples.
Example One: Sprinter 2500 140 (shorter length with high roof), with space for up to four panels, limited space for generator, battery stack and controller.
Solution: 1000 Watt Solar Generator, two 200 Watt Solar Panels.
Example Two: