Installing a Renogy 200W Solar Kit on my RV
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ธ.ค. 2014
- Shop the Renogy Website Via the LYRV Affiliate Link - shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=152991...
Update - See my full complete DIY 500 watt solar powered RV boondocking system with photos, video, and schematic - www.loveyourrv.com/diy-rv-boo...
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In this video, I explain how I installed a Renogy 200 Watt RV Solar Kit into my Keystone Cougar fifth-wheel trailer. I'll show you the short routing I found and where to run the wiring in the Model 276RLS Cougar. In the end, I take the trailer out boondocking for a real-world test of the Renogy system.
I've been wanting solar for a while now but wasn't able to spend the cash. This system will get me into a modest solar system for a relatively low price, about $425 spent. it will also be easy to expand it to 400 watts in the future.
The Renogy panels have very good reviews on Amazon so I bit the bullet and picked up this system for Xmas.
Link to products mentioned (Note: Amazon Affiliate)
200 Watt Renogy Solar Kit - amzn.to/2skqW4m
Eternabond Tape - amzn.to/2tcS5Cx
Dicor Lap Sealant - amzn.to/2sU5qAm
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*Update* - See my full complete DIY 500 watt solar powered RV boondocking system with photos, video, and schematic - www.loveyourrv.com/diy-rv-boondocking-power-system/
I recon you need to go MPPT to max your charge
This panel can put out close to 100 watts th-cam.com/users/postUgkxOqI2yqX0XVrhR2BMJciTWrHJpG8FhJyg when positioned in the appropriate southernly direction, tilted to the optimal angle for your latitude/date, and connected to a higher capacity device than a 500. The built in kickstand angle is a fixed at 50 degrees. Up to 20% more power can be output by selecting the actual date and latitude optimal angle.The 500 will only input 3.5A maximum at 18 volts for 63 watts. Some of the excess power from the panel can be fed into a USB battery bank, charged directly from the panel while also charging a 500. This will allow you to harvest as much as 63 + 15 = 78 watts.If this panel is used to charge a larger device, such as the power station, then its full output potential can be realized.
I got two 270 watt panels off ebay for $35 each but they're massive. This video gave me the guts to drill holes in my roof. Thanks Ray and Angie (RIP)!
This is the best RV Solar DIY video I have seen. (And I have viewed many.) Showing how to finish it all off neatly on the roof and in the vehicle was a great presentation.
Ray, I've been watching your videos for about a year now and I have to say you are a positive personality that makes quality content. You are the only channel I click thumbs up on before the video even starts playing. Good luck, keep on keepin on, see you around arizona!
That's a nice compliment, thanks! Cheers, Ray
Great video. I just retired from 35 years as an electrician. Good catch with the propane compartment. My first thought while watching the video was, he will be changing that. What's the odds of something happening. Just never know. Thanks for sharing so much of your time while out enjoying the beautiful side of this country.
I love reading stories or watching videos like this! I love to hear about how someone can be out in the middle of nowhere, yet they're watching movies or running a refrigerator or even running an air conditioner, thanks to solar panels! You could even give your own RV a jump if you ever needed it.
Christmas Eve Being freed from the tether of a traditional RV Park or campground is a great thing. :)
Ray, Hi ! I just bought that same kits just now and I will be stoked, Corona Virus is everywhere, you did an excellent job on the video, and what a wonderful site !!!
2 things sir, first a very good video on solar and the second thing. My dad used to take my family (there were 14 kids) to saltnsea and it was a favorite camping site for us in the 60s, so I thoroughly enjoyed the video. It looks like the area has been cleaned up since we were there half a century ago. thanks for the video it brought back some long forgotten memories
Thanks. I've seen old footage of those days and it looked like a fun place to vacation. Unfortunately, the Salton Sea these days is in bad shape due to the drought in California, there are fears it may dry right up and be a terrible environmental disaster. Hopefully, they can find a say to save it, sure is a neat place. Cheers Ray
This is a smart guy to go solar on the go plus at camping. By installing wiring near-by propane area, it would be very small issue because solar cable is good stuff. I guess, the lightning storm would be even more concern. Around 5 years later, you can kick out your lead-acid battery, to for Lithium-ion 3 KWh. battery for much lesser weight. You can add on 4 more panels = to 6 to power up your A/C from your solar with very little generator or none. I call it; "Smart Camping!"
