This is the first DIY solar post in a series on solar power systems.  While this application was done for an RV solar panel system, the concepts are intended to apply for any do it yourself solar power system.  We hope you enjoy this entry (The Solar Series: Goals, Rationale) and links to the rest of the DIY solar panel system series can be found at the bottom.

Before we delve deep into the nuts and bolts of how Bessie the RV is powered for boondocking for the next few years, and how you too can build your own complete off-grid solar system, I thought I would discuss some of the concepts and aims as background.  In fact, let’s keep it real simple.

RV Solar Panel Goals

1. Be completely off-grid self-sufficient using solar panels.  No plugging in, no generator.
2. Provide enough energy to power all electrical systems (stereo, computer, lights, inverter, etc.) without having to overly worry about conservation.
3. Select panels, batteries and solar charge controller that will all fit on the RV in the most efficient configuration possible.

One of my favourite parts of getting all this on paper is that although I used this technology to pimp my RV solar panels, there’s absolutely no reason you couldn’t do something similar to your home, shack in the woods, boat or marijuana grow op.  You could opt to purchase a kit, or save some money and understand the entire process following this complete guide.  Just make sure you have a clear and simply defined set of goals and that you don’t deviate from them.  This can be as simple as knowing what you’re trying to achieve in your head, but as you’ll see from my explanation of each goal as it related to my work, it’s still way too tempting to get off track if you don’t have some sort of reality check for your off-grid solar panel system.

Goal #1 Explained: Be completely off-grid self-sufficient

I originally toyed with the idea of some sort of hybrid solar power system involving smaller panels, a generator and planning to plug in from time to time.  A day into the trip I confirmed my suspicions that if part of my daily routine was listening to the chug of a propane generator, I would likely shoot myself in the face.  I also found out since my RV is made with 1984 technology, I would need to plug in for 3 full days to recharge my battery bank, again no good.  So instead I opted to spend the extra dough and get enough RV solar panel output that no matter where I was, the RV solar panels would always produce enough electricity.  Go anywhere, do anything, it’s a nice feeling.

Goal #2 Explained: Provide enough energy

There are numerous worksheets and resources online that show the energy consumption of various appliances (coming in the Solar Power System Sizing post), so you just need to know what you’ll be running and for how long each day.  From there you can decide on a reasonable battery bank and solar panel array size.  It’s very important to setup the correct buffer or factor of safety so you can still function after three cloudy days.  As it turns out I way over-budgeted how much energy I would use, and way under-budgeted how much I would generate.  It’s one of those “good” problems that I haven’t even been able to remedy by playing really loud music all the time.

Goal #3 Explained: Select equipment that will fit as efficiently as possible

“Hmmm, these BP solar panels don’t quite fit, but are $200 cheaper, maybe I should just go for it.”  This quote from myself a few months ago is why we have our reality check.  The smaller Sanyo solar panels I bought instead barely fit, the BP ones wouldn’t have, but I still almost went for it.  There is an incredibly wide variety of different sizes, shapes and technologies, so picking a configuration where each individual piece properly interacts with all the components of the system is critical to achieving peak efficiency.  Anything less than peak efficiency won’t do, it makes no sense to buy $2000 worth of solar panels when you can only ever expect to extract $1500 worth of energy.

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So that’s some of the big picture stuff on RV solar panels out of the way.  Over the coming weeks I will be creating posts for each aspect of the creation of off-grid solar power systems with the hopes that you can follow along and use the the info for your own DIY solar panel system.  Of course it gets a little technically involved in spots, so feel free to ask for clarification in the comments or drop me an e-mail.

Topics

RV Solar Panels – Goals, Rationale

How Do Solar Panels Work – Power, AC & DC

Solar Power System Sizing – How much power do you need?

Best Solar Panels – Selecting the best solar panels for you

Solar Batteries – Selecting the best solar batteries for you

Solar Charge Controller – Choosing between MPPT and PWM

Installation (coming soon…)

Maintenance (coming soon…)

The Solar Lifestyle (coming soon…)

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