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