OutdoorAnalysis

Menu
  • Home
  • Kayaking
    • Best Inflatable Kayaks of 2020
  • Skiing/Snowboarding
    • Best Ski Bindings
    • Best Ski Goggles
    • Best Ski Helmets
  • Biking
    • Mountain Bikes Under 500
    • Best Entry Level Road Bikes
    • Best Bluetooth Motorcycle Helmets
  • Longboarding
    • Best Longboard Brands
    • Best Longboard for Girls
    • Best Longboards for Beginners
  • Hiking/Camping
    • Hiking Boots Women
    • Best Daypacks for Hiking
    • Best Camping Hammocks
  • Review
  • Motorcycle Helmet
  • RV Life
  • Camping
  • Blog
  • Best Products
  • Hiking/Camping
  • Biking
  • Skiing/Snowboarding
  • Sports

Get our latest expert recommendations and great deals in your inbox!

Join Us Now For Free
Home
RV Life
šŸ„‡How To Install Solar Panel On RV Quickly And Efficiently
RV Life

šŸ„‡How To Install Solar Panel On RV Quickly And Efficiently

Outdoor January 16, 2021

 

How to install solar panel on RV

How to install solar panel on RV

Have you ever feel that your RV electricity is quite limited to your actual needs? If only your vehicle is equipped with a renewable energy source, you can park your wherever you want. And with the popularity of the solar panels on the rise, it seems to be a good choice here. But it’s not like you know what to do and how to do it right away. You are not a professional. If that is your concern then there is no need for that. You can learn how to install solar panel on RV simply by reading this article.

The basic working principle of the solar panel is actually simple, no matter if it’s for household or vehicle use. Generally, when the sun is up, the solar panel will use the sunlight to continuously charge the batteries. Then in night times, the accumulated energy from the batteries can be used at your leisure. While not really endless, solar panels did offer you a good way to save your electric cost. You don’t need to always look for RV hook up when you decide to park at a place too.

Solar panel installment is also relatively easy. If you wish to outfit your RV with solar panels, just follow the preparations and procedures below.

Best Sellers inĀ Solar Panels on AmazonĀ 

Shop now at Amazon.com

#1 Amazon Best Seller

Sale
Jackery SolarSaga 100W Portable Solar Panel for Explorer 240/300/500/1000/1500 Power Station, Foldable US Solar Cell Solar Charger with USB Outputs for Phones (Can't Charge Explorer 440/ PowerPro)
Jackery SolarSaga 100W Portable Solar Panel for Explorer 240/300/500/1000/1500 Power Station, Foldable US Solar Cell Solar Charger with USB Outputs for Phones (Can't Charge Explorer 440/ PowerPro)
  • EASY SETUP & KICKSTAND INCLUDED: The Solar Saga 100 features 2 kickstands that can be placed firmly on any surface ground. With just a few seconds of setup, you can start soaking energy from the sun for your Jackery power station. The TPE rubber handle allows you to carry around easily when taking off-grid adventures.
$209.00
Buy on Amazon

#2 Amazon Best Seller

Sale
Renogy 2PCS Solar Panels 100 Watt 12 Volt, High-Efficiency Monocrystalline PV Module Power Charger for RV Marine Rooftop Farm Battery and Other Off-Grid Applications, 2-Pack 100W
Renogy 2PCS Solar Panels 100 Watt 12 Volt, High-Efficiency Monocrystalline PV Module Power Charger for RV Marine Rooftop Farm Battery and Other Off-Grid Applications, 2-Pack 100W
  • Compact and Reliable - The 100W 12V Monocrystalline solar panel delivers a stable output of an average 500Wh of electricity per day (depending on sun availability). With its compact solar cell arrangement, this renogy 100w solar panel weighs only 14.1 lbs and is 8-10% lighter and smaller than conventional rigid solar panels.
$168.99
Buy on Amazon

#3 Amazon Best Seller

Sale
Jackery SolarSaga 60W Solar Panel for Explorer 160/240/500 as Portable Solar Generator, Portable Foldable Solar Charger for Summer Camping Van RV(Can't Charge Explorer 440/ PowerPro)
Jackery SolarSaga 60W Solar Panel for Explorer 160/240/500 as Portable Solar Generator, Portable Foldable Solar Charger for Summer Camping Van RV(Can't Charge Explorer 440/ PowerPro)
  • EASY TO CARRY & KICKSTAND INCLUDED: Weighing at only 6.6 lb, this solar panel is foldable and handy with a TPE rubber handle. The kickstand leans on an angle that makes the solar panel to easily soak energy from the sunlight.
$160.62
Buy on Amazon

