Able to deliver both shade and a significant power production capability, the retractable solar awning for caravans and motorhomes is finally here!
US company, Xponent says its new creation, which extends and retracts with the push of a button, can generate up to 1,200 watts of power while keeping happy campers out of the sun.
The Xpanse Solar Awning, which measures 4.9m x 2.1m when extended, is actually made up of a semi-rigid grid of high-efficiency glass-based solar panels.
The developers say that, as well as capturing solar energy from above, each panel is capable of collecting light from below as it reflects off the side of the RV and the ground.
The awning looks to harvest energy from the sun PIC: Pexels
In the event of high winds, the awning has an auto-retraction system that detects a potential problem and pulls it back in.Of course, the big drawback of the set-up when compared to traditional RV roof-mounted system is that travellers can’t have the awning out collecting solar energy while they’re actually driving on the road.
But the awning is potentially a great way to accumulate ‘extra’ power by combining with an existing system, or it might appeal to grey nomads whose RV roof space is ‘compromised’ by vents, skylights, air conditioners, antennas, or racks.
The Xpanse is compatible with most RVs, and Xponent says it plans to work with manufacturers in order to eventually offering the awning as a pre-installed vehicle option.
The 1,200-watt Xpanse awning will sell for US$9,900.