Looks like a great set up. I have had a 100 watt Renogy panel since summer of 2014 and it has been working great. Soon I will be getting another battery since I only have 1 right now.
campervandavid Very pleased, so far after 10 days dry camping, only fired up the generator twice. Once to watch a bunch of New Years eve TV and the other time because it was cloudy.
Thank you for explaining things so nicely. I am new to RV and your video helps to clarify solar things.
You're most welcome. Cheers Ray
Nice job Ray. That should save you some gas and generator hassle this winter. I love the recycled multimeter idea. I've got a couple old ones laying around and might try that. Have you given any thought to installing a cutoff switch between your solar array and charge controller? I've found it to be a very handy way to switch off incoming power for maintenance or other reasons. Happy New Year!
RVwithTito Thanks. Yes, I'd like to add a quality cutoff switch in the future, Hard to find a decent source while traveling around so will likely wait until back in BC for the summer. Until then I'll just cover the panels and undo the fuse if I need to check anything, unless I stumble across a good electrical store.
That's awesome! I'm currently running 200w harberfreight with 100w ren. On a different set up on a 25f. Fithwheel
I am buying 400 watt solar kit and 2 more batteries. and a 1000 watt inverter in a couple weeks, I am excited. your video really helped.
Nice! I'm glad to hear it. :) - Ray
Thanks that was helpful. Solar is really a help for RV's.
Looking at installing the same system on our trailer soon good job thanks for the help
this is brilliant, I wish I could install this myself, but I'm a noob when it comes to electronics
very cool. Renogy has been a good reliable and helpful company to quite a few people I know besides me
Nice work Ray,I want a system like this on my van.Great video and now heading to your blog.Thanks!
+Carolina Guy You're welcome. Glad you liked it. :) Cheers Ray
That's a very nice quiet spot you found by the water.
It's definitely a unique place. Called the Salton Sea and is the second lowest point in the US next to Death Valley. Here are a few posts I did on the camping - www.loveyourrv.com/salton-sea-camping-corvina-beach/ www.loveyourrv.com/salton-sea-camping-salt-creek/
Second time I watched your video. Again, good job, thanks.
Great video, looks like a professional install, great job!
Thanks for the nice video. Just purchased our RV and solar panels are on the list. Appreciate the time you took to document the install. Safe travels,
Retiring Young You're most welcome. :)
Looks like great set up and quiet. Thanks for posting.
Your welcome Joe. :)
that multi meter was genious
This is great, Ray. You do nice, clean work. Thanks for the walk-through.
I'd be interested to see a closer look at that in-line multimeter wiring hook up.
I so need to do this to our travel trailer.
Happy Trails!
Hi, Allen the multimeter was sort of a stop gap thing until I could afford a Trimetric meter. I just installed one and it's great - www.loveyourrv.com/bogart-sc2030-cc-and-trimetric-tm2030-rv-installation/
12 volt power system is much larger this year now that I have added two more batteries and two more panels, really enjoying the extra power while boondocking.
For the old multimeter, I had taken it apart and soldered some wires across its internal current shunt. work well to give me a general idea of what the panels were producing.
Cheers Ray
Nice, clean install. Good Job.
Pretty timely, I just got my kit delivered yesterday and plan to do the same install on our class c.
Hope mine turns out as nice.
Very good video, well done
very nice mounting job sir! thanks for the video. 👍🏽
Looking good. Guess I better start my solar channel now
great work and very informative. Thank you much I appreciate your efforts. Happy rving to you and yours.
Great vid, I have a 2011 29rl Cougar, am getting ready to install one 200. I've installed several panels on past trailers. One my Cougar I'm going straight down the fridge vent to the breaker box. I don't know about you but my Cougar is non stop fixing the poor workmanship of Keystone. Lots of screws working themselves out of hinges etc, along with wall paper peel. I got spoiled on my old Alpenlite, top notch build. But it was heavy.
Excellent! Great video, Thank You.
Just installed mt 200 Renogy system....almost 10am and will check my output. Fingers crossed for 6,8 amps! Yesterday at 4:30, I was able to get 6.2 amps. Thanks for the tips, need to add the white tape to protect the wires from the outside elements.
