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Postings related to Solar Panels and Solar Power Generation

Batteries are a critical part of any RV. Your RV battery gives you the power you need to operate a variety of features, including appliances, devices, and lights. If you have a motorized RV, you also need a battery to start and drive your rig. But there are several different types of RV batteries, and …

Read More about RV Battery Guide: House, Chassis, Lithium & More

Knowing how to clean RV solar panels is more important than you may think. Not only are you protecting the surface of the panel, but dirty solar panels mean less power. We know this isn’t rocket science, but it is important! When solar panels get dirty from dust, pollen, bird droppings, and tree sap, they …

Read More about How to Clean RV Solar Panels to Maximize Their Output

Deep cycle RV batteries are one of the three commonly-available types of RV batteries, but they’re the ones that are most often misunderstood. With this post, we hope to change that, at least to some degree. An RVer’s access to power is no minor consideration. We all appreciate traveling with the ability to run a …

Read More about What Makes Deep Cycle RV Batteries Different?

We’ve posted many times in the past on various topics related to RV solar panels. We’ve produced a number of related YouTube videos and have discussed our own ultimate RV solar panel system detailing how we roll with our solar power system. But today we’re talking about a literal solar-powered RV. And by that, we …

Read More about A Solar Powered RV: More Than Just Panels on the Roof!

If you’re adding solar to the roof of your RV, there are a number of components to consider. The best way to efficiently combine solar components on your rig’s roof is to use a solar rooftop combiner box. This will keep the rooftop connections safe from the elements and performing optimally. In today’s post, we’re …

Read More about Solar Roof Top Combiner Box: Connecting RV Solar Power

Because most RVs have two electrical systems – a 12V DC system as well as a 120V AC system – there can be some confusion about some matters related to the two systems and how they function, both together and separately. For example, we’ve often heard the question “Should I disconnect my RV battery when …

Read More about Should I Disconnect My RV Battery When Plugged In to Shore Power?

There’s a lot of talk about lithium RV batteries, and with good reason. RV lithium batteries are rechargeable 12-volt batteries that have become a popular alternative to lead-acid batteries, particularly for RVers who spend a lot of time off the grid and/or who use solar power. RV lithium batteries are based on a newer, more …

Read More about 3 Misconceptions About Lithium RV Batteries

Many RVers turn to a portable RV generator to give themselves access to sufficient power to charge their devices, replenish their RV’s battery power, and run appliances while they’re camping. But how safe are these portable generators? Should we be concerned about the potential for suffocation? In today’s post, we’ll dig deep to consider the …

Read More about Is Your Portable RV Generator a Suffocation Hazard?

Harnessing the energy from the sun to power your RV is a fantastic feeling. We think that installing RV solar panels is one of the best upgrades you can make to any rig. But, what’s the best way to connect them? Wiring solar panels in series vs parallel is an important consideration. In this post, we’re investigating the …

Read More about How to Wire Your RV Solar Panels: Series vs Parallel

More and more RVers have turned to solar to fulfill (or partially fulfill) their electrical power needs. And the boom in solar hasn’t gone unnoticed by RV manufacturers. That’s why we’re seeing more and more RVs enter the market billed as “solar ready”. But, just what is a “solar-ready RV”? Does it come with solar …

Read More about Solar Ready RV? What Does That Mean?

When we hear the term “thermal runaway,” it’s generally associated with lithium batteries. But what is thermal runaway, and how (and why) does it occur? We’ve all heard stories about lithium batteries catching fire or exploding in smartphones, laptops, and even electric cars. But what factors lead to this reaction? And is it a danger …

Read More about What Is Thermal Runaway?

Today’s post is all about the RV solar charge controller. “The what?”, you may ask. This essential component of an RV’s solar power system is seldom the focus when people talk about solar. Solar panels and battery banks seem to get top billing. But the solar charge controller is a critical element of any RV …

Read More about What Is an RV Solar Charge Controller?

We recently published a post about flexible solar panels, and in that post, we noted the advantages and disadvantages flexible panels pose. But how do flexible panels stack up against rigid panels? Is one type better than the other? Can you combine the two types of solar panels on a single RV? We’ll answer all …

Read More about Flexible Solar Panels vs Rigid for Your RV

As those of you who’ve followed us for a while know, we’ve got an extensive solar system on our motorhome consisting of a combination of both rigid and flexible solar panels. When we originally installed the flexible panels for our RV, we weren’t entirely sure how they’d perform from day to day, but we’d done …

Read More about Flexible Solar Panels for RVs – Pros, Cons, and Best Ones To Buy

Many RVers wonder about the possibility of using solar power for an RV air conditioner. After all, solar power is a tremendous benefit to RVers looking to sustainably power electronics, appliances, and devices by harnessing the awesome power of the sun. We love our RV solar system. As longtime boondockers, we’ve enjoyed the benefits of …

Read More about Can I Run My RV Air Conditioner on Solar Power?

When you first move into an RV or take it on an extended vacation, there can be an unexpected learning curve regarding how devices and appliances are powered. It’s important to understand how your RV house batteries work. Questions like “What does the RV battery actually power?” or “Do RV batteries charge when plugged into …

Read More about Do RV Batteries Charge When Plugged into Shore Power?

One of RVing’s most common questions, particularly from those considering off-grid camping, is “Are RV Lithium Batteries worth it?” Even experienced RVers have had a tough time determining whether the investment will pay off. “Should I just stick with the lead-acid batteries that came with the rig, or will it be a meaningful upgrade to …

Read More about Are RV Lithium Batteries Worth It?

RV boondocking, solar panels, and lithium batteries are huge topics. But what if your solar panels are blocked by trees or other obstructions? You can save power while boondocking by following some basic guidelines. Solar panels are fantastic for turning the power of the sun into electricity to power many items RVers use daily. But …

Read More about Blocked RV Solar? Save Power While Boondocking!

Want to know more about RV Solar? Join us for a special webinar this Thursday, 5/28/20 at 8PM Eastern / 5PM Pacific as we host a live Q&A with Don Wilson, the “Tech Doctor” from Xantrex. We’ll be taking your questions live on the air about RV solar systems and installation. As announced in RV Business, …

Read More about Join us for an RV Solar Webinar! Live Q&A with Xantrex Tech Doctor Don Wilson

Join us live on Wed, 4/15/20 at 8PM Eastern / 5PM Pacific as we’re interviewed by Adam from The RVers Family. We’ll be taking your questions live on the air about Solar, Boondocking, and The RVers TV show (Season One is currently re-airing on The Discovery Channel, and Season Two premieres on 5/16)! We’ll be simulcasting …

Read More about Join Us As We’re Interviewed Live. Bring Your Questions, too!

Our three original RV solar panels output a maximum of 375 watts. Switching from a standard RV refrigerator to a residential fridge meant that that wasn’t nearly enough to keep up. When we upgraded our house batteries from AGMs to our new Xantrex eGEN Lithium battery, we saw a big improvement in our ability to …

Read More about ☀️⚡️ The Ultimate RV Solar System! 8 Panels, 1,300 Watts, Off-Grid Ready!

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