RV Solar Panels: A Guide For Beginners
Solar panels atop RVs are all the rage. Everybody’s installing them. But what are RV solar panels? How do they work, what can they do for you, and are they worth the investment? Let’s find out!
What Are RV Solar Panels?
In the 1800s, scientists observed something called the photovoltaic effect, where some materials would produce an electric charge and current when exposed to sunlight. Attempts were made over the years to create “solar engines,†as they called them, but most had very low efficiencies. It wasn’t until the 1950’s that scientists discovered that silicon (found in sand) could create a much more efficient solar panel.
This initial discovery led to the development of solar cells that could harness the sun’s energy and turn it into electricity. The technology has evolved over the years, but the concept remains the same.
A solar panel is a panel filled with solar cells that capture the sun’s energy and turn that energy into usable electricity that powers homes, businesses, coffee pots, and, yes – your RV!
Let’s find out how it all works!
How Do RV Solar Panels Work?
Let’s imagine you have a couple of solar panels on the roof of your RV. If your RV is on the road or parked during the day, sunlight hits your solar panels, and cells on the panels absorb energy from the sun.
Within your solar panels’ cells, circuits take the energy absorbed by the sun’s cells and turn it into electrical current. The electrical current is fed through wires to a charge controller that controls the battery’s current.
So the system looks like this:
Getting The Benefits From Solar Energy Usage
Do you understand everything about solar power? Do you like the idea of using it around your home? If that's the case, you must learn all you can and have a good plan for going forward. You can discover more about solar energy with the tips below.
When it comes to solar energy, the sky is truly the limit, so learn about your options before you buy. How much space are you allowed, by local law, to fill with solar equipment? Can you sell excess energy back to the grid? What sort of regulations are in place?
Look into portable solar energy battery packs. These can be extremely useful when you are somewhere that does not have access to power. For example, it could be used to charge your cell phone while you are camping in a remote location. It has recently become very popular, and because of this, it is relatively inexpensive.
If you own a pool, consider using a solar water heating system to keep it warm in the cooler months. Solar heating is much less expensive than electric or even gas heating, and it is relatively easy to install. In the first year alone, you can save about thirty percent over the cost of heating your swimming pool with electricity.
Many companies are now allowing consumers to lease solar energy products. This is perfect if you are unsure if you are a good candidate for solar energy or if you do not have the financial means to purchase a solar energy system. Ask your local electric company for suggestions of companies who lease solar energy products.
Power sources that are run by fossil fuels are run by machines that require motors. Those motors require constant maintenance. With solar energy systems, there are limited parts required so they are extremely low maintenance. You will save money on fuel as well as maintaining the system over the years.
Don't assume that you have to live in the desert to use solar panels on your roof. If your roof expanse gets a minimum of five hours of direct sunlight on an average day, there is likely a solar panel installation that can generate electricity for your home or building.
Before signing any agreement for installation of solar energy products, get at least three estimates. Once the estimates are in your hand, read each one carefully to ensure that the installation is up to your standards. Each estimate should include a time frame of completion, a list of materials and the estimated amount of labor charged.
As was mentioned earlier in this article, solar energy is quickly becoming a popular form of alternative energy in residential homes. Hopefully, you now have a better idea of all the benefits it can provide you. Use the information you've just read to help you make the decision as to whether or not solar energy is something that could benefit you.
The Tips And Tricks Series For Solar Energy
Solar energy is has something to offer for everyone. If you are a homeowner or a business owner, you can easily grasp the concept of saving significant amounts of money. In recent years, solar energy has gained popularity due to a number of reasons, but mostly to save our planet. The following paragraphs will help you understand the benefits and the inner workings of solar energy.
If your roof cannot to support the weight of photo-voltaic solar panels, you can save a lot of money by investing in thin film solar panels. These panels are very light and flexible, which makes the installation much easier and affordable. Their higher price is also justified by their efficiency.
When it comes to solar energy, you must keep the solar panels clean for best results. Dirty solar panels do not allow the solar panels to absorb the maximum amount of energy. Therefore, to ensure your solar panels are running at peak performance, keep a regular maintenance and cleaning schedule.
