These are the basic components of an RV solar charging system. Similar off-grid configurations could be used on a off-grid cabin, tiny house or sailboat.
Solar Panels
Solar panels collect energy from the sun and convert it to electricity. The primary purpose of solar panels in an RV solar system is for battery charging. It would be incorrect to think that the solar panels are powering the RV.
The Solar Charge Controller regulates the energy from the solar panels to charge the battery bank.
FREE Guide To RV Solar – What You Should Know Before Installing Solar
Are you considering solar? This guide has answers the most common questions and misconceptions about installing solar and camping off-grid in your RV, Van or Camper.
Solar Charge Controller
The Solar charge controller regulates the amount of voltage and current that is supplied to your batteries from your solar array. It’s like the brain of your system and needs to be compatible with your solar panels and battery bank.
You’ll first need to know the maximum voltage and current output of your solar array. You’ll also need to know type, system voltage and capacity of your battery bank. Once you have this information, you can begin looking for a compatible solar charge controller.
This article Choosing The Right Solar Charge Controller will help you choose a controller best suited for your system and budget.
Battery Bank
Your battery bank is the primary source of energy in your off-grid power system. It stores energy collected from your solar panels or battery charger.
We call it a battery “bank” when multiple batteries are involved. Two or more 12 volt or 6 volt deep cycle batteries can be combined together in various configurations to act as one large 12 volt battery.
Note: Some RVs operate on a 24 volt battery configuration, but most RV battery systems are 12 volt systems
This video will show you how to connect 6 volt batteries to create a large 12 volt battery bank.
Battery Monitoring System
A Battery Monitoring System is an optional but recommended piece of equipment that monitors the current status of your battery bank as well as real-time and cumulative power consumption.
Here’s an article I wrote all about RV battery monitoring systems that I suggest you read to learn more.
Wiring, Cutoff Switches and Fuses
These are the smaller components that connect everything together and make the whole system work.
Copper wiring of various thicknesses is used to connect solar panels, charge controller, batteries and an inverter. Cutoff switches are wired between components to easily disconnect components for safety and maintenance reasons. High amperage fuses (100 Amp to 250 Amp) are required on battery and inverter connections to prevent electrical faults from damaging other components.
Power Inverter
A Power Inverter is a common add-on component that converts 12 volt DC power (from batteries) to 120 volt AC to power household AC equipment and outlets in your RV.
Before installing an inverter in your RV, I recommend you read this article I wrote that goes into more detail on How to Safely Install an Inverter in Your RV.
Battery Charger
The battery charger converts incoming AC shore or generator power to DC power to charge the battery bank. Older or smaller RVs will have a Converter/Charger performs the battery charging function. Hybrid power inverters, like the Victron Multiplus II, function both as a power inverter and battery charger.