Solar power generation system is selected by most RV riders because of its simple structure, light weight, no pollution, easy installation, convenient combination and capacity expansion according to the power load.
However, many car owners have entered many misunderstandings because they do not understand the principle of solar power generation and conversion efficiency. This article will answer your questions and advise you how to correctly install and arrange solar power generation system for your RV.
1. Types and characteristics of solar panels
At present, the solar panels commonly used in the market can be simply divided into three categories: monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon and amorphous silicon.
Monocrystalline silicon solar panel is a solar panel with high-purity monocrystalline silicon rod as raw material. At present, it is widely used in photovoltaic market. Monocrystalline silicon solar panels have the highest photoelectric conversion rate (the photoelectric conversion efficiency of monocrystalline silicon is higher than polycrystalline silicon and polycrystalline silicon is higher than amorphous silicon). Therefore, RV riders usually choose monocrystalline silicon solar panels.
2. Selection of solar controller
The solar controller is a solar charging and discharging controller used to protect the battery from overshoot and discharge and prolong the service life of the battery.
After years of development, the technology of pulse width modulation (PWM) charging controller has been very mature. However, we find that the charging efficiency of PWM controller is low in practical use.
How to improve efficiency?
MPPT controller is a better choice.
MPPT (maximum power point tracking) is also called maximum power point tracking.
Maximum power point tracking is to design a device in the controller that can carry out intelligent operation and track at any time, so as to realize real-time monitoring of the power generation voltage of the solar panel, track the maximum voltage and current value, and enable the system to charge the battery with the highest efficiency by outputting the electric energy at the highest point.
We know that in order to charge the battery, the output voltage of the solar panel must be higher than the current voltage of the battery. If the voltage of the solar panel is lower than the voltage of the battery, the output current will be close to 0.
Moreover, the output of the solar panel is not fixed, but a curve that changes with various conditions such as radiation intensity and ambient temperature. Whether the solar panel can always work at the maximum value of the electric energy output curve is the ability of MPPT.
Therefore, it is suggested that RV riders must choose MPPT controller when installing solar power generation system.
3. How to calculate the actual power of solar panel of RV
We know that the nominal power of solar panels is generally the rated power. There are many factors involved in reaching the rated power, such as light intensity, the angle of solar panels, the quality of solar panels, etc. the RV can not reach this value in practical use.
So, how to estimate the actual power?
The power of solar panel in practical application can only reach 70% of the rated power.
However, most of the solar panels installed on the roof of the RV can only be tiled, so it can not form the best irradiation angle with the sunlight after tiling, and this gap will lose about 20% – 30% of the power.
Because of the above two reasons, in fact, the actual output power of RV solar panel is about half of the nominal rated power.
Therefore, when RV riders choose solar panels, try to have a large number and a large area.
4. Installation requirements for solar panels of RV
When the solar panel is in the working state, it will produce a lot of heat, resulting in the temperature rise. The temperature rise has a great impact on the working efficiency of the solar panel. If the heat cannot be lost for a long time, it will also lead to the burning of the components of the solar panel, which is also the fundamental reason why many people say that the flexible solar panel is easy to be damaged.
Therefore, whether it is monocrystalline silicon or polycrystalline silicon, whether it is hard solar panel with frame or flexible solar panel, remember that when installed on the roof or car body, there must be a gap between the solar panel and the roof and car body, which is conducive to air circulation and heat dissipation.
In addition, the junction box for the installation of solar panels must be equipped with anti reflux diodes, and the junction box and junction connectors must be waterproof.
5. Maintenance of solar panel in RV
Clean the surface regularly. If it is covered with dust, the power generation efficiency of solar panels will be greatly reduced.
Prevent fallen leaves and other sundries. Local shielding on the solar panel will not only affect the power generation efficiency, but also easily cause excessive local current to burn components.
6. Portable folding solar panel
Due to the easy scalability of solar power generation and the limited roof area of RV, this folding portable solar panel came into being. It is not only convenient to carry, but also a good supplement to solar power generation. It is also a good choice for RV riders.
In short, as long as possible, the more solar panels are installed and carried during RV travel, the better.
The above are the precautions for the solar power generation system of RV and the installation of solar panels for RV. I hope to provide you with a scientific reference, correct selection, correct installation, less detours and a pleasant journey!
