4 Common Myths About RV Solar Power

Before you dive into the world of RV solar power, it helps to have a working knowledge of how solar power works—and how it doesn't. If you're new to solar power, you may be thinking, "There can't be much to it, right? It's just sunlight! The sun does all the work!" But there's more to it than you think.

Now, that doesn't mean you need to know the nitty gritty details of how solar panels operate when photons from sunlight hit photovoltaic cells, and so on. The science behind it doesn't matter as much as a practical grasp of the topic. Below, we'll clear up some common myths and misconceptions about RV solar power.

Shop Solar Power or read on below.

To see us break down how solar power works, check out the video above!

Myth #1: Solar Works By Powering My Appliances

When many people first imagine a solar-powered RV, they assume the solar panels directly power an RV's appliances. In reality, however, solar panels charge your RV batteries, and the batteries in turn supply power to the appliances.

Think of your RV battery like your gas tank and your solar panels like a jerry can. Your can will keep filling up your tank, but if you use fuel faster than the can can replenish it, you'll eventually run out. You want to make sure your panels provide enough energy that your batteries won't become depleted.

Understanding this concept is important when determining how many solar panels you need. The right number of panels for you will depend on the capacity of your batteries and what it takes to keep them charged. To determine how many solar panels you need, check out our article How Much Solar Power Do I Need For My RV?

Myth #2: I'll Never Need Anything But Solar Again

Solar power can be great for camping off-grid, leaving a small environmental footprint, and reducing your costs. However, don't assume that you can stick a solar panel on the roof and never worry about power again. We wish it were that easy!

In reality, solar power is just one possible source of power for an RV. The four main sources of RV power are:

Solar power
Shore power
Generator
Alternator (with or without battery charger)

The truth is, even after you install solar panels, it's unlikely that you'll never use anything else to juice up. If you're boondocking, you'll most likely have to run your generator on cloudy days, or to run your power-sucking A/C. And if you're parked at a campsite that provides hookups, you'll want to use them for maximum efficiency. Think of solar power as just another tool in your arsenal—one that allows you peace and quiet along with the freedom to roam.

Myth #3: Solar Panels Work For Everyone

It's unlikely that anyone in the history of RVing has actually found a solution that works for everyone, every time. Solar power is no different.

There are plenty of reasons that solar power makes a great investment—it allows you to go off-grid, grants you more freedom than generators, can be cost-efficient, and provides green energy.

That said, there are also situations in which solar power just isn't a wise investment. If you live in a particularly rainy or hot climate, solar panels won't be as efficient as they would be in mild, sunny weather. Or maybe you're looking to save money, but you wouldn't break even if you sank the cash into solar.

For help figuring out if solar power is right for you, check out our article 4 Reasons Not To Use RV Solar Power (And 4 Reasons You Should).

Myth #4: Solar Panels Work Alone

You could plaster solar panels to your roof if you like, but solar panels are only part of what makes your system work. Alone, they won't do you much good. A typical solar setup looks something like this:

The main components include:

Solar panels - Obviously, these are important. Your RV is not a plant. It can't photosynthesize. Solar panels are necessary to convert sunlight into energy.

Battery bank - Your batteries are also vital. The energy that your panels produce has to go somewhere. We recommend investing in a battery monitor to keep track of how much power you use and upgrading your battery bank if needed. If you want help deciding which batteries to buy, check out our video on the subject here.

Charge controller - Did you know your batteries can overcharge? To protect your batteries and regulate the amount of power they receive, you'll need a charge controller (also called a solar controller). Most solar kits come with a charge controller included.

Inverter - While not strictly required, we recommend purchasing a solar kit with an inverter, or purchasing an inverter separately. Solar panels produce DC power, so inverters are necessary to run items such as televisions, microwaves, computers, and other electronics that run off of AC power. When choosing an inverter, you'll want one that can handle the largest device you want to run.

Save or Share This Idea

Related Products

Shop RV Solar Panels

Shop Inverters

Shop Solar Battery Boxes

Written by: Amber S.

Updated on: 2/8/19

Keith D.

10/27/2020

I have a factory installed Furrion solar plug on the exterior of my camper. when I use my camper I connect to a generation, but when I am not using the camper I would like to have the solar panels keep my batteries charged so I can keep the refrigerator running. Would the solar panels need to be disconnected while the generator is running if they are connected via the Furrion plug? Thank you

Jon G.

10/27/2020

You shouldn't have to disconnect your solar panels from the plug you're talking about. Typically in your kind of setup there is a control panel or smart charger that is able to separate the different types of power being used for the RV. Do you have a control panel where you can see the state of charge for your batteries?