Cool! I like the tape since it holds the wires in place really nice. Cheers Ray
Excellent install and video. Thanks☀️ Happy Trails
Thanks, I've recently upgraded it to 400 watts - th-cam.com/video/g6Pf6nU3o6o/w-d-xo.html
Nice clean install!
Great job good detail 👌🏾
Sanitary, just the way I like it. Good job!
Good job , I opted to add a battery cut off switch between the trailer and batterys, I have my solar panels going to the charge control then out to batteries I have 4 100 on the roof and 2 100 joined as a sute case with it's own charge control as needed that I can move as needed for the sun
great job Ray
Good job! Nice, informative video. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks. The system has been working well for almost a year now. I've recently added more batteries and next month will be adding two more panels, better charge controller and a battery power monitor. Stay tuned. Cheers Ray
Great job - thanks for sharing. One suggestion for folks watching and contemplating a similar project. IF..you are planning to add panels later, go ahead and run the additional and properly sized (oversized is better) wiring and charge controller when you do the initial install. Makes your expansion MUCH easier.
Or better yet, get an MPPT controller and wire all the panels in series. Good advice anyway.
Thanks Ray . I just found your site and I subscribed. Paul
Great videos, rv tech in training here! Hopefully ill be able to afford one at some point haha
Great video. Thanks for sharing.
Great job Sir...Greetings from East Tennessee...Dave
TheStout65 Thanks Dave. Greeting back for the California desert. :) Cheers Ray
Thank you for your videos.
Good info thanks for taking time effort for posting much appreciated
You're welcome. You can find more of my solar projects here - www.loveyourrv.com/tag/solar/ Cheers Ray
Nice install, very thorough demo video, many thanks! I have to use my RV to move, so will have to add solar in next two months. This was so helpful. I liked the way you really sealed up the holes in the roof.
On Amazon, the Renogy charge controller was not rated as good, whereas the solar panels were rated high. I will be buying a separate charge controller.
Also, someone else on TH-cam suggested 6 guage (very thick) outdoor electrical cord so you don't lose power from solar to battery.
Thanks! The controller is very basic and cheap, seems to work OK though. I think it's only worth about 20 bucks, will be upgrading when I can afford a better one. Good tip on the thick wire, also will upgrade mine when I add two more panels. Cheers Ray
+Lass-in Angeles Before anyone starts a solar job do yourself a favor and read Handy Bob's website, he is the Godfather of Sol !
Wow, 2 mins into reading Handy Bob's Solar Blog, I am already impressed! Saved me some money right away. Thank you so much for letting me know!!! I had no idea about this blog.
Nice job!
Love Your RV You did a fantastic job mate.Very neat work.Two thumbs up from me.
trufantom21 Thanks!
Love Your RV No worries.
Enjoy watching your videos Ray. Thank you and Happy New Year. I installed the same setup with an upgraded MPPT controller. It is supposed to make a significant difference - time will tell. Thanks again.
tommy1a1a Thanks and our welcome! Did you go with a Renogy one or a different brand controller?
Love Your RV I bought the same Renogy (I don't know how to pronounce it either) kit, but used a Blue Sky Solar Boost 3000i controller (warning it was bit pricey).
tommy1a1a Cool, will be nice if it does the job as advertised, I think I'll go with two more panels first to fill up the front roof then look at upgrading the controller after that to squeeze more power but then I'll need more batteries, ack! haha, looks like this could get addictive and expensive.
Love Your RV ahhh yes the only thing that helped control my addiction was winter.
I thought you added 2 panels. Must have been someone else. Thanks very much for answering all my questions so patiently. I'm learning and I think this 2 panel, 4 battery setup will work just fine for us. Again, thank you. Maybe I will do a vid on my install.
Yes, I started out with 2 but added to more this past December. Also upgraded my charge controller and added a battery system monitor. I have a budget so have been slowly adding to the system. :)
www.loveyourrv.com/upgrading-our-renogy-rv-solar-system-to-400-watts/
www.loveyourrv.com/bogart-sc2030-cc-and-trimetric-tm2030-rv-installation/
great video. thanks for sharing.
