The Ultimate RV Solar Setup Guide

Published: March 2026

Installing solar on your RV might seem daunting, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes it a highly rewarding DIY project.

Step 1: Calculate Your Needs

Before buying anything, use our RV Solar Calculator to determine your daily power consumption and required battery capacity.

Step 2: Choose Your Components

A standard setup requires:

• Solar Panels (Monocrystalline preferred)
• Charge Controller (MPPT)
• Deep Cycle Batteries (LiFePO4 highly recommended)
• Pure Sine Wave Inverter
• Appropriate AWG Wiring and Fuses

Step 3: Roof Installation

Mounting panels requires careful planning to avoid shading from AC units or vents. Use Dicor lap sealant to ensure all roof penetrations are 100% waterproof.

Step 4: Wiring and Safety

Always fuse your system close to the battery. Cover your solar panels with a blanket while wiring to prevent live voltage during installation.