How do I convert my RV to solar power?

In this blog post, we will answer the following question: How do I convert my RV to solar power? We will explain how to connect your RV to solar panels step-by-step and review the advantages of using solar power. 

How do I convert my RV to solar power?

Before converting your RV to solar power, it is imperative to make sure that all the necessary solar equipment is ready. While solar panels are the most important elements to the installation process, other components are also required to complete the installation process.

To complete the project, you need to prepare the following items:

• Solar charge controllers: These elements are essential to prevent batteries from overcharging.
• Solar panels: Keep in mind that solar panels come in different types and sizes.
• Power inverters: Since alternative power is required, inverters are required.
• Monitor and batteries: Batteries are used to store the energy generated by your solar panels. Meanwhile, the monitor is the device that helps you determine your battery levels.
• Cables: These elements are to connect the panels to the batteries.
• MC4 connector: These connectors allow you to extend the solar cables. They generally come in different shapes to connect multiple panels. Therefore, it is necessary to know what is needed for parallel wiring configurations, series configurations and for each size.
• Multimeter: This device is used to check the input and output voltage of your solar charge controller.

It is helpful to contact the seller of your RV so you can seek advice on the RV roof. This way you can make sure you buy the right mounting tools.

Please note that you can purchase all of these items separately; However, there are several solar panel kits available that are sold on the market that already contain, if not all, most of the hardware and equipment needed to install solar panels on the roof of motorhomes.

Solar panel kits are generally recommended for those who currently do not own any solar equipment or are new to solar energy. They are ready-to-use, reasonably priced, and convenient options. With a solar panel kit, wiring your system is much easier.

How to convert your RV to solar power step-by-step

To get knowledge about installing solar panel mounting hardware on RV roofs, please carefully follow the steps below:

1. Inspect the roof of your RV for any signs of damage. First, check your RV roof for a problem that needs to be fixed right away. It is best to repair any damage that is seen to the roof of your RV before installing your solar panel. Discovering the break after placing the panels on the RV will cost more money to repair. Redoing the panel settings is also a waste of time.

You may want to consider running most installation steps on the ground because RV solar panel setup is a bit of a hassle.

2. Review the instructions and mount the solar panels. Whether you are a professional or your first time installing solar panels in an RV, you should always start by reading the user’s guide. By doing so, you can prepare suitable pieces of solar equipment and ensure that you are installing the unit accordingly. It is beneficial for you to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

After you are done reviewing the user guide, you can begin to mount the solar panels. Please note that the mounting process will vary depending on the type of solar panels you have. Flexible solar panels commonly employ a combination of screws and adhesive that is attached to each corner.

Rigid solar panels, on the other hand, are usually attached to the roof with screws and brackets included in the kit they come with. Regardless of the type of solar panels you are using, it is essential to place them on the roof in the desired positions. Also, you need to make sure that they all fit well.

Then indicate the locations and use the mounting hardware to bolt the solar panel frames to the roof. It is necessary to apply a sealer under the edges of the panels and the supports. By doing so, you can prevent the possibility of corrosion over time.

It is best to use corrosion-resistant screws when attaching something to the outside of your RV.

3. Connect the solar panels. The next step is to run the solar cables from the solar panels to the RV where the charger controller will be located. There are three effective methods on how to do this:

• Refrigerator ventilation: This is known as the most common method of installing solar cables. This method works by running the solar cables through the cooling vent. It is the most preferred option because it avoids the need to drill new holes on the outside of your RV.

• Plumbing pipe: This option is applicable when it is difficult for you to access the refrigerator vent or if the refrigerator vent is located remotely from the rest of your solar equipment. To run this method, run the solar cables through the plumbing tubing and use a sturdy sealant around any new holes you need to make.

• Drilling new holes: If you have no other choice, you may want to consider drilling new holes precisely where you need them. Basically, it is advantageous to drill somewhere that makes it easier for you to hide the cables once they are inside your RV.

You may want a professional to do the work for you if you find this method challenging or uncomfortable. However, make sure the new holes you drill are weather resistant and waterproof after the cables are passed through them.

