Almost everyone with an RV or campervan has thought about installing solar. The possibility of going off-grid with no hookups can be very attractive. It also frees you, and your camping neighbors, from a noisy, annoying generator.
If you're wondering whether or not investing in a solar system for your RV will be worth it, that depends. It depends on where and how often you camp, as well as your budget and rig. Let's go over a few of the things you'll need to consider before going solar.
Your Usual Camping Routine
If you usually go to RV resorts or campgrounds with electrical hookups, solar may not be worth it. The same can be said if you only use your RV or van to camp on the weekends.
However, if you plan to go boondocking for extended periods of time, solar is absolutely worth it. Unlike a generator, solar is silent. There are no exhaust fumes. Once installed, solar is almost a “set it and forget it” thing.
Keep in mind, that solar needs sun to do the job. If you camp in areas that are almost always cloudy and overcast, you may be disappointed. But, you can still have lithium batteries and solar along with a backup generator.
If you spend a week or more boondocking or plan to go full-time, solar is definitely worth it.
Your Lifestyle Expectations
If you can't live without air conditioning, don't rely on solar. If “cooking” means heating up frozen dinners in a microwave, solar will disappoint you. That is unless you are prepared to spend a lot of money.
Appliances like air conditioners, microwaves, electric heaters, hairdryers, and even blenders draw more power than you think. In order to run these appliances, you'll need a large solar system, along with a large bank of lithium batteries. That can cost tens of thousands of dollars. If you want to run an air conditioner while boondocking, you'll likely need a generator large enough to do the job.
Not only that, you need to consider whether or not your rig can bear the extra weight. While lithium batteries are lighter than lead-acid, a large battery bank and lots of panels could put you over your weight limit.
However, if you're happy living a simple life, the average RV solar system will be perfect. You'll have enough power to run your laptop, TV, lighting, and small appliances. You will need to keep an eye on your voltage and battery levels, but you'd be surprised at what even a small solar system can do.
Your Budget
You can find a solar system that suits every budget. If you are camping on a shoestring, you can always get a portable suitcase solar panel.
These have a charge controller built-in and connect to your batteries with clamps. Portable panels are great not only for RVers on a budget but also for occasional boondockers.
Having solar permanently installed on the roof is the best option for frequent boondockers and full-timers. The average RV solar system features 300-400W of panels on the roof, but even 200W can be sufficient.
Lithium batteries have a lot of advantages, such as longer life, lighter weight, and better storage capacity. But, lithium batteries are expensive. If you can't afford lithium, good quality, deep-cycle lead-acid batteries are fine.
Tent campers can make use of a portable power station which is a lithium battery pack with 12 volt, usb, and 120v receptacles to charge phones or power lights and small appliances. Portable power stations can be charged using regular household power or with small lightweight solar panels for extended off grid camping.
The fact is, there is a way to make solar work on nearly any budget.
Your Rig
Finally, your RV can make solar inexpensive or more complicated. Many newer motorhomes and trailers were equipped with residential refrigerators and electric stoves. Unfortunately, this can increase the cost of installing solar, since you'll need a larger system.
If you don't have an RV yet and want solar, look for a rig with a propane stove and refrigerator; these appliances were specifically made for off-grid use. By running the stove and refrigerator on propane, you'll be able to install a more modest solar system.