Owning a motor home means great fun camping, long road trips and great family experiences. Having a good quality AC unit in your recreational vehicle is essential especially when facing the extreme heat in the summer and freezing cold in the winter months. Before beginning your search for an affordable solar AC unit for your motor home, consider the following 5 questions. The answers to these questions will help to narrow down your selection of options to a few units that are both cost effective and energy efficient. When you decide which solar option is best for you, it will be time to begin the installation process.
How much power does my RV need? Do you plan on using an air-conditioning system? If so, will you be using the same type of air conditioning (cool/heated) that you currently have? Are you interested in energy efficiency or do you want to be as eco-friendly as possible? Do you already own an energy efficient (often called “green”) home? If so, would you like to extend your green habits to your recreational vehicle as well?
How much extra energy is my RV consuming each month? Are you presently using standard non-electronic appliances (like the microwave, coffee maker, hair dryer etc.) ? If so, are you still using an energy efficient model? If not, you should seriously consider adding solar power to your equation.
Where is the best place to locate my new solar power system? There are many great ways to save money on the installation of solar panels. A preferred method is to purchase a Do It Yourself (DIY) guide. These guides allow you to quickly and easily assemble and install your own panels. Some of these guides even include videos. If you don’t know how to read instructions, you can learn by watching a video!
How would installation be affected if I didn’t use the panels? A big question that many first time solar panel owners have is “If I don’t use the panels, will I have to pay for the installation again?” If you choose to have heat pumps installed, the initial installation costs may be much less than if you were to choose to use standard appliances. The initial installation costs for solar heat pumps are generally quite a bit lower than those associated with other energy conservation systems (i.e., heat pump batteries, solar photovoltaic cells, etc.)
Will using a small solar power generator provide enough energy for my lifestyle? Even though most residential energy use requires at least some form of electricity, it’s important to note that some areas are more energy efficient than others. Also, the size of the solar panel and battery required should be determined in conjunction with your level of energy consumption. Even the smallest of generators can provide enough energy for several households.
Should I get a professional to do my installation? A professional installation is always an option, but it’s not for everyone. Solar panels and batteries can be complex processes that require quite a bit of knowledge and experience. It’s a great way to save yourself a significant amount of money, however, so if you’re very handy, and you feel comfortable working on your own, go for it!
Can I install solar panels and then just enjoy the benefits? You can, and many people do. One popular method of adding solar power to homes is called hot tub. Hot tubs are a luxury, but they are also extremely affordable. The solar cells inside the hot tub can absorb the sun’s energy and convert it to usable energy for your home. You can purchase a solar hot tub for about $100, and then enjoy all the benefits for years to come.
