RV Solar Guide
RV Solar Guide: Everything You Need to Know for Off-Grid Power
Welcome to the RV Solar Guide, a resource for understanding off-grid solar power systems in RVs. Learn how they work, why they are essential for boondocking, and what components you need to install a reliable system. This guide was last updated on 02/20/2025.
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To Get Started in RV Solar: Take a Trip Off-Grid
Imagine taking your RV to campgrounds and national parks. In most developed campgrounds, you plug into shore power and enjoy modern conveniences. But in remote locations (often called “boondocking” or “dry camping”), you have no pedestal to connect to. This is where you need self-sustainability—both water and power.
Your RV likely has onboard tanks for potable water, gray water, and black water. The power side of things comes down to your RV’s house battery bank. It supplies current to key 12V loads such as lights, fans, slides, water pumps, and so on. When these batteries run low, you have to recharge them. Without shore power, solar is the clean, quiet way to keep them topped off.
While you may not run all your big appliances on solar alone, it often provides enough energy for essentials. In the sections below, we’ll explore each component of an RV solar setup, how it works, and how to calculate your needs.
Components of an RV Solar System
An RV solar system is composed of several key components. Each piece can be the “weak link” if not chosen or installed properly. Below are the main items you need to focus on:
- RV Solar Panels: Rigid or flexible photovoltaic panels that capture sunlight and produce DC electricity.
- Solar Panel Mounting Brackets & Hardware: Mounts your panels securely to the RV roof.
- Solar Panel Wires: Cables that carry power from panels to the rest of your system.
- Solar Cable Entry Plate: For watertight cable entry from rooftop to interior.
- Fuses & Breakers: Critical safety components that protect against electrical faults.
- Disconnects: Enable safe isolation of the system for maintenance or emergencies.
- Solar Charge Controller: Regulates the power from the panels to the battery. Two main types: PWM and MPPT.
- RV Battery Bank: Stores your electricity (often AGM or Lithium). This keeps your RV powered when the sun isn’t shining.
- Power Inverter: Converts 12V DC to 120V AC to run household-type appliances.
- Battery Charger: Recharges the RV battery bank when plugged into the grid or generator.
- Generator (Optional): Some RVers still rely on gas/propane/diesel generators for backup power.
Our goal is to help you figure out the right combination of these components for your specific RV. With so many options—rigid vs. flexible panels, PWM vs. MPPT controllers, AGM vs. Lithium batteries—this guide aims to simplify your decision-making process.
Prewired for Solar RVs Are Very Common
Many newer RVs come prewired for solar, making it simpler to add panels and a controller without running cables through the entire rig. You may find MC4 connectors on the roof or a "solar on the side" connector for portable kits. Below are some resources:
Layout Your Solar Panels Before Installing Them
A thorough plan is crucial to minimize roof penetrations and optimize panel performance. Consider how shading from vents or AC units might affect your panel placement. Our RV solar layout guide can help you map out your system. Also, learn about the best brackets and hardware for secure mounting.
Use the Prewired MC4 Cables on Your Roof to Add Panels
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.
Use the Wired-On-the-Side Solar Connector to Go Portable
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.
Sizing Your RV Solar System to Match Your Needs
The size of your solar array (in watts) and the capacity of your battery bank (in amp hours) should match your power usage. Larger systems allow you to run more loads longer without generator or shore power. Consider your daily amp-hour consumption, your climate/region, and future expansion.
Updating the RV Solar Guide
We regularly add new information on foldable solar panels, "solar on the side" connectors, and lithium battery charging profiles. With the surge in RV ownership since COVID-19, more people are boondocking with bigger loads (like residential fridges). Be aware of potential pitfalls when installing a system or buying the cheapest kit online. We plan to publish an article called “The 10 Biggest Failure Points on RV Solar Systems.”
Installing the Panels on Your RV Roof
Once your system plan is complete and all materials are on hand, you can begin the installation. Learn more about the detailed steps here.
