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Podcast

Enjoy our podcast about camping off-grid with RV Solar.

Our podcast interviews some great RVers who have decided to take their journey to a path less traveled. They also decided to bring some creature comforts along for the ride. Listen to our interviews.

Fifth wheel owner interview

There is also a podcast we did about how much solar you might need for your RV.

   

Interview with Vern Modeland Van Camping Pioneer

   

Interview with DIY Camping Van Expert Jack Tinsley

Jack was a great interview with lots of details on his van build and solar and power inverter system. Really enjoyed our conversation. Podcast is in two parts.    

   

Adding a second solar panel to RV

   

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.

Go Power 190 Watt RV Solar Expansion Kit
Buy from Amazon
MC4 Extension Cables
Buy from Amazon

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.

Go Power 190 Watt Overlander RV Solar Kit
Buy from Amazon
Go Power 30 Amp Controller
Buy from Amazon

Boondocking with RV Solar Panels in Alaska

Additional reads

Check out these articles for more information from Outside Supply.
What Do I Need to Do to Reduce Cost on RV Solar
What Do I Need to Do to Reduce Cost on RV Solar

I was thinking of buying a 2020 Thor Freedom Elite 22FE which is pre-wired for solar, what do I need to have it a basic RV solar system at half the cost. With inflation being what it is these days, more pwople are looking at adding solar to their RV to allow off-grid camping. The question above comes in quite often, but with different models of campers and RVs. The basics of RV solar sizing is as follows:

Solar Batteries
Solar Batteries

Batteries for your RV The quest for reliable and efficient mobile energy solutions often leads enthusiasts to choose between two dominant battery technologies: Lithium and AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat). Both have carved out significant niches in the world of RVing, boating, and off-grid living. While lithium batteries have gained popularity for their lightweight and high-energy density, AGM batteries are appreciated for their durability and maintenance-free design. Each type presents unique benefits, but they also come with their own set of challenges.

130 Watt Portable Solar Panel With 30 Foot Extension Cable
130 Watt Portable Solar Panel With 30 Foot Extension Cable

The 130W Portable Solar Kit with 30 Foot Extension Cable can quicky connect to your RV when in a shady spot New upgraded higher output solar panel UPDATE* This is the new 130 watt portable solar kit as the 120 watt Portable Solar Panel has been upgraded to a larger output. The rugged durability of our solar panels guarantees you will generate solar power everywhere you go and with its portable setup features you will be charging in no time.