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Solar How-To: The Components of an RV Solar Kit

Social and environmental responsibility doesn't end at the front door. Increasing numbers of RV owners are recognizing this fact. Many have begun a movement, taking environmental care on the road in response. Outfitting an RV with a solar kit can greatly reduce the regular traveler's carbon footprint. Fortunately, solar kits make solar how-to simple and efficient for the average recreational vehicle owner.

Converting an RV to solar power has numerous implications. Naturally the greatest is the reduced negative impact that solar power has on the environment. Few in this day and age are unaware of the problems that heavy reliance upon non-renewable energy sources creates.

The quest for clean, renewable and low-impact energy generation and consumption has fueled the solar trend. Homes, commercial buildings and schools in addition to RV's are converting to solar power in greater numbers than ever. Governments have begun to grant tax breaks and other benefits to developers who incorporate sun energy into building practices.

Another benefit is energy cost savings. Conversion can be expensive. More often than not though, the long-term savings pay for the initial investment. The savings often continue long after the investment is paid for.

RV solar kits are what their name implies. They contain all of the components necessary to convert a recreational vehicle from electrical to solar power. Those components vary kit-to-kit, though basic parts are the same. It helps to understand what the components are when deciding which kit is appropriate for one's own travel needs.

A standard RV solar kit typically includes:

1) A charge controller. Charge controllers may also be referred to as charge regulators. A charge controller is similar to a car's voltage regulator. The voltage regulator in a car automatically maintains a voltage level. A charge controller works on the same principle. It regulates the current coming from the solar panels atop the RV heading to the battery.

The charge controller, in essence, prevents the battery from "frying." The average RV battery requires around fourteen volts to charge. A twelve volt solar panel may actually generate upwards of sixteen or more volts, dependent upon sunlight. This much would damage the average battery. The charge controller helps ensure that no more than fourteen volts reach the battery case. A charge controller may not be necessary, depending on watt output. A charge controller is usually necessary for most RV applications though. An assessment of power usage can help determine this.

2) Solar panels. They are also referred to as photovoltaic panels, after the science behind the technology: photovoltaics. The solar panels gather and channel or concentrate the sunlight, converting it to energy. An individual panel consists of a number of photovoltaic or solar cells. The cells are grouped together for efficiency to create a panel. Solar panels have varying wattages according to the number of cells they are made of. The panel produces a measure of amps in accordance to its wattage. A ninety-watt panel produces about five amps of power per hour of sunlight.

3) An inverter charger. Sometimes this component is simply referred to as an inverter. This device changes DC voltage (direct current or unidirectional electricity flow) to AC voltage (alternating current, which reverses direction cyclically.) This electricity can be at whatever voltage is required for the application. Standard market inverters are produced in twelve, twenty-four, thirty-two, thirty-six and forty-eight volts. Sometimes this component can be purchased with a switching kit to allow for increased voltage when needed.

These three basic components comprise the main hardware of an RV solar kit. Additionally, most kits come with all of the items necessary to install the system. This typically includes hardware, mounting devices and wiring. Additional features like remote controllers can sometimes be purchased, either as part of the kit or as an added feature.

It's recommended that a professional dealer be consulted to help determine the right solar kit for a particular recreational vehicle. A solar how-to pro will be able to assess power needs by individual travel habits and type of onboard appliances. Professional installation is also recommended to ensure optimum performance.

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