Do You Need Solar Power on Your RV?
Solar power is one of the most popular RV upgrades over the last couple of years. Solar power can be very helpful depending on your camping style but it's also not for everyone. Understanding the benefits and capabilities of solar power in your RV can help you decide if it's worth the investment.
When Does Solar Power Make Sense
RV solar generates electricity by converting sunlight into power to charge your RVs battery. Solar power is especially useful for people who like to go camping more off the grid or park places that don’t have an electrical hookup. It can also be helpful for people who like to keep their batteries charged during storage or between trips. If you want the flexibility to park without worrying about plugging in, solar can significantly improve your camping experience.
What Can You Power with RV Solar?
It's important to keep in mind that without upgrading your RVs battery pack you can only run the essentials or a limited amount of things off your solar power without an electrical hookup. With solar power and a standard 12volt RV battery you are able to run your LED lights, water pump, USB chargring cables, wifi hotspot, vent fans, stereo, LED TV, power tongue jack, power stabelizer, and propane fridge. You are unable to run things primarily off your solar like microwave, coffee maker, toaster, Space heater, AC, electric water heater, or basically anything that needs high wattige.
Is Solar Worth It for Your RV?
Whether solar is worth it comes down to how you use your RV. Campers who value flexibility, quiet operation, and off-grid capability often find solar to be a worthwhile upgrade. Those who stay mostly in serviced campgrounds may prefer to rely on traditional hookups instead.
Get Advice on RV Solar at Great Escape RV
More and more new RVs and travel trailers come solar prepped meaning the RV is factory wired and partially equipped to make adding solar panels easier. If you’re curious about adding solar or want to know if your RV is already solar-ready, the team at Great Escape RV can help you explore your options and understand what setup makes sense for you and your camping experience.
