How to Setup Solar Panels on RVs
You can go green in more places than just your home. Solar energy can supply electricity to your RV as well. Adding solar energy to charge your batteries or even supply power for the entire recreational vehicle can save you money and reduce pollution. Installation of solar panels is easy once you figure out exactly how many panels you need.
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Instructions
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1
Use an online calculator to figure out how much wattage the solar system should provide to supply you with the energy you need. A good example is at Rvsolarpanels.wordpress.com (see link in References).
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2
Turn the generator off and disconnect all power running to the RV. You do not want power running because it can shock you when you install the paneling.
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3
Cover the solar panel fronts with a towel or cardboard to avoid creating any power.
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4
Climb onto the RV's roof. Use caution and stay as far away from the edges as possible.
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5
Find a good location to mount the panel. Be sure it provides a good place to run the wiring. Most people run the wiring down the refrigerator vent.
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6
Place the solar panel so the width faces the front of the RV.
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Drill holes in roof where mounting screws belong. Be sure to seal holes with caulking.
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8
Mount the panels using the drill and bits.
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9
Run the wiring down the refrigerator vent.
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10
Return inside RV to find a location to mount the solar regulator. A good location is above the refrigerator. Here it is accessible but out of the way at the same time.
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11
Cut the hole carefully where regulator will be mounted with the saw.
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12
Fish two sets of wires out of vent.
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13
Attach the wires to the regulator. Make sure the polarity matches.
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14
Connect the battery to the solar regulator.
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15
Mount the regulator panel using the drill and bits.
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