For my installation of rv solar panels 10 gauge household romex wiring was chosen for a few reasons.
Wiring for solar panels on rvs.
Wiring in series is done by joining the positive wire of one solar panel to the negative wire of another panel.
2 how to install solar panel on rv.
Solid wire passes electricity at a capacity 1 size greater than stranded wire.
Many rvs today come pre wired for solar but what does this mean.
Solar panels come with a male connector attached to the black negative cable and a female connector attached to the red positive cable.
It ll be a messy job if you ever need to change one.
The amps of electrical current for each solar panel are summed together but the system voltage stays the same.
Getting started with rv solar before we start it s important to note that the specifics of your setup will depend on your rig and solar kit what type of panels you have flexible rigid etc your roof size and type flat curved fiberglass rubber etc whether you have an rv or a trailer where your battery bank is located etc.
Diy wiring diagrams for 100w 200w 300w 400w 600w 800w kits.
Don t bond solar panels directly to the roof.
Place the batteries and connect them to the control box.
If however you anticipate camping under trees on a regular basis and you want to maximize the panels chances of getting access to the sun wire the panels in parallel and use heavier gauge wire.
Wiring rv solar panels in parallel.
The overall program for pre wiring an rv with the equipment to add solar panels came from the need to create an easy path for the wire to run all the way to the battery during construction.
Wiring our rv s solar panels in series has worked out just fine.
Wiring your solar panels in parallel results in more wires running.
When an installer wires your solar panels in parallel each panel s wires are connected to a centralized wire leading from the roof.
That means the 10 gauge wire works as if i had used 8 gauge automotive.
Disconnect the rv batteries and measure the roof.
Assemble the braces and frames then install the panels.
Installing solar panels on a camper van conversion is one of the best things you can do for an independent lifestyle and it helps keep van life costs down too.
Solar calculator for rv or camper van conversions.
See our 12v solar panel wiring diagrams to work out how many connectors you need for your set up.
1 best sellers in solar panels on amazon.
Be sure to consult the instructions provided with any.
Wiring your solar panels in parallel increases the amperage while keeping the voltage the same.
Wiring solar panels in parallel.
Here s how i wired my solar panels for rv boondocking why i chose 10 gauge romex wiring.
This can be done with the usual mc 4 solar panel connectors.
This post is one part in our diy campervan solar system series.