Photovoltaics, or PV, is a process through which sunlight is transformed into electricity. Photo refers to light and voltaic to voltage. Essentially, sunlight hits the solar cell's surface, which excites some electrons and creates an electric current. A thin silicon cell, four inches across, can produce about one watt of direct current electrical power in full sunlight. Solar powered homes, water pumps, calculators and battery chargers are a few common examples of how PV is used today.The free energy derived from your panel is stored in batteries, and using an inverter, you are powered and ready to power up. A/C is the exception due to it's high demand, but most other equipment is available for short time periods. The more batteries, the more power to use. 1 Calculate power consumption 2 Multiply the consumption rate of the individual appliance by the hours per day that it will be used. 3 Divide the derived figure by the total output of your solar panels. 4 Determine your battery's storage capabilities. 5 Determine the average number of sunny days in the area in which you will be traveling or where you live using an almanac or the Internet. 6 Install another battery if required 7 Position the solar panels flat against the roof. of the RV. |  |
