You’re an RV owner in Texas. We know you see A LOT of sun. As an RV repair shop for Dallas, we get so many questions about sun damage and how much sun is safe for the exterior of an RV. Recently, though, a lot of our customers have been considering adding solar panels to their RV. With all the sun you see in Texas, it seems like a real no-brainer!
Advantages of Adding Solar Panels to My RV
While there are advantages to adding solar panels to your RV, it might not be the best option for every RV owner.
For the Weekend Road Runner
We’re sure you’ve heard the many great cost benefits of adding solar panels to your RV. And, while there are, it may not be a good fit if you really don’t use your RV as much as you think. For the weekend warrior in you who enjoys a quick trip a few weekends out of the year, it may be more cost-effective for you to stick to what you know. Going to a campsite for a short stay then home again 3 or 4 times a year, it’s actually cheaper to use a gas-powered generator than solar power. The hookup fees aren’t usually that expensive compared to investing in solar panels for your RV.
The Dry Camp Boondocker
If you are someone who regularly takes trips to dry campsites (locations that lack hookups), then solar panels are the perfect option for you! Hookup fees can be more expensive for your type of RV travel or you might find it difficult to find hookups at all. But solar panels for your travel time, in addition to a small backup generator, will be an investment that pays for itself in as little as 2 years.
The Full-Time RVer
Now, you’d think solar panels for a full-time RVer would be wonderful but the advantages fall somewhere in between. If you’re taking your RV on the road full time, chances are you’ll be using hook-ups at a lot of places. Those come with fees. There may only be a few times you make your way back to basics at a dry campsite. A lot of RV campsites have a rental fee which includes shoreline power. At that rate, there would be no point in using your solar panels.
If you’re interested in the advantages of adding solar panels to your RV but are unsure of what to do, don’t let a repair shop pressure you into an installation. It may end up costing you more money and your RV may not be ready for that process.
Advantages of Solar Panels
If you find you are ready for adding solar panels to your RV, there are quite a few advantages.
Freedom…
As an RVer, you sometimes find yourself in a routine. We do it all the time as RV enthusiasts ourselves. We get the RV out, plan our trip, pack the same stuff, and head to the same sites. With solar panels, you can choose more locations a little more “off-the-beaten-path” if you will. You don’t always have to look for a campsite with hookups. Solar panels can produce anywhere from 560 to over 4000 watts of energy. And that’s just from 7 hours of daylight! So, get going on your adventures!
Environmentally Friendly…
Solar panels are one of the newest clean sources of energy. If you’re an RV owner, you know what emissions are like. Solar panels allow you to reduce your carbon footprint. Now, you can feel a little better about rolling through a national park.
More Money in Your Wallet…
Compared to average campsite hookup fees, solar panels will pay for themselves the longer you have/use them. A full day of charging is usually all it takes to keep your RV running smoothly. They also don’t require fueling up and don’t need a lot of maintenance. Usually, once they’re on, they’re good to go!
Much Quieter…
Don’t you hate when you turn your generator on and you can’t hear what anyone is saying? Solar panels are pretty much soundless features to an RV. Other than positioning them to face the sun, you won’t hear a peep from them.
Installing Solar Panels
If you’re interested in getting solar panels on your RV, let us know! The process is routine and our technicians have the advanced tool and space to get them mounted. Your RV won’t be out more than a few days and we can get you out on the road for your trip and saving money while you do it. Take the plunge! Not only will you earn money back on your investment quickly, but you’ll be making a better change for the environment. More and more RVers and car owners, in general, are starting to be more conscious of the health of where we travel.
If you have more questions about RV solar panels and want to see how you can get started, contact us for a free estimate or schedule an appointment today!