Imagine traveling through a number of different states, exploring the natural beauty of the state parts, but not always having the power you need. If you are an RV owner or looking to make an RV purchase in the future, there are various ways that you can protect the environment and make the switch to more cost-efficient types of power.
When it comes to something that is mobile like an RV, you need an energy source that can move with you. That is where solar energy comes into play.
There are a number of RVs on the market that are advertised and solar-ready when purchased, making them a popular option for campers looking to conserve funds in the energy department. Depending on the brand, however, solar-ready may not mean exactly what you are anticipating.
It is important that you know what to look for and what to expect from the average solar-ready RV. When you purchase an RV that is “solar-ready” there are a few features that should be available so that you can start your adventure solar-ready.
Related: How to install solar power on my RV?
Pre-Wired System…Maybe?
If your RV is ready to take on solar energy, you probably expect there to be a pre-wired system that is ready to go. The truth is a little further from that point, with ports available on almost all of these RVs. For some, this is where the system ends while others go another step and start including other features of the system on the roof.
There could be ports and system hook-ups on either the roof or sidewall or some of those with the best have both available. If you purchase an RV that has these permanent hook-ups, you do not have to worry about updating the wiring or going through that process on your own.
Depending on the size of your RV, there is some form of a pre-wired system that will be available on your RV to match a minimal power expectancy. It should have ports located along both the roof and the sidewalls so that it can connect to the solar panel system that you will install after you purchase your RV.
In a truly solar-ready RV, all you need to do is get the remaining parts of the system with the appropriate power levels, install them, and begin generating your energy.
This means that the wiring system that is in place should be efficient enough to generate and store the power that you will need to operate your RV. You cannot have a luxury RV with a number of needs inside and not have a system that is large enough to power the RV.
When you have ported all along with your RV, you do have the luxury to go through and install the system to fit your personal needs and adjust it as necessary.
Keep in mind that the following appliances need to be powered when using your solar energy system:
- Shower
- Sinks
- Stove
- Microwave
- Dishwasher (if applicable)
- Air conditioning and heat
- Television
- Additional electronics that your loved ones may refuse to part with.
It is important that you keep in mind the same needs you have at home you may have in an RV on the road, especially after you have been out there a while and want to have some luxuries from home.
Will It Generate Appropriate Power Levels?
Chances are if you do get an RV that has the full ports and system, it still may not be large enough for your personal power needs. Many of the average systems may only produce 10 amps, allowing you to generate some energy, but not enough to power your entire RV daily, especially if you are in a rainy area for a few days.
If you have a large family, even the basic needs can be depleted quickly if your solar energy system is not able to keep up.
You could find yourself back on the grid in a campground hooking up to a power source until you are able to store more solar energy and get back out on the road. For many campers, those who are not planning to be stationary for a few days may consider powering up their energy before hitting the highway just as a precaution.
Are All the Parts Included in a “Solar-Ready” RV?
No matter how efficient the system is on the RV that you are purchasing, there is a very small chance that it will have all the necessary parts. Unless you are purchasing one of the top-tier brands of RVs, you will have to make at least one other purchase.
You can expect to not only purchase the solar panels, but the charger controller will most likely be a separate purchase, also. For some RVs claiming to be solar-ready, you may need to install batteries and inverters because they were not supplied in the overall system that was installed on the RV.
Of course, these parts are not included in the system because they are parts that can be interchangeable and allow you to customize your solar energy system for you and your family. Instead of assuming you are going to use a certain amount of energy, you can get all of the necessary equipment to generate your desired energy level.
After all, no two families are the same and everyone uses energy differently.
Can I Change Out Parts?
There is one big bonus to making a purchase of a solar-ready RV. You do have the flexibility in most cases to change out the parts and replace the system with brands that you prefer if you need to. Just like getting more power, you may want a larger system for those trips where you are off-grid without any type of supplemental energy.
You may need to make an investment into different parts to achieve your goals and get your RV where it is solar-ready for you and your needs.
Should I Just Avoid Purchasing a Solar-Ready RV?
While it may seem like there is going to be a significant amount of work with a solar-ready RV, you may be questioning how much is it really worth and if you should start from scratch. The truth is that you are still probably better off financially purchasing an RV that has some type of solar system installed or preparations made.
This makes it easier to add to the system and make upgrades instead of starting from the bottom. Most of the wiring is completed, so the biggest difficulty of the entire project
Final Thoughts
Looking for a solar-ready RV is a good option if you are in the market for a camper. The basics have been installed, and it gets you on the right path to energy conservation. It is important that you do not go into any sale or showroom with the expectation that you will have a complete package.
When you make the switch to solar energy with your RV, you are opening up your traveling opportunities to endless options and get to explore nature in a different setting. Even with the need to adjust the system, it is still a great investment in your overall costs and the environment.