☀️ RV Solar Install! 😎 (Full Time RV Life)

☀️ SOLAR is HERE! 😎
➡️ Click SHOW MORE to see all of the details related to this video!
⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
This was a BEAST of a project and an even bigger beast of a video. It’s a bit long, covering some solar basics before we jump into the install, so use the chapter marketers (below or in the timeline) to skip around.
Also, be sure to see the blog post (linked below) if you want the technical specs. 👍🏼
🅱 Full Blog Post: changinglanesrv.com/rv-solar-...
Time Indexes:
00:00 Intro
03:12 RV Electrical Intro
04:49 Converters and Inverters
06:14 Watts and Watt Hours
07:13 Solar Basics
07:54 Solar Planning
12:13 Our Planning
13:27 Our Solar Panel Choice
14:11 Panel Layout Planning
14:45 Panel Installs
18:50 Panel Wiring
20:22 Battery Install Start
20:45 Inverter Move
21:39 Battery Wiring and Mounting
25:31 Roof Channel Issues
28:19 Roof Channel Wiring
30:10 Controller Mounting and Wiring
31:50 Smart Shunt
33:15 VE.Smart Network
34:17 Configuring
35:16 Wiring Overview and Diagram
39:04 New Victron Inverter Plans
39:49 Initial Observations
- Related 🎥
+ Inverter Project: • RV Inverter Install fo...
+ RV Battery Monitoring: • RV Battery Monitor | R...
+ RV School (NRVTA): • RV School! (National R...
+ RV Moochdocking: • RV Moochdocking! | Che...
- Products 🛒
- - Roof - -
+ Hi-Tech 200W Solar Panels: changinglanesrv.com/solar-panels
+ Solar Panel Z-Style Mounting Brackets: changinglanesrv.com/solar-mou...
+ TEMCo 10 AWG/Gauge Solar Cable: amzn.to/3wLoa4K
+ BougeRV 12 PCS Solar Connectors (MC-4): amzn.to/3BdXKfd
+ Plastic Dustproof Waterproof IP65 Junction Box (roof): amzn.to/3kAcajU
+ 10/2 AWG Duplex Tinned Marine Wire 30 Feet (roof to front bay): amzn.to/2VVO8pt
+ RecPro 1021 Self-Leveling RV Sealant: amzn.to/3wHGSKF
+ Waterproof NPT Cable Glands: amzn.to/2UgE226
+ Afcat 945 Sealant (select TUBE): marketplace.afcatusa.com/#/it...
+ Plastic Chisel Scraper Remover Tool Kit: amzn.to/3l7fraG
- - Front Bay - -
+ Battle Born 100Ah 12V LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery: changinglanesrv.com/bb-12v
+ Victron SmartSolar MPPT 150/100 (what we used): changinglanesrv.com/victron-1...
+ All Victron MPPT Solar Charge Controllers: changinglanesrv.com/victron-mppt
+ Victron SmartShunt 500A: changinglanesrv.com/victron-s...
+ DIN Rail Midnite Solar Circuit Breaker, 100A 150VDC: amzn.to/3hJKK9G
+ DIN Rail PV Breaker - 15 Amp, 150 VDC: amzn.to/2URmkSz
+ Midnite Solar-BBE (Breaker Box): amzn.to/3zbOh6G
- - Cabling and Tools - -
+ 4/0 AWG Flexible Welding Cable (Inverter and Battery): amzn.to/3BdZ7uC
+ 4/0 AWG Copper Terminal Lugs: amzn.to/3kupvdR
+ 2/0 AWG Flexible Welding Cable (battery interconnects): amzn.to/2VIU9Wj
+ 2/0 AWG Copper Terminal Lugs: amzn.to/3BoHWXt
+ 4 AWG Flexible Welding Cable (controllers to batteries): amzn.to/3xIGAV3
+ 4 AWG Copper Terminal Lugs: amzn.to/2VYBQgd
+ 3/4" Heat Shrink Tube Red/Black: amzn.to/3BgZ6G8
+ 1/2" Heat Shrink Tube Red/Black: amzn.to/3xSKRFu
+ 16 Ton Hydraulic Wire Crimper Crimping Tool: amzn.to/3z8cQ4b
+ Blue Sea Systems 600A Bus Bar: amzn.to/3kxpUwa
- - Miscellaneous - -
+ Dremel 3000-2/28 Variable Speed Rotary Tool Kit: amzn.to/3zctPlQ
+ Fluke 376FC True-RMS Clamp Meter with iFlex: amzn.to/3ij1cgg
+ Wagner HT1000 Heat Gun: amzn.to/2Uet8dd
+ Mobile Solar Power Made Easy! (book): amzn.to/3wVOARz
- Links 🔗
+ DIY Solar Power with Will Prowse: / errolprowse
+ The Tall & Short Travelers: / @bigfootsbestlife
+ Our Epic Field Trip Solar Video: • Motorhome Solar Panel ...
+ You, Me & the RV Solar Video: • RV Solar Installation ...
+ BlueSea Systems Wire Chart: changinglanesrv.com/wire-chart
- ALSO SEE 👀
* Our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): changinglanesrv.com/faq
* Check out our personally curated Amazon store: changinglanesrv.com/amazon
* Check out our other blog posts: changinglanesrv.com/category/...
* Reach out and contact us: changinglanesrv.com/contact-us
💙💙 Connect with us on Social Media 💙💙
➡️ Facebook: changinglanesrv.com/facebook
➡️ Instagram: changinglanesrv.com/instagram
➡️ Twitter: changinglanesrv.com/twitter
########## Notice ##########
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. If you chose to make a purchase using our links, we will earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you but helps us keep providing the content we love to share. We recommend these products because we have found them to be helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions we make. Every product we recommend, we use ourselves, so please use our links. 😊

