Family Fun RV - The Benefits of Solar for RV Camping/Living
Jun. 14 2023
RV Tips
The Benefits of Solar: A lot of people ask "So what does the solar run?". Our answer is always the same - the solar doesn't technically "run" anything. Solar panels are dedicated to charging your 12 volt batteries so that anything running off those batteries can run longer without having to charge your batteries or be plugged in. The solar charges your batteries, the batteries power the devices/appliances/etc.
It's usually easier to say what ISN'T running off the 12V batteries than to say what is. Usually, the A/C, microwave and the 110 outlets are what does *not* run off either 12v batteries or LP gas. Most everything else will run off of one or both of those power sources, so having a good solar package will HELP you run 90% of your RV.
An important aspect of your solar charging setup is your battery disconnect. Many battery disconnects will shut off anything going out of or into the battery, which means it will block the solar charge as well. If you find that you have solar but your batteries are not charging, your battery disconnect may be in the 'off' position and preventing the charge from the solar system from going into the batteries. Some solar systems are wired directly to the battery and the battery disconnect will not affect this at all, but that is not always the case.
Our full parts and service department can help you with solar installation or required parts and equipment. We have immediate no-wait service appointments available every day.Take 10% Off Parts & Service every Thursday; and 15% Off Solar Packages with Installation every Saturday at Family Fun RV in St Helens, Oregon. Thanks for supporting Oregon's only woman owned & operated RV dealership!