Do I Need Full Rich Solar Kit If My RV Is Prewired With Solar On The Side Port?
Updated 09/01/2026 | Published 07/08/2025
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
Do I need the full Rich Solar kit if my RV has a “Solar on the Side” port?
asked by: Jeff
Expert Reply:
Great question, Jeff! If your trailer has a “Solar on the Side” port (typically SAE or Furrion), you still need a full solar kit like # RS27VR or # RS67VR, which include a controller.
The solar prepped trailers just have a port that leads to the trailer's battery, but it still needs the panel, wiring, and charge controller as these kits include.
(click to enlarge)
Katie
9/1/2026
The confusing part to me is that the external port is external, and if I am reading this right, the solar panel goes to the controller and then the wiring from the controller goes to the SAE port on my RV. Why would I install the controller inside the unit? Is there a place in the battery box where the controller is wired into? Why did they put the SAE port outside if you would still need to mount the controller inside? This stuff just does not make sense to me.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Rich Solar RV Solar Charging Kit w/ 1 Panel - 12V - 100 Watts
- RV Solar Panels
- Roof Mounted Solar Kit
- Rigid Panels
- 51 - 100 Watts
- 5.1 - 10 Amps
- AGM
- Gel
- Lead Acid
- Lithium
- Expandable
- MPPT
- 1 Panel
- Rich Solar
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Video: Review of Dicor RV Roof Repair - Patch Kit - DC62YR
- Video: Review of Dicor RV Roof Repair - Roof Installation Kit - DC74TR
- Video: Talking Rich Solar RV Solar Charging Kits with the Manufacturer
- Search Results: bumper storage
- Search Results: solar plug
- Search Results: ladder storage
- Search Results: rv bumper storage
- Search Results: solar port
- Search Results: solar port inlet
- Search Results: water filter
- Shop: Valterra RV Sewer Hose Carrier - Adjustable - 34" to 60" - Black
- Shop: 24x40 etrailer Cargo Carrier for RV Bumper - Steel - Folding - 500 lbs
- Shop: Dicor Seal-Tite Rooftop Accessory Install Kit w/ Tape, Sealant, Putty Knife
- Shop: Dicor Patchit RV Roof Repair Kit - 9" x 6" EPDM Patch and Lap Sealant
- Shop: Rich Solar Mega 100 Solar Panel - 12V - 100 Watts - Qty 1
- Shop: Rich Solar RV Solar Charging Kit w/ 1 Panel - 12V - 100 Watts
- Q&A: What Is Included In Rich Solar Kits For RVs?
- Article: 4-Step Guide to Installing RV Solar Power
- Article: 4 Reasons Not to Use RV Solar Power (And 4 Reasons You Should)
- Shop: Progressive Dynamics 9300 Series RV Converter Charger - 12V - 60A
- Video: Review of Victron Solar Charge Controllers - SmartSolar MPPT Solar Charge Controller - VN65VR
- Shop: Battery
- Video: Review of Rich Solar RV Solar Panels - RS77VR
- Video: Valterra RV Sewer Hose Carrier Review
- Video: Review of Progressive Dynamics Replacement Section AC/DC Power Distribution Panel - PD4655V
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Q&A: Best Timbren Kit for a 2019 Ford Transit T350 Motorhome Chassis
- Q&A: Recommended MC4 Connector Extension Cords
- Shop: Windshield Covers
- Q&A: Replacement Solar Panel Recommendation to Work with Go Power GP-PWM-30-UL Controller
Andrew N.
8/7/2025
Hey Jeff, did you end up getting a full solar kit for your RV? I'm curious to know if it worked well with your "Solar on the Side" port. Your experience could really help others in a similar situation!