Things to Know About Long-Term Caravan Living and Solar Panels
If you are considering long-term caravan living, one of the issues may be with power. You will need to have some form of power source that works during all forms of weather. The power source will also need to be available when you are in remote areas where traditional power is not possible. The solution that many people have found is to use solar panels. Before you jump into this as an option, there are a few things you need to know.
Solar Conversion
One of the first things you need to know about using solar panels in long-term caravan living deals with conversion. Keep in mind that you will have to take the power gained from solar panels and convert that into useable power and wattage for your electronics and power use. Most of this can be done with a solar power converter. However, you do need to know that you will still need to estimate how much power you will be using in a day for your maximum rate and minimum rate. Consider your different tasks and how long you will use each item. This can help you figure out how much solar power you need from the panels.
Panel Location
When you begin looking at solar panels, you will need to consider where the panel placement. For example, you can have mobile panels that can be used outside of the caravan. They are placed on the ground in whatever location works best for you and your caravan site. This is an easy way to ensure you have mobility options to gain the most solar energy at the time. You can also go with fixed panels that are located on the top of your caravan. These can gain solar energy while driving, parked or at any time there is a clear source of solar energy.
Upgrade Options
You may find that you want to upgrade the solar panels later. Before you reach that point, you need to decide if the panels you are considering can be upgraded. To do this, you may need to consult with your solar panel consultant. They can let you know if you can upgrade the panels, how to upgrade them and if you will face any obstacles when upgrading the panels. They can also give suggestions for the upgrades if necessary.
When you are ready to buy your solar panels, contact your local solar dealer. They can advise you on the different sizes and styles of panels. They can also help you with installation options and with questions about upgrading your panels as necessary. If you are uncertain about the panels that may be suitable for all your long-term caravan living needs, consider an on-site consultation.