RV Solar Simplified! Simple RV Solar Setup.
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- čas přidán 22. 07. 2024
- RV Solar is not as difficult as it might first seem. When you can understand RV electrical in the roles they play it is easier to understand how it all works together. This is as basic as you can get to understand Solar for your RV. RV Solar is just another way to charge your batteries even while boondocking.
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I know this is an older video but I have to say, I really appreciate someone that knows how to make a video without all of the stupid rambling and unorganized crap. This is a really informative and professionally done video that gets to the point and delivers information without boring you to tears. Thanks!
AMEN TO THAT! All that rambling on is unprofessional and makes one want to click delete...
Thank GOD, someone who’s an organized thinker! We don’t have an RV but are researching Solar energy in general & your start was PERFECT! I just wasted an hour trying to find SOLAR 101 Basics, & got aggravated with videos that said NOTHING but a bunch of acronyms & personal experiences. THANKS AGAIN!
That was the most helpful solar on your rv video I have ever seen and I've seen a few. It's for people like me who are just starting out. I appreciate your service to the RV community. Safe travels.
Great video! I also chose Renogy after much research. My system is super small, but love it. I did decide on the MPPT charge controller. Great tip about the inline breaker. Wish I had known and had them install that!
Thanks for the awesome informational videos!!!
This is a GREAT Video... You know what you're talking about...
I just wished I knew what you were talking about... LOL.
This is total Greek to me... and I am a chemical engineer. I wished
I was an electrical engineer right now... LOL
Please NOTE for people like me.
You KNOW what you're talking about... We don't (at least some of us).
If you would SHOW us at the SAME time you're talking... We can SEE and Hear you
at the same time... and that teaches us better.
Thank you for sharing this video...
I really need to learn this, because I am needing to do this on my Travel Trailer.
It amazes me that so many caravans in England and other European countries have lithium as the standard battery pack and solar three panel systems standard. I can't understand American manufacturers who continue to build junk. Except for a few such as Northwood all I see are ill constructed lite units that are rushed through build and are delivered to the customer broken. You are fortunate to understand the inner workings and can repair most problems and add to the electronics. I would love to buy a trailer to pull but I'm waiting until I can afford something like a North wood product.
Matthew B it’s a difference of approach. We can get lithium batteries in the US, but a 170 ah battery is currently about $1500 compared to a 200 ah AGM battery for $400.
Yeah, the AGM weighs 130 lbs vs a 45 lb lithium but the trailers used in North America have a different weight distribution than is used in European caravans. We distribute weight between the tow vehicle and trailer, whereas the weight is over the a caravan’s axle and the tow vehicle is simply a tractor. The Europeans can tow with a lighter weight tow vehicle, but need to tow at a slower speed. When I was in Europe, I was surprised to see such small cars towing relatively large caravans. In North America, we distribute weight differently on our trailers and can tow faster, but we have a higher tongue weight on the tow vehicle so the rig is more stable at highway speeds than the European configuration. That requires a vehicle with the ability to hold a heavy tongue weight. See oppositelock.kinja.com/tow-me-down-1609112611
The point is, we can load the heavy batteries into our trailers. When we “boondock” in public lands (setup your camper for up to 14 days, but you have to bring your own power source, water, etc.) we need to maximize that battery bank capacity. Having a couple of decent AH rated 6V AGM batteries in series is pretty common in the US west.
@@ppainterco bottom line is greed and profits
Randallkoller - I really dislike the “greed and profits” argument. Its lazy, It’s like if I chip my tooth then it’s because of “greed and profits”. My coffee is too strong... “greed and profits”. My milk curdled in my Wheaties... “greed and profits”.
Lead acid battery plates get recycled in the US and we actually have factories that manufacture them either here or in Mexico with lower cost land transportation for distribution. Lead plates recycle pretty easily... just melt them, skim off the crud from the top and cast new cells. That easy, available recycling holds down costs as does the lower cost of transport. I’m not aware of much recycling of lithium cells in the US, even so, we’d probably have to ship back to make new cells. Lead acid batteries have a century of developed infrastructure and distribution systems. Lithium is nearly new infrastructure and distribution systems that’s still being developed.
