How to Wire a Solar Panel Trailer
For people who like to go camping in RVs and travel trailers, having enough power to run your appliances for extended stays can be a difficult thing to come by, especially if you are staying at a location that doesn't have trailer hookups readily available. Solar panels are a great option in this case, providing the extra power needed for an extended stay. They are easy to install yourself and the wiring is simple to follow.
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Things You'll Need
- Solar panels
- Power saw
- Drill
- Screw driver
- Wire tie downs
- Cardboard
- Measuring tape
Instructions
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1
Ready the trailer for installation by disconnecting the coach battery and shore power cord. Cover the panels with cardboard or foam board to prevent a charge from being generated during the installation and wiring process.
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2
Install the panels on the roof of the trailer with the short end facing forward, making sure to secure all four mounting screws and tie-down all loose wires. Remember to mount the panel to an area that will have easy access for wiring. For some trailers, near the refrigerator vent is a perfect place as it provides a prefabricated way for the wires to enter the trailer.
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3
Inside the trailer, find a place to mount the regulator and display panel for your system making sure it is near where the wires enter the trailer, either inside the wall, or in a more secure place such as the refrigerator vent.
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4
Cut a hole into the wall where you will install the regulator. Make sure to take proper measurements so as not to cut the hole too large or too small. Feed the wires from the panels through the opening for connection.
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5
Connect the solar panel and battery wires to the regulator, checking to make sure that you have the correct polarity.
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6
Use the most direct safe route from the panel to the battery. In the case of installing the panels near the refrigerator, feed the wires all the way down the refrigerator compartment and out to the battery. Connect the wires to the battery again making sure to check your polarity.
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7
Push the regulator panel into place if you have not already done so during the wire feeding process and your project is complete.
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Tips & Warnings
Using a preexisting entrance and compartment like the refrigerator vent, makes the job easier. It involves less cutting into your trailer and provides a safe way of keeping wires covered up.
In most trailer's white wires are negative and black wires are positive.
Make sure all of your batteries are unplugged before beginning this process. Wiring while the coach battery is still on could result in electrocution.
References
- Photo Credit Solar image by Thomas Leiss from Fotolia.com
