And more about RV Solar spring Maintenance, a few links, and if you want, head over to our Videos page to watch an RV go where it wasn't perhaps meant to go. Maybe not that interesting, but it made us smile.
Our favourite places to take our RV are ones where a 29' RV isn't really meant to fit!
Now, look closely at the first picture and tell me what you see...
We see dirty, inefficient solar panels!
Might seem like a small thing, but all of that stuff is blocking the efficiency of your panels. And especially when it is a small system, small things make a big difference.
So before you head out with your RV, it's time to get up there and wash them off.
But before you actually wash your panels, be sure to do a quick inspection of the Dicor sealant used around your solar mounting brackets. If you need to do some touch-ups, we have Dicor in stock for about $35 a tube.
Also take a look at the exposed wires to be sure that the rodents haven't been chewing on them. (I have no idea why they think it's so tasty, but they do.)
Inspection completed, carefully wash your panels. I use a soft-bristle pole brush, from a ladder. If you're feeling brave, go ahead and walk on that roof, but don't call me if you fall through! Or fall off. I assume no liability for your ladder skills.
Just a wee bit of advice, if you ever do walk on that roof, stay on the outer edge, that's where your strength is at. DO NOT walk in the middle. Don't ask me how I know.
Batteries. I usually remove our batteries and store them in the shop over winter. Because if left in the RV over winter, inevitably someone will leave a light on, flatten the batteries, and you'll find them split and destroyed come spring. (Once again, don't ask me how I know.)
As with any off-grid system, if your batteries have been in storage, you will want to check your water levels and charge them up. Make sure you check levels before you charge, to be sure the plates are fully covered, but don't fill to the bottom of the neck yet. When you add water, use distilled water, not lake water. Please. If you are using a good 3-stage charge controller like the Bogart, your RV off-grid system is a great way to charge them up.
Be sure to also check all your terminals for corrosion and tightness, and clean and tighten as necessary.
It is also a good idea to do a specific gravity check after they are charged up. If needed, equalize, and once done that, now you fill them up to the bottom of the neck, re-install in RV.
Now you are ready to go out and enjoy your quiet, generator-free camping trip!!
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