{"id":81116,"date":"2024-01-31T07:29:13","date_gmt":"2024-01-30T21:59:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/?p=81116"},"modified":"2024-01-31T07:29:52","modified_gmt":"2024-01-30T21:59:52","slug":"solar-power-caravan-camper","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/solar-power-caravan-camper\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Safely Add Solar Power To Your Caravan, RV Or Camper"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Unrestored<\/p>\n

At SolarQuotes, we often field inquiries about remote-area solar power systems, and increasingly, we’re seeing interest in their little brothers, too: off-grid systems for buses, caravans, RVs or trendy tiny houses.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

In this article, I’ll outline how to add solar panels to your caravan or RV, wire that solar power throughout your van, and stay safe while you do so.<\/p>\n

Modern Motorhome Solar Is Nothing Short Of Amazing<\/h2>\n

Not only are solar panels<\/a> cheap, but the range of inverters, MPPT regulators and lithium solar batteries<\/a> is so incredibly capable you’ll readily run a camper without any bottled gas<\/strong>. In fact, the fishos love induction hobs. They’re compact, easy to clean, and there’s no flame to blow out when you’re trying to cook on the beach.<\/p>\n

LPG may still be a useful option, but knowing what we do now about indoor air quality<\/a>, I think it’s just best avoided.<\/p>\n

Where mobile living can really fall down is thermal efficiency. Vehicles are hard to insulate sufficiently, so extremes in temperature and condensation control can be challenging. A sizeable battery could power your air conditioning overnight, but sometimes, a 20-metre extension cord and a small petrol generator can be indispensable (albeit costly and not always permissible).<\/p>\n

Uncomplicating Things Starts At Home<\/h3>\n

Caravans, campervans and blinged-up buses can be expensive, so many people do the work themselves.<\/p>\n

I’ve seen first-hand how DIY conversions can provide a deep sense of satisfaction. One of the best blokes I ever worked with had a Coaster bus with a sink, car fridge and hammock. The warm plywood lining and hand-finished detail made it beautifully simple. His morning commute was ten metres, and he took his whole house on weekend adventures with a kayak.<\/p>\n

\"coaster

Not my mate’s one, but a nice converted Coaster Bus from Camplify<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

The internet is awash with products and guides for setting up a serious caravan or camper, but always tread carefully with DIY electrical work. Some might say it’s safe, claiming “12 volts never killed anyone”, but bad wiring can still do you some damage or start a devastating fire.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"burnt

Connected with alligator clips for no less than three years. I’m not surprised to see those burns.<\/p><\/div>\n

You’ll Need Plenty Of Amps<\/h3>\n

Adding up the capacity you’ll need can be daunting, but remember, having some spare capacity is priceless. Your fridge might draw 5 amps but need 10 amps to start, and cycle on more often when it gets hot. Luckily, modern lithium batteries mean you can add more capacity pretty easily if you need to expand later.<\/p>\n