If you enjoy the freedom of traveling without relying on full-hookup RV parks or using a generator, solar power may be an excellent option for you – that provides you with the independence you’re looking for.
In this instructional class, you will learn about solar power and the different types of solar panels, as well how you use them.
The solar configuration that is right for you will depend on how much boondocking you’ll be doing, how much battery power you need, and therefore how much recharging you’ll need. We’ll talk about the freedom that solar can give you, such as going out in the desert boondocking without being tethered to an electrical source or running the generator all night long.
We’re going to talk about inverters and how it takes some of that 12-volt power that you’ve just recharged from your solar panel and use it to run a refrigerator or other electronics inside that normally would be 120-volt.
You’ll also learn about the controller and how important it is to have something that will regulate how much recharge you’re going to get from your panel(s) down to your batteries so that you don’t overcharge them.
We will also talk about battery capacity, it doesn’t do any good to have the best solar panels in the world if you have batteries that become sulfated and are not holding a charge. It’s important to understand your electrical needs so we will also talk about what runs on 12-volt inside the RV and how to make it run more efficiently so you don’t drain the batteries.
Finally, we’ll be working with an RVIA certified technician to install a solar system on an RV.
We’re looking forward to teaching you how to capture the power of the sun!
In addition to the detailed video instruction you’ll receive, this class will provide you with some downloadable resources and helpful information to keep, including a class guide you can follow and use as a reminder of the key points of the class instruction.
NOTE: You’ll receive this Class video instruction in two forms: As on-demand streaming video (in your RV Account); and as a physical DVD, mailed to you.
Class Sessions
Session 1: Why Solar?
3:40
There has been a lot of excitement about solar power systems over the years. Whether you are looking for renewable energy solutions or just to extend your battery power for boondocking, it’s important to understand how a solar system works and how to configure one to best suit your needs. In this session, we will discuss the types of panels available, how a system works, how to select the right system for your needs and discuss the components in a system.
Session 2: How Solar Works
9:41
The solar panel takes energy from the sun and transfers it into DC power to charge the batteries. A good analogy of a solar system is to compare it to a fuel system of a car. The solar panel is the fuel station, the controller is the shut-off valve, the cables are the fuel lines and the batteries are the fuel tank. In this session, along with our RVIA certified master technician, we will discuss how a solar system works.
Session 3: Choosing the Right System
14:50
In order to choose the right solar system for your rig, you really need to take some time and look at how you are going to be RV’ing. The main reason you will be using solar is to charge the batteries when you are not able to plug into the grid. It boils down to using your batteries to run electronics inside the coach and how long you're going to need to run them. In this session, we will discuss the things that you should consider when selecting the system for your RV.
Session 4: Battery 101
13:17
One of the most important components in a solar system is the batteries because, after all, that's what you're trying to charge and to use as fuel to run the electronics inside your rig. In an RV, you have a house battery that's going to be a deep cycle battery. That means it's designed to be drawn down to 10.6-volts, recharged to 12.6-volts and that cycle continues as you use electrical devices. There are two different battery voltages that are typically used in RV’s. In this session, we’ll talk about all the types of batteries used in RV’s and how they are connected.
Session 5: Inverters
4:26
If you're going to put a solar system in to charge your batteries and use them to run things inside, you're going to be limited to just those 12-volt appliances. You will only be able to use the interior lights and the appliances that run on LP with a 12-volt system and you won't be able to run a TV or any other 120-volt appliance with batteries. That's why a lot of people will put an inverter into their system. In this session, we will talk about the different sizes of inverters and how to select one for your solar power configuration.
Session 6: Installation
42:48
In this session, along with our RVIA certified master technician, we will install a solar system on an RV. We will show the first steps such as laying out all the parts, to prepping the roof for installation, and all the steps through to completion. During our installation, we’ll show you some tips and tricks to help you complete the installation successfully.
Session 7: Class Wrap Up
4:25
Now that the system is installed, there are a few last steps to take to make sure that it is functioning properly. In this session, we’ll talk about the final steps and a few more things to consider such as storing an RV with a mounted solar panel and potential tax savings available.
Your Instructor
Dave Solberg
Dave Solberg is the Managing Editor of the RV Repair Club. For over 25 years, Dave has conducted a wide range of RV maintenance and safety seminars, developed dealer and owner training programs, written RV safety and handyman articles, authored an RV handbook reference guide and logged over 100,000 miles on the road in an RV.
Bonus Material
Class Guide PDF
Download this detailed supplement and keep as a reference for the key aspects of an RV Solar Power System
Terminology Guide PDF
Print this reference sheet to understand key terms you may see related to a Solar Power system
Amperage Draw Guide PDF
Use this printable reference to know the approximate amp draw for common RV electronics
Battery Types PDF
Refer to this printable guide for a quick review of the primary types of batteries you could use
Meet Your Instructor
Download this short video to meet your class instructor, Dave Solberg
Instructor Insights
Download this video to hear Dave discuss his experiences with solar over the years, and some benefits of using solar power on an RV
Bonus Materials available for download after purchase.
