Category: Smart Solar
What is a Smart Solar Charge Controller and How Does it Optimize Battery Charging?
One of the most important pieces of gear for any solar setup is the solar charge controller. This handy little device sits between your solar panels and battery bank to regulate the power flowing into your batteries. Why Do You Need a Solar Charge Controller? Without a solar charge controller, your batteries could easily become…
The Highs and Lows of High Altitude Camping with RV Solar
Before packing up and hitting the road, it’s important to consider how the rarefied air and increased solar radiation of higher elevations can impact your RV’s electrical systems, especially the solar panels. Believe it or not, moving just a few thousand feet higher opens up opportunities to significantly boost your solar generation—if you plan properly.…
Maximizing Solar Power Output for Your RV
Solar power output depends on several factors. Understanding how your solar panel rating correlates with real-world energy production will help you get the most from your system. How Solar Panels Are Rated Manufacturers rate solar panels in watts to indicate how much power they can produce in ideal test conditions. This “peak wattage” represents the…
Heavy Truck Camping: Smart Solutions for Living Large on the Road
So you’ve got your eye on one of those giant, deluxe truck campers. I’m talking about the kind of camper that looks more like a condo on wheels than a pop-up tent. The kind that makes people stop and stare when you drive by, wondering how in the heck your truck is still moving with…
The Smart Way to Use Multiple Solar Controllers in Your RV
Adding more solar controllers can help optimize energy harvesting and charging. But doing it the right way takes some electrical know-how. The Core Benefits What exactly do you gain by using multiple solar controllers? Here are the main advantages: Increased Charging Capacity Adding more controllers lets you channel more solar power into your batteries. Each…
Maximize Your RV’s Solar Efficiency with Parallel Charging MPPT Controllers
Living the RV lifestyle provides a great sense of freedom and adventure. However, boondocking off-grid comes with the challenge of limited access to shore power. Installing solar panels and using MPPT controllers allows RVers to harness the sun’s energy for running appliances, lights, and electronics on the road. While a single MPPT controller setup works…
Enhance Your RV’s Solar Efficiency with Parallel Charging MPPT Controllers
One way to maximize your RV’s solar capabilities is through the use of parallel charging with maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controllers. By wiring two or more MPPT controllers together in parallel, you can significantly increase your solar charging capacity. Benefits of Using Multiple MPPT Controllers Using multiple MPPT controllers in parallel offers some nice…
The Advantages of Higher Wattage Solar Panels for Your RV
Upgrading to higher wattage solar panels can take your RV’s off-grid power capabilities to the next level. How Solar Panel Wattage Affects Power Generation The wattage rating of a solar panel determines how much electricity it can produce under ideal conditions. Specifically, it indicates the maximum power output if the panel is pointed directly at…
Determining the Right Solar Power System for Your RV
With the right solar setup, you can have all the comforts of home while exploring the great outdoors. But where do you start? Sizing and installing an RV solar system can seem daunting, especially for first-timers. When it comes to RV solar power, a little planning and forethought can go a long way towards a…
Upgrading Your Travel Trailer with a Solar Power System
I’ve recently installed solar on my own trailer, let me walk you through the process and share some lessons I learned along the way. Determining Your Power Needs The first step is figuring out how much power you’ll need. After all, solar panels and related gear can get pricey, so you don’t want to buy…
