JAYCO NOW SELLING SOLAR READY TRAVEL TRAILERS – HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Jayco has had many customers receive their pre-wired travel trailers for solar or solar-ready. Having a solar-ready RV can include one of two kinds of connections. These RVs take advantage of prewiring efforts to provide connection to either a portable solar kit or a full solar array on the RV’s roof.
The connector on the side of the RV is the connection point for many portable solar kits. The preinstalled Go Power cable entry plate on the roof is intended as the basis to connect a rooftop solar panel array.
Updated 08/01/2023 By CoastalRVCrew
SOLAR READY RVS ON THE SIDE OR THE ROOF
This image shows an example of the cable entry plate often used in making a trailer or fifth wheel camper solar-ready or pre-wired for solar. This plate allows the solar cable to have a watertight connection point on the roof’s exterior while allowing the solar power cable to transit through the top of the roof to the charge controller and beyond.
Cable entry plate used for prewired solar RVs
Update: New Prewire Kits available: Check out My Travel Trailer is prewired for solar, Now What? to see the new kits or look further down in the article.
Want to connect to the cable entry plate on the roof of your RV?
This cable entry plate is the best way to make permanent solar panel connections that are out of the way and mostly safe from theft. CEP-25 has MC-4 connector attachments that allow for quick connecting solar wires to the panels. Ordering a couple of extra MC4 extension cables can make wiring easier on the roof.
Want to connect to the cable entry plate on the roof of your RV?
This cable entry plate is the best way to make permanent solar panel connections that are out of the way and mostly safe from theft. The CEP-25 has MC-4 connector attachments that allow for quick connecting solar wires to the panels. MC-4 cables will extend usually 18 inches from the panel. These should be fine to conenct to cable entry for a single panel install that is close to the cable entry plate. If you want more than one solar panel or you cable entry plate is far from panel install, ordering a couple of extra MC4 extension cables can make wiring easier on the roof. These cables are almost always ordered in pairs, so get two of them.
When adding panels this is where MC-4 branch connectors will come into play when wiring in a standard parallel configuration. Most of the expansion kits will come witht these although you can order them as matched pairs.
Panels and kits if you have a charge controller installed
A 30 amp controller can typically handle up top three of these 190 watt panels.
Full RV solar kit if you still need the solar controller
You can add up to of the expansion kits above to a the base solar kit below.
Connecting to the solar port on the side of your RV
The port on the side is connected directly to the battery in most wiring setups. Check your Rv's manual to make sure this is the case.
This port has a standard connector in many portable solar kits. Commonly referred to as an SAE connector. Portable kits usually have the charge controller in line or on the back of the panel. This is why the port usually is wired directly to the battery.
If there is a side connection, a customer needs to look at our portable solar units and our portable solar guide for more information.
Many of the portable solar kits come with a wide range of connectors. This allows easy connecting to your RV and also other equipment.
Go Power setups that include both an inverter charger and solar panels
Are you looking for a kit to add to your Jayco with an inverter and solar array? Two main kits from Go Power are available: An inverter Charger and Solar panels.
There is also a podcast we did about how much solar you might need for your RV.
A few extra items that needed for RV solar panel and controller installation
Extra items may need to purchase for installing solar on your travel trailer, camper, or RV. Dicor is an ordinary brand people use on their RV roofs when installing. Follow the manufacturer’s suggestions and instructions to get a proper compatible installation. Make sure your roof on the unit is compatible with whatever type of sealant you choose. Remember that water is your enemy. It does not do your RV any favors and will cause lots of damage.
Tips for the DIYer
Before purchasing a kit, check whether your RV can support the size of the panels on the roof. Our Solar Layout Guide for RVs may be helpful.
You will often use more sealant than you think, and it is always good to have a little extra around to reseal the camper, motorhome, or trailer roof yearly.
Also, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing panels on your RV. Read the manual a couple of times before attempting to install the panels.
Battery Cables and fuses are important
It is imperative to use the proper size battery cable and always fuse the cable connected to the battery. Sometimes it is also necessary to use battery mount connections when connecting multiple batteries.
Updates to standard panels
Go Power recently announced that their 190-watt panel would receive a power increase to 200 watts in the same form factor.
