Solar Powered Solutions for RV (Recreational Vehicles) Vans and Boats

Solar PV (photovoltaic) is often the best solution to get electricity for boats, vans and recreational vehicles in general (RV). These solar kits are now common solutions. Manufacturers are offering prepackaged solar powered RV kits, with different wattages

Solar powered RV, vans and boats solar kits

Solar powered RV, vans and boats kits involve basically a set of solar modules, the batteries, volt controllers, top racks, energy inverters and cables, wire and several accessories. The cost of these kits is highly dependent on the dimensions and cost of the solar modules and batteries, and on the inclusion or not of some controllers.

Sizing your solar powered RV system

You must estimate the electric needs of your van, boat or vehicle, before buying a solar powered RV kit. The capacity of the solar kit should respond to those electric needs.

To estimate the needs - in amperes or watts - take into account the number of lights, the number of appliances (TV, computers, stereo, etc.), the water pump, etc., and their wattage and the average number of minutes or hours of daily use.

When comparing your power needs with the capacity of the RV kits, pay attention to some presuppositions. The performance – measured in watts – of a solar kit is directly dependent on the number of hours of sunlight, usually estimated on 5 hours of peak sunlight per day; so, if you operate or travel in less advantageous sunlight conditions you must compensate it.

Since the use of recreational vehicles typically coincides with favorable weather conditions, these don't usually impose major restrictions. But if it this isn’t your case, you should also take that impact in terms of the kit power output.

Prices & Solar RV-vans-boats needs

There are very cheap RV kits. You may have a solar kit providing basic DC power for lighting, water pumping and, say, a computer for only $600-$800. A system like this provides up to 300-350 watts per day (based on 5-6 hours of sunshine), which is often too little to respond to the needs and comforts demanded by boats and RV. With less than $1000 you may have a kit with twice that capacity, allowing a much wider set of uses.

Anyway, these options are just the entry range. There are a wider set of options for sophisticated and expensive kits. You may choose a powerful solar kit providing up to 1,500 watts of AC equipment ($2500-$3000), or a kit providing up to 2,500 watts of AC ($4500-$5000).

Note: the prices mentioned above do not include installation.

Installation and warranties

Solar powered vans, boats and RV kits involve electricity, which poses and demands obvious precautions. Manufacturer’s literature describes the necessary cautions.

Solar modules with warranties of 20 to 25 years are common, but inverters and other controllers involve much shorter ones. Obviously, manufacturers impose limited warranties, linking them to the harsh conditions that may be present on some RV and sea-life operation.

Advantages and Limitations

Though the initial costs are relatively high, solar powered RV-van-marine kits allow near zero operating costs and represent a full environmentally-friendly solution.

A possible disadvantage of solar powered systems is that they may fail in extreme weather conditions, namely in the absence of sufficient sunlight. A good battery system – allowing extra-capacity - may help to reduce the risks of power disruptions.