How to choose a 50-amp RV Solar Panel?
By
Elaine Knight
In this blog post, we will answer the question: “How to choose a 50-amp RV Solar Panel?” We will list out the tips to consider such as the battery capacity, the number of solar panels, required amperage, weight, etc. We will also describe the five-best RV solar panels and their unique functions.
How to choose a 50-amp RV Solar Panel
When choosing a 50 amp RV solar panel, there are several factors you should consider. Some of these factors are the battery capacity, number of solar panels, weight, and roof space. It also depends if the RV is compatible with solar systems. Here are a few tips to consider while purchasing a 50-amp RV solar system.
Battery capacity
- When determining the battery capacity of your RV solar system, make sure it is at least 50 amps. A smaller battery capacity is fine if you only plan to use a few devices throughout the day.
- If you plan to run more than 50 devices, then a larger battery capacity is a better option. A 100-ah lead-acid battery will allow you to power more devices.
- The higher the amp-hour rating, the better. A 100-watt solar panel will give you 6 amp-hours of power during the peak sun hour.
- In contrast, three 100-watt panels will give you 80 amp-hours of power daily.
- By comparing the outputs from several solar panels, you can get to know the right size for your RV solar system.
Number of solar panels
- To determine the number of solar panels you need for a 50 amp RV, start by figuring out how many amp-hours of energy it consumes daily.
- If you have a 50-amp RV, this amount could range anywhere from 75-150 amp-hours per day.
- To break even on the amount of energy, you would need three to six 100-watt panels.
Calculate the required amperage
- You will also need to calculate how many amp-hours per day for your RV to run smoothly.
- The efficiency of solar panels varies widely. A hundred-watt panel will produce around eight amps at peak efficiency under ideal conditions.
- In overcast conditions, a 100-watt panel will generate up to 49.8 amps a day.
Solar panel weight
- The weight of the solar panels can vary, depending on their type and application. A standard rigid solar panel weighs between 30 and 50 pounds, while a lightweight flexible panel is lighter than 10 pounds.
- The weight of the RV solar panel can also differ from that of a home-style solar panel. Some lightweight solar panels weigh as little as five pounds each.
- The weight of a 50 amp RV solar system can be less. Another consideration is the weight of the 50-amp RV generator.
- If you are going to use the RV’s air conditioner, you will need a lot of electricity. A 50-amp RV generator can provide more power than a smaller one. Be sure to get one along with the solar panel.
- An RV solar system must be light enough to be easily maintained once installed.
- A solar panel needs to be installed to connect to the RV battery and controller.
- It is also possible to use the power from the solar panels to charge the RV battery. If you plan on using your solar panel for electricity generation, you will need to make sure that the battery will be able to hold the energy you need.
Battery monitor
- You can also purchase a Battery Monitor to measure your battery’s capacity. Having a battery monitor will surely help you in the long run.
- The most basic RV solar power system includes a charge controller, solar panels, batteries, and mounting hardware. Depending on the size of your RV, you might need more or less power.
- If you plan to use many devices while camping, you should aim for a 50-amp system that has sufficient power for your entire journey. This way, you will not have to worry about power shortages when you are out camping.
- Apart from a solar panel and battery monitor, you will require a few other accessories.
Charge controller
- In a large solar power system, a 50-amp charge controller will be necessary to regulate output currents. This will help the output currents based on the voltage of the solar panel and the battery banks.
- The controller will also record the amount of AH in the batteries. Using a solar charge controller is recommended to prevent overcharging.
- When the sun is in its optimum position, around 11:00 or noon, the number is higher. Using more panels can significantly increase the amount of electricity produced by a single unit.
- The solar panels of a 50-amp RV require a certain amount of space and will need to be paired with appropriate batteries.
Lithium battery
A solar panel’s battery life is important. To maximize your solar system’s power output, you should choose a lithium battery. This type of battery has a longer life span than its lead-acid counterpart and weighs much less. In addition, a lithium battery will not need to be recharged below 50 percent.
Roof space
- When planning to install a 50-amp RV solar system, the first thing to consider is the space on the roof of the vehicle. There should be enough space to install these solar panels.
- You will need a minimum of three to six panels depending on the amount of energy that you plan on using per day.
- You will also need a charge controller that will handle the solar power that you produce.
- Be sure to purchase a charge controller that allows you to install larger, higher-voltage panels with less space.
- Roof space for 50-amp RV solar system is a consideration for those who do not have the space to install portable panels. The main disadvantage of this option is that you cannot turn the panels towards the sun when parked in the shade.
Five best RV solar panels
A 50-amp RV solar system has several benefits and these units can be installed with ease. Many RV owners look for an external source of power to keep a few appliances running even in remote areas. There are several 50-amp RVs that are available in the market. Here are the five best RV solar panels to look into.
Renogy 400 watts solar system
The Renogy 400 Watt solar system is a premium kit that has four 100-watt solar panels. These panels have a 25-year warranty and are easy to install. It is a highly efficient solar system that comes with a solar charger, brackets, and cabling. You can also monitor the system and control it through your smartphone.
Go Power 130 watt solar system
The Go Power 130-watt solar system is portable and easy to carry around. The installation process is easy as it comes with adjustable legs. It has battery clamps for recharging, and it weighs only 28.7 pounds. The panel is foldable and easy to store. The built-in charge controller and the 25-year warranty make this a perfect one for RVs.
Windy Nation 100 watt solar system
This particular solar system has a 100-watt panel and it is an off-grid solar kit. It is perfect for boondockers and has a 20-amp PWM charge controller. There are four Z-brackets for mounting and there are solar connectors that have a 10-amp hour absorbed glass matt. This panel can produce 350 watt-hours per day.
HQST 100 watts polycrystalline solar system
This is probably one of the cheapest solar panels with an affordable price range. The polycrystalline solar kit has a charge controller included and you get to upgrade or expand the solar power system in the future. It comes with Z-braces, connector cables, and a 20 A charger if requested.
Renogy 12 volt flexible solar panel
Renogy has made it to the list once again with the same 100-watt flexible solar panel. This flexible panel has a charge controller and can be installed by using silicone structural adhesive at the panel. The advantage of this panel is that it can be installed on irregular surfaces. It is lightweight and is barely visible once installed.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we have answered the question: “How to choose a 50-amp RV Solar Panel?” We have listed a few tips to consider while purchasing a 50-amp RV solar system for an RV. We have also described the five-best RV solar panels and their unique functions. Drop us a comment below and let us know if there are any other best solar systems for RVs.
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