RSS FeedsExplanation of the componenets in electrical systems using RV solar panels
This document is a small guide that will serve to acquaint you with the parts of an RV electrical system that is rigged to function on renewable power. The objective is that you will be at ease enough with the parts to install your own RV solar panels. I will give details on each part.
Battery – most are 12 volts. They frequently say 12V, but in realism they are 13.8 volts. The volt rating the manufacturer write on the batteries themselves has actually been rounded down . This won’t have an effect on you, as most things made to employ 12 volts are actually intended for 13.8. Note that one of the most power hungry devices in an RV is usually the microwave oven. If you’re preparing to get one in your RV, you’ll probably require at least three batteries, as a normal approximation knowing the power requirements you’ll face for the standard microwave and battery capacities.
Battery Cables – don’t ever undervalue the importance of high-quality , thick battery cables. DC electricity is infamous for requiring large cables. This is because the resistance intrinsic in some cable you’ll employ has additional loss than would occur for AC power. Always make sure to obtain high-quality thick cables. See references to AWG (Wire Gauge charts) to find out how large of cable you’ll need based on your power requirements. OKAY! Let’s move on.
Inverter – The electricity that came via the RV solar panels will get fed into this box , where it will get converted from DC to AC power , which is what most applicances will need . A television , for example , if not specifically intended to run on DC power, will require AC (like you’d get from an electrical outlet in your home ).
AC Breaker Panel – You’ll want a panel on the AC side of the inverter that is alike or even the same as the panel in your cellar at home that is full of circuit breakers. These will trip when power usage exceeds the ability of the breakers, just like blowing a fuse, only without the hassle of having to put back the fuse…simply reset the tripped breaker. Note that these can be, but often aren’t needed on the side of the inverter fed by the batteries and RV solar panels. A fuse will normally be just fine for protection, since it is recommended that SOMETHING be installed to protect here, but many people don’t use breakers.
Because I’m not terribly into taking advantage of anything but solar, I would not normally recommend a generator, but sometimes they are handy . Sorry, Mother Earth.
Charge Controller – The power produced by your RV solar panels will be required to be regulated when charging the batteries. The reason is that a battery is only able to fit into it a certain amount of charge, and your RV solar panels may make them burst , spill or blow up without a charge controller! Not high-quality ! It’s sure a safety issue and can be very boring , but if you really want to, you can monitor the battery voltage levels yourself. Don’t underestimate their significance .
That’s all. Look for future write-ups concerning the importance of additional parts, and how to install them. For additional info on RV Solar Panels, be sure to visit newenergytips.com.