4-Step Guide to Installing RV Solar Power
Step 1: Mount Your Solar Panels Step 2: Run Your Wiring Step 3: Connect Your Charge Controller Step 4: Install your Inverter (Optional)
Getting Started with RV Solar
Solar Install Safety Tips
Always review any safety instructions included with your solar kit before beginning installation Avoid touching electrically active components, such as terminals, when the panel is exposed to light (even indoors) Don't install your panels in inclement weather if installing outdoors Cover panels with a cloth or other material, such as the boxes the panels came in, to prevent them becoming charged during installation Don't sit or step on your panels
Step 1: Mount Your Solar Panels
Step 2: Run Your Wiring
Refrigerator vent: This is usually the simplest method (and the most common). Why put extra holes in your RV if you don't have to? Plumbing pipe: Perhaps your fridge vent is located in a slide out, or it's located a long way from the battery compartment, near which you'll install the charge controller. In this case, it may be worth running the wire through or beside the plumbing pipe and applying sealant around any holes you make. Drilling: If nothing else, you can always drill a new hole where you need it. Try to drill near a cabinet or interior wall so you can hide the wire inside the RV. Make sure to use sealant or a weatherproof entry port.
Step 3: Connect Your Charge Controller
Step 4: Install your Inverter (Optional)
Les D.
3/11/2022
@DavidB I do not have enough information yet to answer your question. If you mean the wires coming from the solar panels, those will go to the charge controller. Be sure to review the instructions that come with the controller.
William
2/21/2022
Two questions: Can you use 3M VHB tape to mount the rigid solar panels instead of drilling holes? If you have an inverter already installed in your RV, do you hook the wires from the solar panels directly to the inverter, not the coach battery?
Les D.
2/21/2022
We would not use tape to mount rigid panels on the roof of a trailer. RV roofs are rarely level so rigid panels would not mount well. Further, the leverage wind would apply to the panels could pull them off.
Regarding wiring, the power in cables should go to some sort of controller first before going to a battery. or larger controller with inputs for several sources.
An RV specialist can design a solar system for your trailer and perform as much of the install as you may like - like the roof panels.
Paul T.
11/30/2021
I am trying to find whether the panel brackets can be screwed into the roof and luan at any location on the roof or should only be screwed in where there is underlying framing (which would limit panel location options)? I have an E-Pro E19FBS and unfortunately it looks like the framing only goes around the edge and down the center lengthwise so don't see how I can attach both sides of the panel at framing locations. Contacted the factory but they just sent a brochure which didn't really answer that question. I bought 2 go power 190w expansion kits from etrailer which is what I would like to add.
Les D.
11/30/2021
@PaulT you should use the brackets and hardware that come with your solar panel. Use the recommended sealant for your roof style. Follow any guidelines provided by the panel manufacturer.
Where to fasten and how to fasten will be based on your roof type and construction. Regular screws are find where you find construction cross members. For other areas you might consider a well nut. I would start by figuring out how thick your roof is. It is probably thinner than you think that it is.
Mark T.
3/26/2021
i have a 2006 rv with gen and converter and auto transfer relay wired to fuse panel. i installed 4 solar panel kit. i plan on installing 2000 watt inverter\charger with built in auto transfer switch, but i do not know where to hook the wires from the inverter to rv exactly so it does not interfere with the converter or shore power
Kef G.
3/30/2021
This is something that you will definitely want to consult with your RV's manufacturer about. Though there are some standards, each manufacturer has their own way of doing things, so it's best to contact them to know what the proper method is.
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Jimmy S.
6/21/2022
We purchased a smaller 6w solar panel to maintain the battery on our travel trailer. Looking for mounting ideas other than the roof, since this a relatively small solar panel. Ideas?