I recently bought 4 LiFePo4 cells, BMS and new solar controller from China through eBay for about 3 times the cost of just buying a 90 lb golf cart battery from a local retailer. Another option was to use a BattleBorn battery which is assembled in the US, probably using newly manufactured foreign cells from new, not recycled materials. The BattleBorn is about 4-5 times the cost of the lead acid battery. Still, I wanted to reduce weight and hope to get a 5x life out of the LiFePo4 and so long as I get a longer life then the LiFePo4 might be somewhat less over the long haul. Still, a LiFePo4 is about 20-25% of the weight of lead acid. If I had a big honking motor home that didn’t mind the weight then I would have just loaded up with golf cart batteries, saved money and hassle.
The stupid thing is, my lefty, environmentalist brother in law objects to my LiFePo4 setup, telling me to just buy cheap, heavy lead acid batteries at SamsClub instead. It’s like “save the planet” until it’s his responsibility to save the planet. The only greedy ones that I see in that cycle are consumers who only look at the purchase cost of the batteries. I’m still not convinced that I’ll get the life out of the LiFePo4 setup to have made it worthwhile. That’s a 10 year long experiment. Here’s to hoping.
Lithium mines are killing alot of land and human health. Im happy to use lead acid or carbon batteries fr this reason.
North Americans want things cheap and cheap usually means cheap. Of you want a better built RV, Northwood like you said or Lance. The majority of us won't or can't afford to spend double or more for a better built rv especially if its something you use a few weekends in a year.
Well done ! .... I spent about a year studying up on solar. After a lot of overthinking, calculations & trying to decide how big to go; I jumped in with just a simple 100W glass panel & PWM. The goal was to charge two 6v golf cart batteries at this point. I'm really glad I did as I found unless you are in direct sun you get very little amps. We camp predominately in shade or treed areas, I was doing a lot of chasing the sun with the panel. Against my original objectives I did buy a small inverter generator for the days that solar isn't going to work or I'm not "chasing". Surprisingly in the last 6 months I've only used ~3 gal of gas. I'm about $750 total all in. It's all working great for our needs. You hit the nail on the head; start small with the basics to add on later, you don't need to start out with a $5k-$12k system. I am not a full timer so my needs are simple.
Do you live in an RV? my bf and I are looking to live full time in an RV and travel the U.S. but don't want the solar panel system to break the bank!
@@carriesings4life No, we are not full timers. We go out about 1x a month for 4-5 days, a couple of 10-15 day trips in the Summer. The past couple of years we've taken a 6-8 week trip to the S.W. during the Winter. We prefer to boondock but when it's snowing or really cold we will get hookups. I have aded a 2nd 100 watt panel (still not attached)and a small 600 watt converter to charge laptops and ipads. In the Winter down in AZ desert the two 100watt panels are perfect for us. place them in the sun early morning and by 12 or 2:00 we're all charged up 100%. We don't use a lot of power but we don't watch it closely with our lights at night I don't like sitting in the dark. For us its crazy to spend $10 - $15k for a full system like some of our friends have done. But we do not work from the road either or watch any TV. Once in a while we fire up our small Generator for the microwave or hairdryer or watch a movie. On a rare occasion charge the batteries. hope that helps
The lay praise like the other comments: straight to the point and really easy to understanding the fundamentals from this video. Thank you!
Thank you. Some great and simplistic information ......truly appreciate you sharing your knowledge. Like James a couple comments earlier I would like to have more information on charging your batteries from your tow vehicle especially if you have lithium. Keep up the good work and thanks again.
That's really nicely explained.. yes.. solar can be intimidating to use and install in RVs for newbies..
As always awesome information my wife and I are picking up our newest 5th wheel toy hauler in a couple weeks and Solar is one of the first upgrades we want to do. I have watched several of your videos regarding solar and I appreciate your information.
Thanks! Have fun out there!
Thanks I just bought an RV with a solar system and need to acquaint myself with the system, this helps.
thank you for this video. this was my first video as my husband just passed the other day and I'm trying to pick up where he left off. He tried to finish the rv before he passed so I would always be able to have a place to live off-grid.
Pm me If you still haven’t got it figured out
Going to replace the roof of my RV this month and add to/update the solar that was already on it. This was helpful.
