Easy Steps to Mount RV Solar Panels
More RV drivers are installing solar panels to their roofs as reliable sources of supplemental energy. If you have an RV and are interested to try an alternative power source to help save up on electricity and stop worrying about where to park just to get hooked up, you can think of investing in RV solar panels. It is environment-friendly, too.
The installation of solar panels is not a complicated process – you can do it yourself. What you would need are an RV solar panel mount, mounting screws, a drill, connecting wires, laser sight, solar regulator or a junction box, and the solar panels. Before you get started, you need to have an idea of how much supplemental power you would need. Consider all your appliances and how long you run each of them each day. Use multiple solar panels, preferably of crystalline material, to generate the amount of power you need.
How to Install RV Solar Panels
1. Disconnect your existing generator, shore power cord, and other power sources. Cover the faces of your solar panels using cardboard or paper so it won’t generate charge during the installation process.
2. Decide on which part of the RV roof you are going to install the panels and how you will position them. Take into consideration how you would put in wiring when fitting. Ideal positions include near a vent or a window. Make sure that the solar panels are reasonably distanced from the roof’s edge.
3. Ready your RV solar panel mount. They will be lined up using a laser sight or other precise tools. Mark the position where the mount will be set.
4. Using a drill, start boring holes for your RV solar panel mount. Carefully choose the drill bit you are going to use. It should be the exact size for the needed holes. Check whether any interior wiring will get in the way of your drilling.
5. Position the RV solar panel mount using screws then set the sealant fill spaces around the holes.
6. You can now insert the solar panels into the RV solar panel mount. Secure them in position using the means provided by the solar panel manufacturer.
7. Inside the RV interior, pick a spot where the terminal or regulator will be placed. Cut a hole in the panel the size of the regulator or just its control panel.
8. Connect the solar panels with the regulator with a wiring system. Double check if the polarity is right.
9. The next step is to connect battery connection wiring from the regulator with the coach battery. Again, ensure that the polarity is correct.
10. Reconnect the battery with the terminals. If you followed the steps correctly, the solar panels are about ready to start generating energy.
Now that your solar panel system is ready for use, you can park just about anywhere to get fueled up. An RV solar panel kit may seem a bit expensive but if you look in the long term, it is a worthwhile investment. Buy deep cell batteries to enable charging even if the sun is out.