| Thousands of recreational vehicle owners have | | | | sealant if needed. |
| joined the movement toward a greener earth. | | | | 6) Place the solar panels into the mounting |
| Thanks to solar how-to technology, RV owners | | | | hardware. Secure or tighten according the |
| have more options when it comes to travel. More | | | | directions on the packaging. Different types of |
| of them than ever are harnessing the energy of | | | | panels have different hardware so follow |
| the sun instead of relying on non-renewable | | | | instructions carefully to avoid damage. |
| energy sources. Using solar energy to power a | | | | 7) Install the regulator in the interior of the vehicle. |
| camper or fifth-wheel is both environmentally | | | | It's usually best to mount it within a wall. |
| friendly and cost-efficient. | | | | 8) Guide wiring from the panel(s) on the roof to |
| RV solar kits make converting to solar power | | | | the regulator inside the vehicle and connect. Follow |
| convenient and economical. Do-it-yourselfers with | | | | instructions carefully to avoid injury and ensure |
| advanced handyman skills can save even more | | | | optimal performance. |
| money installing their own solar panels. It's | | | | 9) Connect wires from the regulator to the |
| important to note that installing solar panels may | | | | battery. Again, follow instructions carefully. Polarity |
| not be a job for a novice. Incorrect installation | | | | must be correct. |
| could lead to poor performance or damage to the | | | | 10) Reconnect the battery. |
| vehicle. Self-installation may sometimes nullify a | | | | 11) Uncover the solar panels. Power should begin |
| warranty. Be sure to clarify this before beginning. | | | | generating right away if the sun is shining even |
| The first thing the advanced do-it-yourselfer | | | | partially. |
| should do is assess his power needs. This can be | | | | The guiding principles behind all types of solar kits |
| considered a "pre-step" in the installation process. | | | | are the same. The variations are found in the |
| Determining power needs will reveal how many | | | | mounting hardware. Do-it-yourselfers should have |
| solar panels are needed to deliver the correct | | | | a thorough understanding of how the hardware |
| amount of energy. Those panels must actually be | | | | works before beginning. Proper installation is critical |
| able to fit on top of the vehicle and still meet | | | | to the performance of the system. Human error |
| those needs. | | | | may result in damage to the system itself or |
| The panels will need to be installed in a place that | | | | injury to people. Improperly secured panels may |
| doesn't disrupt the function of the vehicle's roof | | | | loosen during travel or break away altogether, |
| components. It helps to find a place where wiring | | | | leading to an accident. |
| can be run easily, such as close to a vent. Solar | | | | Solar kits can be expanded as needs change as |
| panels must be approximately six to eight inches | | | | long as there is space atop the roof to install |
| from the edges of the roof. | | | | another panel. Simply add another when power |
| 1) Start by disconnecting all power sources in the | | | | demands increase. RV solar kits typically cost |
| vehicle. This includes the battery. | | | | between one and five thousand dollars. This may |
| 2) Cover the solar panels. Simply leave the | | | | sound like a great deal of money at first. |
| wrapper on if the panels come wrapped in paper | | | | However, frequent travelers almost always find |
| or cardboard. Otherwise, cover them with | | | | that the kit pays for itself within several months |
| something non-transparent. The panels will begin | | | | to a few years. |
| to generate a charge prematurely if not covered. | | | | Besides saving money, solar-powered RV travel is |
| 3) Prepare the installation location by marking the | | | | not reliant upon finding places to camp that have |
| perimeters of the panels on the roof. A laser sight | | | | electrical outlet access. Even remote camping |
| can help ensure that the panels line up. | | | | becomes a viable possibility for those with the |
| 4) Drill holes where needed for the mounting | | | | desire for an extreme experience. Solar how-to |
| hardware. Make sure to locate and avoid any | | | | technology opens up a whole new world of |
| interior wiring before drilling. | | | | possibilities when it comes to enjoying the |
| 5) Insert the mounting hardware into the holes | | | | environment. It also helps to ensure that the |
| and secure. Fill extra space around holes with | | | | environment is there for long-term appreciation. |