Good luck glad it helped.
Your camper is always so clean 😊. Thank you for sharing these videos. I find you very helpful and easy to follow.
Thank you for this video! Made sense even to me! I'm excited to get solar started this spring.
Thanks for the video. There are a lot of videos on this topic but many of the presenters are too hard to watch. This is a nice straight-forward walk through. Thanks.
Great video man, keep them coming. You content is definitely knowledge worthy.
This is a great, very complete video als just what I needed. Thank you! 👏🏻
Hello great video..
I am Installing a new roof on my 5th wheel. Thought I’d pre-wire for solar while I have it tore apart. Went searching CZcams. Behold I found your video right away. 1st time watching, it went way over my head. I’m back for a second viewing and making a lot more sense after educating myself a little about solar and terms. The problem is I am now more confused than before
Second part of my post.
I’m looking to install the same system you have. 4 panels , 30 amps.
What size wire do you run from the panels to the Rover? What design lay out did you decide? 2p2s or something different?
Greatly appreciate your input into my install?
That help a bit more from your last hooking up solar. How do I figure how and where to run the wires? How does the solar panels hook to the batteries if there aren't mounted?
Solar power is great when there is a need. Charging batteries, off the grid in the RV, and saving on residential power Bill's. We dont need it but if we did I would recommend this channel for how to advise
Thank you!
Great stuff Jared!!!
As usual Jared, thank you! You break things down to be understood by folks like me! Lol Bless you.
It shows you enjoy doing this kind of stuff. I hope that some of the suppliers see your video and send you stuff.
Personally, I would like to see a demonstration done with Volta systems. I hear these are on the high end but compared to what?
Thanks for what you do Jared
Thank you for simplifying this subject for me!
You make a awesome video for 2019 keep up the good work super hard work
Hi, Jared, this is incredibly helpful! Thank you! One question: what size fuse do you use between the batteries and the charge controller?
I love how you explain all this.. we are getting ready to buy an RV and I want for sure solar.
Thanks so much for your videos!
Excellent information, well done!
Always excellent, Jared -I look forward to each of your videos!
Great video. Thanks for the clarification. I thought connecting to an existing system would be more difficult than building one from the ground up, but your video makes me think that it is quite the opposite.
Thank you for the video!
Great video. Thanks
I’m considering putting a fan on the roof of my work truck to see how much power I can generate as I drive it’s the same concept that is used for passenger airplanes and some cargo planes to
Video om how you hook up the portable system too would be nice. do you also charge via the vehicle charging system? Thx
Super content and advice.
Maybe a topic for a future video would be for those of us with the famous "Solar Ready Z-AMP" connectors and how they might integrate into a growing solar system.
Thanks!
Yes this.
Here's a few things to help others, new dual function type solar panels, heat water at same time, keeps panels cooler, last longer, hot water can be used for domestic to either pre-heat or keep water hot in tank if not using a tankless system, in some cases it could be used for interior heating as well. A guy in NJ has them on his house, get over 100 fahr. in winter.
Small quick attach, pole mounted sail boat wind generators for the days with no sun, night etc..
Use all 3 type of passive energy.
Yinlang lto lithium cells.... new tech, last you a life time, light weight, huge temperature operating range -40c to 65-c and if not clearly stated before, HUGE cycle rate, over 50,000 if I remember correctly, easily bolt together, no special tools, no special training, no topping up water... build any voltage pack you want, any capacity, any SHAPE to fit your needs rather than a square factory built unit... I think the 40 amp hour cell can do 400 amps discharge.... dont quote me but I know it's higher than most, way higher.
Using a charge controller for each panel rather than one large one, makes the system more efficient as it allows for the differences between panels and can make the most of the panel.
Luna cycles has some really nice heavy gauge wire, good flexibility, 8g,6g, nice 200 amp bullet connectors too, although personally I use the ones from castle, 6.5mm bullet connector with 200 amp limit, polarized plugs, cannot be plugged in the wrong way.
Silicone wire, has much better flex, current rate, lower resistance and higher temp resistance than most common wire, Deans wire but they dont do heavy gauge, Amazon, Ali Express, easy enough to order silicone wire. Ripping 50 to 100 amps dc for RC motors is very common, so they have some very nice DC wire and connectors.
