mobile solar applications

Solar PV (photovoltaic) is often the best solution to get electricity for boats, vans and recreational vehicles in general (RV). These solar kits - often referred to as solar RV or Mobile Solar - are now common solutions. Manufacturers are offering a large set of mobile solar kits, with different wattages

Solar powered RV, vans and boats solar kits

Mobile solar - for vans, boats and other recreational vehicles - involves basically a set of 1) solar modules, 2) batteries, 3) charge controllers, 4) top racks, 5) energy inverters and 6) cables, wire and several accessories.

The price of these kits is highly dependent on their power capacity and on the size and quality of their modules and batteries.

Sizing your Solar Mobile Kit

You must estimate the electric needs of your van, boat or vehicle before buying a mobile solar kit. It's capacity should respond to your power needs.

To estimate your needs - in amperes or watts - take into account the number of lights, the number of appliances (TV, computers, stereo, etc.), and other electronics you are using in your recreational vehicle, and their wattage and the average number of minutes or hours of daily use.

When comparing your power needs with the capacity of the solar mobile kits, pay attention to the unit's expected performance. That performance – measured in watts – is directly associated with the number of hours of sunlight, usually estimated at 5 hours of peak sunlight per day; so, if you operate or travel in less advantageous sunlight conditions you must compensate it.

Solar Mobile prices

There are very cheap solar mobile kits. You may have a mobile 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 many RV. With less than $1,000 you may have a kit with twice that capacity, with a much wider set of uses.

But you can purchase more powerful kits... That's a question of price.

Installation and warranties

Many of solar mobile solutions are easy to install, though not necessarily as easy as manufacturers say in their publicity. Certified installers and good professionals can – in many cases - save you time and mess. But all depends also on the exact type of mobile solar kit and on your skills.

Manufacturers may impose limited warranties on some solar mobile applications, mainly those involving adverse conditions in sea...

Advantages and Limitations

Solar mobile provides near zero operating costs and are an environmentally-friendly solution.

A possible disadvantage of solar powered systems is that they can fail in extreme weather conditions, namely when exposed to very low levels of sunlight. A good battery system will help to reduce the risk of power disruptions.