RV Solar Panel Installation Overview
About | Information | History | Online | Facts | Discovery
As we spend a fair amount of time boondocking (camping without hook-ups), solar panels have given us the freedom to enjoy the peace & quiet of remote locations without running our generator too much. Since we already installed our panels on the RV (7 years ago), this is just an overview of our set-up, as opposed to a detailed tutorial. We show the general layout and components of the system, including the panels themselves, the wiring and the solar controller. We also talk about the benefits of including a simple and inexpensive tilt kit, which allows tilting the solar panels up in the winter, when the sun is lower on the horizon. Our first RV had two panels, which were permanently fastened flat to the roof, so they couldn't be tilted. We've learned a lot since then, and the new panels are tilt-able, and also use thicker 6-gauge wire to reduce loss along its length. To hear about new videos, giveaways and other great RVing content as soon as it's released, visit our website and subscribe! http://TheRVgeeks.com Full-Time RVers since April 11, 2003, we share DIY (do it yourself) RV maintenance, repair, travel, upgrade and operational tips & tricks. While we're not RV technicians, we're very mechanically inclined and have learned a lot about RV systems over the years. We've handled most of our own minor service, maintenance and upgrade work on both of our RVs. We meet lots of newer RVers who are eager to learn some basics about using, maintaining and caring for their rigs. After more than a decade on the road, we're happy to share what we've learned (some of it the hard way). ;-) We hope our experience can help other RVers go DIY, saving time & money while experiencing the satisfaction of a job well done. We're handy RVers, not professional technicians. We're happy with the techniques and products we use, but be sure to confirm that all methods and materials you use are compatible with your equipment and abilities. Regardless of what we recommend, consult a professional if you're unsure about working on your RV. Any task you perform or product you purchase based on any information we provide is strictly at your own risk. We sometimes receive products for evaluation at no cost, but our opinions are our own and we only feature products we personally use, love and can recommend to friends with complete confidence. The RVgeeks participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Comments welcome! Thanks for watching! Don't forget to subscribe!
Comments
-
Very nice Solar panel Installation video. Thanks for posting the good work.
-
Very nice installation on your RV.
Thanks for sharing and God bless.
I just subscribed to your channel please check out my channel and subscribe comment like and share -
video great, thank you for sharing !
-
Where can we get the exact hardware that you used to mount the panels - feet, the thumb screws, brackets that attach to the feet and the metal props?
-
I appreciate the work you do helping the rest of us manage ourselves and our rv's. Many times you've cleared the muddied waters of YouTube DIY videos. Thanks. A question ... I'm considering a residential fridge to replace the Norcold 1200. We like to boondock a lot. I think you have the Samsung French door counter depth, 4 agm house batteries, and some solar. How much solar? Gen run time? How's that working for you?
-
My husband & I definitely want to install some solar panels on our trailer! ☀🏞
-
I just bought a 2016 Arctic Fox 811 Truck Camper. It is prewired for solar and has a connection on the roof. If you know, could you be kind enough to list the parts or materials I would need to mount and wire a 100 or 150 watt panel to my roof and maybe recommend a charge controller that I can install next to my switch panel that is in the galley. Thanks, Tom
-
you mentioned "Die Cord" ? to seal the roof? Can you explain more specifically about that and the drilling? How large of holes is usually necessary to feed the wiring? do you suggest the 6 gauge wire at that point?
-
I want to install rigid panels with a tilt option, but have not heard any discussion about sudden thunderstorms or high winds out of the north. Would prefer panels that are half as wide, so they didn't stick up so high.
-
This was an excellent demo, thank you!! I bought thin flexible panels to save on weight. I want to stiffen them up using Lexan Coroplast sheeting. I want to put an aluminum frame on them, and get the hardware to tilt them up. Who sells the aluminum frames or could I make them myself? Tilting them up should be very easy with some Home Depot metal risers. I am stumped for the frame. Its a standard size 24 x 48 inches per panel.
I also don't know how to install the shut off switch from charge controller to battery, and solar panel to charge controller. This is the best way to do it. Any ideas on where to buy these shut off switches, what they are called, and how to wire it? I"m doing the solar install myself, and would appreciate your input. -
Hello, we are about to DIY install our 2 x 100 watt solar panels on the roof of our '91 Dodge Islander. I really like your tilt kit and am wondering what hardware you used to fasten down the panels. Thank you!!
-
Hey RVGeeks! I love your videos. I just purchased a 4 panel - 100W solar panel kit with a charge controller, and 1500W inverter. I've racked over tons of articles, videos, and forums to find the best batteries. Everyone seems so opinionated as to what they use. I'm curious what your opinion is? Thanks!
-
I want to live in my rv but, how long does the solar rund for a 24 hr a day run and how much does a solar charger cost
-
How many panels recommended to run 15 foot camper that has 30 amp? Fridge, air window unit, lights and television used and charging phones
-
Your latest panel install looks like it was in series. Did you find that more efficient than in parallel? Also, did you use blocking diodes? Or, do these larger wattage panels come with built in blocking diodes?
Thanks! -
Thanks for the great info. Is the red and black wire I see the solar lines coming into the battery bank. Also if they are it looks like the red positive is going to one battery and t he negative to another. Am I seeing that right? Thanks
-
I'm putting 4- 160 watt panels on my bounder will a morning star T60 mppt charge controler handle the load?
-
I am very very new to the rv world. I have 2-deep cycle 6 volt golf cart batteries I would like to keep topped up instead of buying a generator inverter. What are the basic components of a solar trickle charge system, Any precautions would be a huge help also. ie buying too large a panel. I have seen that a 10w panel should be fine, but after viewing your great insightful video I think you are running something a bit larger.
5m 24sLenght
725Rating