I build ebikes, off road, 2 wheel drive, trailer with motors, batteries in trailers and solar panels to recharge them, so I have a bit of an idea... every stove and dryer I see, I rip the power cords off for the 8g wire in them :) Hopes this helps some people. Oh between the bike and the trailer, I have 7 battery pack, 100 amp hours @ 36 volt with over 140 amps discharge constant, 200 amp burst, I can run the 2 motors on my bike as high as 5,000 watts each, trailer motors for about 3,000 each if needed, 4 motors, 4 controllers, brake lights, turn signals, alarms, yes plural alarms, bike and trailer + each controller, LED motorcycle head lights, all custom wired. Just so you understand, I actually work with this stuff too. And please dont forget, dielectric grease for plug connections exposed to the elements.
You explain everything very well keep making videos
Thanks!
Easiest explanation I've found so far. Thank you.
Thank you for your solar video!! Even installing was sweet!! Now the t.t. We are looking at is already wired for it and I suppose for the ground tilt ones like you explained towards the end. Now would we connect the roof ones to what is already installed? Shared with my hubby
It very good. Nice
Very useful information thank you bro.
Great info Jared. Sub'd.
Thank you for everything. We’re going to pick up our travel trailer next weekend. Can you tell me about how and what do you do to keep out mice?
My biggest question is how do I determine exactly where I can mount the panels on the roof? I have a 2019 Keystone Hideout 177LHS, plenty of room for 4 panels but I only have 1 on hand right now. Any ideas or resources would be appreciated. Great video, thanks!
Thank you.
Good job!
Great video! Much appreciated 😎
Great info, thanks 🙏
Thanks for the info. Cathy & Harry
Thank you
I purchased this kit. How does the system work with the converter/charger in my rig? I can’t find any information on this
Hey...thanks for your videos. So...I am planning an install of two 200W panels on the roof of my new 6x10 trailer conversion. I also have a portable set of panels I normally have used to charge my portable Jackery. I will be joining the two sets of wires from the panels into one set using a y-connector. I would like to install another Y-connector later in that short cable run to my Renogy controller. That would allow me to, on occasion, plug-in my portable panels if I wanted to gain a little more input. Sound like a workable plan? Thanks.
What a great explanation, thank you.. but ditto @The PDC below, how does all this fit together with the current converter/charger in the trailer.
So Jared, I get all that and thanks for the simple yet candid explanation .... The part that i don't get is how and where the solr system / controller plug into my"existing" power system? Can you let me know if you have a video explaining that part? Thank you, Geo
Why would anybody thumbs down this? Awesome video man, from one CZcamsr to another, AWESOME EDITING!
Thanks! That is very kind. Keep the videos coming, looks like you guys are enjoying the RV life!
Good video, simplified. It would be nice ot have a simple wiring diagram as well. Thanks.
Great video
Great video. Thank you
Thanks for the share!
Yes more videos
It seems always when I am searching youtube for my RV renovation questions, I always come back to YOUR channel, Thanks for your GHrrrteat explanations!. Question, I am in the process of replacing the entire roof on my 5th wheel. I intend to install solar next year (when I can afford it, lol!) but while I am ripping off and replacing the roof, is there anything you suggest I do in THIS project to install brackets or whatever to allow me to more easily install a solar system next year when I can get to that project? Thanks!!!
Thank you so much... picking up my rig on Saturday. I love how easy you explain everything. I am curious if both the Victron and Renology Charge controllers who showed photos of use the app? You didn't state which one you used and I feel it is because you use both products... I may be wrong.
Great video I’m pretty handy on everything I do but when it comes to Solar, I don’t know nothing. Your video clarified that it’s not as hard as it looks.
So I subscribe to your channel to walk me through the whole procedure I purchased a 2020 holiday rambler vacationer 35p it already has one solar panel on the roof. My question is if I buy the kit you have listed 400 W can I connect those panels to the existing panel that’s already on the roof Would love to hear your input and two cents on this installation that I will be starting in the next month. Thank you once again.
