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When choosing an RV solar system, it is best to start planning with identifying what kind of RV you have. This is because each type of recreational vehicle has specific requirements and limitations for off-grid power and solar charging systems.
Common questions regarding solar and inverter systems in RVs
Learn about adding panels to your prewired for solar RV.
What kind of items can you run on RV solar panels depends on how many panels and the items you want to power with it.…
Sample Refrigerators Solar array requirements The need to run solar systems to power a residential refrigerator in RVs started a whole line of larger arrays…
Solar panel type Rigid Solar Panels Flexible Solar Panels Thin-film Panels Safety precautions Chemicals? Probably not
Everyone wants to run their AC (Air Conditioner) off-grid on RV solar. Let me start by saying that I believe anything can be done. The…
CPAP is a necessity when camping. Sleep is so important. Power requirements for a CPAP machine overnight Heated hose and heated humidifier Rainout and other…
- What type of panels to use? Flexible or Rigid
- How many solar panels do I need?
- What kind of batteries? AGM, Deep Cycle Flooded, Gel, Lithium
- What kind of solar controller? PWM or MPPT
- What kind of solar cells on the panels? Monocrystalline, Polycrystalline or CIGS
- How do I calculate a reliable power generation system?
- Running an air conditioner on a solar system and power inverter.
- Lithium battery bank charging on solar and alternator.
- How to calculate wattage on common electrical appliances?
- Any tips on reducing power usage?
- Can I run a CPAP off-grid while camping?
- Can I run a refrigerator on a solar system?
- My RV has a residential french door refrigerator, how can I power off-grid?
- My RV is prewired for solar, but I cannot find the cables.
- How to mount the panels to the roof?
- What kind of sealant is used for mounting RV solar panels?
- Should I buy an RV portable solar panel?
- Can I make my own portable solar kit?
- What kind of solar connectors are out there?
- Do I need a transfer switch with a solar system?
- Can I run my lights without an inverter?
- Can I use my onboard USB connectors when I am not plugged into shore power?
- I have a 30 amp charge controller and a 50 amp RV, what does this mean?
- Do I need to tie down or tie-wrap my cables on my roof?
- Can I mount a solar panel on my roof rack?
Basic components of a solar battery charging system for an RV
Branch connectors are quick connect connectors that allow connecting 2 connectors to a single connection point on an RV solar panel.
A prewired cable entry plate on an RV is a simple way to have your RV solar-ready without the need to run additional wires into the RV. The main 10AWG cable run uses a quick-connect MC4 connector base for both the + (Red) and – (Black) cables.
A solar charge controller is the brains of a charging system. The solar controller determines when and how the solar panels charge your batteries based on several factors. This protects your batteries from being overcharged from your solar kit.
Power inverters are devices that allow a user to run 120-volt appliances from their 12-volt battery banks. These units come in a variety of models including power waveform of True Sine Wave and Modified Sine Wave and charging models including inverter only or inverter chargers.
Tie wraps or cable ties are a must to keep wires tight and in place. They are easy to use and come in different lengths and strengths.
Fuses for the solar system protect the wire from in case there is a short. The fuse is a safety precaution.
Solar extension cables are designed to extend the solar circuit some length. These cables allow for additional panels to be installed some distance from the first panel.
Circuit breakers are designed to protect AC wiring in your RV. The breakers are allowed to trip and be reset. They can allow for easily shutting of a circuit.
Tilting a solar panel to better angle towards the sun can produce more power. There are brackets that can help achieve this on an RV.
Lap sealant is often used when installing solar on an RV roof. Sealant is designed to there to help prevent water from entering your RV.
Batteries are the lifeblood of an RV off-grid power system because they store the power needed at times when there is no power plug. RV batteries are available in a variety of types and common voltages like 6 Volt and 12 Volt.
To install a power inverter, cables and a fuse should be used. The cable should match the wire size required by the load from the power inverter.
What kind of RV do you have?
A Class A motorhome is a full body driver motor-home. They are often powered by either a gasoline based engine or a Diesel Pusher.
A Class B motor home or camper van is a small driver type of RV. They have van chassis and are easier and more efficient.
Class C RVs are the cab over driving units that have range from 24 feet to around 35 feet in length.
Fifth wheel campers are RVs that are pulled by trucks and pinned to a hitch in the bed of the truck. These are common RVs…
Travel trailers or tow behind rvs are often the first type of RV that someone buys to start RVing. These units range from 13 feet…
Truck campers are RVs that are installed into the bed of the truck. They can be taken off to allow freedom to travel in vehicle…
Schoolies are often being made from old school buses, hence the name. These are really customized RVs with large roofs for solar panels.
Pop-up campers are a cross between a tent and a travel trailer. They are super light and easy to pull and may be perfect for…
Teardrop campers are some of the first RVs. They are lightweight and often have very low loads. Find ways to run your devices when off-grid.
Typical Electrical Loads for RV appliances and electric devices.
This is a partial list of the common devices and appliances that RV owners request to run on their RV solar panel system. Each item has its own electrical specifications and common run times. For more information visit the Complete list of off-grid common RV loads.
Energy Efficient Appliances
More efficient appliances use less power off-grid. Energy Start has very detailed information on some high-efficiency appliances. https://www.energystar.gov/products/appliances
Listen to our Podcast Interviews from the road
https://www.outsidesupply.com/solar-camping-van/
The first part of an interview with Jack Tinsley discussing his project to build a DIY camper van on a Promaster van. Jack has designed…
Carl is heading to Alaska this year and adding some extra batteries to his RV solar system. He is going from 2 batteries in the…
If this content is useful, please take the time to share on social media, blogs, and forums. It helps us keep creating. Thank You!