5 Things to look for When Purchasing Your First RV Solar System

5 Things to look for When Purchasing Your First RV Solar System:

Choosing the right RV Solar System is essential not only for a worry-free experience on the road but also for avoiding unnecessary costs. In this guide, we’ll cover five key factors to consider when purchasing an RV Solar System, which also happen to be common mistakes people make. From choosing a reputable company and accurately calculating your power needs to selecting the right battery technology and ensuring proper installation of your Solar Panels, we’ll provide practical tips to help you set up a reliable and efficient solar system for your RV.

1. Check the Company's Reputation First:

When you're buying solar panels or solar products for your RV, it's crucial to go with a reputable company. Start by checking out online reviews on Google or Facebook to see what other customers have to say. Also, see how long the company's been around – the longer, the better! Make sure they offer good before and after sales support because you don't want to be left hanging after the purchase. Look into their commitment to quality and ensure the products are designed for Australian conditions. While comparing prices, remember to weigh the quality of the products and the support you'll get. After all, you're likely spending thousands of dollars, so it's worth doing your homework!

2. Determine your energy load before designing your RV solar system.

When purchasing an RV solar system for your RV or caravan, it's essential to define your load and energy requirements on a situational basis. A common mistake is using personal calculations to predict energy needs, which often results in estimates that are either too low or too high, ultimately costing more money. Ex- dont expect a 200w panel to produce 1000-watt/hours of usable energy each day. To avoid this,

1) you can measure your electricity usage with a shunt-based battery monitor, which provides accurate consumption data. You can explore some smart shunts [here](example URL) Once you define your load, you can start designing your RV solar system. Begin by determining the size of your battery. A good rule of thumb is to size your battery so it can operate for 24 hours without recharging. After ensuring you have enough battery capacity for a full day, you can then calculate how many solar panels you need to efficiently recharge the battery.

2) Alternatively, you can call us for a free audit with one of our Australian technical support specialists, who can accurately define your load and create a tailored plan for the exact solar system you need.

3. Assess the battery technology options

When setting your RV Solar System, it's important to explore the different battery options out there. If you've ever grabbed a deep cycle RV/marine battery from a big box store, you might have ended up with a sealed lead-acid battery—not the best choice for solar storage. AGM batteries are a better option, as they offer improved performance and are maintenance-free. But if you want the ultimate deep cycle battery, go for lithium-ion (LiFePO4). They last much longer and are actually cheaper in the long run despite the higher upfront cost. It's worth considering the lifespan of a battery before making a purchase to get the most out of your RV or Caravan solar system. Check out our collection of lithium-ion batteries here.

4. Position the solar panels to receive full sun exposure.

Any amount of shade significantly reduces a panel's energy production. It is better to have a poor orientation than to have shade on the panels. Depending on how your system is wired, shade on one panel can even affect the energy production of adjoining panels. Solar panels are designed to sit in direct sunlight, and when they are shaded, they may produce only 10% of their potential energy.

5. Quality of Solar Charge Controllers

Considering the quality of solar controllers is essential when planning your RV or caravan's solar system. Installers sometimes cut costs by opting for cheaper controllers, but investing in a high-quality controller is crucial. Look for controllers with large heat sinks to dissipate extra energy, and remember that a heavier controller is generally better. Avoid controllers with fans, as they can fail and cause overheating. Although a top-tier solar controller may be twice as expensive as an off-brand one, the reliability and longevity it offers are worth the investment. Brands like Victron Energy are well-regarded in the industry and have a large, satisfied customer base in Australia. Choosing a reliable controller ensures your solar system's efficiency and durability, making it a smart long-term investment