Escapees May June 2015 Demo

As the batteries charge, their voltage rises. When they reach a par- ticular level, for instance 14.4 volts, the charge controller reduces the amount of current flowing into them from the panels and holds the batteries at that voltage for a specified amount of time (usually three hours or so). This is called the absorption stage. Once the absorption time period passes, the charge controller reduces the current flowing to the batteries even more (like shutting down the tub’s faucet to a mere trickle) and holds the batteries at a final float stage voltage of 13.4 volts or so until dark. The voltages and time periods are all programmable on more sophisticated charge controllers.

fridge off the grid in an RV for more than an overnight or two, because the weight of the batteries and size of the panels required would be excessive in an RV. However, hair dryers, toasters, small pancake compressors and power tools, vacuums and microwaves can all be powered with an appropriately sized inverter, battery bank and solar panel installation. Summary In essence, a solar power system for living off the grid in an RV is made up of two sub-systems: first: a power sys- tem that consists of a battery bank and inverter(s) that provides AC and DC power to the RV’s house-

hold appliances. Second: a charging system that consists of solar panels and a charge controller that converts sun- shine into electricity that gets stored in the batteries for future use. For weekenders and vacationers that want a solar power solution for their RV without jumping into a big rooftop installation project, there are portable folding solar panel kits on the market that include all of the necessary com- ponents in a handy suitcase system. For RVers looking for a system they can live on for a few weeks or years at a time, I’m planning a second part to this article that will cover various installation techniques. Look for this article in an upcoming 2015 issue.

Limitations of Solar Power Solar and battery power is phenomenal, but it can’t do everything. It is not possible to power up an air conditioning unit or to run a standard residential

Emily and Mark Fagan have been living exclusively on solar power in their RV and sailboat for eight years, and they offer many pages of tips and tu- torials about solar power on their Website at www.roadslesstraveled.us . A summary of their two RV solar power installations can be found at www.roadslesstraveled.us/rv-solar/ .

Be electrically independent.

www.RVSolarElectric.com 480-443-8520 • 800-999-8520 Call for our free catalog and design planner.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTIONS

RV SOLAR KITS Includes: Solar panel, mount, regulator, wire, hardware package and instructions.

NOEL’S SOLAR-INVERTER PACKAGE KIT A complete AC & DC power system for your RV.

SOLAR BOOST 2000E Can increase solar output with fewer solar panels.

SOLAR SYSTEMS Solar systems work silently to recharge your RV battery automatically with no fuel or fumes.

CATALYTIC HEATER Keep warm without using battery power. Easy hookup kits available.

INVERTER-CHARGER Use virtually any appliance day or night without a generator. A remote control panel offers essential system read out and convenience of control from inside the RV.

www.escapees.com | May/June 2015 | ESCAPEES . 17

Doug and Jane Kirkby SKP #814 CM# 28 Serving Our Escapees Family since 1979