Thank you for all info is v interesting. Thanks again
Liked your install, still considering Renogy . Even tho the Can$ is in the tank it is still a good investment. Great idea to use the Multimeter as part of the install. Joe Blow
Thanks, I've recently upgraded things for this boondocking season adding 2 more panels and a Trimetric battery monitor. Cheers Ray
www.loveyourrv.com/upgrading-our-renogy-rv-solar-system-to-400-watts/
www.loveyourrv.com/bogart-sc2030-cc-and-trimetric-tm2030-rv-installation/
Very nice video thank you !!
Please show more of the actual work process. You are making an assumption that the rest of us knows what you are talking about or doing during different steps in your process. Good video.
Maybe take a look at this post and video where I upgraded the system by adding 2 more panels - www.loveyourrv.com/upgrading-our-renogy-rv-solar-system-to-400-watts/ and this one where I explained my whole system in depth - www.loveyourrv.com/diy-rv-boondocking-power-system/ Cheers, Ray
Lovely video, thank you!
Great job Ray. TY :-)
Fantastic job, the only thing I would have done different is run a lap seal over the edge of the eternabond tape to lock it down and prevent any future water penetration. To give you an idea on what you are missing on your solar charge with having them in a lay down configuration. I was checking my panels yesterday about 10 am and was getting 12.4 amps from the exact panels that you have. That's tilted at about a 45 degree angle and at 4,000 ft. elevation and 36 degrees. That's the best output I've ever seen. The sweet spot with these panels I've found is in the 4,000-7,000 ft. elevation at a temp. below 50 degrees. I track the output daily on my panels and average just over 5 amps output per panel. I use my 4 panels in a portable configuration. With the sun so low on the horizon now I have to reclock the panels 3-4 times a day for max. efficiency, but average at least 10-11 amps from 9am-3 PM with 2 panels. If you decide to add 2 more panels in the future, consider adding a tilt function it will improve your charge rate by at least 30-40% in the winter when you really need it.
Also, for anyone considering the Renogy panels for $20 more you can add the digital charge controller in place of the basic one. Call Renogy. Renogy panels are made in the USA and the customer service is based out of Austin TX. I've been very happy with my 4 panels and they provide 90% of my power needs the past 12 months. Sign up for their e-mail promotions and every month or two they have a 10-20% off sale. Their regular price has been about $145 per panel. You can buy a 100 watt panel, 30 amp charge controller and 2 connector kit for about $165 on Amazon with free shipping.
Did you get any snow?......I left the high desert yesterday and camping on the Colo. River S of Bullhead City Az. I had about 2 hours of heavy snow with the ground white, but didn't last long. All the roads climbing up out of the valley were shut down from accidents and spin outs for much of the day. I saw on the National News some areas of S. Calif. had a good dump of snow. Searchlight NV where I was camped yesterday had blizzard conditions and several semi's and 5th wheels were turned over on their sides. I got out of there just in time!......32 right now, so this is about as cold as it ever gets around here. Hope you are someplace warmer. I'm heading to the Salton Sea this week, so back to the low 70's if the weather forecast holds. Happy New Year.
NWHiker Thanks for all the info!
I usually do the edges of the E-tape used elsewhere but I figured with all the downward pressure from the flat bracket that the tape under it will be well sealed around the screw holes and left plenty all around. It's amazing how well that stuff sticks, just finished doing most of my roof.
Didn't see any snow, just cold for here and windy. The mountains look very pretty now across the sea covered in snow. Best I've seen for power was 10.4 amps @ 13.4 volts coming off the panels. I'll likely still be here at Salton Sea. Camped at Corvina Beach. Come say hi! Cheers Ray
I was thinking the same ebond thought :)
Hello Ray and Ann. I wanted to tell You how much I appreciate all the great info! I have been following Your vidios for around a yr. And have leaned alot. I am looking at the same solar kit that You installed, and wondered how it was working for You? Also a quick note on the charge controller. From the revews I read it should be upgraded to a 40amp if You do add two more panels. Thanks again Steve
TheRenagade38 Thanks! The system has been working great. Very happy with it. We used it a lot recently when visiting down in Big Bend NP area. Did tons of dry camping and if the sun was shining and we only used our laptops not the big IMAC and the 32 inch TV the solar was plenty of power for us. We would spend the day exploring and return to the rig in the evening to find our batteries fully charged up.
