EPISODE VIII Solar and RVs

In this episode, we welcome Luc Bataillard from Alternative Solaire to talk about solar energy for RVs. Discover the best practices for powering your van with solar energy, which solar panels to choose, how to optimize your setup for off-grid adventures etc..

Benefit from Luc's experience and his valuable advice. Whether you're passionate about van life or considering switching to solar for your road trips, this episode will give you all the tools to get started.

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As a bonus, don’t miss our Tech insights video where Luc walks us through a RV solar powered :

• Tech Insight : Understanding a Solar Powered RV

Happy listening, Solar Warriors! 🎧

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‍‍Learn more about Alternative Solaire: https://vie-alternative.com/

FAQ

Why install solar on a van or RV?

To be self-sufficient: not depending on a campground hookup and being able to stay in remote places, on a beach or in the mountains. Solar suits every recreational vehicle, from small camper vans to factory RVs and converted buses.

How do you size a solar system for an RV?

Start with the power side: the appliances to run, the largest load and the number of days of autonomy you want, which determines the batteries and inverter. Panels come next: install as many as the roof allows, since space is almost always the limiting factor.

Are flexible solar panels a good idea on a van?

Luc Bataillard advises against them. Glued directly to the roof, they shed heat poorly, even more so on a metal body that heats up in the sun, and many low-end models have caught fire. He prefers rigid aluminum-framed panels on rails, from proven brands with high output per square metre.

Which panels should you choose for a vehicle?

Avoid "12 V" panels, whose voltage is too low to charge well throughout the day. Luc recommends panels of at least 36 V, usually from 340 W up. Depending on the vehicle's size, installed power ranges from about 200 W to 4 kW.

How do you mount panels without causing leaks?

On some vans, such as the Ram ProMaster, roof anchor points let you attach rails without drilling. On an RV with a fibreglass or membrane roof, anchor into the structure or an interior reinforcement; every hole needs butyl tape under the bracket, then an RV sealant.