#4 Amazon Best Seller

Renogy 100W 12V Monocrystalline Solar Starter Kit w/Wanderer 10A Charger Controller
Renogy 100W 12V Monocrystalline Solar Starter Kit w/Wanderer 10A Charger Controller
  • IP65 rated junction box provides complete protection against environmental Particles and low pressure water jets.
$179.99
Buy on Amazon

#5 Amazon Best Seller

Renogy 100W 12V Monocrystalline Off Grid Portable Foldable 2pcs 50W Solar Panel Suitcase Built-In Kickstand
Renogy 100W 12V Monocrystalline Off Grid Portable Foldable 2pcs 50W Solar Panel Suitcase Built-In Kickstand
  • 怐Reliable怑excellent performance in low-light environments. Adjustable corrosion resistant aluminum stand, heavy duty handle and latches for longevity. Protective case.
$209.94
Buy on Amazon
Shop now at Amazon.com

 

How to install solar panel on RV

The preparations

A solar energy system includes the solar panels, lithium batteries, inverter and lots of wires. To secure it properly on top of your RV, you are going to need several tools too. For the most part, drill and screwdriver would be enough. Some form of braces and frames are also needed to support the panels. You can make just that using planks of plywood. And you also need to know the measurement of the roof so get a tape measure and a marker beforehand.

Since you are going to deal with dust and possible electric shock, suitable gears are needed. Put on a pair of goggles and insulation gloves. Ā Electric tester is recommended to check leakage and system operation. Due to the fact that you are about to alter the RV appearance, rechecking the vehicle insurance terms and policies is advised. If you RV has been around for a long time, you must ensure that the insurance won’t be voided when you do this. When everything is ready then let’s gets to work.

The procedures

Step 1: Disconnect the RV batteries and measure the roof

Safety is your number one priority so remove all batteries cables before you do anything. Ā It also applies to the shore power if you have them on at the moment. This will eliminate any possibility of you getting an electric shock while installing the solar system. After that, get on the roof get it exact measurements. You will need these numbers when you consider how many panels you need and their associated arrangement.

To maximize efficiency, you should plan the panels and the junction box to be on the driver side front. Leave some gap between them for walking and later inspections. Ā When everything is up to your satisfaction, mark the panel position. These lines will help your installation to proceed smoothly and precisely

Step 2: Put in the control box

When you are done on the roof, it’s time to think about where to install the control box. That place must stay within your reach, easy to handle and require simple wiring. In order to better preserve the power, the wires distance should be kept to the minimum. Ā But the control box must be as far away as possible from gas pipes or heating devices. Usually, the cabinet sidewall of the RV should be able to meet all of these requirements. If you find a more convenient place in your case, feel free to put the box there.

Solar Charge Controller

Solar Charge Controller

Step 3: Assemble the braces and frames then install the panels

Base on your previous marking, construct the panels supports and nail them first. Remember to take into account spaces for the panels to attach themselves to the roof. Next, transport the panel on the roof and connect their wires with the junction box. After that, you will need to drill several sets of holes on the roof to secure the junction box and the panels. When you are done drilling, put the panels and the box on top of the holes.

After the securing holes are formed, you will need to drill another hole for the wire from the junction box to reach the controller down below. After that, proceed to pour some forms of sealant into all holes and along the junction box frames first. This will keep everything tightly together. Sikaflex is an ideal choice for the job. Pour a moderate amount of Sikaflex into each hole then drive in the nails. Do the same before pressing down the junction box.

Step 4: Place the batteries and connect them to the control box

When the wires from the junction box are connected to the control box, you will need to run additional wires. These extra wires job is to connect the control box and the batteries. If you have multiple batteries sets then remember to link them first. Once the connection is made, the entire system should be ready to go. Give it a test right away to see if the panels are functioning normally or not.

If everything goes smoothly, you can start hooking the batteries to your RV outlets. Simply connect the batteries to the inverter and run the wires from the inverter to the outlets. And that would be it, your solar energy system is operational.

Conclusion

Nothing can be more enjoyable than to go camping in your RV. And it would be even better if you don’t have to look for RV hook up every time you park. Fearing the electricity won’t hold out, you constantly search for RV parking lot and that is annoying. But if you know how to install solar panel on RV, that issue is solved. After some times and effort at a minimum cost, you can save a lot of money with solar panels. If you want to have a true freedom on the road, solar energy is the way to go.