Thanks for the controller tip, I'll likely do that and add some more battery capacity too, that way we will have some reserve power for those cloudy days. Saving my pennies, ;) Cheers Ray
Happy new year Ray... as always lovely videos
So you drilled hole next to vent and fished the wiring next to vent stack? So you are really inside a wall?
BoxinTheCompass Yup, it is the wall between the little room that just has the toilet and the bathroom sink.
mykeystonecougarrv.com/floorplans/2013/cougar/east/276RLS.gif
Great install , I have a 160 watt solar panel installed on my trailer . Wish I had the installer use VHB tape by 3M . Do you know about this ? In my research I have found many RV'ers have success with taping down the Z clips instead of using mechanical fasteners .
Very nice. I had 450 watt's worth of panels put on my 5'er late last year. Went on one trip to test them out. I have (4) 6V batteries running in series parallel, and it seems like I use quite a bit of power during the day, but it recharges pretty well. Will be interested to get a few more boondocking trips under my belt. Also would like to record the morning and night battery voltages.
Korey Jerome Nice amount of solar power and battery storage there.
I think you should be fine. My battery voltage is about 12.8 when the sun goes down at around 4:45pm and 12.3 when it comes up about 7am, short days right now in mid winter. At night I keep my 17 inch laptop and Verizon Mifi charged and run a few LED lights, and maybe an hour of my 32 inch LCD TV plus the furnace fan is running on and off to keep rig at 64 degree temp while I sleep for 8 hours. Battery capacity is lower right now because it is near freezing so I expect better once it warms up a bit and as the days get longer from now on.
It's really nice to not have to run the generator now unless I want to instead of have too, last night I ran it a bit so I could watch a few hours more TV and use the microwave for dinner, I only have two six volts batteries for boondocking right now. Hope to expand to something like your system in the future. :)
Cheers Ray
Hey Ray big fan of your channel and have made many of the modifications you suggested. I was wondering if you would put the solar panels on the front of your camper again and if so how much solar ball park you are getting? Thanks Carl
Thanks Carl. That would depend a lot on the new camper and its roof and window layout. With this model of Cougar it was a no brainer since it has huge back and slide windows so we always try and point the nose to the mid day sun to help with cooling. Saved a lot of space on the roof. Never walked on the sloped front anyway so great spot for them.
Solar output from the 4 on the front vary with time if year, less in the low angled winter sun and much more in the high summer sun. Also heat and altitude affect output. Best conditions are high elevations and cool temps. It can vary from a low 15 amps to a high of about 25 amps. I've since added 4 more panels at the back of the rig and that helps when I'm forced to camp backwards. With all the roof panels in the mid-winter I usually see about 30 amps and in summer over 50 amps. th-cam.com/video/baH_0eP3r5M/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for the video I think this will help me a lot. Side question but you’re roof looks great what did you coat it with ?
I haven't added any coating, that's just the OEM EDPM rubber roof. I just wash it using Dawn dish soap a few times a year.
I have 4x100 watt Renogy panels that I am about to mount on the roof of my 5th wheel. I am worried about the Renogy Z-brackets because once mounted to the roof, there is no way to remove a panel without removing all four brackets in their entirety from the roof... including all that lap sealant! Seems like one advantage of using a tilt kit is that you could access the underside of the panel or remove/replace it if necessary, without further damaging the roof. Seems worthwhile even if you never use the tilting capability.
Yes, could worth the extra bit of work, only down side is the brackets become more complex, more cost and maintenance, but might be nice to have the tilting option.
So far I've had 2 panels up there for 5 years and another 2 for 4 years and haven't needed to touch them. Cheers, Ray
Love Your RV Great you changed the wiring to circumvent the propane chamber. Electrical and outgassing propane tanks in tiny enclosed chambers, don't go together. Envision the chamber being filled with propane gas as they do outgas commonly when there is a warm day or when the sun hits the panel door to heat up the chamber. Always fill propane tanks to below 80% full to help prevent outgassing.
James de Christ Yes, I thought better of doing it, but there is factory wiring in there, for example the side 12 volt marker wires and wires coming from the tow hitch connector. The bottoms of the LP Gas cylinder enclosure are open to the outside so in theory LP gas being heavier than air should drop out of the enclosure and not collect.
