So, those solar-powered RV’s caught your eye, huh? (You’re here, so figured they might have.) Well, if you’re looking for the right solar-ready RV model, you’re going to want to get familiar with the terms. Trust us: We know. We’ve been in your shoes. Before hitting the road full-time in 2012, we added a small solar set-up to our vintage camper so that we could save money and camp off-grid without a noisy gas generator. What we didn’t realize at the time was that we were on the front end of the RV solar revolution that has swept the world! For the past 12 years, we’ve been teaching RVers how to go solar while we’ve explored North America.
So, let’s make this intro lesson short and sweet. We’ll go deeper into more solar specifics in future follow-on articles, but here’s what you need to know —and the questions you need to ask — as you get started.
What solar options are available on RV’s?
Ranging from the “solar-ready RV” to full-scale solar system packages with all the bells and whistles, the options are many — and can be confusing for newbies. Below are three common options that you’ll find when shopping:
1. Solar-Ready
Some RV manufacturers add a special port to the outside of the rig into which you can easily plug a specific brand’s portable solar panel. It’s helpful because the plug directly connects to the house battery, so set-up is simple. However, a solar-ready RV does NOT mean that the rig comes with any solar components. Typically, in addition to the panels, you will need to purchase a charge controller as well as an inverter if you want to run more than just lights and 12V DC appliances. Most RV’s come with a single, basic 12V lead acid battery, so you may want to upgrade the battery bank to LiFePO4.
2. Solar Battery Maintainer
Many modern rigs boast a small wattage solar panel (<50 watts) and charge controller that are designed to simply maintain the RV/van house battery. While these battery maintainers are NOT robust enough for off-grid RVing, they can be beneficial if you plan to store your rig outside when not in use. These small panels will keep your batteries topped off, so you are always ready to roll on to your next adventure.
3. Off-Grid Solar Packages
Some RV manufacturers offer a few models with built-in solar panels integrated into the roof, or as a post-production addition. These systems can provide enough power for average off-grid use of the built-in 12-volt appliances (e.g., lights, slide-outs, water pump, stereo, slides, etc.). However, a few RV manufacturers are now offering robust, large-scale solar packages which include all five of the major solar components. These “off-grid” solar packages range from modest systems on medium-sized travel trailers to huge systems on larger rigs which can add upwards of $15,000 to the RV’s sticker price. The more expensive systems are designed to be able to run the entire RV’s electrical system as well as some of the other “creature comforts” you might want to bring along.
Questions to Ask Before Shopping for a Solar-Powered or Solar-Ready RV
Do you plan to camp off-grid frequently or just the occasional overnight? Do you plan to run additional electric appliances beyond what is preinstalled in the rig? Like many campers, do you need to be able to work electronically? And how much power will you actually need? In our next couple of articles, we’ll be discussing how to calculate your energy needs. To get a head start, download our Solar System Sizing worksheet.
Questions for the RV Dealer
With the solar-ready RV becoming a popular option, the salesperson should be able to answer these questions, or show you where to find them:
What brand(s) of solar components are pre-installed in the RV? RV manufacturers might choose off-brand solar components that are less expensive, and possibly less quality. Do the research about solar brand(s) so that you know what you are buying. Also, ask about the type and size of the individual solar components, such as:
- Total solar array wattage and voltage? And also, type (PWM vs MPPT) and size (amps) of solar charge controller
- Size (total amp hours) and chemistry (lead acid or Lithium Iron Phosphate) of the battery bank?
- Inverter size, type, and the load (wattage) it can handle?
- DC to DC charger size (amps)?
- Is the converter compatible with Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries?
Does the RV warranty include the solar components? Also ask, for how many years? Is it different for the various system components? Does installing additional panels on the roof void the warranty?
Have we peaked your interest in RV solar? Hope so. Now, here comes more questions: Which solar components do you need? Can you DIY part or all of a solar powered system? Absolutely! We’ll be discussing these details in the next couple of months, so stay tuned for more resources to build-out a robust solar system that will meet your energy demands no matter what type and size of rig you own or plan to buy.
What to Look for in a Solar-Ready RV (Part 1)
5 Solar Components Every RVer Should Know (Part 2)
RV Solar Explained … with Middle School Math (Part 3)
Determining How Much Solar Power My RV Needs (Part 4, Coming Soon)
Should I Attempt a DIY Install for My RV? (Part 4, Coming Soon)
Choosing the Right Solar Powered System for My RV (Part 5, Coming Soon)