Solar energy harnesses the energy from the sun to power everything from little garden lights to huge corporations. Unlike coal and oil, the sun is a renewable energy, meaning it will never run out like other energy sources. Making the switch to solar power is a wise investment for your future.
Many companies are now allowing consumers to lease solar energy products. This is perfect if you are unsure if you are a good candidate for solar energy or if you do not have the financial means to purchase a solar energy system. Ask your local electric company for suggestions of companies who lease solar energy products.
When you're planning on installing a solar energy system, you should shop around and get a few quotes. You'll be able to see how much prices vary between providers. While you shouldn't be completely swayed by price, it's crucial that you don't just go for the cheapest since cheaper components can cost you a lot more later.
If you are building a vacation, rental or retirement home in a rural area, solar power can make a lot of sense. It can spare you the cost of a power line being routed to your home. At the very least it can give you some power in the case of local grid outages, as rural areas have power restored far more slowly than what you might be used to in a city.
Before signing any agreement for installation of solar energy products, get at least three estimates. Once the estimates are in your hand, read each one carefully to ensure that the installation is up to your standards. Each estimate should include a time frame of completion, a list of materials and the estimated amount of labor charged.
In the future, the price of power and the way it affects the environment will get better. Why wait until solar energy becomes the standard? Research solar power today and discover great ways to save money on power while doing your part to help the environment.
Check Out These Great Solar Energy Tips!
There is no doubt that solar energy is a topic of great interest that seems to grow by the day. However, not everyone has sufficient knowledge about its potential benefits. By reading the information that follows, you will be able to gain the information you need to undertake a sound plan of action when it comes to integrating solar energy into your life.
Are your energy bills getting a little out of control these days? If you are tired of paying costly energy bills then it is time to switch to solar energy. It might cost a little more upfront, but will ultimately end up saving you a ton of money in the long run.
You can start out small by using small-scale solar power applications. This is accomplished in one of two ways. You might seek out solar panels that can be mounted on or in a window for recharging portable electronic items. Second, think about finding camping equipment that uses solar power like lanterns or stoves. Every application or power need you take off the grid, no matter how small, also comes off your power bill.
Humans have taken advantage of the sun's heat for thousands of years. A lot of energy can be saved by drying your clothes outdoors in sunny weather. This cuts down a lot on the energy used to dry your clothing in an electric or gas clothes dryer, and linens dried outside smell great.
Consider complementing your solar panels with other forms of energy production. Aside from night, your solar panels are least productive when it is cloudy, which usually means winds, rain or both. Put in some small wind turbines on your roof and micro-hydroelectric generators at ends of gutters for some power production when solar panels are not up and running.
Outdoor lighting fixtures can be completely powered by solar energy. Search for outdoor fixtures that collect energy from the sun during the day and release it after dark. While these fixtures do not require a lot of energy, these systems are very convenient because there are no electrical wires to run or short out.
In an effort to encourage citizens to use greener forms of energy, many governments agencies are offering rebates and tax credits for choosing solar energy. In some places, you could get approximately 30 percent of the money you put into your system back. Search the Internet or call a representative for information on local programs.
If you are building a vacation, rental or retirement home in a rural area, solar power can make a lot of sense. It can spare you the cost of a power line being routed to your home. At the very least it can give you some power in the case of local grid outages, as rural areas have power restored far more slowly than what you might be used to in a city.
Don't waste your time lining the solar panels beneath an array of florescent lights--though it may sound tempting. Solar cells are not designed to generate a voltage from fluorescent light sources and this is a waste of energy of time. Any spot in the yard would be a better location for the panels.
If you reside in the Southwest, solar energy is a wonderful option. This is an ideal location to save money with solar energy because it gets the most sun year-round. If you still have not researched the expense involved, delay no longer.
Dry clothing outside. This old strategy works just as well today as it ever did. Let the laundry appliances take a day off. You will save money and still have dry clothes.
Lots of people find the subject of solar energy to be worthy of substantial time and study. The potential of solar energy to transform many facets of our everyday lives cannot be overstated. The preceding information has demonstrated that the widespread interest in the topic is indeed warranted and has hopefully sparked additional interest in further exploration.
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