Thanks Ray
Great video! My wife and I have had a 32' class A for a little over a year now and have so far just taken short trips around California. Our longest trip was to Portland Oregon (about 600 miles) but mostly just short 3 day trips. My main interest in solar is to keep my batteries maintained while the rig is in storage since there is no power out there. It is stored outside and we use a cover to keep the sun rays off so any solar panel will have to be outside of the cover. This makes a permanent installation onto the roof not doable unless we cut a hole in the cover to let the sunlight through.
I know they sell small battery maintenance panels in the 5-15watt range but I get concerned about overcharging the batteries since these battery maintainers don't normally have charge controllers on them. I'm thinking, why not just get a Renogy 100W starter kit and figure out some way to make a portable mount that can be installed on top of (or outside) our RV cover. The added bonus is that it could also be used while camping.
Has anyone done something like this?
RonVBT Sounds like a good plan to me. :)
Ray, I am about to do some Maxxair installation To reduce odds of water leaks,like you, wanted double coverage (Dicor and Everbond tape. A Maxxair tech told me to use either or, but not both. Said Dicor chemicals would eventually dissolve tape...and Everbond w dissolve Dicor
Hi Dale, Never heard of either dissolving either. The only thing that the tape won't stick to is silicone.
Here are the instructions from Eternabond - www.eternabond.com/articles.asp?id=170 and a video from the RV Doctor - th-cam.com/video/ralbn7R_Dy8/w-d-xo.html Both show taping right over the old Dicor.
The most important things are precleaning (Any dirt and the tape may lift) I've found acetone works really well, don't stretch the tape when laying it down and adding firm pressure after to activate the microsealant.
I also used the 4" wide stuff so it covers the old dicor seal but sticks to the roof on both sides as well. - Here is a look at my fantastic fan install - www.loveyourrv.com/installing-fantastic-vent-fan-rv/ It's all fine a couple years later and I've had to do zero maintenance to it.
Here is a look at my Eternabond roof seals near 2 years later - th-cam.com/video/zuGAwXHKbwU/w-d-xo.html
Cheers! Ray
Good video! I noticed when you first showed the meter it had a negative sign on far left before number.
Please do the "Ricky Ricardo" and 'splain that...
Thanks!
Getting ready to add solar to travel trailer, thinking of same Renogy system, 200 watts of panels, but use MPPT charge controller.
Do you have an inverter too or how did you power TV and laptop?
Thanks!
Not sure but I'd guess the amperage flow was opposite to the polarity of the cables I attached. I just attached them for easiest lead dress. Doesn't make any difference though. i have an 1000W inverter to power my computers and TV. Since this install many years ago I have constantly updated and improved the solar system as I can afford to do so. You can see the progression here - www.loveyourrv.com/tag/solar/ Cheers, Ray
interesting video - thanks
hello......love your "love your RV" vidz.....good stuff!;D
I'm currently researching what I need to do with my motorhome to meet my needs....
I like the way yours is set up.
I have a question though,..... I have seen several systems and have noticed guys
using a "shunt" in their wiring.
Can you briefly explain what this component is/does, and why/when someone
would need to use one.....
thanks!
sbecktacular Thanks! It's a way to measure the amperage flowing through a wire and is used primarily for battery monitoring devices.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shunt_%28electrical%29#Use_in_current_measuring
The shunt tells the monitors brain box how much amperage has flowed into and out of a battery and from this info the monitor can give an indication of the batteries charge state.
Like your vids.
Would love a vid showing your battery bank, and exactly how your solar system is hooked to the bank. Also I would love to know how you integrated your inverter into your electrical system. I see it's 1000 watts but I can't see the manufacturer. Also is it a pure sine wave inverter - and is 1000 watts enough for your needs. Do you have a way to turn off your rigs converter charger when the solar is powering the inverter?
William Klein Here is my inverter install - www.loveyourrv.com/1000w-pure-sine-wave-inverter/ and my batteries - www.loveyourrv.com/1000w-pure-sine-wave-inverter/
Solar is hooked to the 6V bank through the charge controller that came in the solar kit.
The inverter is a store brand from Canada, called Canadian Tire, not sure who makes it but I suspect Xantrex.
It is pure/true sine wave,1000 watts is more than enough for our needs usually, if I do want to run a microwave off grid I just fire a generator.
