RV Solar Tracking System Installation

Wiring transfers the power generated from the solar panels, down into your RV, to the solar controller, and on to the batteries. Depending on the length of your RV, and where the solar components are laid out, you could have some long wiring runs.

The whole point of having solar panels on the roof of your RV is so that your house batteries are recharged. They also create power to use throughout the day while the sun is out. Wiring transfers the power generated from the solar panels, down into your RV, to the solar controller, and on to the batteries.

The first step toward installing solar power is doing a power-consumption survey of your motorhome; figuring out the cumulative amp-hours (Ah) or watts being used during a typical outing, or over an extended period of time.

Less expensive meters, such as the Lanmu Power Meter (Amazon ASIN B0789B1QQC; $18.99) can monitor the kilowatt hours (kWh) of whatever appliance is plugged into them. A good choice in solar panels for RV use are the monocrystalline type show here. The standard mono panels have all the wire traces showing.

One thing you need to consider when figuring out where your solar panels should be placed on your RV's roof is shading. Look at other items on your roof (air conditioner, TV antenna, roof vents, etc.) and think about how they will cast shadows on your solar panels. Shadows are a bad thing as even a small shade spot will greatly reduce power output.

Kelly's solar panel installation is pretty simple compared to some RVs. She doesn't have an onboard generator (common with motorhomes) so we didn't have to consider this. And, as stated directly above, there is no whole house inverter to deal with. This is a very technical post and can get ultra-confusing fast.