What are the most common myths about RV solar power? We sat down with experienced RV’er and editor of RV Solar Power Hub – John McTominay – to discuss the most common myths associated with RV solar power. Why are these myths so popular? And, can John debunk them and explain in simple terms why they are not true?
What Are the Most Common Myths About RV Solar Power?
It’s amazing, solar power for RVs has been around for about 25 years now. But there are still so many people out there that doubt its effectiveness. The ‘naysayers’ I call them. I think the doubt stems from a handful of myths that circulate amongst the motorhome community.
But the truth is, most of them are just not true. The most common myths I hear are: 1: RV Solar Power is Too Expensive, 2: Solar Panels Don’t Work in Cloudy Weather, and 3: You Need Too Many Solar Panels to Meet Your Needs. Let’s break them down one by one. Plus a handful of others that may hold a grain of truth.
1: RV Solar Power is Too Expensive
This is a claim I hear all too often. ‘Solar power is too expensive John, it’s just not worth it’. It’s not true folks. Don’t listen to the naysayers. RV solar power is not too expensive. In fact, it’s an excellent investment. And, almost always works out cheaper than relying on a traditional power source.
When I started out with solar panels back in the day I began with just two run-of-the-mill panels. I didn’t go for anything fancy or over the top. And, suffice it to say they weren’t the most expensive on the market either. I was an early adapter and forked out $600 for two 50-watt panels. That was a lot of money back then.
But the investment was easily worth it. The cost of panels has dropped significantly in recent years. And, although you’ll need to buy a battery, charge controller, and inverter – the costs are not prohibitive. There’s something out there to suit everyone’s budget.
You’ll soon be saving money in hook-up fees and not having to buy fuel for a generator. Even a low-power solar system can run your LED lights, charge your devices, and run an air fan. That covers the basics and provides comfort if you want to venture off-grid.
2: Solar Panels Don’t Work in Cloudy Weather
This is another popular myth about RV solar panels. They don’t work in cloudy weather. Again, it simply is not true! RV solar panels generate electricity, even on cloudy days. The amount of electricity produced will be lower, as they rely on sunlight to stimulate the photovoltaic cells.
However, even on cloudy days, the panels will generate electricity. Just not as much as they would on a sunny day. If you’re going to be using them in cloudy weather you’ll need to consider your electrical needs. You may need to bolster your power supply or reduce your electricity consumption. For more take a look at Do Solar Panels Work in Winter / Cloudy Weather?
3: You Need Too Many Solar Panels to Meet Your Needs
This is a very arbitrary statement. And, in most cases, it is absolutely not true. Most people can meet their basic electricity requirements by installing a few well-placed solar panels on their RV roof. And, the amount of power needed depends very much on the individual.
In my experience, two or three good-quality RV solar panels will meet most people’s basic electrical needs. If you’re going off grind you can manage your power consumption by following some simple energy-efficient practices.
The heaviest power consumers in an RV are your air conditioner, microwave oven, and water heater. By using these sparingly, you can save your solar power and leisure battery to run your lights and power your devices. If you need more power than the panels can provide you can fire up a generator or hook up to an external power supply.
4: Solar Power Can Fulfill ALL Your RV Electrical Power Needs
This one flips the advantages of RV solar power on its head. Solar panels are great. They generate ‘free’ electricity, they are an awesome form of green energy, and they allow you to venture off-grid on your motorhome adventure. However, they don’t always fulfill all your electrical power needs. Especially if you’re using power-hungry appliances.
Depending on your individual solar power set-up, you may find they don’t generate enough power to meet all your electrical needs. Especially if you’re using them to run an AC system, water heater, and an electric oven. Some of us consume more electricity than others. And, if you’re a heavy power consumer you may find you drain your leisure battery dry before the panels get a chance to top it back up again.
If this is the case, you’ll need to adjust your electrical consumption habits and adopt a more energy-friendly routine. Or, you’ll need to complement your solar panels with an additional power source. The most common options are using a generator, shore power, or burning propane.
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5: RV Solar Panels Are Difficult to Install
RV solar panels are not as difficult to install as you may think. Modern solar power kits come with detailed instructions and instructional videos that allow most DIY enthusiasts to tackle the task themselves. If you have a basic level of competency with electrical work, you should find it a breeze.
And, if you’re less well versed in the ways of an electrical diagram get a professional in. It will be a walk in the park for a qualified electrician. Something that can be easily tackled. And shouldn’t set you back an arm and leg. The Best RV Solar Panels come as kits with many parts simply clicking into one another. The most challenging task is often mounting the panel frame to the roof of your vehicle.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
John McTominay
- B.S. Electrical Engineering
- Solar Power Expert
Meet John McTominay, a solar energy pro with an electrical engineering degree from Arizona State University. With over 30 years in solar, John loves blending tech smarts with nature.
Outside work, he’s all about RV adventures, hiking, and cheering for the Phoenix Suns in the NBA. John shares his solar wisdom on RV Solar Power Hub, helping others light up their RVs.
A travel buff, he’s on a constant quest for new horizons and scenic spots, making the solar journey as exciting as the destination. Explore the world with John, where green energy meets the great outdoors!
