etrailer RV Solar Panels - e99FV

This is a popular kit for those looking to get into solar and DIYers looking for an RV upgrade project. It will be great for charging batteries between campouts and extending your trip by a couple of days when you have limited energy needs.

Features:

• Solar panel kit provides 390 watts of charging for battery maintenance and recharging
• 2 Monocrystalline solar panels uses sunlight to charge your RV batteries
  • Made from weatherproof and impact-resistant materials
• PWM solar controller prevents overcharging and works great for small solar arrays
  • Automatic multistage smart charging system helps extend battery life
  • Functions as the control panel to monitor battery and charging status
  • 4 USB-A ports allow you to charge devices while solar panels are generating power
• Digital display gives you a spot to check amperage, voltage, and battery state
• Kit also includes MC4 cables, ring terminal cables, and installation hardware
  • Sealant and butyl tape (AL66DQ - sold separately) are required for installation

Specs:

Solar panel:

• Rated power: 195 watts
• Voltage:
  • Maximum output voltage: 18.2 volts
  • Open circuit voltage: 12.5 volts
• Amperage:
  • Maximum output current: 10.7 amps
  • Short circuit current: 11.4 amps
• Maximum system voltage: 1,000 volts
• Operation temperature: -40 F to 185 F
• Dimensions: 55-1/2" long x 27-11/16" wide x 1-3/16" tall
• Weight: 23.1 lbs
• Limited lifetime warranty

Solar controller:

• Application: 12V, 24V, 36V, and 48V battery and solar systems
  • Works with sealed/gel, AGM, flooded lead acid, and lithium iron phosphate batteries
• Maximum solar array current: 30 amps
• Maximum solar panel input voltage: 100V
• Maximum solar array input power: 390 watts (12V), 780 watts (24V), 1,170 watt (36V), or 1,560 watt (48V)
• Controller dimensions: 2" long x 7-13/16" wide x 4" tall
• Limited lifetime warranty

Note: AGM batteries need to use the lead-acid battery setting on the solar charge controller.

This is a basic and straightforward way to get into solar, and well within the ability of most DIYers. With 390 watts of solar power, we're starting to see more boondocking possibilities. If you've got a small trailer or camper van, this will be a good amount to keep your devices charged, run a fan, and use some efficient lights for a couple of days. If you have a larger trailer and plan to run things like fridges or cooktops, this isn't yet enough to give you much time off the grid. However, it will charge your batteries between weekend trips, so you don't have to worry about finding a power outlet. On a road trip, you'll want to make sure you have a power cord and maybe even a small generator as a backup, but you can enjoy a few days away from crowded campgrounds.

There's room to grow, though, since the PWM solar controller can safely handle an additional 195 watt panel using one of our expansion kits and some MC4 branches (e72PR and e92PR - sold separately).

Keep in mind, the effectiveness of your solar array depends on the size of your battery bank. Typically, we recommend a 100ah battery for every 200 watts of solar panels in your array.

Depending on your power needs, you'll probably want to keep a generator on hand, or you may need a different solar panel kit altogether. To make sure this kit is right for you, please enter your information into our solar calculator:

RV Solar Installation

Before you install this kit, first make sure you have a solid plan as to where everything will mount on your RV. The last thing you want is to start drilling holes into your roof or running wires from one end of your RV to the other only to find out that your wires aren't long enough. You may need extra wiring and will need sealant, butyl tape, and possibly wire loom (AL66DQ - sold separately). If you're doing a completely new install on a trailer not currently wired for electrical, you'll need other components, like a power inlet, distribution box, and more. Take it from us, make a plan before you drill a single hole.

If you need to know more details about the installation process, check out our FAQ on installing RV solar power:

e99FV etrailer Solar Panel Complete Kit with Two 195-Watt Panels

e72PR etrailer Solar Panel - 195W Rigid Solar Panel

e92PR etrailer MC4 Expansion Branchs - Qty 2

e42PR etrailer PWM Solar Charge Controller - 30 Amp - 12V, 24V, 36V, and 48V

Installation Details