Others Solar PanelsĀ  on Amazon

Shop now at Amazon.com
#PreviewProductPrice
1 Ring Rechargeable Battery Pack Ring Rechargeable Battery Pack $34.99 Buy on Amazon
2 POWRUI Surge Protector, USB Wall Charger with 2 USB Charging Ports(Smart 2.4A Total), 6-Outlet Extender and Top Phone Holder for Your Cell Phone, White, ETL Listed POWRUI Surge Protector, USB Wall Charger with 2 USB Charging Ports(Smart 2.4A Total), 6-Outlet... $13.97 Buy on Amazon
3 NOCO GENIUS5, 5A Smart Car Battery Charger, 6V and 12V Automotive Charger, Battery Maintainer, Trickle Charger, Float Charger and Desulfator for AGM, Motorcycle, Lithium and Deep Cycle Batteries NOCO GENIUS5, 5A Smart Car Battery Charger, 6V and 12V Automotive Charger, Battery Maintainer,... $69.95 Buy on Amazon
4 2-Pack 6040mAh Replacement Battery with Charger Station for Ring-Doorbell Camera 2/3/4, Spotlight Camera and Stick Up Cam, Rechargeable Upgraded Lithium Li-ion Batteries 3.65V Camera Indoor 2-Pack 6040mAh Replacement Battery with Charger Station for Ring-Doorbell Camera 2/3/4, Spotlight... $39.99 Buy on Amazon
5 Car Battery Charger, 12V 6A Smart Battery Trickle Charger Automotive 12V 24V Battery Maintainer Desulfator with Temperature Compensation for Car Truck Motorcycle Lawn Mower Marine Lead Acid Batteries Car Battery Charger, 12V 6A Smart Battery Trickle Charger Automotive 12V 24V Battery Maintainer... $25.85 Buy on Amazon
6 Ring Wall Mount for Solar Panels and Cams, White Ring Wall Mount for Solar Panels and Cams, White $19.99 Buy on Amazon
7 Brightown 12-Pack Rechargeable AA Batteries Pre-Charged, NiMH 1.2V 1300mAh High Capacity Double A Rechargeable Batteries for Solar Lights and Household Devices, Recharge up to 1200 Cycles Brightown 12-Pack Rechargeable AA Batteries Pre-Charged, NiMH 1.2V 1300mAh High Capacity Double A... $15.99 Buy on Amazon
8 ML5-12 - 12 Volt 5 AH, F1 Terminal, Rechargeable SLA AGM Battery ML5-12 - 12 Volt 5 AH, F1 Terminal, Rechargeable SLA AGM Battery $17.99 Buy on Amazon
9 Henreepow Ni-MH AA Rechargeable Batteries, Double A High Capacity 1.2V Pre-Charged for Garden Landscaping Outdoor Solar Lights, String Lights, Pathway Lights (AA-600mAh-12pack) Henreepow Ni-MH AA Rechargeable Batteries, Double A High Capacity 1.2V Pre-Charged for Garden... $12.99 Buy on Amazon
10 Replacement Battery Compatible with Ring, for Video Doorbell Camera 2/3/4, Spotlight Camera, Rechargeable Upgraded Batteries 6040mAh 3.65V Camera Indoor and Outdoor (1 Pack Battery) Replacement Battery Compatible with Ring, for Video Doorbell Camera 2/3/4, Spotlight Camera,... $19.99 Buy on Amazon
Shop now at Amazon.com

 

You may like to see this:Ā Top 5 Best RV Solar Panels Review | Panel, Suitcase And Kit

Video for this article

Last update on 2023-03-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Reddit
Pinterest
Share
Tweet
Email
Prev Article
Next Article

Related Articles

Are you looking for the Best RV Deep Cycle Battery …

šŸ„‡(Top 6) Best RV Deep Cycle Battery Review

Traveling on a trailer is a great way to gain …

šŸ„‡A Beginner Guide To Changing Travel Trailer Tires

About The Author

Outdoor

Recent Posts

  • šŸ„‡Top 5 Best Electric Pressure Washers Reviews : Reviews and …
  • šŸ„‡Top 5 Best Bowling Balls for Hooks Reviews in 2020
  • šŸ„‡How To Get Water In The Forest | Short Guide …
  • šŸ„‡RV Generator Buying Guide
  • šŸ„‡Weight Distribution Hitch Setup For First Timers
  • šŸ„‡How To Make Homemade Air Conditioning By Yourself
  • best backing stove
    šŸ„‡5 Best Backpacking Stoves of 2020

Outdoor Reviews

Best Night Vision Scope

Best Survival Knife

Best Shoes for Standing on Concrete

Recommended Products


OutdoorAnalysis

Biking/Kayaking

Best Bluetooth Motorcycle Helmet

Best Mountain Bike Brands

Best Mountain Bikes Under 1000

Best Inflatable Kayak

Hiking/Camping

Best Backpacking Sleeping Bag

Best Longboards For Beginners

Best Fixed Blade Knife

Best Hitch Bike Rack

Longboard/Review

Best Longboard Brands

Best Longboard Wheels

Types of Longboards

Best Night Vision Scope

About Us

Affiliate Disclaimer

Contact Us

Disclaimer

Blog

Copyright © 2023 OutdoorAnalysis
Powered by OutdoorAnalysis.Com

Ad Blocker Detected

Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please consider disabling your ad blocker.

Refresh