No need to turn off the converter, the solar charge controller figures out if the batteries need any more charge, but I could just flick off the breaker for the converters charger if I wanted to.
Excellent as always. Maybe I missed it, what setting for the lithium battery on your controller?
I don't believe there was a lithium setting.
All I want is a setup that will run the air conditioner how do you figure how big you need for 120 V 12.5 amp AC unit
I just scored one for my campervan,just gotta order some clasps for it to sit on the rain gutters.
I'm happy with them, good panels. I'm still using these two and have since added 5 more Renogy's. Cheers, Ray
I am about to connect my 200W Renogy setup to the new 6 Volt DC Golf Cart Batteries in Series. Should have about 215 AH. Hoping to have some energy to run the refrigerator on electric during some of our stops between campgrounds.
Cool! Literally, haha Should do the job if sunny and if you are driving the batteries will get alternator charge too. I know most fridge elements are around 375 watts but they cycle on and off as required for cooling so much will depend on the outside temps I imagine.
+Love Your RV Enjoy your videos, especially the gadgets and boon docking.
Thanks, nice to hear. it's fun to share them and get everyone's feedback.
Another great video! So how did you get the TV, laptop, and heating system to all run off of battery power? Did you need inverters?
Nevermind, just watched your inverter video. You are living the life my friend!
Michael Rodriguez Thanks, I feel very lucky. :)
hi ray. looks like you did a pretty good job on your install. I've used that Dicor sealant around the house and it is some good stuff. a couple of things to remember seal the holes that you had made in the propane area because you don't want propane to seep into your other compartments. if you want to increase your capability for your boondocking, double or triple your battery capacity. doing that will greatly increase your night time functionality and enjoyment. before you go out and buy more Solar, increase your batteries as that will be hey much better investment.
Thanks. If you check out some of my latest videos you see I've been busy the last few months upgrading the boondocking capabilities.
th-cam.com/users/LoveYourRV
400 watts of solar now, 464 Ah battery bank, Trimetric monitor, Bogart controller and an InteliPower charger. Cheers! :)
+Love Your RV thanks for the reply Ray. I live in Salt Lake City and have 7800 watts of Solar on top of the house. my RV is my house. I have enough solar to run completely off the grid. I have enough batteries to last a couple of days without much sacrificing my lifestyle. have fun on your travels.
wow 7800 watts! You must have a big RV!
+Love Your RV the only thing I need to figure out next is how to get wheels under it! lol
Great video! I am brand new to solar and know next to nothing lol! What battery/s were required for this set up? I know battery size matters and number of batteries, according to how many watts your panels are. I’m thinking about going with the system you used. I just need a more detailed list of everything required, please :)
This post and video may help you out. It has a detail list of stuff and prices I paid. It's my system built to suit our needs after finding out how much solar and batteries we needed. - I haven't had to expand or change much since. www.loveyourrv.com/diy-rv-boondocking-power-system/
Cheers! Ray
Thanks for the response. I'm trying to figure out where I'm going to put 4 6 volt batteries on my travel trailer tongue. The only other place I could put them and keep the load centered would be under the bed. Sealed batteries of course. Your thoughts?
Sorry, I'm not really that familiar with travel trailers. Maybe it's too much extra weight on the tongue and 12 volt AGM batteries under the bed further back might be a better bet.
Hi Ray, Great Video. Newbie question. I bought two 40W portable solar panels. Can I use the two panels to charge the one battery I have? Or is it one panel/one battery and get one 100W panel?
The panels are not linked and have separate claws to connect to the battery.
Thanks, you can have multiple panels going to one battery. Some people wire them in series or parallel. Hookup depends on panel voltages too, and you need a solar charge controller of some kind, you can just hook panels straight to the battery.
Great video! I'm wondering on the reason for applying the tape before drilling the holes for the mounts - what's the advantage of having the tape? I'm inclined to just follow this same procedure since it looks like a nice result, but thought I'd ask since I am not 100% sure of this step.
I added it to give some protection to the rubber roof material from the brackets. Some people use butyl tape.
Ah, that makes sense. Thanks so much for the reply and for posting such a helpful video. I'm going to embark on my install hopefully this weekend!
You're welcome. Hope the install goes smooth. Have fun! Cheers Ray
A nice job, have you considered what would happen once your batteries reach capacity and the solar panels are still charging?
