RV Solar 101: Everything you need to know about the typical RV solar charging set up.
By far, the most common RV solar charging set up includes a couple hundred watts of solar panels and a 10 or 20 amp charge controller. Unfortunately, most of the best content and instructional include lessons on very expensive, ultra-high performance systems. In this video, we go through everything you need to know about solar charging components, product selection, and sizing in order to allow you to install you own highly effective system for a lot less money!
VIDEO CHAPTERS
0:00 - Intro
0:50 - Equipment Needed
1:29 - The Battery!
4:07 - Solar Panels
10:57 - Charge Controllers
15:07 - Connectors
16:07 - Sizing System Intro
16:52 - 3rd Grade Math Classroom
18:26 - Average Daily Wattage on Panels
20:04 - Sizing Panels
21:33 - Sizing Charge Controller
21:56 - Conclusions
Products mentioned in this video (Amazon Affiliate Links*)
Goal Zero 100w All in One Kit - https://amzn.to/3D0AN09
-This kit includes everything you need to install 100w of solar to your RV (high quality)
*Also Available in 200w
Budget Friendly
The Renogy Kit is Cheaper, a lot of friends have had luck here, I own one and it is considerably lower quality and performance but does the job
Renogy 100w kit - https://amzn.to/3mkMFUL
Batteries
100 AH AGM- https://amzn.to/3l4lBsd
125 AH AGM- https://amzn.to/3i6B8WI
225 AH 6V (wire 2 in series) - https://amzn.to/3ydeAsR
100 AH Lifepo4 (equal to 200 AH agm) - https://amzn.to/3ggrOy7
Panels
Portable - Glass
GZ 100W Suit Case (high quality) - https://amzn.to/3k74LH7
GZ 200W Suit Case (high quality) - https://amzn.to/3xVm03b
Portable Foldable
GZ Foldable 50w - (pricey but good) - https://amzn.to/2Wcz4nG
GZ Foldable 100w - (pricey but good) - https://amzn.to/3gbEYwn
GZ Foldable 200w - (pricey but good) - https://amzn.to/2W2sh06
-- Sometimes amazon sells discounted "renewed" - I usually scoop those
Portable "Hybrid"
Jacker 100w (plugs into GZ controller) - https://amzn.to/2Xw8xCc
GZ Ranger 300 - (Huge performance, Tiny Weight)- https://amzn.to/3CXxDKy
Charger Controllers
GZ 10a - https://amzn.to/2XwBjTc
GZ 20a - (currently sold out)
- - These PWM chargers plug in directly to GZ panels, this allows you to easily use your GZ panel for your Yeti, Jackery, most power stations AND your camper
Renogy - Buy Factory Direct-
renogy.sjv.io/5g46gD
Use Promo Code: AFFILIATEUS
Renogy 20a PWM- https://amzn.to/3yX7KYS
- Cheap and effective, you will have to wire yourself and purchase connectors
Victron MPPT (not waterproof)- https://amzn.to/37X2WHi
^^Excellent if protected from weather
Please feel free to comment with product questions, I'm happy to help!
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* Amazon Affiliate Links provide me with a very small percentage of the sale with no additional cost to the buyer. Please support DIYOL by using my links for any Amazon purchase. Thanks!