Sunshine provides power for RVers, retailers

The strong winds that often rock Michigan’s shorelines and the beating sun are creating energy in Southwest Michigan. And that’s creating opportunity for local retailers. “In the upper Midwest, solar business is really starting to pick up,” says Jay Quickel, category team leader for general merchandise for Harbor Freight, in Kalamazoo. “We have entry level panels that can power up to 10 hours.” For Brian and Leslie Pitts of Vicksburg, “10 hours of electric” is music to their ears. Last summer, they purchased a single solar panel that connects to their deep cycle RV/Marine battery. “It allows us to run our RV without being plugged into electricity,” says Leslie. “All functions of our RV can be run as long as the battery stays charged, and it stays charged pretty much indefinitely as long as it’s sunny.” The Pitt’s found out about the solar option from another well-traveled RV couple who had been using their own for years to power their RV. “The panel is about 18 inches by 36 inches and has what looks like jumper cables extending from it,” adds Leslie. “It fits nicely against the front of the RV and is small enough so it’s easy to tuck away during traveling. Plus, it enables us to travel to more rustic areas while maintaining certain levels of comfort that we like when RVing.” Quickel says Harbor Freight is “pleased to provide alternative-power options and many of our products are highly mobile.”Currently, Harbor Freight also offers a solar panel that rolls up like a mat for easier transportation.Writer: Stacie CarlsonSources: Jay Quickel, Harbor Freight, and Leslie and Brian Pitts