Electrical power is a valuable RV commodity and solar energy is one way to increase the value of this holding. Solar panels are designed to capture sunlight, turn it into electrical current and send the charge straight to the battery bank. If your RV has a solar panel system, there may be steps you can take to increase the current. For motorhomes and travel trailers lacking a solar panel system, maybe it’s time to tap into this natural power supply.

Time stands still for no man, or his solar panel system. Greg Holder of AM Solar, one of the RV industry’s forerunners in solar technology, has barely had time to catch his breath since this alternative energy source hit the market.

“We started with a small corner in this warehouse,” Greg explains as he motions to an area roughly the size of an RV bedroom. “From there we’ve expanded to all of the warehouse and most of the adjacent office space.” Coated with fresh paint and boasting a row of energy producing solar panels, AM Solar, Inc. is seeing such a surge in business they have plans in the works to expand once again, this time to a new location. “Our new facility will have a park-like setting for the customers to enjoy.”

Greg outlines the four items comprising an RV solar charging system – Solar Panel, Mounts, Wire Harness and Charge Controller.

There are enough different types and sizes of solar panels to keep you busy researching for years. And in this case, size matters. Not in the bodily sense of the word, but by how many watts the cells will produce. For basic battery maintenance Greg suggests that a 65-watt solar panel works well on travel trailers and fifth wheels, while motorhomes should use a minimum 100-watt solar panel. Steer clear of tempting bargains offering little in the way of troubleshooting support or warranty coverage, and Greg recommends you confirm the panels are in stock before giving anyone a credit card number over the telephone or via the Internet.

Take a close look at the RV roof to decide where it is you will want the panels positioned. Solar panels come in all shapes and sizes. Use a tape measure to calculate available square footage away from air conditioner shrouds or satellite dishes, areas Greg refers to as dead shade. “Casting shadows over several cells can knock out about one-third of the solar panel’s charging amperage,” he cautions.

Remote solar panels are an alternative to rooftop installation, but Greg suggests you give the matter careful thought. “Portable panels are easy for someone to pick up and walk away with. Plus they raise the question of how to safely transport them while you’re driving down the road.”

Mounting solar panels to the roof can be done with standard flat mounts or tilts. Flat mounts work well in sunny climates, but during winter months, or places where sun exposure is limited, tilt mounts can provide the benefit of pointing the solar panel directly towards the sunlight. Whatever type of mount you choose, make sure it is stainless steel or aluminum and guaranteed not to rust. And before the first hole is drilled, go up on the roof with the technician to personally pinpoint exactly where it is you wish the mounts to be placed.

That brings us to the wiring harness, because this is how the power from the panel reaches the batteries. A qualified solar installation specialist can help you determine the least invasive way to wire in the new system, even if it means putting the solar panel someplace other than where you had in mind. Take note of where the wiring is stationed to prevent anyone from cutting through the wiring harness when installing other aftermarket items to the RV. This is also a good time to note that once the wiring is in place the panels are up, and more juice is going into the batteries. Which means adjusting your battery maintenance schedule to fill liquid lead acid battery cells with distilled water.

The charge controller is what ties the solar panel system together by regulating the amount of power the solar panel sends to the RV batteries. If you are installing a new solar panel system, use a charge controller capable of handling the load. Don’t be alarmed if the charge controller faceplate is warm to the touch. Greg says certain flush mount models use the faceplate as a heat sink.

Motorhome owners interested in increasing their existing solar power supply without having to add more panels may want to take a look at upgrading their charge controller with the Helitrope HPV30DR.

“Independent testing has shown the HPV30DR can increase solar panel output by 20 to 60 percent,” Greg states. The HPV30DR can be wired to the chassis and house batteries, is equipped with an independent solar monitor panel, prevents nuisance fuse blowing, and, Greg adds, comes with an exterior battery volt sensor, “For those who are serious about solar.” For more information on the HPV30DR, you can contact AM Solar at (541) 284-2426.

Operating your solar panel system involves little more than exposing the cells to sunlight. Not just the clear blue skies of a Montana vacation brochure, but any location where natural light can feed the cells. The more light exposure the better, but you don’t have to limit your camping choices to a desert location. “Live shade, like what you get in an open tree grove, may reduce solar power,” Greg advises. “But doesn’t eliminate it.”

Maintaining the solar panel system primarily relies on elbow grease. Keep an eye on the mounts and tighten them as necessary. Wipe the panels using glass cleaner and paper towels. “Not every day,” Greg states. “But in those instances when a new rain brings out a layer of crud on the windshield, because all that stuff is most likely also collecting on top of the panel.” He also suggests you keep an eye on outside conditions. Tree leaves, moss and birds flying overhead are all red flags suggesting it may be time to go up and clean off the panels.

Everyone loves a bargain, but when it comes to the RV electrical system, do your homework. No amount of savings can replace proper equipment and installation. Contact your selling dealer, authorized service technician or the RV manufacturer for recommendations on who is best qualified to assist you in adding solar panels or upgrading an already existing system.

According to Webster’s Collegiate Encyclopedia, “The sun converts five million tons of matter into energy every second.” Only a scant amount of this force reaches Earth’s atmosphere, but it’s potent enough to support life, inflame skin and with the help of some photovoltaic cells, produce charge for an RV battery. The benefits of adding solar energy to your RV are considerable. While you are out on the road, the solar charge allows you to spend more time away from hookups without having to rely on a generator. In storage, enough charge can be generated to keep up with the parasitic load. As far as replacement parts are concerned, solar panels last for years and there are no filters to change. Consider making the investment into all these advantages solar can provide to your RV. The sun is on the house.