Charging the RV's House Battery Bank
Your battery bank provides power at night or during cloudy days, so proper charging is critical. During daylight, solar panels supply current that replenishes the batteries via the charge controller. A larger battery bank, especially lithium, gives you more stored energy and faster recharge. For many, lithium batteries can be worth the investment, despite higher initial costs.
Benefits of Lithium Batteries:
- Deeper discharge capacity
- Lighter weight
- Faster recharging
- Longer lifespan
- Better warranties
Drawbacks of Lithium Batteries:
- Higher upfront cost
- Require lithium-compatible charge controller
In essence, a bigger battery bank means more off-grid freedom, but it also requires a well-sized solar array and proper charge components.
Ask an RV Solar Question
Recent Updates
- Added new info on causes of solar install failures and best practices.
- Information on residential refrigerators (often needing 760W+ of solar and ~750Ah of battery).
- Expanded coverage of portable solar kits and flexible panels.
- Newer MPPT controllers with Lithium Battery charging profiles.
Selection of RV Solar Kits from Multiple Brands
Selection of Portable Solar Kits for RVs
Selection of Flexible Solar Panels from Several Brands
How Long Do Lithium Rv Batteries Last
Compatible 190 Watt Solar Panel for RV
Slim 100 Watt Full RV Solar Kit
Slim 100 Watt Solar Expansion Kit
Battery Choices and Mobile Solar Arrays
Go Power Power Inverter Install Kit 3
Remote Panels for Inverters
New Go Power 30 Amp PWM Solar Controller 2
Go Power 100 Watt Flexible Solar Kit GP Flex 100
Go Powers New Mppt 40 Controller
Transfer Switches
Go Power Mppt 40 Amp Controller With Remote
Go Power Mppt Pro 60 Charge Controller
Remote for Sine Wave Inverters
Go Power 2000 Watt Pure Sine Wave Inverter
200 Watt Flexible Solar Lift Gate Charging Kit
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Go Power 3000 Heavy Duty Power Inverter
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Travel Trailer 300 Watt Pure Sine Wave Inverter
80 Watts of Portable Solar Charging by Go Power Gp Psk 80
Go Power Solar Is Getting More Efficient
A Look at Go Power for RV
2000 Watt Power Inverter Install Kit
Neat Infographic on Off Grid Solar Power
Go Power 30 Amp PWM Digital Solar Charge Controller
Go Power 30 Watt Solar Flex Panel
Set Your Battery Type on Go Power 40 Amp MPPT Controller Dip Switches
Go Power Premium 3000 Watt Certified Pure Sine Wave Inverter Gp ISW3000
Go Power ISW 1500
Complete Rv Solar Power Systems
RV Solar Kits in the Snow
Proper UV Protected Wire Size for Your Solar Kit
Install Kit 1
Go Power Cable Entry Plate Kit GP CEP 25
Lift Gate Battery Charging Solar Panel
Simple Device Wattage Calculator
Solar Budgeting
CTI 100 Go Power Solar Panel 100 Watt RV Grade
100 Ah Agm Battery
Flexible RV Solar Guide
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Ask an Expert an RV Solar Question
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Power Inverter Information
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Class B Solar Kits
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Go Power Pre Wired Solar Port GP Solar Port
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Solar Panel Efficiency Increased Same Footprint Is Now 190 Watts
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Go Power 300 Watt Pure Sine Wave Inverter 12v W Gfci
Easy Connections on RV Solar Charge Controller
RV Solar Power Efficiency Tips
Determining the Amount of Power Your Panels Will Produce
RV Converters
Webinar on Designing the Perfect Off Grid Rv Power System
How to Match the Curve on Your Van or RV Wall
Solar Powered Office Computer
Fifth Wheel RV Solar Battery Charging Kit
Solar Calculator Page
Solar Guides
Modified Sine Inverters
224 Ah Agm Battery
570 Watt RV Solar Kit 2
Proper Mounting for RV Solar Panels
Sample Solar RV Installs
Go Power Solar Elite 380 Watt Mobile Solar Power System
Top 3 Reasons to Have Lithium Rv Battery Bank and One Reason Not To
