Wouldn’t it be nice to jump in the camper with your significant other, and just get away – I mean, totally away?
There’s no cell service. No internet. No noisy generators. No light obscuring the night sky. And definitely, no other people. You’re free to park your camper on public land in the middle of nowhere and chill for a weekend–with no modern distractions. This time away would be priceless.
That’s why you’re considering installing solar panels on your RV—and not just because you want to get away from technological distractions. You also want the modern conveniences of air conditioning and refrigeration, even in remote desertscapes.
Installing solar panels on your RV can power your off-grid getaway, and it’s not as hard as you may think.
What to Expect from Your Solar Panels
For your weekend RV adventure, you can expect solar systems with 220 Amp-hours of battery power to run your fridge, air conditioning, and other small electronics. If you don’t plan on using the AC or fridge, then you could get away for a week or more.
But remember, your solar panels can’t charge your batteries if it’s rainy or cloudy, so check the weather before you go and plan accordingly. It’s always best to have a backup plan, so keep the diesel generator on hand in case of an emergency.
Is Solar Right for You?
Solar sounds like a good idea. Free energy? Why yes, thank you, I’ll take that. But, you need to take an honest look at…
- Where do you RV the most?
- What is the weather like there?
- How much power do you need?
- What are you willing to invest?
If you’re going to be in a place where sunshine is plentiful—I’m looking at you, Florida—then absolutely go for the solar panels.
But if you’re cruising around the Pacific Northwest…maybe not the best choice.
Likewise, if you have a large RV that consumes a lot of power (I’m talking multiple AC units, a full-size French-door fridge, a standard dryer, etc.), then you’ll have to invest a lot in your RV solar panel installation.
Only you can determine what’s best for your RV lifestyle.
Phase 1: Assessing Your Energy Needs
Solar power can effectively power an entire home, but mounting solar panels is only part of the equation. You have to have enough battery storage to save that power for when you need it. And to do that you have to know how much power you’re consuming.
You can determine the watt rating of an RV appliance by multiplying the operating voltage by the amp draw of the appliance. However, keep in mind that some appliances, like AC units, require more amps on start-up than it does to run the appliance, which can affect the total power consumed.
From there, you can check the specs on the solar panels and find the wattage that matches your needs. And remember, always overestimate for occasional overuse or inefficiencies.
Phase 2: Choosing Your Solar Panels
The efficiency of a solar panel is key. It determines how much of the sun’s energy can be converted into electricity. Brand-name solar panels typically have an efficiency range of 18% to 24%, depending on their type.
Solar panels come in three main types:
- Monocrystalline panels are made from a single silicon crystal. These panels are more efficient and good when you want to get maximum use out of a small space – like say, the roof of an RV. But they also cost more.
- Polycrystalline panels are made from multiple silicon crystals. The lack of consistency makes them less efficient, but they’re more affordable.
- PERC or Back-contact monocrystalline panels offer the highest efficiency in a smaller footprint. They’ve reported 6-12% increase in efficiency compared with traditional solar panels.
But – for deeply convoluted and sciencey reasons that involve boron taking oxygen down a dark alley somewhere – they can malfunction in ways that make them slightly less efficient.
Now, manufacturers who are worth their salt have found ways to address these inefficiencies, so make sure you’re buying from a trusted brand.
Regardless of the type, all solar panels are durable, with a lifespan exceeding 25 years.
Phase 3: Installing Solar Panels on Your RV (Step-by-Step Walkthrough)
Step 1: Secure Solar Panels to Your Roof
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation. Most solar panels come with their own mourning bracket and hardware, but you may need to purchase some silicon sealant separately.
Remember to seal any holes that you drill in your camper during this process. If you don’t, you could find what’s known as a slow leak, which could destroy part of your camper without you even knowing it.
Also, double-check your layout before you screw down any panels to make sure you’re optimizing your space.
Step 2: Wire Your Solar Array
As soon as your panels are securely in place, the next step is to wire solar panels for your solar array. You should wire it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Depending on your solar system setup, the wiring configuration could be parallel, series, or both. (It ultimately depends on your solar panels, system size, and voltage requirements).
Parallel wiring is good because the voltage remains constant while the amps add up, and if one panel goes down, the whole system doesn’t stop working.
Series wiring increases the overall voltage, enabling batteries to start charging earlier in the day and for longer durations. But if you have a break in the series, the whole system loses power.
Some solar panels may use a combination of parallel and series wiring, so make sure you’ve read the instructions before wiring.
Pro Tip: Unless your panels are covered, those wires are live as soon as you connect wiring to your solar panels. So, don’t go sticking any forks into the connectors. You will be shocked.
Step 3: Hook up the Charge Controller
Following the successful placement of your solar panels, you need to install the charge controller. The controller is a crucial component that keeps your batteries from overcharging. It also regulates the charging process to optimize charging speed.
If you’re buying a solar panel installation kit, it should include a compatible controller. If not, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for compatible options.
Step 4: Set Up your Battery Bank
RVs come with their own battery setup, usually a 12V or a 48V setup. Before hooking it up, it’s important to check that the battery is compatible with the solar system you put in.
Lithium-ion deep-cycle batteries are best because they’re designed to undergo multiple lifecycles. That means they can be fully charged and fully drained and then charged again.
Step 5: Connect an Inverter
Now, it’s time to convert that storage energy into the form that your appliances use. Hello, inverter!
An inverter converts 12-volt DC electricity from RV batteries into the 120-volt AC that standard electrical appliances actually use.
Installation requires strict adherence to safety guidelines. These wires are live now, remember. So, guarantee that all power sources are disconnected. Then you can follow the manufacturer’s specific installation sequence.
How to Protect Your Solar Panels (So They Last)
Your solar panels’ lifespan is about 25 years, but that’s only if you take care of them properly.
You need to maintain your solar panels by regularly cleaning them to keep efficiency up and inspect the components to ensure efficiency. Also, check all your seals to see if moisture can penetrate your camper.
Finally, make sure you store your RV properly to prevent any damage to the panels. Remember, scratches, dents, and dings all decrease the efficiency of your panels. So find a place to store your camper under cover or, even better, indoors.
That’s where Neighbor can help.
Neighbor is a peer-to-peer RV storage marketplace offering RV storage that’s up to 50% cheaper than traditional storage options. You can find safe, affordable storage close to home with Neighbor.
Who knows, you might even find some in your own neighborhood.
Summary: Is Solar Power Worth the Investment?
You’re sitting out by the campfire listening to owls hooting, looking up at all the stars you could ever wish to see with arms around your loved one. There’s nothing out here but nature.
No loud generators to punctuate the night. No buzzing notifications. And you’re allowed to just be…
So you tell me. Is it worth it?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Plug a Solar Panel Directly Into My RV?
Yes, you can connect a solar panel directly to your RV’s battery. Still, it is more efficient (and safer) to utilize a solar charge controller to prevent potential damage to the battery.
How Do You Hook up a Solar Panel to an RV Battery?
To connect a solar panel to an RV battery, it’s best to use a solar charge controller to ensure safe and efficient charging without risking damage to the battery. From there, you’ll follow the manufacturer’s RV solar installation process.