Sig Sauer Yes. the charge controller that came in the kit is a three stage one. In the final stage when the batteries are full it will switch to a mode where it just keeps them nicely topped up by trickle charging from the panels as needed.
Love Your RV: Ray, have you thought more about upgrading your system yet? Also, how many amp hours of batteries are you running?
Paul Petrea Not yet, we are spending this summer in an RV park on full hookups, but this fall we head back down south for more extensive boondocking. I plan to add at that time two more 100 watt panels and two more 6-volt batteries to bring us up to 400 watts of solar and 464AH of battery capacity. This should easily serve our particular power needs and give us extra capacity for cloudy days.
hi,i am new on this,i have an rv,i would like to install some panels,im not sure many panes does i need to run a 12v 24 inch tv,radio,charge cel phones and inverter for lap top,also i don't know if i have to replace battery or marine how . battery will work...thanks a lot
+Eduardo Tolentino The system I installed in this video should work for you - www.loveyourrv.com/installing-renogy-200w-solar-kit-rv/ I recommend have two identical batteries. I use two six volt golf cart style wired in series.
Great video! I just uploaded a video installing my 300w of solar
Hi there: Did you have to screw the solar panels into structure on the roof to keep the panels really secure? If so, how did you find the structure to screw too?
Thanks
Jim H Yup, Seems pretty strong. I added sealant to the screws and didn't over-tighten so they wouldn't loose their bite. So far so good.
What was the max amp output rating per panel? I just bought two renogy monocrystalline 100w panels and they're rated max 6.25 amp each. Waiting for spring to do my install. :(
I was somewhat surprised you were only getting about 8.9 amps at noon. I know it was a short day and therefore low sun angle though....
I have 5 panels and routinely see 25 - 30 amp range when sun is high and sky clear, I see 6 amps off of my ground panel if I point it 90 degrees to clear sun
A big upgrade would be to get an MPPT charge controller and wire your 12v panels in series to get 24v. You will get a fair amount of increase in power from your panels. And if you get two more 12v panels, series everything for 48v and see a whopping increase of power while still maintaining a 12v battery bank. Greetings from sunny Jamaica.
Would you recommend 25mm x 6mm OR 40mm x 5mm lag bolts/screws to secure the solar panel mounting brackets into the plywood/rubber membrane RV roof?
I used the screws that came in the kit #11 Self Drilling Cap Screw. Mounts are still solid. Here is the Z bracket kit - www.renogy.com/solar-panel-mounting-z-bracket-set-of-4/
We are new to rv'ing and purchased a travel trailer with a very nice 400W Renogy solar system. There's hundreds of videos on these solar systems to install but none of them really get into what to do when you're storing your rv for several months at a time. I have a ON-OFF switch but should I disconnect the batteries, etc?
Some will just let the solar trickle charge them the whole time, but If I was storing the trailer for many months I would first charge the batteries completely, then disconnect them, then if possible come back every couple months and let the solar charge top them for a day or so, then disconnect again. Cheers, Ray
Just out of curiosity. What do you do during the Hot summer months boondocking as far as this and a generator? I mean it does get hot and I'm sure you run the a/c, correct? Thanks
Haven't had to deal with a heat issue, as we are snowbirds and travel north and south and use elevation as well to follow mild temps. I used to carry a generator capable of running the AC but never used it much so now I carry a smaller one to just recharge the batteries. For cooling, I use low power electric fans and a few other tricks www.loveyourrv.com/tips-keeping-rv-cool-without-ac/ Cheers, Ray
I love your videos! Totally agree with John Bruce very nice and informative install. Thanks for sharing.
BADcabin Fever Awesome! Thanks very much and ***** as well. :) Cheers Ray
I've never seen a RV with a basement. What's the foundation made of?
Is the system still working well for you? Also, in your blog, you said you may add two more panels. Do you still think you need them after using the system for a full summer?
+William Klein Yes, still working well. The two panels offer plenty of energy for our needs during the summer, because of the long days and high sun, but I will be adding two more plus two more six volt batteries to the system so we have enough power come this fall and winter. Usable hours of sunlight in say December drop down to 6-7 and the sun is very low in the sky. I'd rather not add tilt brackets so more panels is the way I will go to get the extra juice. - Ray