What Is a Solar Ready RV
570 Watt Prewired RV Solar Kit
RV Grade Solar Panels Versus Residential Panels
Operating Your Solar Setup Off Grid
Teardrop Page
Modified Sine Burned Up Coffee Pots
Power Inverter Install Kits
380 Watt Prewire Rv Solar Kit
Power Inverter Connection and Outlets
Definitive Power Inverter Guide
Go Power 30 Amp PWM Charge Controller Lithium Compatible UL Rated
How Much Solar Do I Need for My RV
Travel Trailer Solar Panel Kits 2
Flexible Solar Kits
Go Power Overlander 190 Watt Solar Expansion Kit 447 99
Running a Blender Off Grid on RV Solar
Inverter Chargers
Go Power Suncycle 250 Ah Lithium Battery
Go Power Cable Entry Plate GP CEP
Go Power Solar Extreme 570 Watt System
Lithium Battery Compatible Charge Controller by Go Power
Solar Panel Parts and Components
RV Solar Kit Parts
Sizing Your RV Solar Power System
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100 Watt Solar Kit With Bluetooth Controller
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Mppt Solar Controllers
Optimizing Your RV Solar Setup
In addition to all the core concepts discussed above, optimizing your RV solar setup ultimately boils down to proper monitoring, good installation practices, and staying aware of evolving solar technologies. An RV is a small, contained environment, and every upgrade you make can have a big impact on both performance and enjoyment. From carefully choosing wire gauges to learning how to effectively clean and maintain your panels, there are many steps you can take to extend the life and improve the efficiency of your system.
Mind Your Wiring and Connections
One area that often gets overlooked is the wiring between solar panels, charge controllers, and batteries. The rule of thumb is to size cables and connectors so that power losses and overheating risks are minimized. If you plan on adding panels later or expanding your battery bank, choose wiring slightly larger than the bare minimum. This way, you ensure safe operation even as you increase wattage. Also, check all your crimps, terminations, and connectors regularly—especially after long trips on rough roads—because vibrations can loosen connections over time.
Protecting Against Partial Shading
RVs have all sorts of rooftop obstructions: air conditioning units, antennas, vents, and even awnings that can cast shadows. Partial shading can dramatically reduce panel output, especially if your panels are wired in series. If you camp under trees or in tight locations, you might consider parallel wiring, or at least a hybrid approach where you split the array into multiple series strings. Some charge controllers with multi-channel inputs can also help mitigate the effects of shading. In any case, plan your installation to minimize shadows, and consider the tilt angle or orientation if you have that flexibility.
Monitoring Your Power Usage
Installing a reliable battery monitor or using an app-based controller that displays real-time stats can greatly improve how you manage your energy. Keeping an eye on amperage draw, battery voltage, and solar input helps you make informed decisions about what appliances to use and when. If you see your batteries dipping below certain levels consistently, you may need to cut back on heavy loads or consider adding more solar capacity. Conversely, if your panels are frequently maxing out early in the day, that might be a sign your battery bank could benefit from a capacity upgrade.
Maintaining Your Panels and Components
Solar panels are generally low-maintenance, but they do benefit from the occasional cleaning—especially if your travels take you through dusty or sandy regions. A simple wipe-down with a soft cloth or a gentle rinse can remove grime and ensure you’re getting the full benefit of the sun. Be mindful of using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as these could scratch the glass. Meanwhile, inspecting your mounting hardware for corrosion or leaks in the sealant around attachment points is a good practice, typically done a couple of times a year.
