Thor Forums

[Peterrrr]

I was just going to answer your direct questions, but then decided I should add some other thoughts for your consideration. I am not trying to discourage you from installing some solar but there is more to it then just adding a panel. First, I hope you enjoy your new coach?

The "pre-wired for solar charging" is the wire from the roof of the RV to a place within the coach. The two prongs, as you call them, are MC4 connectors. Most solar panels will come with MC4 connectors/ or a variation which will connect to them. The other end of the cables terminate somewhere within the coach, where you normally connect them to a solar charge controller. From the solar charge controller you then run cables to the batteries. There are different types of solar charge controllers, and numerous vendors. There are also other electrical components required.

One needs to do, quite a bit of research, analysis, calculations, planning and acquisitions to install a solar system. Depending on the design, besides panels and panel choices, there could be a need for mounting brackets, sealants, hardware(nuts, bolts, screws...), on/off/disconnect switchs, correct sized fuses/breakers, possible combiner/panels, monitoring panels and various lengths of properly sized conductors and sized connectors.

In my model of coach the pre-wired cables terminated behind the breaker box under the dinette. The wire was 10 gauge, thus planning and calculations need to take this into account for voltage loss and sizing. Your roof is TPO which lays on top of 2.7mm lauan. This is only 1/8 of an inch thick, thus, attaching panels is a challenge. The more holes you put in your roof you increase the chances of water penetration, thus you need the install of the mounting brackets to insure no water will get in. You also need to insure the panels remain on the roof.

There are multiple forums on the internet where you can research the install of solar systems on RVs. There are also vendors which do complete system installs.

The design of the system basically comes down to, what are your electrical needs? In addition, how you use your RV, how often, what type of places do you like to stay in(hook ups-no hookups, generator restrictions) and how often you have needs for the extra electricity should also be considered. Besides the solar, you may need an inverter or more batteries... all dependant on what your requirements are. One, may also just install a solar system as a hobby.

To better determine your needs, you may want to install a battery monitor first which will, with use, determine the State of Charge of your batteries the current you are drawing from them and keep a history of that usage.

As my brother in law says, he finds it simpler, easier and cheaper to just press the generator start button, for those times when he needs the extra electricity and is not attached to the grid.

Good luck.