Connecting A Solar Panel To An Rv

For more answers to common rv solar questions go check out our rv solar frequently asked questions.

Connecting a solar panel to an rv.

You get a solar panel and run wires from it to a control box. The furrion solar port on your trailer will be the same no matter if you have a grand design or a forest river rv. Look for dealers that specialize in either solar panels for rv roofs and or systems that are made especially for rv s and campers. A solar energy system includes the solar panels lithium batteries inverter and lots of wires.

Flexible panels can be mounted with screws but can also generally be mounted with adhesive. As always do your research and know your limits before taking on any project. When the sun is out the solar panel generates electricity which is controlled and properly distributed by the control box to the batteries. Some form of braces and frames are also needed to support the panels.

That control box is connected to one or more 6 or 12 volt dc batteries like the one you have in your car. Rigid panels typically must be affixed to the roof with screws. The process will differ depending on what type of panels you have. Double check that the interior ends of the solar panel cables are not shorted against anything and then connect the roof side connectors to the panels.

It turns out that while the plugs are sae plugs that zamp covers the positive terminal of their sae plugs instead of the negative terminal like most other companies. And while you can find reputable companies to buy rv solar panels and systems from it is important to know that some companies will not warranty panels that are installed on an rv. As clearly visible in the picture it will be enough to wire the positive pole of one panel to the positive pole of the other one and then wire the negative pole of one panel to the negative pole of the other one. Secure the roof portion of the cable neatly under the panels and to its pass thru grommet.

Connecting solar panels to rv zamp connections we ve all heard that solar ready rvs and campers that use zamp connections have to use the zamp proprietary solar panel kits. Solar panel recommendations compatible with the furrion solar port. For the most part drill and screwdriver would be enough. The renogy starter kit includes the mc4 adapters needed for connecting two panels.

Finally if you have mismatched panels using an mppt charge controller and wiring your panels in series will give you the best result. If we have two solar panels with same voltage and power the connection will be very simple. In the rv does the charge controller have leads for inputs if not and you are directly connecting the panel to the battery leads you will have to install an additional caharge controller if so just connect the panel and leads to the rv controller which i assume is connected to the batteries.