[@josephsener420]

I’ve said this before “Chief”, I have a masters in Engineering and consider myself pretty good, but DAMN! You are professional grade!

[@ChangingLanes]

Thanks! 😊

[@jeffcraig6550]

Wait, you made Chief??

[@josephsener420]

So PO -2, whatever!

[@ChangingLanes]

Yea.. but not the Navy kind.. 😉

[@jeffcraig6550]

@@ChangingLanes Ah, that's what I thought from past comments. I retired in 2006 as an E6, but we all know some rates you could make E7 in 8 years.

[@NationalRVTrainingAcademy]

Love how you keep it interesting while giving great information. Great video!

[@JimmyKI5PRK]

Completely impressed Chad. You are a stud when it comes to stuff like this. I’m not sure I would have the courage to tackle a project like this. Great job…

[@blakeman438]

That's such a clean job, I find it so cool yall can be in the middle of nowhere and be able to use all your amenities with out a noisy generator. Thanks for the Video!! I'll be looking forward to the boondocking with solar video.

[@my1991FoxBody]

GREAT JOB !!!! By Far the best laid out video that I've seen. This is the same system I'm getting ready to install on our 39' Diesel Pusher with the Multiplus II 2x120. Once again, well done!

[@duanebuck193]

As always, very informative and not so steeped in technology that the average owner can follow and not be lost. Kudos, Chad! (And fantastic editing job and great music, Tara :-) ) This gives me a far better understanding of the simple system on my rig and what options I could look at if so desired to increase it safely.

[@empathicallyyours4937]

Looks like there is room for more solar panels, but that's a very good presentation and a very cool camper

[@D_and_V_Transport]

Awesome job! This looked like a really intimidating project, but you took it in stride! Great video Chad and Tara!

[@rayjohnson7584]

You did a great job of explaining the process and you used language we all can understand along with the diagrams very useful 🥳 can’t wait for your updates

[@manorth24]

From a 65 year old Electronics Engineer, great job. I’m impressed with how well you explained the concepts and the way you organized your components.

[@bizw0z]

Is it only the centre core of the mc4 cable that carries the solar current??

[@paulcoupland2929]

Thanks for your command performance Chad. Nice to see that the respective manufacturers are getting great ideas from you & are implementing them for the benefit of all RV Platforms. Hats off to you Chad.

[@John-te4nu]

I have a couple of ideas for GDI move the gen set to The rear

[@babbledmuch]

Hey Chad - Great attention to detail and all the context on why you made the decisions you did to work for your scenarios and goals. I enjoy these videos and look forward to seeing more as you continue your journey.

[@wcrvadventures9489]

Excellent solar/battery bank install video! Can’t wait for the follow up on how everything works together. Chad and Tara are going Boondocking!!!!

[@cindipeterson1707]

My husband and I saw you all yesterday. We were looking down from the bridge. We hope you enjoyed your visit. Can't wait for the videos from both you and You, me and the RV.

[@reeseman4408]

Chad you always impress me with the knowledge of diy and mechanical/electrical aspects. But the in depth understanding you displayed and explain here is absolutely incredibly astounding. Kudos for not only know these kind of things, but also and maybe equally or more importantly, putting it in layman's terms for those with less knowledge that you, to understand and process easily.

[@roussell]

10 grand in batteries alone! I love watching these videos, but without a sponsorship, it's out of reach of most of us working folk. Nice video though, and I enjoy you guys. Well presented.

[@mgkleym]

Yeah if was paying I'd probably go with SOK at about half the price per watt hour. Battle born makes a good product but its not worth double the cost vs what is still a very good battery to me.

