Tips on Buying Fixed Solar Panels for Camping

 If you’ve ever been camping and your neighbour started up a great big angry generator, then you know how unpleasant it can be for both campers trying to enjoy their night and the one who started the generator. It’s the kind of situation that threatens the no.1 reason we all go camping – to stay away from the noisy cities and enjoy nature. 

The good news is solar energy is becoming more popular and affordable and generators are a thing of the past. The methods and devices used to capture free, renewable energy from the sun are becoming more commonplace for campers and caravanners in Australia. You may be one of the many who love the idea of going back to nature while camping, but the truth is that in our modern lifestyles, we enjoy using, and rely on, electrically-powered devices. Taking them with you on your camping trips means opting for a camping pitch with an electric hook-up, or looking for other power sources, which can be costly and time-consuming, so you may consider alternatives such as solar power generation.

It is the most common renewable energy source used by campers, and it has one important requirement, which is an energy capture system or device, such as a solar panel. When it comes to solar panels for camping, there are two options to choose from – portable and fixed, so you can customise the size and mobility of your solar system to fit your needs.

Both types of solar panels have their benefits and considerations. Portable panels are smaller in size and create less energy, so if you want to make the most of your experience, you can buy fixed solar panels for camping. They’re mounted panels on a roof, ground mount, or tracker system and generate electricity by capturing energy from the sun, which is turned into usable energy with the help of inverters. Installing fixed panels may initially cost more, but it will produce more energy. It pays off in the long run, though, as they last longer than portable panels; don’t require storage space solutions and you don’t have to consider setting them up at each stop.

Tips on Buying Fixed Solar Panels for Caravans

source: globalsources.com

Determine Your Needs and Budget

To begin with, consider your current and future camping power needs and your budget. The first step towards making the right decision is understanding your camping style and location. If you’re a weekend camper who needs solar power for a few days at a time, then you won’t need a fixed solar system; a portable one can meet your needs. If you’re a full-time RV traveller who spends the nights in parking lots or rest areas, a fixed solar solution is ideal for you, to ensure a constant power supply. Also, if you’re looking for the convenience of home amenities on the go, a fixed solar system can meet your power demands. 

Consider Size and Power

Choose caravan solar panels that are large enough to meet your electrical needs. They come in a variety of sizes and power levels, so you can find the right one for your needs and budget. For higher power needs, you may need larger solar panels, or consider multiple solar panels working together to increase capacity.

Choose a Trusted Brand 

Go for solar panels from a reputable brand to ensure quality and reliability. Renowned brands offer better warranties and customer support services. 

Think About Installation and Maintenance Requirements

If you’re knowledgeable about properly installing your solar panels, then go for it. But if you’re not sure whether you can do it right or not, then it’s better to hire a professional who can do the job for you. Keep in mind that solar systems require regular maintenance, including cleaning their surface and checking the wires and connections to ensure the system is functioning at full capacity.

Final Thoughts

Be self-sufficient on your next RV adventure with fixed solar panels for camping. The latest designs are available in a range of sizes and capacities and are built to fit the roof space available on almost any vehicle. They’re convenient solutions for those who don’t want to install and remove solar panels every time they park their RV. 

Also, they don’t require additional storage, which is great, as we all know that the space inside an RV is often a premium. They’re fixed to the roof and are stronger than portable panels, less susceptible to wind, rain, or other weather conditions, meaning that you won’t need to worry about damage while on the road. They need to be positioned in full sunlight to take advantage of the midday sun and increase the energy they gather. Sunlight radiates photons and the solar panels convert them to electricity. 

Remember that if you want to maximise your solar input, make sure to keep them clean and regularly check their condition to prevent issues in use. When using fixed caravan solar panels, keep everything else out of the roof that may shade them, such as a satellite dish or TV aerial.