FAQs
How do I know what the Class covers?
Every Class has a free Preview video you can watch, to give you a flavor of the Instructor and the skills or project that will be covered. In addition, the Overview tab includes a thorough written description of the Class. And finally, each Class Session has a brief written summary of the content in that Session, including the length of each Session video. You will get a good feel for the Class content by reviewing these resources.
Do I have to be a Member of RV Lifestyle & Repair to purchase a Class?
No you don’t. While Premium Members will receive regular offers for special deals on RV Lifestyle & Repair Academy content, Classes are not reserved exclusively for Members. If you buy a Class as a non-member, we’re sure you’d also enjoy having access to our full library of great RV videos and articles as a Member, so give it a try.
How do I purchase a Class?
First you should decide that the Class is what you want. Review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content. When you’re ready to purchase and gain access to the Class, simply click the “Add to Cart” button, and proceed through the Checkout process.
How do I access/view my Class?
Once you’ve paid, you can access/view your Class by going to the MY ACCOUNT section of RV Lifestyle & Repair. The MY ACCOUNT link is in the upper right-hand area of the website. Within your MY ACCOUNT, a section labeled “My Content” is where the class you purchased will appear, including a link to watch the video of your Class. You’ll also receive an email confirmation after your purchase, which will include a link to view your Class. You can access your Class as many times as you wish, and you’ll never lose access to your Account information. Just be sure to “Log In” for access to MY ACCOUNT.
Do I have to take the Class right away?
No. Any Class you buy will be accessible to you always. You can view your Class whenever you want, and you can view individual Sessions in whatever order you like.
Is there a limit on the times I can view my Class?
No. Your access never expires. You can view any Class you purchase as many times as you want, whenever you want.
Can I view a Class on my tablet device or mobile phone?
No problem. Most newer-model smartphones or other mobile/tablet devices with an internet connection are able to play the Class videos. Simply Log In on RV Lifestyle & Repair, and you can view any Class you’ve bought through the MY ACCOUNT section. Or, you can click on the “View Class” link within the email confirmation you’ll receive upon your purchase.
How do I get access to the Bonus Materials for the Class?
Until you purchase a Class, the Bonus material (any extra videos, download materials, etc.) will not be accessible. Once you purchase a Class, and go to view your Class, each individual Bonus element is accessible by simply clicking on each item. You’ll find the Bonus Materials directly below your main Class viewer frame. You can access the bonus materials as many times as you like and/or save them to your device.
How does the Class Q&A Resource benefit work?
Once you purchase any Class, within the Class viewing page, you’ll have access to post a question, comment or tip in the Class Discussions. This is not a “live chat,” but your Class Instructor and RV Lifestyle & Repair contributors will answer posted questions and provide tips regularly. You can also view other Class participants’ questions and input to take part in this virtual dialogue among others who have taken the Class and are willing to share tips, answers, or ideas.
Can I print out Class details?
For any Bonus Material that is a PDF Download, yes you can. Just click on the icon/button for the Bonus element you want, and print with your local printer.
What are PDF downloads?
These are simply documents, plans, or written materials that are formatted in a way to print out and retain for reference. By simply clicking on the icon/link for any PDF Download that is included with a Class, you can print that document on your own printer or simply view the contents on your computer/mobile device.
Are there any system requirements to view the Class video content?
Your Class video content is best when viewed on a computer manufactured in the past couple of years with a good broadband Internet connection (not dialup). We also highly recommend using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, or Chrome as your Internet Browser, though recent versions of Internet Explorer will work as well. The recommended screen resolution is 1024 x 768 or larger.
Why do you need my email?
We need it to acknowledge your purchase of a Class, and send you a confirmation of your transaction. Also, in order to maintain your permanent access to the Class videos, you’ll need to Log In to rvrepairclub.com. We guarantee that we will not share your email with any third parties. You may receive email updates from RV Lifestyle & Repair from time to time, with details of new Classes and updates. You can easily unsubscribe when you receive any email.
Can I get a refund if I don’t like the Class?
Because you’ll have full access to all the materials and content that is presented in the Class immediately, we can’t offer a refund after purchase. Please review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content.
How do I contact RV Lifestyle & Repair Academy?
If your question is about the Class content, please use the Contact Us Link – and you'll receive feedback from the Class Instructor. Even your fellow Class participants may jump in to offer tips and advice from their experience. If you have other questions or need help, you can email us at RVlifestyleandrepair@program-director.net. or call us toll-free, at 1-855-706-3536. Service Representatives will be available Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central time, excluding normal holidays.
This site uses cookies and other technologies to track your use of the site that will allow us and our service providers and partners to enhance your experience and deliver relevant content to you. By agreeing to or closing this notice, you understand and agree to such use and data collection. For more information about our privacy practices and your choices, please visit our privacy policy and cookie notice.
