Recreational vehicles have gone through significant advancements in recent years. They have become more lightweight, providing enhanced comfort and practicality. Whatever purpose you have in mind, there is an RV tailored to meet your specific requirements. Whether it’s constant traveling, long-term living, off-roading, or boondocking, the options are endless.
One way to enhance your RV experience and make it even more enjoyable is by installing an RV solar system. Solar energy technology has made remarkable progress, making it an ideal solution for the modern RV’s energy needs.
With a reliable solar system, you can venture off-grid or boondock for extended periods without any concerns. Even a small solar setup is sufficient to maintain your RV batteries, ensuring they are always fully charged.
While some RVs come with factory-installed solar systems, often at an additional cost, what options do you have if your RV doesn’t have this feature? Perhaps you purchased a used RV or your primary usage for the vehicle has changed. Don’t fret! There are various solar system options available to cater to your specific needs. In our other blog posts, we frequently delve into these options and offer valuable insights.
How to find a solar installer near you?
If you’re located in the contiguous United States, locating a reliable RV solar installation service should be relatively straightforward. Chances are, you’ve already conducted a Google search along the lines of “RV solar installation near me” and found yourself overwhelmed by the multitude of results. It appears that everyone wants a piece of the action, and that’s probably how you’ve landed here. Your search will undoubtedly yield numerous options, both good and bad. However, with a little common sense and research, you’ll be able to discern which ones are reputable.
Joining RV communities on platforms like Reddit or Facebook can prove to be immensely helpful in identifying trustworthy installers. Within these groups, you can obtain honest reviews and unbiased opinions from individuals who have already undergone the installation process.
Additionally, certain residential solar installation companies possess experience in RV solar installations. Contacting local companies could be an easy way to narrow down your options.
If an internet search for “RV solar install near me” fails to yield satisfactory results, don’t despair. You can always consider reaching out to a mobile RV solar installer who is willing to travel to your location. However, if you are staying at an RV park, be sure to check with the park managers before making a significant upgrade such as hiring a solar installer.
Can you install a solar system yourself?
If you possess a strong DIY spirit and are up for a challenge, you might consider taking on the installation of a full or partial solar system yourself. This could involve having a professional RV shop installer handle the physical panel installation, ensuring their warranty covers any potential leaks. From there, you can handle the rest of the installation process independently, including mounting, wiring, and installing the inverter and charge controller, among other tasks.
We always encourage individuals with a DIY mindset to embrace the opportunity and tackle this project themselves. In fact, our blog features numerous articles and our learning center includes comprehensive guides to assist you throughout the entire process, from initial planning to the exciting moment when you switch on the charge controller for the first time.
To further facilitate the installation process for DIY enthusiasts, we have developed solar panel kits specifically designed to make installing a solar system on your RV both easier and more budget-friendly.
Decide who to install your RV solar system
When it comes to installing a solar system on your RV, it’s crucial to consider the potential impact on your rig. Solar installers will need to drill holes or drive screws into various parts of your roof and RV structure. Therefore, it’s imperative to be cautious about selecting the right installer, as the consequences of a poor installation can range from water leaks and damaged equipment to even more severe issues such as electrical fires (as we all know, the RV industry has had its fair share of quality concerns lately).
That’s why relying solely on your local RV dealership for the installation might not be the most prudent approach. The workers at these dealerships typically undergo minimal training and are responsible for handling a wide array of tasks related to RV maintenance and repairs. Consequently, they often lack the dedicated time necessary to become experts in any specific area. Unlike electricians, who spend 2-4 years in school honing their techniques and learning about electrical safety, RV technicians do not have the same luxury or license requirements.
It’s Important To Ensure That You Choose An Installer Who Has The Expertise And Knowledge To Handle The Complex Task Of Installing A Solar System On An RV.
Ready to take the next step?
Investing in a solar installation for your RV is a wise decision that can yield a wide range of benefits. From saving money on park power fees to enabling more opportunities for boondocking, maintaining optimal battery levels, and contributing to a greener world, there are plenty of advantages to outfitting your RV with a solar power system.
If you’re considering tackling the installation process yourself, we highly recommend checking out our learning center, which features an extensive array of how-to articles and resources designed to assist people like you in learning about solar concepts and the installation process. From basic solar theory to advanced topics such as troubleshooting and maintenance, we cover everything you’ll need to know. Additionally, we also offer materials such as monocrystalline solar panels, off-grid solar kits, charge controllers, inverters, and wiring accessories here at Sungold to simplify your solar panel system setup process. Our team is dedicated to resolving every customer’s concerns, so feel free to reach out to us for support!
Keep in mind that solar power systems require specialized electrical components and a robust installation process (click here to learn more about the key components of a solar power system). It’s best to enlist an experienced professional familiar with both electrical systems and RVs to handle the physical installation of components such as the panels, as well as the electrical components effectively.
As mentioned earlier, one potential option is to have an RV shop handle the installation of exterior components, thus allowing coverage under their warranty for leaks and damage. Then, you can hire an electrical or solar contractor to manage the installation of the remaining components, ensuring that experts with the requisite skills and experience handle the electrical component of the project. If you choose to pursue this option, make sure to communicate your National Electrical Code specifications for wire size and amperage to your chosen contractor.
