When travelling in your motorhome, one of the biggest challenges you’ll face is generating electricity and monitoring its usage. This challenge can be greatly exacerbated if you’re enjoying additional luxuries like hair straighteners or TVs, or charging electronic devices.
Since many motorhomes still tend to rely on modern-day traditional connections and hookups, it’s important to have a back-up off-grid solution for when you find yourself in a more remote area. Offering the opportunity to access lights, heating and air conditioning, and the ability to charge all your electronic devices - you’d be crazy not to invest in an off-grid power solution.
If you’re setting up your motorhome for a road trip, or have intentions to venture further afield, here are our four best ways to power your motorhome off-grid.
Petrol Generators
Traditional fuel generators use fuel like gasoline or diesel to generate mechanical energy through combustion. This is then converted into electricity. The benefit of a traditional fuel generator is that it will offer high power output and can meet the electricity needs for an extended off-grid period. These generators can be either portable or built into your motorhome.
Suitable for various weather conditions, these generators can provide a long-term and stable power supply that can be used for a number of camping activities like cooking, AC, and refrigeration. Traditional fuel generators are desirable for their low cost and high power output, however they aren’t very eco-friendly, can be quite noisy, and are often inconvenient due to their fuel-requirement.
Portable Solar Blankets and Batteries
Portable solar panels are an off-grid solution that consists of a portable and foldable solar panel. This panel can be placed in any desired location to provide power to your motorhome. Portable solar generators aim to maximise solar exposure by receiving direct sunlight exposure, converting it into electricity, and storing it in an energy storage battery for later use.
Portable solar panels are ideal if you are looking for an eco-friendly, maximum solar absorption solution. This off-grid power option is relatively low in cost and can be easily transported. The downsides to portable solar generators are their low power output and the fact that they are heavily affected by weather conditions and sunlight intensity.
Integrated Solar Systems
As the name suggests, integrated solar power generation systems are part of the vehicle itself. While this kind of system is much more extensive than the other options we have discussed in this guide, you will be able to run all your appliances and lighting from this off-grid system. If your solar system has been professionally installed, it will typically have solar panels on the roof, and a charging unit, battery pack, and inverter within the vehicle.
An integrated solar system works by converting solar energy into electricity and storing it in an energy storage battery for later use. This type of off-grid power solution is desirable because it can generate power while driving or stationary.
Additionally, if you combine an integrated solar system with energy storage batteries, you could have enough electricity for an extended stint in a remote area. Integrated solar systems are sought out for their high power output, convenient, and eco-friendly nature.
The downside to this off-grid power solution is its inability to generate power from any desired location due to it being fixed on the motorhome (affected by parking location). They can also be expensive due to installation and connection costs.
Wind Turbines
Small wind turbines are another option for off-grid power. Attached to the back of the motorhome, wind turbines generate electricity while the vehicle is moving. A wind turbine utilises the power of wind to generate electricity. Consisting of a rotor with spinning blades, electricity is generated when the wind blows.
Portable wind turbines are an eco-friendly option and don’t require any fuel. The downside to this off-grid product is that it is dependent on wind conditions, and will therefore typically result in low power output.
Final Thoughts
By conducting in-depth research and preparation, you’ll be able to sufficiently and easily power your motorhome. With a variety of solar options available on the market, you can ensure your off-grid setup is environmentally-friendly while taking in the breathtaking scenery of the destination you’ve travelled to. For longer off-grid stints, consider combining power solutions to ensure a sustainable amount of power for your motorhome. It is important to note that the suggestions made in this guide are for reference only and that your final solution should work for your individual needs and budget.
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