Do you know if the Zamp system has those fuses built in? Our system was pre-installed without the panels.
Thanks for the good information. Could you please talk about charging your batteries from your tow vehicle while traveling. Any mods need to be done to the factory set-up for charging Lithium batteries?
Hello where can I purchase your solar kit
None...they charge thru the 7pin
i’m thinking while my RV which is park next to my house that I might want to cover the solar panels from time to time. Does anyone ever cover their solar panels and if so what are good reasons to cover them? What are you using to cover them obviously it Hass to be somewhat waterproof.
thank you for sharing.
Nice informative vidéo. I'm starting in solar and have a 50 amp FW. I want to start with 400w. Now is it better 4x100w or 2x200w ? My understanding is to Install at least 2 in series so the voltage will be around 40v. I see a lot of 4x100w so is there a particular raison ? Tks
I've read some comments on the forums that these brackets are cracking from vibration . Have you had any issues? Just getting ready to place 4 210W panels on our Renegade roof. I plan on using VHB tape instead of piercing the roof. I'll be using special primer and am convinced this will hold, but I'll be doubling up on the brackets
I've watched a lot of these videos... Where do I plug in my shore power converter charger for when solar isn't enough, or do I just need a transfer switch?
Good day all !
I am wondering for installing solar panels on travel trailer roof , with tilt brackets can the solar panels be installed vertically?
New to solar, Installing a 200w renergy kit on a small Travel Trailer. With the Renergy 20amp MPPT do i still need a Shunt?
Love the videos. Thanks for info. I have 200w portable suitcase mppt20a 700w inverter 12v 100ah lithium battery, but unsure best way to connect to travel trailer fuse box, converter
Any help /recommended reading would be appreciated. Thanks
Did you also connect the factory supplied 10A In-Line FUSE between the panels and the controller along with the the circuit breaker that you bought?
Great video ,answers my questions nicely, what size of fuse did you use at the battery
I just bought the Renogy kit from your link. I love the idea of adding the circuit breaker.
Why did you use a 30 amp circuit breaker when the controller is 40 amp? Thank you.
Good information
I am planning on a solar system but do not need AC so not going to use an inverter. Solar will go to controller, controller to batteries but how do I connect the DC system from my camper into the batteries. Right now it ties in with two wires at the tongue of the trailer and those two wires can also charge the batteries from the truck vis the 7 pin connector. My new batteries will be inside and next to the charge controller and then I need to connect it to the camper DC. Please let me know ideas on the best way to do this.
Q how does one protect the panels from hail storms? Never appreciated hail damage until we visited friends in Dallas.
We just started full timing last month. There is 1 panel on our coach. Is it possible to add to it without rewiring?
Thank you brother.
The KISS Method I install 2880 W of solar on our 5th wheel
Do you think this takes away the need for a gas generator COMPLETELY? I have a small area in my RV where a generator is intended to go but I think it’s a great place to house my batteries for the solar setup. I live in a very sunny area but I understand that I won’t be getting an input of solar energy during the night. I’m also not looking to use a lot of energy through the night: just a few cell phones and maybe a laptop.
do i need to worry about the shower panels on the roof when parked over the winter for snow ice and the such?
Thanks for the 411 on sun power
Any concerns with a rubber(TPO) roof? Where the panel support screws lag screws?
Very good😉
Great video thanks
Can I splice the solar controller leads going to the battery to the same leads coming from the battery to the rv’s converter? Or does it need separate leads back to the battery?
Looks great ! Now come do mine lol
Question; I have a camper with shore power or power via my truck alternator, charging the batteries now, Therefore do I have to shut off the solar power when connected to shore power as there would be 2 different power sources charging the batteries at the same time?
Thank you Sir!
@All About RV's, do you need to look for the stud in the roof to know where to mount the solar panels?
Definitely All about RV’s, great content, I subscribed and turned on notifications.🤙
I've found great project for that on Avasva.
I have a Winnebago Micro Minnie and want to change over to lithium batteries. The easiest place for me to put the batteries is the storage under my queen bed. Should I be concerned about sleeping above the lithium batteries safety wise? Thanks in advance!
Do I have to purchase the extra MC4 ends and connectors in order to connect my kit?