How to Determine an RV's Solar Power Requirements

Calculating your RV's solar power needs requires simple math and a realistic appraisal of how much power you use. It's important to have enough battery storage to get you through cloudy days.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Weather Almanacs
• Calculators
• Internet Access
• Notebook Papers
• Writing Pens
• Calculators

1. Calculate power consumption.

2. Multiply the consumption rate of the individual appliance by the hours per day that it will be used.

3. Divide the derived figure by the total output of your solar panels.

4. Determine your battery's storage capabilities.

5. Determine the average number of sunny days in the area in which you will be traveling using an almanac or the Internet.

6. Install another battery if required (see related eHow).

7. Position the solar panels flat against the roof of the RV.

Tips & Warnings

• The formula for computing amp hours is the number of hours multiplied by the number of amps used per hour. For example, one light uses 1.5 amps x 6 hours = 9.0 amps per hour, and your television uses 1.4 amps x 3 hours = 4.2 amps per hour.
• You need enough battery storage capacity to run appliances for an extended period of time or until the sun comes out to recharge your batteries.
• Microwave ovens use a great deal of power.

on 7/4/2006 Amp-hrs is a product: Amps X Hrs, not a quotient (Amps/Hrs). It represents a total usage over time, not a rate per period (Amps per hr). To deliver 4.5 Amp-Hrs to power their device for 3 Hrs, an RVer needs a battery that delivers at least 4.5 Amp-Hrs.