Considering Advanced Controllers and Battery Systems
If you’ve built a robust system or plan to heavily rely on solar for extended off-grid living, advanced MPPT controllers with features like temperature compensation and Bluetooth monitoring may be the right move. These devices can help you squeeze every watt out of your panels, especially during varied weather conditions. For your battery storage, you might investigate LiFePO4 (lithium-iron-phosphate) battery banks with integrated Battery Management Systems (BMS). These can communicate directly with certain charge controllers to optimize charging stages, protect cells from harsh discharge conditions, and automatically adjust charge profiles based on temperature.
Dealing with Extreme Climates
Whether you love winter camping in snowy forests or chasing the heat in desert landscapes, remember that solar panel performance and battery chemistry are impacted by temperature extremes. In colder climates, solar panels can become less efficient if they’re covered by ice or snow, though ironically, they often perform better in cold weather when they are snow-free because cooler temperatures improve panel voltage output. Meanwhile, lithium batteries can suffer if charged at freezing temperatures without proper warming mechanisms. In scorching heat, you might see some reduction in panel efficiency, and battery temperatures need to be monitored carefully to avoid premature degradation.
Balancing Generator Use
While your solar setup might reduce or eliminate the need for a generator in many scenarios, it can still be wise to keep a generator as a backup during extended periods of heavy cloud cover or in emergencies. If you rely on large 120V appliances—like air conditioners—running them solely on solar (plus battery storage) can be very challenging without a truly massive system. A generator can fill in the gaps, but remember that any time you run a generator, it may negate the “silent camping” advantage that solar provides.
Realistic Expectations and Ongoing Learning
A major source of frustration for newcomers is expecting solar to mirror the unlimited power of being plugged into shore power. Unless you have an extremely large battery bank and equally large panel array, you’ll probably still need to make some compromises. That said, with careful planning, you can enjoy most of your usual comforts off-grid. Continuing to learn—by reading up on battery technology, solar product reviews, and best practices—can help you refine your setup over time.
Potential Upgrades and Expansion
As you gain experience, you might decide to expand your existing setup. Adding more panels is often straightforward if your charge controller can handle the additional wattage. If not, you might need a second controller or to upgrade to a higher-capacity model. For battery expansions, ensure that any new battery has similar specifications to the existing ones if they’re to be wired in parallel. Mixing old and new batteries or different chemistries can lead to imbalances and reduced overall performance.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you find that your batteries aren’t holding a charge, it could be due to a damaged cell, improper wiring, or a malfunctioning charge controller. Start by using a multimeter to verify voltages at different points in the system. Inspect fuses and breakers to ensure they’re not blown or tripped. If you have an MPPT controller with a display, check for fault codes that can guide you to a quick resolution. Don’t hesitate to consult a professional if you’re unsure about diagnosing electrical issues.
Lifestyle Tips for Off-Grid Living
Many RVers embracing solar also adopt a more energy-conscious lifestyle. Simple changes like switching to LED bulbs, using gas or induction cooktops sparingly, and limiting high-wattage appliances can make your solar power go a lot further. Turn off devices when not in use, and consider alternative cooking methods like solar ovens if you truly want to minimize electrical draw. Every little bit helps, especially on consecutive cloudy days.
Looking to the Future
Solar technology is constantly evolving, with panel efficiencies gradually increasing and new battery technologies hitting the market. Lightweight semi-flexible panels, advanced inverters, and high-capacity lithium batteries are becoming more affordable. Even portable solar solutions are improving each year, making it easier to move panels around to catch the best rays. Keeping an eye on industry developments can help you decide when it’s time to upgrade or expand your setup.
Conclusion
Your RV solar journey is more than just an equipment checklist—it’s a lifestyle choice that offers freedom, quiet, and greater independence from traditional campgrounds. As you fine-tune your system, you’ll likely find that the time and resources invested in solar pay off handsomely in extended boondocking trips, fewer generator hours, and a deeper appreciation for energy self-sufficiency. With the tips and insights from this guide in mind, you can confidently harness the sun’s power wherever the road takes you.
