Determining the amount of power your panels will produce

When determining the amount of power your panels will produce you have to look at several factors that influence their output. The Wattage of the panels is based on operation in full sun during the coolest times of the year. When using a 12-volt dc solar system the charging voltage for the batteries will be reduced slightly by the charge controller based on its charging algorithm.

Multiplying the hours of full sun X the average output will give you an approximate Ah (Amp Hours) of charging ability. Depending on your battery type, not all power will be able to be absorbed by your battery bank. Many battery types can be less than 50% efficient at power absorption. Although a battery that is not drained by more than 50% will be able to use more of the charging power. Lithium batteries can absorb more charge and also can be drained down to 10%, so lithium can sometimes be a better choice for RV solar systems.

It’s very important when installing these kits that you make sure the polarity is correct from the panel through the solar controller to the battery bank. One wrong wire can shut the whole unit down. The Go Power Panels are conveniently labeled along with the charge controllers for positive and negative polarity distinction. Let us know what we can do for you today!         

Go Power Charge Controllers will show amperage from panels and battery bank voltage. This will allow you to easily determine how much power you are getting from your RV solar kits.

Cleaning your RV solar panels

Panels get dirty. Dirty solar panels don’t producs as much power. When was the last time you cleaned your solar panels? Probably if you were like me, it has been a while. This was until my output went down. I went up to see if the panels were damaged. There was enough dirt to protect them from about anything including the sunlight that is so important. Cleaned the panels and power production returned to normal.

Outside Supply offers great articles and reviews on equipment for your RV, Travel Trailer, Cabin or Fifth Wheel Camper.

Check out our RV Solar Guide and our RV Blog

The Go Power! Elite Solar Kit - IC-2000 - 380 Watts of solar

We have found these kits contain much of what you need for getting going with off-grid solar and inverter power. We have also added lithium battery and sealant as well