Solar power modules are available in several different types; monocrystalline solar panels are the oldest. Each cell inside the unit contains one large silicon crystal. Even though monocrystalline solar panels are more efficient than other types of solar modules, they are also more expensive. According to RV Solar Connection, monocrystalline solar cells can produce more power in lower light conditions than polycrystalline or thin-film solar cells. Monocrystalline solar panels have an average efficiency rating of 16 percent. This means that 16 percent of all the sunlight energy that strikes the cells will be converted to electricity.
Polycrystalline solar cells cost far less to manufacture than traditional monocrystalline solar cells. This makes solar modules containing them less expensive. This type of solar cell is made by casting molten silicon in a mold and then slicing it into thin wafers. According to Solar Power Fast, polycrystalline solar cells have much the same durability and life span as the more expensive mono-crystalline cells. Polycrystalline solar cell modules have an efficiency rating of 12 to 12.5 percent.
New advances in thin-film solar cell manufacturing offer motor home owners new options for going solar. The panels are made by depositing thin layers of semiconductor material onto a conductive substrate. The greatest advantages of thin-film solar for RV and motor home owners are low-cost and have greater durability. Thin-film solar panels are less efficient than crystalline solar cell panels, so they need to be larger to produce the same power, but because they weigh much less than traditional solar panels, the greater size doesn't pose as much of a problem. According to PowerFilm Solar, some thin-film RV solar modules can be mounted without drilling or mounting brackets. Modules are available with adhesive backing that attach directly to the roof of your RV.
Deciding to use solar power on your RV or motor home offers freedom from plugging in to recharge, but be sure to consider your needs before installing a solar power system. The voltage rating assigned to solar modules assumes an operating temperature of 77 degrees Fahrenheit. At temperatures above 77 degrees, a solar power panel suffers a voltage drop which can be as high as 2 volts. Solar panels mounted on top of a motor home are in direct sunlight and can reach internal temperatures of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. AM Solar recommends choosing solar power modules rated at 17 volts or higher. This will allow enough voltage to charge deep-cycle batteries despite heat-related voltage drops.