4.  Connect the components: Once the solar panels are in place and the solar cables have been installed on your RV, the next step is to connect all the components. Make sure everything is precisely positioned where you prefer it to be.

While some RV owners mount their power inverter and charge controller directly to the wall, the location is up to you. It is best to choose an accessible but discreet location. Review the instructions for each piece of equipment during this step to make sure you are wiring and connecting them safely.

Generally, you will connect the charge controller to your battery before connecting them to the solar panels. To examine the polarity of your cable, you can use a multimeter. When you are sure everything is located correctly, use the solar equipment cables and MC4 connectors to make sure everything is connected securely.

5. Connect the power inverter: The power inverter works by ensuring that whatever current your solar panels can draw is converted to alternating current. Connecting a power inverter is pretty straightforward. All you need to do is make sure your negative and positive cables are connected in the correct order. Also, the power inverter must be rated for your specific solar power system.

Why you should convert your RV to solar power

A solar panel is a surface composed of captors that receive the sun’s rays to convert them into electricity or return them in the form of heat.

There are two types of solar panels for motorhomes:

1. Photovoltaics, which convert the sun’s energy into direct voltage electricity that is then converted into alternating current by means of an inverter.

2.  Thermals, which are used to provide hot water.

Installing solar panels on your vehicle means that you can be assured of an indispensable range wherever you are. In addition to the savings made, it also helps to preserve the environment with an ecological system.

Today, the proposed technologies have proven their worth, have a longevity of about 20 years and only require a small wash from time to time to maintain peak performance. In addition, whatever your motorhome model, you will find a suitable system as they are often universal models.

 How to choose solar panels for an RV?

In this section we will focus on the criteria for choosing the electricity production systems that are most restrictive.

 First, you have to know that there are three types of photon catchers:

1.  Amorphous silicon cells, which have fairly low efficiency,

2.  Polycrystalline cells that require a lot of sunlight for efficient operation,

3.  Monocrystalline cells offer good efficiency despite low sun exposure and allow efficient energy production even in winter. Monocrystalline solar panels for motorhomes are the ideal system in our case.

To select the right power kit, you must first make an assessment of your power consumption. The power of your future panels will depend on your needs. Take an inventory of the electrical appliances and appliances in your motorhome and determine their wattage (you will find this type of information in the manual for your appliances).

 You can then select the panel that best suits your consumption. However, be careful, for maximum efficiency, always choose a system whose maximum power is higher than your needs. This will help you avoid cuts in winter or when the sun is out for a long time.

The choice of the charge regulator is also essential as it constantly analyzes the energy needs of the vehicle to know the voltage required to power the battery. In practice, it will be set to 12 or 24 Volts depending on the electrical system. If you buy a complete kit, the solar controller will already be programmed.

If you choose separate elements, then you must take care to calibrate the regulator according to the power of the panels so that the panels are only recharged when necessary. The need for a power supply is established based on the deep discharge voltage and charge values. You may also need an inverter, as some units only run on AC power.

Other aspects are also very important to consider:

• The space available in the vehicle for the installation of the cells and the auxiliary accumulator. The available area on the roof will limit your choice of panels, knowing that lack of space can easily be a drag on achieving complete electrical independence.

• Resistance to climatic hazards (wind, hail, snow, etc.), with tightness control, protection against lightning and resistance to high wind loads.

• The fact that the system is adjustable so that it can always be installed according to the orientation of the sun.

However, regardless of the model you choose, we advise you to exclude your most energy-intensive appliances, such as hobs and heating/air conditioning, if you do not want to spend your budget on electricity generation.

Conclusions

If you spend more time in your RV and love to get outside and camp on the weekends frequently, then it makes sense to install solar systems in your RV. This guide simplified the entire solar panel installation task into a more detailed step-by-step process.

So hopefully we provide you with all the vital information on how to install RV solar panels correctly. As mentioned above, we highly recommend reviewing all of the instructional materials in your solar kit before beginning the installation process.

In the meantime, if you have any questions or comments on the content, please let us know!

References

• How Can I Convert My Camper to Solar Power? – Gone Outdoors
• Converting Your RV to Solar Power – Everything About RVing
• RV Solar Panels: A Guide For Beginners | Battle Born Batteries