The short answer is that solar ready panels are similar to electrical panels, with the exception that they are constructed with more clear breakers, allowing you to simply connect utility and solar energy with the proper marks required by the NEC code.
If you’re interested in learning more about solar ready panels, you’ve come to the correct spot.
What does it mean to be solar ready?
The word “solar ready” or “solar prep” is primarily a marketing term. While you would believe this indicates the RV is ready to deliver solar electricity to your RVing adventure, it actually just says the RV is solar-ready.
In general, “solar ready” does not imply that the rig is equipped with solar panels, a solar charge controller, and/or a substantial battery bank. Instead, it usually refers to the presence of a solar connection port on the RV (either on the roof cap or a wall-mounted port on one side of the rig).
What qualifies a home as solar-ready?
Making ensuring you have the right type of roof is an important component of making your home “solar ready.” To do so, be sure your roof is structurally solid and capable of supporting the additional weight that the solar panels will add.
What factors determine if a roof is solar-ready?
The best roof pitch for solar in the OKI region is roughly 39 degrees, or a 9:12 pitch. Allow for extra weight. The roof should be suitably reinforced to accommodate the added weight, which includes both the solar system’s weight as well as the impact of wind and snow loads.
Is a 200 amp panel required for solar?
Not only does each circuit have its own breaker, but the entire panel includes a primary breaker that is rated by the total amperage of your home.
In most cases, your primary breaker must be rated for at least 200 amps to be ready for solar. Electrical panels rated for less than 200 amps will almost certainly not be able to handle the power demand generated by the solar panels, resulting in an electrical fire or other problems.
If you’re getting bids for solar panels, keep in mind that most of them don’t include the expense of upgrading your electrical panel. You can analyze your current panel to avoid surprises later on.
What is the 120 percent rule, and how does it work?
The NEC 120 percent rule restricts the size of extra power sources (photovoltaic or battery) to a safe range based on the equipment label rating. The PV breaker would be limited to a maximum of 40 amps in this situation. 240 amps = 200 amps multiplied by 120 percent. 240 amps minus the 200 amp primary breaker equals a maximum of 40 amps.
What steps should I take to make my RV solar-ready?
The solar suitcase in this example has MC4 connections from the panel, however the RV plug is an SAE. We were in desperate need of a
Renogy offers an SAE to MC4 converter on their website.
Determine which side of the plug is positive and which is negative using a voltmeter.
The positive lead from the panel could not connect to the positive lead on the MC4 adaptor in this circumstance.
There were a few options, but switching the wires behind the outlet on the inside of the trailer’s storage locker looked to be the simplest.
Simply cut and expose both sets of wires coming out from underneath the plug with a wire cutter/stripper.
Connect the red wire to the black and the black to the red using the proper gauge wire crimp connection. Using a wire crimper tool, tighten the crimp.
Note: If you’re ever worried about cutting into wire, consult a professional.
Technician in renogy
They will guide you through the process.
Determine that the polarity has been flipped and that the positive lead is on the correct side of the plug using a voltmeter.
Connect the adapter to the two MC4 connectors and plug it in.
Examine the charge controller to ensure that it is in good working order.
Best of luck with your new RV going solar!
Your solar investment will pay off in the number of areas you may camp without needing reservations or an electrical hook-up, and without the use of a noisy gas-powered generator.
What is the best way to tell if my camper is solar-ready?
If an RV is “solar ready,” it means it has a 3-port roof cap, a single port roof cap, or a side-wall port pre-wired for our solar products. Each manufacturer, however, accomplishes it slightly differently: some include complete wiring, while others merely wire from the roof to the batteries.
What does it mean to be Jayco Solar Ready?
Many Jayco customers have received travel trailers that are pre-wired for solar or are solar ready. One of two types of connectors can be found in a solar-ready RV. The RVs either have a portable solar connector mounted on the side of the vehicle or a Go Power cable entry plate fitted on the roof.
What is the first step in preparing a house for solar energy?
To actually install solar panels on a roof, there are five basic steps:
- Your solar installer will begin by preparing your roof and inspecting the shingles or tiles for appropriate installation.
- Then they install electrical wire to connect your electrical panel to the rest of your power system.
- They’ll install racking to support your panels after the electrical wiring is finished (this is the only piece of equipment that will actually be attached to your roof).
- The panels are secured to the racking once it has been leveled and secured.
- Finally, your inverter(s) are connected to the panels to convert direct current (DC) electricity into alternating current (AC) energy, which is used in houses and on the grid.
It’s important to note that while many respectable solar firms complete these procedures without difficulty, less reputable installers may give poor service and neglect crucial processes in your installation. This is why we thoroughly evaluate our partners; the next and final stage of solar panel installation is an inspection and final approval, which might disclose whether or not your installer cut corners.
