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.

UQUAM's Professor Benot Marsan has been working on finding a material that would be cheaper to use than platinum and he found it. Cobalt sulphide could be the perfect substitute for platinum. Not only is cheaper than platinum, it actually gives the panel a stronger stability.

UQAM's new design eliminates platinum and substitutes cobalt sulphide, creating a more cost efficient panel. The dark electrolytes that did not allow light to pass efficiently have also been replaced with a new liquid/gel that is see-through and breaks down less easily.

The solar panels aren't available to consumers, yet. Being able to offer eco-friendly accessories for RVs is only going to increase RV sales. While lightweight trailers and pop-ups have been appealing to the younger, greener generation, so are ways to maintain an environmentally friendly trailer.

The RV industry doesn't generally have a reputation for being super environmentally friendly. However, new companies are working on lighter and more aerodynamically designed vehicles. Yet the interiors are as important as the exteriors. Changing a light bulb from the 'cheap' ones to LED lights will add up in savings over time. In fact, fixtures have been created specifically for RVs to help RV enthusiasts convert.

Pouring vegetable oil into your RV may sound insane, but RVs can run on biodiesel. The catch is, RVs do have to retrofitted to take the biofuel. Without it, you might have a disaster on your hands. Kits are out there that teach RV owners how to convert their vehicles, or professionals can install the biodiesel kit for you. On the road, you may get to know some interesting people as you fill up at a local restaurant instead of gas station. Regular diesel is still needed for ignition, but after you get moving, it's a quick switch over to biodiesel.

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

Learn more about RVs. Stop by Beaudry RV Company's site where you can find out all about Motorhomes and what they can do for you.

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