Wired for Solar Program promised easier conenctions for prewired RVs
Many trailers, fifth wheels, Class C and Class A and B motor homes come prewired for solar. You may have gotten a Wired For Solar sticker in your RV. That means that your RV has the wires built in ready to be connected to a solar kit or complete solar system. Outside Supply can help you get the parts you need to a Go Power Solar Kit to your vehicle.
Go Power’s Wired For Solar Program
Many trailers are wired for solar
Prewired for solar RV units may or may not have the charge controller, call (We No Longer Take Phone Calls) to determine if you need a kit with a controller.
Sample Sticker from an RV that was Pre Wired for Solar
Prewired kits speed solar panel installation on your RV
Pre-wired solar kits are meant to be installed on RV units that have been prepared to have a solar kit. This means that a solar wire pair should have been installed through the walls and roof using a cable entry plate or MC-4 wire directly. These kits are customized to add the parts you will need and eliminate the parts you do not.
Connecting to the wired for solar connector on the side of the RV
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.
Install your panels on your RV if you can : BEST OPTION
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.
Finding solar panel prewired can be difficult for certain models of RV
Are you looking for where your prewired solar cables are in your RV?
A program designed to help the consumer with solar panel installs has caused them a lot of grief due to hard to find cable locations and wiring diagrams. Here are a few reasons why RVers have had issues with the prewired or Wired for solar program.
Need to add solar panels to your RV?
Depending on how large your charge controller is on your mobile solar array, you may be able add additional panels. Important factors to know when trying to add panels to your array: * How many amps can your charge controller handle * How many amps of solar are in your array * How is your array wired (Parallel, Series, Series/Parallel) * How much space do you have on your RV roof for more solar panels Here is a selection of panels to grow a Go Power System
Go Power 190 E Expansion Panel
Go Power Flexible Solar Panel 100 Watt Expansion
Go Power Rigid 100 Watt Solar Panel Expansion Kit
There are other brans on the market, we have found Go Power! to be among the highest quality gear on the market. Their service has been friendly and reliable. However they can be a bit higher priced. This is a great entry level Go Power's Inverter Charger Kit. They offer the Elite and Extreme kits. These have different amounts of solar and also different size Inverter units.The Go Power! Elite Solar Kit - IC-2000 - 380 Watts of solar
We have found these kits contain much of what you need for getting going with off-grid solar and inverter power. We have also added lithium battery and sealant as well
MC4 Cables
MC4 cables are specialized connectors for solar panel systems. Designed for outdoor use, they ensure a waterproof and secure connection between panels, inverters, and other components. Their standardized design simplifies installations, ensures compatibility, and reduces the risk of incorrect solar electrical connections. There is still a need to understand dangers of electrical work but having watertight quickconnects can be essential for safer and efficient rv solar setups.
Sealing Roof Penetrations in RVs
Properly sealing roof penetrations in RVs is crucial. It prevents water ingress, leading to mold, structural damage, and electrical issues. Ensuring a watertight seal safeguards the RV’s interior, maintains its value, and works toward the comfort of its occupants during travels.
Importance of Electrical Tools
Electrical tools are essential for safe and efficient work on electrical systems. They provide accurate diagnostics, protect users from electrical shocks, and ensure precise repairs. Using the right tool for the task not only facilitates the job but also prevents potential damage to components and circuits.
