Insurance Agency Blog

Solar Panels for Your RV

5/11/2021

There are many benefits of having solar panels on your RV, and depending on your lifestyle they could save you a TON of money. However, there are also reasons you could argue for why you shouldn’t install panels. If you’re thinking about getting them for your RV but are still on the fence about it, here are some things to consider!

Are solar panels worth it?
This depends solely on your lifestyle. If you enjoy spending a majority of time “off-the-grid” or frequent dry camps without power hookups (this is known as “boondocking”), then solar energy may be the way to go. Having solar could open up a lot more possibilities and allow you to explore different spots, rather than just hunting down the next camp with a hookup. Plus - you will certainly see some long-term savings if you compare solar panels to a gas generator. According to experts, you can expect your solar “payback period” to be around five years.1

However, if you are someone that spends a majority of your time at campsites with hookups or you only take big RV trips a few times a year, installing solar panels wouldn’t be practical. You are better off using the camp’s local power system and paying the associated fee.

How do solar panels work on an RV?
Most people think that solar panels are meant to power an RV – and that’s not entirely true. The purpose for solar power is to recharge your battery bank. Solar panels work the same as a gas generator except it requires no gas, makes no noise and can charge your batteries for a long period of time (as long as the sun is out and shining).

According to EnergySage, if you have an 800 W system that’s in direct sunlight for five hours a day, it will produce 4,000 watt-hours (Wh) of energy each day. To put that into perspective, you’ll be able to power small electronic devices like a TV or a microwave, but you won’t be able to run your refrigerator for an entire day.

If there isn’t any sunlight for a few days, however, that can pose a problem. It’s a good idea to have a plan B – like a back-up generator.

How much do solar panels cost & how many do I need?
The price varies with what wattage you would need for your RV, but it’s certainly not cheap! A good list of solar panels specifically designed for RVs, their prices and how many you would need can be found in this article from EnergySage.

Can I install solar panels myself?
Yes! With the proper tools and parts, you can install them yourself, but it’s not an easy process. If you decide to do it yourself, make sure you do extensive research on the installation equipment you’ll need to run an RV solar setup. If you’re not the handy type, call a professional solar panel installer to do this for you.

Overall, if you decide to take this next step in your RV lifestyle, you won’t regret it. Not only will it enhance your camping experience, it’s also great for the environment and will save you big bucks long-term. Happy camping from Foremost Insurance!

1https://news.energysage.com/rv-solar-panels/
Source: https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/solar-panels-for-your-rv.asp

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10 reasons motorcycles are the best

5/8/2021

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Many say that once you ride a motorcycle, you can never go back. The exhilaration and freedom are enough the get you hooked, but have you thought about the economical and lifestyle benefits of riding? Studies show that motorcycles are good for riders, the economy and the earth! Keep reading to see what makes motorcycles so great.

Cost of Vehicle Gas prices are upsetting at best, and the price to buy a vehicle is daunting for cars and motorcycles alike. But in terms of overall spending, motorcycles beat cars hands-down. It's hard to find a car that gets 30 mpg, but for motorcycles, that's actually on the low-end of the spectrum.
Cost of Maintenance We already know that the initial cost of motorcycles is less than cars. When you factor in maintenance costs, motorcycles win again. With a little practice and experience, you can end up doing most of your bike's maintenance on your own.
Sustainability Motorcycles are far better for the environment than their enclosed counterparts. Their low MGP saves money and natural gas and manufacturers don't need as many large parts when they build them. Motorcycles are also better for our aging-infrastructure (roads, bridges, etc.) The pressure of the tires is streamlined and they weigh far less than cars. Save the roads, ride a motorcycle!
Speed and Agility Cars are large and... well, slow. Motorcycles are agile and slim, making it easier to gain speed and maneuver through traffic. This makes it easier to avoid objects in the road, or anything else that you may encounter.
Parking If you've ever tried to parallel-park a car, you know it's not the easiest task. A motorcycle's small frame can fit into parking spots that a car might not be able to. Some spots even have designated parking for motorcycles.
Less Distractions Have you ever looked at the driver in the next lane to find them looking down at their phone? There are far too many drivers that feel comfortable enough to text or surf the web while they are driving. It's unsafe for everyone on the road, not to mention it's illegal in some states. Bikers are proactive, meaning they need to stay focused on the road and be aware of their surroundings.
Freedom Feel the breeze as you cruise down the highway on two wheels… Motorcycles create a sense of adventure that you just can't find with a car. Once you feel the freedom of riding a motorcycle, how can you go back?
Community The motorcycle community is more than a group of people: it's a lifestyle. Every year rallies across the country bring together thousands of bikers with a common love for the open road. You can even connect with the biker community online to share tips, tricks and good stories.
Health The results are in: riding is good for your health! Studies have shown that riding decreases stress and promotes mental health. Riding also burns calories and is known to improve the function of previously injured knee joints. Time for a ride – doctor's orders!
It's Fun It's plain and simple - motorcycles are FUN! Every ride is a memorable adventure. You can't find that kind of fun in a car, can you?

You already know that motorcycles are awesome, but now you have the facts to back it up. Share this article with your family and friends to show them why motorcycles really are the best!

Source: https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/10-reasons-motorcycles-are-the-best.asp

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