Why not get free energy from the sun? Solar technology has evolved massively in the last few years. It’s come down in price and it’s gotten a lot more efficient. In the past where you might have needed 200 square feet of solar panels to provide electricity to your RV, now it can be done with a lot less. It’s finally become possible to bring solar panels with you so you can have electricity wherever you go, even with the RV’s engine turned off.
First, of course, you’ll need the solar panels
Solid Signal has a decent selection of solar panels, of course. You may also want to check with local solar vendors because a lot of times there are rebates that can apply to your area. Make sure you work with someone reliable, though. Sadly there’s a lot of fraud in the solar industry.
You’ll want to choose a panel that meets your needs for power and also that’s easy to set up when you reach camp. While it’s possible to permanently mount solar panels on the RV’s roof, they may not be as efficient at catching the sun’s rays if they’re mounted that way. Traditionally, solar panels are mounted at an angle so they can get optimal sunlight for a longer period each day.
Choosing the right RV satellite system
If you already have a solar system, you know that you have to be pretty careful with your power usage. You can’t be pumping out 2500 watts of pure audio dynamite unless you’re planning to have a very large solar array around the RV. And of course, that would mean you’d need to bring that many panels with you all the time.
It’s much easier to just know what you need and plan for it. That means choosing devices with the lowest possibly draw.
To my way of thinking, the perfect choice is this DISH Tailgater bundle that includes a Wally receiver. It draws a maximum of 40 watts, giving it the lowest draw of any satellite TV system. Of course that doesn’t count the TV, and you’ll need to choose a TV that makes sense to you.
Comparing this bundle to the competition
Of course, Solid Signal offers a lot of different RV satellite systems. They all work well and offer different options that might make them attractive in different situations. But when you’re looking at solar, the most important thing is power draw. This specific bundle draws less than other systems because the dish is completely powered by the receiver.
Compared to other portable satellite systems
I recommend this product over the similar KING ONE PRO with DIRECTV Receiver simply because the KING ONE PRO needs a separate power source. It also is limited to working with only one model of DIRECTV box unless you add a separate multiswitch, which in itself draws another 45 watts.
Compared to roof-mounted satellite systems
Roof-mounted satellite systems will let you watch shows on different satellites. They’re self-aiming and give you the closest thing to an “at-home” experience. But, they have greater power demands. The dish itself needs power, and if you choose the DIRECTV version, you’ll also need a power inserter which is another 45 watts. All together, it adds up to a lot of draw from your solar panels.
Compared to in-motion satellite systems
There are several options for RV satellite that let you watch TV even if you’re moving. Of course this is the holy grail of satellite systems. However, the power requirements are really high because the dish is always checking to see if it needs to be reaimed even if you’re not moving.
Comparing RV satellite to satellite internet
Everyone’s talking about Starlink and how it’s now available for RVs. I agree, it’s a revolutionary system and if you’re interested, your Solid Signal account rep can help you get everything set up. However, there are three things about Starlink that you need to know if you’re going to honestly compare it to satellite TV.
Prices aren’t necessarily the same as home Starlink
If you want to choose the base Starlink kit, you can get away with paying about the same as you’ll pay for an RV satellite TV kit. However, you’ll probably want the dedicated high-performance kit, which will cost you about five times as much. You’ll also pay a lot more for monthly service than you’ll pay for satellite TV.
Power draw can be huge
Your Starlink hardware can draw between 27 and 170 watts depending on its usage. That low number is really only when the device is in sleep mode. You can depend on the draw being 70 watts or more while it’s in use.
Of course that doesn’t include the device. Expect a tablet to draw 15 watts or so while charging, and a laptop can draw up to 180 watts. That’s a pretty big burden to place on that solar panel system.
The TV experience isn’t the same
Unless you choose a high-performance dish, you probably won’t get the same quality streaming that you would get at home. However, DISH programming comes in at pure HD quality 100% of the time. There are no data caps or buffering issues with DISH, either.
Want to know more?
If you’re ready to add satellite TV to your RV, you’ll find that it’s easier than ever. Call the experts at Signal Connect at 888-233-7563 and we’ll take care of everything. We specialize in offering the best customer service to RVers like you. Call during East Coast business hours or, if it’s after hours, fill out the form below and we’ll get right back to you!
