If you have an RV or boat, solar power and wind power are an excellent addition.
Advantages of Solar Power for RVs
Solar energy is free, as you know, but it offers other advantages as well.
- Cheaper than other forms of energy,
- Quieter than other power generators
- Doesn't harm the environment
- No need for an invertor - home solar systems require an invertor to convert the generated electricity from DC to AC, but RVs use direct current so this not an issue.
Installation
It’s relatively easy to install one or more solar panels atop your RV, camper, cabin, etc., and many do-it-yourselfers have built their own solar electric power systems.
It’s important to analyze your power needs. You will need to consider the wattage of the appliances and lights you want to power as well as the average hours of use each day. Unlike a stationary power system though, RVs travel through different sunshine zones, and park at varying angles to the sun, sometimes in shade, sometimes not; people with the same RV can have very dissimilar power usage.
Wind Power
For marine use, the addition of a small wind generator may be even more cost-effective than solar, since conditions on the water are often very windy. There are a number of wind generators designed specifically for boats.
Energy Storage
Electricity generated by your solar or wind generator can be stored in a typical 12 V car battery during the day and then used at night to power lights or other appliance.
You have full permission to reprint the article on this page if you include the content in the box below.
About the Author
John Horning specializes in reporting on do-it-yourself solar power projects and related topics. Visit his website at DIY-Solar-Power.net.
