Thinking about buying solar panels for your caravan roof? It’s more than just looking up solar panel systems online. There are a lot of things you need to consider and learn about before you can efficiently use solar power for caravans. Before you purchase solar panels for caravans, here are 10 things to know:
1. Types of Solar Panels for Caravan Roofs
Each type of solar panel has strengths and weaknesses that you need to thoroughly evaluate in order to find the best one for your needs. That said, here are some of the most common types of solar panels for RVs and caravans:
Monocrystalline
This type of solar panel has individual cells or single crystal, and the range choices can also go from 80w solar panel to 200w solar panel. This type uses roof space more efficiently. It’s the most preferred by caravan and RV owners, but the way the panels are manufactured could drive up the price. While its capabilities are unmatched, this is the most expensive type of solar panel.
Polycrystalline
This type is cheaper compared to monocrystalline solar panels. Its panel is designed to be larger, thus taking up more space on your caravan roof. However, a high-quality polycrystalline panel can outperform a low-quality monocrystaline panel, as the difference in efficiency may be minimal. This makes polycrystalline a viable option for those seeking cost-effective solar panels for caravan roofs.
Amorphous
Amorphous solar panels are flexible and one of the most visually appealing options. They’re the cheapest when compared to monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels. However, these are also the least efficient due to their thin construction. Fluctuations in the temperature can easily affect these flexible solar panels, and they typically have a lifespan of only three to ten years—significantly less than the more durable types of commercial solar panels.
Semi-Flexible
Ideal for caravan roofs that are not flat, semi-flexible panels have a modern, bendable design that many millennial caravan owners prefer. However, these panels can easily build up heat. While they generate power efficiently in winter months, the heat buildup may lead to an uncomfortably warm interior beneath the caravan’s roof.
Rigid
This type provides ideal and efficient power, but they can be costly to maintain. For example, if a tree branch falls on your caravan’s roof, it could chip or break the glass, highlighting the importance of mindful parking. Rigid panels are also quite heavy on your rig, which may lead to overloading and affect your travel speed. Their aesthetics also fall short compared to other types of commercial solar panels.
2. Solar Panel Size
Because solar panel sizes and wattage in Australia vary, you need to consider how much space the panels will occupy on your caravan roof. If space is tight, it might be practical to use two smaller panels that provide the same wattage as one larger panel. For instance, two small 60W solar panels may fit perfectly, giving you the same power as a single 120W panel.
Panel efficiency is influenced by factors such as the position of the solar panel installation for caravans, weather conditions, and angle of sunlight exposure. Solar panel size plays a big role, but so does type.
3. Portable vs Fixed Solar Panels for Caravans
Solar panel systems can be portable or fixed. If you’re wondering if you should go with fixed or portable solar panels, the answer depends on how you plan on using them. An advantage of portable panels is that they can be repositioned, so you can absorb maximum sunlight.
Fixed panels are immobile and depend on sunlight from your parking location, making them less effective in shaded areas. In contrast, portable options like the 120-watt solar panels can be unmounted and positioned in direct sunlight, keeping your van cooler in the shade. On the flipside, what’s good about fixed panels is there are no chances of you leaving them behind. With portable panels, you run the risk of forgetting them somewhere when they aren’t attached to the roof.
4. Solar Panel Wattage
Solar panel systems come in different wattage capacities to choose from. So it’s normal when people ask, “Is a 200w solar panel better than a 100w solar panel?” Before buying one, determine your wattage requirements by listing down what appliances you want to use in your caravan and taking note of each of their requirements to get an estimate of your consumption. The wattage rating can be found at the back or bottom of the appliances. For example, common caravan appliances usually have these wattage requirements:
- Coffee Maker: 300W
- Electric Fan: 10W
- Heater: 1,500W
- Laptop: 20W
- LED light: 8W
- Microwave: 600W
- Radio: 70W
- Toaster: 80W
- Water Pump: 120W
Figure out how long and how often you’ll be using these appliances every day. If you turn on two LED lights in your caravan, which are 8W each, for five hours a night, then, you’re consuming roughly 80W a day for the lights alone. Knowing these requirements helps you determine what size solar panel for caravans is needed to power your lifestyle efficiently.
5. Solar Panel Power Production and Season Changes
The season or time you want to use your solar panels matters when it comes to power generation. When do you plan to drive your caravan with the solar-powered roof? If you’re heading out for summer camping, you’ll likely gain bright sunshine for five to seven hours a day. In the winter season, your solar panel’s peak performance might only be around one to two hours.
You need to factor this into what size solar panel for caravan you require and the wattage of your solar panel unit. It’s advisable to add 20 to 30% more to your required wattage to accommodate rainy or cloudy days. That's how you determine how much power you’ll ideally need and assist in managing your electricity bill.
If you intend to use a solar-powered caravan primarily during summer months, a 100W to 160W solar panel would do. However, if you want to use your caravan during the colder winter months, you might need a more powerful source than a 200W solar panel, especially if you plan on using a heater.
6. Solar Panel Prices
As there are different types of panels, wattage ratings, and manufacturers, solar panel prices also widely vary. Some manufacturers might offer the solar panels as a kit, which could be priced more affordably. Caravan solar power kits come with cables, regulators, solar charge controllers, mounts, and installers. If there are no kits, then you’ll have to add up the prices of each part as individual purchases in your budget.
7. Installation Fees
Another fact you need to know is that solar panel installation for caravans come with installation fees that are separate from the cost of the product itself. If you want to save on these fees, you can always install the panels yourself, but if you don’t have any knowledge or expertise about solar panels for caravan roofs and how to install them, it might be wiser to pay a professional to do it. An improperly installed solar panel can be risky—for example, wrongly fitted cables might trigger a fire, or you could drill on the wrong area of the roof and damage your caravan.
8. Insurance
Solar panel installation for caravans is considered a modification, so it must be declared to the insurance company. Before installing one for your caravan, make sure to inform your insurance company so you can get added coverage and protection.
9.Other Accessories
If you’re on your caravan frequently, it might be helpful to invest in other accessories that will work alongside your solar panels. Consider getting a solar charge controller to prevent overcharging, battery monitors to keep track of your lithium caravan batteries, and an inverter to convert DC power to AC for appliances. These accessories work alongside your solar panels and make power generation easier for you, especially if you like going to areas with little to no access to the grid for your outdoor adventures.
10. Proper care and Maintenance
You can maximise the use of your caravan solar panels with proper care and maintenance. Routine cleaning is essential for maintaining solar panel durability. Regularly check your panels for any specks of dust, dirt, grime, and muck. You need to clean these off from time to time as they can affect power generation. The debris can block sunlight from penetrating the panels. Gently use a clean and soft cloth to wipe the panels and avoid scratching the surface. You can also clean the panels using water and leave it to dry under the sun.
Ready to Buy Solar Panels for Your Caravan Roof?
Solar power for caravans is an excellent way to ensure you have reliable power while enjoying the great outdoors. They’re a worthy investment and a great addition to your caravan. For expert advice on purchasing and installing solar panel systems, contact a reputable supplier in Australia like Outbax.
