Solar systems for RV's and  Boats

"Living on earth is expensive, but it does include a free trip around the sun".

For extensive travels we used a Unimog and a 17 ton Mercedes-Benz four wheel drive camper. Outfitted with a hybrid electrical system, 400 watts of solar and 300 watt wind power (for emergencies) @ 24 Volt it provided electricity for all of our needs. Onboard living, lights and entertainment systems, water purification and pumps, telecommunication, computer, power tools, GPS - the works. At the rig, note the small wind turbine hanging in its support on the top right picture while driving. 

Since our days of extensive world travels are behind us, we currently use a 1996 F 250 with a Kustom Koach pick- up camper - equipped with 240 watts of solar, sine wave inverter, a compressor fridge and LED lightning for dry dock camping while on one of our rare holiday breaks.

However - the experience from our extreme travels enables us to tell you what works and what not. So -if  you need products to depend on - depend on us - call (306) 298 - 2088 or e-mail us.

RV's are natural suited for solar, as they're already set up for 12/24 volt power.

RV systems are practically identical to a boat or small cabin system  -except for the marine corrosion protection factor in boat applications.

It might be just a small, 5 or 30watt panel from your local hardware store that keeps the car battery charged up between a few trips over the weekend.  But for someone living in one full time, it can mean 200 to 600 watts of solar power (or all that will fit), a large battery bank, plus inverter and the usual gizmos.

Small or big: Solar works for you! Run virtually everything - except air-conditioning. No fuel, no maintenance, no exhaust fumes, no noise.

Manufacture “Ready to go” charger kits are popular & available.

These kits have all you need for installation. Watch TV, play cards, read a book take a shower =- with healthy batteries you have all the comfort you are used too - wherever you are.

Kits include  solar modules, all the hardware, wire, mounts, charge controller, and installation guide.

Installation of Kits - is relatively simple; and done in five easy steps:

1)  Fasten solar module to the roof using the modular structure
2)  Mount the controller on an inside wall near the refrigerator or your power panel.
3)  Run the electrical wire down via a roof vent/opening to prevent drilling new holes.
4)  Connect the two wires (+ -) coming down from the panels to the charge controller.
5)  Run another two wires(+ - ) from controller to battery. Fuse it - Use it.
  

You can do it!

A do-it-yourselfer can put this system together (depending how big of a system and how handy the person), in a couple of hours, a day, or over the weekends. If you're not technically inclined, most RV dealerships can do this for you. These systems operate without care, becoming a part of your vehicle's 12 or 24 volt system, keeping a charge on the battery as long  as sun/daylight is available. without the danger of overcharging.

For the more individual solution we're always glad to help you to customize for you.

For example: Custom designed solar power systems are also modular systems to provide power for now or grow with your future needs. On those systems we use very easily expandable ABS roof mounts for mounting the solar panels on the RV without the need of drilling holes into your roof, paintable from you in the color of your choice. (they come orig. in brown)

We use four stage or mppt tracking charge controllers. The control's are multi-staged at 12/24 Volt. 

Further up the line are monitors – AC inverters - Gel cell or AGM non spill battery banks (if used under benches or beds inside), electronic battery switch relays, control panels, energy efficiant 12 & 24 volt lightning, wind generators - whatever you set your mind on. 

Windgenerators are also used, and are common on sailboats and for remote homes. We have sold quite a few to RV folks that tend to "park" a while, as back-up, and to people which do some serious traveling.

The AIR-X with 400watts and the Air Breeze with 200 watt both 13lbs and as heavy as a solar panel is easy to install. 

 The AIR from Southwest Windpower U.S.A. has the best customer service policy in real life and comes with a 3 year warranty. 

With our new prop blades the original Air-X is much less noisy and therefore tolerated at public areas, campgrounds and marinas. Both are a good choice if you want to run a hybrid system on your RV or boat.

Contact us to find out which system is best suited for you

Find out more about RV, Solar/Wind and the beauty of traveling independent on our FAQ page under: RV