Forum Discussion

E_mc2's avatar
E_mc2
Explorer
Sep 19, 2013

Rv Cover use with Solar Question

Hello all,

For starters I am not putting the rig away for the year yet, but eventually I am going to have to. Probably next year we are going to purchase the metal carport style to park under, but the cash flow just aint there to purchase now. So, that leaves me using a tarp to cover it for the winter. Is there anything I need to know about covering the solar panels up? I am very new to the solar thing and dont want to make any mistakes. My plan is to cover it up and then plug it in so the batteries stay up. Any information is much appreciated.

Thanks
Seeking Advice
  • MelinProv's avatar
    MelinProv
    Explorer
    Sep 27, 2013
    I have a cover and a area that I cut a hole in it for solar which is covered by a clear plastic that's fairly thick ( think hoop house 20 mil thick )it gives me no troubles. If the weather was better here I would just put my panels outside on the ground or on a mount with a cord going back inside my unit. I have to replace the plastic every 3 or 4 years based on how long it lasts on other things outside but have only used it 2 years now
  • hmknightnc's avatar
    hmknightnc
    Explorer
    Sep 20, 2013
    For storage just fully charge your batteries before putting the RV away and then disconnect the batteries. They will stay charged for months.
  • E_mc2's avatar
    E_mc2
    Explorer
    Sep 20, 2013
    camperpaul wrote:
    Why not cover it with clear plastic and let the solar panels maintain the battery charge.


    Thought about that but the clear plastic is usually pretty thin and I was thinkin it would tear and then it would kind of defeat my purpose.
  • E_mc2's avatar
    E_mc2
    Explorer
    Sep 20, 2013
    Oh and I am not planning on a full cover, I found some really heavy duty tarps like the truckers use and I was planning on that.
  • E_mc2's avatar
    E_mc2
    Explorer
    Sep 20, 2013
    Main reason I want to cover it is my neighbor has a boat load of trees and the pine needles, leaves and crud are already all over my roof an the weather here is still in the 90's. can only imagine the mess my roof will be when the weather starts to get bad. Well California bad anyways. I know that is a lot different than what some of you are used to, but none the less we want to protect our investment.
  • robatthelake's avatar
    robatthelake
    Explorer
    Sep 20, 2013
    I live on the Wet Coast of Canada . Since We always head South in the Winter ,We find the Covers to be a Royal PITA! Even though We do get Snow usually by the time We leave, it is easily removed and the Solar Panels are able to keep the Batteries charged.
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Sep 20, 2013
    Hi CA Traveler,

    Actually, not usually. There is sufficient wind to blow the snow off the roof. I've had to use a leaf blower once in 12 years.
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    Sep 20, 2013
    pianotuna wrote:
    Hi,

    What is the compelling reason to cover? Where I store there are over 1000 RV's none of them are covered.
    Aren't they covered by snow? :B
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Sep 20, 2013
    Hi,

    What is the compelling reason to cover? Where I store there are over 1000 RV's none of them are covered.

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