In this article you’ll learn how to install solar panels on an RV or campervan.
Adding solar power to this type of vehicle is super popular as it enables you to keep your batteries charged when off-grid.
In my experience, putting a couple of panels on your roof means you can park up and not have to move for a few days. Of course, it depends on your overall energy usage but as I kept this fairly low it meant I didn’t even need to start the engine and use the split charge relay.
Adding solar panels to an RV or camper is actually really easy once you understand the different components of the system. With a few simple tools, you’ll have a new power source charging your batteries during daylight hours.
What You Need to Install Solar Panels on an RV or Camper
Let’s discuss what you’ll need to complete the job. Most of the equipment should arrive with your solar panels, especially if you order a starter kit. In addition, there are a couple of tools required too.
- Solar Panels (duh…)
- Solar Charge Controller
- Deep Cycle Battery
- Z brackets
- Screws
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Silicone Sealant
It’s likely that you’ll already have a few pieces of this installed in your RV such as the deep cycle battery and power inverter.
You can also use adhesive and corner brackets instead of drilling holes. For this read How to Glue Solar Panels to an RV Roof.
Wiring Diagram – Where Everything Connects Together
Before we do anything let’s take a look at the wiring diagram. This helps you to picture where everything connects together.
As you can see there are 3 main components to your system. When hooking everything up you should always connect the charge controller to the battery first. Then connect the solar panels to the charge controller.
Read Instructions and Specifications
It’s also important to stop and read the instructions specific to your equipment. While most things work in the same manner, you should take the time to get comfortable with your components. You’ll get the knowledge specific to your system for the most efficient installation.
How to Install Solar Panels on an RV
Let’s get stuck into how to install solar panels on an RV. The six steps below will take you through the process and have you ready to power up all your electronics.
You can also watch this video for an in-depth walkthrough:
1. Drill Holes and Mount Solar Panels
The first step is the most important to get right. You must ensure your solar panels are securely mounted so they don’t fly off when driving! Be careful when working on your roof, not all RVs can support your weight. The general rule is only stand on your roof if there’s a ladder on the vehicle.
- Attach the Z-brackets to your solar panel. There should be predrilled holes in the frame for the bolt and nut.
- Place the panel on the roof where you would like to mount it.
- Mark the holes you will drill. Check inside that won’t cause unwanted damage. Often people drill holes in discrete places near cabinets and fixings etc. If you have wooden beams in your roof then you can screw directly into these too.
- Carefully drill your holes and bolt the solar panels securely into place. Make sure to add silicone sealant with the screws for a watertight finish.
2. Run Wiring Inside
Next we can run the wiring inside but don’t connect the solar panels up just yet!
With multiple solar panels you can connect them together with an adapter, this should be available from the manufacturer if you are adding to an existing system.
- You now need to run the positive (red) and negative (black) wires inside your RV. You might need MC4 adapter cables to do this. This is just wiring with a MC4 connection to connect to the solar panel cable on one end and stripped wires on the other which will eventually go into the charge controller.
- Running the cables inside can be done in various ways. If you have a fridge vent then this is the easiest way. Or you can drill holes and cover them with a cable entry housing.
3. Connect Charge Controller to Battery
Now you should have everything pretty much ready to start hooking up. We will start with the battery and the charge controller. Always connect your charge controller to the battery first to avoid damaging the controller.
- Find a spot to mount the charge controller relatively close to your deep cycle battery.
- Identify the + and – battery output connections on the charge controller. These are marked with a battery icon.
- Wire battery cables to your charge controller. Connect the positive (red) to the positive (+) battery output in the controller. And then repeat with the negative (black) cable.
- Locate the positive and negative battery terminals and hook up the cables. Once again connect the positive to positive and negative to negative.
- You might see life in your charge controller now. If it has a screen you might be able to see battery charge levels etc.
4. Connect Solar Panels to Charge Controller
Now onto the main event. Let’s connect the solar panels to your RV. Everything should be ready to rock as we’ve already mounted the panels and run the cables.
- Identify the solar panel input connection on the controller. These are marked with a + and – next to a solar panel icon.
- Wire the positive (red) cable to the + input terminal.
- Wire the negative (black) cable to the – input on the terminal.
- Check your charge controller. If there is daylight you should now be charging your battery and see voltage and amps flowing.
5. Hook Up Power Inverter to Battery
The final thing you need is to hook up your power inverter. You might already have one installed if you have an existing electrical system. The inverter allows you to draw power from the battery and convert it into AC in order to run your appliances.
You can connect your power inverter to the positive and negative battery terminals just like the charge controller. Avoid trying to run your inverter directly from the charge controller or solar panels. This will not deliver good performance and risks damaging your equipment.
How Much Does it Cost to Install Solar Panels on an RV?
You can install solar panels on an RV for less than $500.As you can see it can be very cost effective. Lots of people decide to do the job themselves as it is pretty straightforward. This means all you need to pay for are the components and tools. If you already have a deep cycle battery then you just need to add solar panels and a charge controller. You can pick up 200W starter systems for less than $300!
Of course, you can find specialist companies willing to do the job which will increase the cost as you’ll be paying for a few hours of labor.
Installing Solar Panels on an RV Summary
I hope this guide gives you insight into how to install solar panels on an RV.
The steps outlined above can be used on almost any vehicle whether it’s a campervan, food truck, trailer, or boat.
Just remember, that your specific solar panel system might be a little different and require an adjusted approach. For example, you might decide to fix a flexible panel in a different method.
Thanks for reading.
