The allure of caravan holidays lies in the freedom to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations and the natural beauty of New Zealand. There is nothing better than discovering unique but beautiful attractions without the crowd. Driving an off-grid caravan makes that possible, but make sure you also have freedom with energy. Going on an off-grid holiday requires harnessing alternative power sources to live comfortably and support your bare essentials. That is what real freedom is about!
For years, many caravan enthusiasts have found it challenging to enjoy an off-grid caravan holiday. Not being able to access power wherever you go and whatever you do limits your ability to have the adventure of a lifetime. Therefore, investing in a solar power campervan unleashes the potential to have an off-grid holiday in New Zealand.
Why Do You Need Solar Panels for Off-Grid Caravans?
Installing a solar panel on caravans allows you to explore off-grid destinations for several days to weeks. It offers sustainability and freedom in exploring destinations instead of being limited by the electrical grid. Investing in a solar panel campervan and other related accessories makes it possible to have an off-grid holiday in New Zealand and soak in the country’s natural beauty, especially its undiscovered parts.
You’ve already invested money in an off-grid or off-road caravan, so you might as well equip it with solar panels that allow you to go where you want to! Installing solar panels enables you to lower your caravan expenses since you no longer have to invest in an external generator. You can harness natural power sources to produce clean energy!
But the benefits don’t stop there. Having a solar-powered caravan means being able to stay in scenic New Zealand spots for as long as desired. You can enjoy these additional benefits when you embark on an off-grid caravan holiday:
- Travel green – You can travel sustainably and guilt-free by reducing your carbon footprint and utilising renewable energy sources.
- Travel freedom – You can visit more scenic spots or travel further. You can also stay as long as you want without worrying about added accommodation costs or running out of battery.
- Boost the caravan value – You can increase the market value of your caravan by equipping it with solar panels. It makes it possible to generate its own electricity and can save the long-term costs of powering the caravan.
A well-maintained solar panel campervan and caravan can last for many years. Therefore, it is an excellent investment as you can get an uninterrupted and unlimited power supply. If you can collect sunlight, you can convert it into an energy source. The best solar panels can collect energy even on a cloudy day.
Tips for Installing Solar Panels in Caravans
Pursuing the off-grid lifestyle or enjoying an off-grid caravan holiday is possible with the installation of solar panels. Therefore, many caravan owners have chosen to fit out their vehicles with solar panels to generate power that can sustain their holidays in the remote areas of New Zealand.
Here are some tips to consider if you want to invest in solar accessories and equipment for an off-grid caravan holiday.
Know How Much Power You Need
In the later section, you will learn how to calculate how much solar power you need for an off-grid holiday. When planning how much power is needed, calculate it based on how many days you’re going on holiday. It’s essential to have extra batteries so you have extra power when the sun isn’t shining.
DIY or Professional Solar Installation
You can DIY the installation of solar panels, but there are also professional solar panel installers. If you’ve had experience installing solar panels, you can do it independently. If not, it’s best to leave it to the professionals to ensure proper installation and secure the panels for extra weather protection. Also, you want those panels properly installed if you want to drive to different locations during your holiday.
In addition, consider where you plan to install the solar panels. The panels need to have direct contact with sunlight to collect solar energy, but you want to avoid your caravan sitting directly under the sun. Come up with a compromise on harnessing the maximum energy in your caravan without losing energy efficiency.
Choose the Right Solar Panel
Solar panels come in various shapes, sizes, and capabilities. Research various solar panel types to match your needs. They also vary in price, so make sure to consider your budget.
How Much Solar Do You Need for Off-Grid Caravan Holidays?
Living the caravan life and enjoying a holiday that lets you escape the confines of your daily routine is a dream for many. But ensure you are well-prepared for the holiday by ensuring access to a power source even if you go off-grid. Most people have a dual battery system, but installing a solar panel gives you peace of mind that you will never run out of power.
It brings us to the next question: how much solar power do you need?
First, list all gadgets and appliances in the caravan that require power. Most caravans have the following devices and gadgets that require power:
- Smartphone
- Laptop
- Mini fridge
- Lighting
- Water pump
- Cooking appliances
Next, determine how much power is required for each of them. For this, you can check the instruction manual for the product and then multiply it by the hours you expect to use the appliances daily.
Once you have the Watt-Hour for each gadget or appliance, you can add them to get the total power you need daily. Then multiply that according to how many days you will spend on the holiday.
The next thing to consider is the size and shape of the caravan. It will help you determine the type and size of solar panels required, especially if you want to mount them. On the other hand, folding panels or a solar blanket is the perfect solution for limited wall or roof space.
When installing solar panels, consider your power requirements and the battery size to store excess solar energy. Determining how much solar power you need for an off-grid caravan holiday is crucial so you know what size and the number of batteries you will need for storing energy based on your power requirements. If you find that you need more power, some caravan enthusiasts combine fixed and portable solar panels.