RV Sales Boosted by Environmental Innovations
Articles - Lifestyle
RVs used to be thought of as gas-guzzlers. It's a reputation that cost the RV industry sales during rising gas prices and the following recession. But now there's a new face on the RV industry. As manufacturers and dealers are gearing their vehicles to a new eco-minded generation, their vehicles are seeing the benefits.
by ElizabethMcKinley


RVs used to be thought of as gas-guzzlers. It's a reputation that cost the RV industry sales during rising gas prices and the following recession. But now there's a new face on the RV industry. As manufacturers and dealers are gearing their vehicles to a new eco-minded generation, their vehicles are seeing the benefits.

While the expense of solar panels has been their biggest deterrent, solar panels are finally growing up. The reason behind the cost of solar panels is the ingredients. Platinum is not a cheap product to use and until now, no better substitute could be found. However, UQUAM has been working on it. Their new technology might see a lot more solar panels flying off the shelf.

Traditional solar panels are made with platinum, which is a costly material. This is one reason, even with increased demand that prices haven't dropped significantly since solar panels were introduced. The other issue, reports Ben Coxworth in his article Breakthrough in Low Cost Efficient Solar Cells, is problems with passage of light through the dark coating.

With technology moving forward at a fast clip, even the dark coating of solar panels is being upgraded to a new liquid/gel that will be more durable the older darker version. What does this mean for consumers? It means they will have access to making their vehicle green for a cost that's easy on the pocket book.

It may still be a while before the new solar panels are ready for consumer consumption. Solar panels are one way for RV dealers to boost their sales while intriguing a new generation into a way of life that has been part of America for years.

Solar panels aren't the only things greening the RV industry. Even the simple things are having a big effect, such as LED lighting. LED lights have become popular with RV travelers because less money is spent on energy bills and they have a longer life than regular light bulbs. Manufacturers are making it easy for RV owners to replace regular light bulbs by designing fixtures that are aimed at RVs.

If you want to go a step further than lighting, consider biodiesel. Biodiesel is essentially vegetable oil that can be picked up from any restaurant with a fryer. How does this help you? Biodiesel kits convert diesel engines so they can run off oil. RV owners can convert their vehicles with handy DIY kits, or the local garage can help you out. Once you're set up, be sure you keep a little diesel on hand to get the engine going, but after that, it's a simple switch that will start using biodiesel.

RV sales are benefiting from helping the earth. The more they green their practices, the wider possible consumer base they have access to.

DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice.