| A lot of RV owners consider their vehicle to | | | | Factors to consider are how many people will |
| be just as much of a home as their actual | | | | be traveling with you, how big your |
| house. That's why it only makes sense to | | | | particular model of RV is, and what |
| consider a solar-powered RV as well as a | | | | activities you anticipate using your RV for. |
| solar home, especially when you spend a great | | | | For example, a rough estimate of power needed |
| amount of time on the road. And like all | | | | for a family camping trip is 325 watt hours. |
| things solar, not only are there | | | | One watt-hour is the amount of energy |
| environmental benefits, but solar power is | | | | expended by a one-watt load that draws power |
| rewarding in a practical sense as well. | | | | for one hour. This includes light bulbs, |
| | | | heater fans, water pumps, TVs, radios, coffee |
| For instance, solar systems weigh less than a | | | | pots, amongst other miscellaneous items, and |
| small generator that RVs are usually | | | | the estimated amount of time each of these |
| outfitted with, not to mention the gasoline | | | | items is used per day. For dry camping |
| they require. And clearly, RV owners want | | | | enthusiasts, solar power is a must. Dry |
| their machine to run faster and better, so | | | | camping entails extended camping trips with |
| less weight (and fumes) is always the best | | | | limited facilities. Your solar energy |
| bet! A luxury comfort that solar systems | | | | provider can help you determine what your RV |
| provide is that they produce zero noise. RVs | | | | will need. |
| are usually intended for the purpose of | | | | |
| getting away from it all, and relaxing, so | | | | How much sunlight will you expect to get in |
| what better way to achieve that, than to cut | | | | your location? It is important to find out |
| back on sound pollution? Solar systems | | | | how much estimated sunlight will be reaching |
| require no special skills to operate, no | | | | your area when you travel, and many resources |
| assembly, virtually no maintenance, and of | | | | are available to help you acquire this |
| course, they're great for the environment! | | | | knowledge. The Center for Renewable Energy |
| You can feel good knowing that your family | | | | and Sustainable Technology or CREST, can help |
| vacation or road trip is not polluting the | | | | you find out how much sunlight different |
| beautiful scenery that you bought your RV to | | | | locations receive, at different times of the |
| enjoy in the first place. | | | | year. So can the National Renewable Energy |
| | | | Laboratory (NREL). Your solar panel can also |
| Now that we know why solar power is a great | | | | be adjusted to different angles throughout |
| alternative to traditional methods of | | | | the day, to absorb the maximum amount of |
| powering recreational vehicles, how can we | | | | sunlight possible. |
| apply this knowledge to our RVs? Here are | | | | |
| some basic things to consider in order to | | | | Adding solar power to your life is a great |
| create an efficiently-running solar system | | | | way to save the environment and your |
| for your travels. | | | | money. Find solar powered products and |
| | | | information at and start going green |
| First, establish the size of your load. | | | | today. |