Explore Expert Info

on RV Solar Panels

Videos

for RV Solar Panels

Help Articles

for RV Solar Panels

Expert Answers

for RV Solar Panels

An In-Depth Look at the Furrion Automatic Transfer Switch

Ultimate Overview of the Replacement 9'1" Fabric for 10' RV Awning

Solera Replacement Awning Fabric Measurement and Installation

Installing the Replacement 15'1" Fabric for 16' RV Awning on your 2002 Itasca Suncruiser Motorhome

Replacement Wi-Fi Gateway Hub for Lippert OneControl Systems Spec Review

The Low-Down on the Rear View Safety Side Camera

A Closer Look at the Blazer Low-Profile Warning Light Bar

Blazer LED Off-Road Warning Light Bar: The Breakdown

All You Need to Know About the Amber LED Strobe Light Bar

Torflex Lift Kit Feature Review

All About the Water Heater Door Latch

Complete Breakdown of the Greystone Outdoor RV Griddle

4 Reasons Not to Use RV Solar Power (And 4 Reasons You Should)

4-Step Guide to Installing RV Solar Power

How Much Solar Power Do I Need For My RV?

Does Solar Panel Type Really Matter?

Best Vehicles to Flat Tow Behind an RV

Must-Have Flat Towing Components

How Long Can You Boondock in an RV?

Don't Break Your Pipes or Your Wallet: Winterize and De-Winterize Your RV

Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch

Roof-Mounted Watersport Carriers

Can Solar Panels Run an RV Air Conditioner?

How to Charge RV Batteries

Replace RV Converter for WFCO WF-8965 that is Lithium Compatible

The Progressive Dynamics converter part #PD9180ALV would work great to replace your WF-9865 for an option that is Lithium battery compatible. Only issue is that it does not have a standard lead acid mode. There isn't an option that does both…

view full answer...

Using Other Solar Panels to Create Go Power Solar Extreme Charging Kit

To create the Go Power Solar Extreme Charging System #34282552 without the solar panels would take quite a bit of piecing together. But at it's core would be the Go Power Pure Sine Wave Inverter #34279953, the remote controller #34277742, the…

view full answer...

Correct Lift Kit for #10 Torflex Single Axle on Lance 1575 Trailer

A #9 Torflex axle is rated for 1,000 - 2,200 lbs so since your Lance 1575 weighs well over 2,200 lbs dry I'm confident you have a #10 Torflex axle (which can be rated for 2,300 - 4,000 lbs). With that in mind, since you have a single axle trailer…

view full answer...

I have a lift kit option for you, but there is not a shock kit currently made for torsion axles. For the #10 toflex axle in your 2017 Casita 17 we have the Torflex Lift Kit - Single Axle - 2-5/8" Lift #K71-707-01 if you have tandem axles or…

view full answer...

2019 Lance 1475 Lift Kit for 2-5/8 inches

Your 2017 Lance 1475 has the Dexter #10 torsion axle. The lift kit for that axle is #K71-707-01 like you referenced and will give you a lift of 2-5/8 inches.

view full answer...

What is Difference Between Flush King Reverse Flush Valve #F02-4350 and Hydroflush Reverse Flush

The reason the Flush King Reverse Flush Valve #F02-4350 costs more is because it comes with a valve on the end of the swivel fitting whereas the Valterra Hydroflush Reverse Flush Adapter #F02-4110 is basically just the elbow fitting with bayonet…

view full answer...

Tow Mirror Solution for 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 with Cameras in Mirror Housings

For your 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 K-Source Tow Mirror #KS80930 would be perfect as it's a confirmed fit and has a cut out for the cameras you have in your mirror housing.

view full answer...

Will K-Source Snap & Zap Towing Mirrors #KS80930 Fit 2019 GMC Sierra with Cameras

Yes, the K-Source Snap & Zap Custom Towing Mirrors #KS80930 are confirmed to fit your 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 and they actually have a small cutout to allow fitment with those factory cameras so they will not be an issue. Both the driver and…

view full answer...

Easy to Use Solar Panel for Furrion 10 Amp Solar Port

Since your Furrion port is 10 amps, you'll need a lighter duty kit, and an easy-to-use option that will work perfectly for you is the Go Power Portable Solar System with Digital Solar Controller - 90 Watt Solar Panel #34282729. This is really…

view full answer...

Will Greystone Outdoor RV Griddle Fit in 6-3/4" Tall Opening with Griddle Removed

Yes, with the griddle removed you'll be able to fit the Greystone Outdoor RV Griddle #WAY54FR in the opening you described. Attached is a review video for you to reference. If you jump to the 3:08 minute mark you can see the measurements taken so…

view full answer...

Should 12 Volt Hot Lead on 7-Way Trailer Connector Be Hot All the Time, WIll it Drain the Battery

The light that indicates that the 12 volt circuit is hot is normal and it will not drain the battery. Think of it as the battery having a really long positive terminal that just extends to the rear of the vehicle. If nothing is drawing power from it,…

view full answer...

How to Use Furrion RV Observation System as Security System on RV

To set the Furrion Vision S Wireless RV Observation Camera System #FR98NR so that it could be used like a security system would require you to power the cameras from the RV battery instead of the running lights or reverse lights. This allows you to…

view full answer...