[@cwshumate914]

Another channel I follow bought individual cells and built their battery bank. Check out I Ride Tiny House Adventures for that video.

[@mnotlyon]

@@cwshumate914 That's what I did. It's much cheaper that way.

[@cwshumate914]

@@mnotlyon me as well.

[@neilmacintosh6007]

I'm thinking is someone has spent $250k on a fifth wheeler, $10k isn't an issue.

[@georgewheeler3731]

That Military Training came in Handy, makes that solar install go much smoother, on the electrical side nice job on making the cables, professional job, loved the schematic layout it easy to understand the process, I followed how the system was setup very easily, my military background as Electronics Technician I was able to keep up on how you were explaining the process. looking forward on the updates how the system preformed.

[@jtourche]

Another great video full of great information, thank you! I spied a CVMA hat in this video, with 35-7 MI myself. Safe travels, keep the videos coming.

[@secondwind75]

What a phenomenal video, Chad. So much info in one place. And from someone who’s not an expert, you sure sound like one. I can imagine the added convenience that solar will provide y’all now. Superb explanation and great editing, Miss Tara. 😉 This vid just became a prime resource for RV solar. Looking forward to the follow up. Thanks guys. Oh yeah, ahem, been missing a certain “redhead” named Lucille! Just thought I’d mention it. 😜 Troy

[@AndrewEllisAndymanout]

Having extensive low voltage experience from thirty years in the custom A/V industry. I can say this is one of the best solar how to videos I have seen. Thanks for the concise information.

[@victorpolston2885]

Fantastic solar installation Chad! Great editing work Tara, you make the RV stars shine!!!

[@garryhammond3117]

Thanks so much! - You do a great job of making everything clear and understandable. Working in an engineering environment, and being a HAM radio operator, I already have a grasp of all the concepts. You have an excellent setup. I wish we had as much room for panels and batteries with our 27 foot TT.

[@GregDepp]

That was the best explanation of AC vs. DC I’ve heard. Thank you

[@mike_adams]

Great episode .. can’t wait to see the completed series, especially the one of the new / upcoming inverter.

[@harleynavis5218]

Thanks for this video chad,as an ex tank mechanic,I appreciate anyone that can do this themselves,were sitting on 1200wts of solar waiting to go on our roof.....keep up the good work....go army

[@RD27600]

Ive been watching a TON of these videos as i am in the beginnig stages of the journey to DIY solar, and the wife needs her AC while boondocking. This was by far the nest I've seen. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! I really appreciated the timelines in particular. So many of these videos make it seem short and easy when it is obviously anything but. Thanks again!

[@stevetsigounis6535]

Planning is the key to any project! Great Job!

[@jimandellenmeadows6244]

Thanks much guys. I have been waiting for this video since we kind of talked about it awhile back.

[@gregs2381]

As usual for changing lanes this was an awesome video, very informative, thank you very much!

[@RV_There_Yet]

Nice to see you do it correctly … from kill switches to breakers, to wire gauge. I’m a huge fan of welding but cable, and often get asked if it isn’t an overkill. Well worth the money. My system isn’t as elaborate, living in a cooler climate, but I still the have power when I need it. Well done on your presentation!

[@loriw2661]

This was so interesting. I use to work with my brother who is a Master Electrician. I’m familiar with the language and you made this really easy to understand. I too need A/C so if I ever were to boon dock I’d have the same set up. Very well done. Enjoy!!

[@TheMarcball]

Bravo, great video, ton of editing work too. Thanks! Love the uses of CAD (Cardboard Assisted Design)... Thanks for the inspiration and keep on trucking!

[@jasonb9913]

Having put 400W and 400Ah of LiFePo4 with a 3kW inverter charger in my little 21ft trailer just a couple months ago, I can appreciate the effort you put into your massive system. I love being able to stop for a break and run the AC or microwave without any worries about power or breaking out the generator.

[@Handirifle]

Outstanding video. Absolutely the best I have seen on RV solar install. Well done.

[@chrisshine3662]

I have to say you did a great job for never doing that install. I would know because I own 2 of the best Electronic Installation Companies in the world! (Not just my opinion)!

[@noahtramposh3350]

this video was awesome. chad explains thing in a way that is easy to pick up and learn from.

[@aldimore]

Great overview! Solar is perfect for RV's. Just gotta be safe and do it right.

[@topguncg47]

Chad, your one of the smartest guys I know you should be a electronics teach to the youth. You would be fantastic as a teacher. Outstanding video.

[@myleshansel7950]

Great job as always. love the detail you take into your projects. Also beautiful scenery in the background

[@robertmize2333]

You break it down pretty simple! You seriously understand this! Thank you!!

[@b.erickson6495]

Chad I gotta say this may have been one of your most informative and interesting videos to date. Love seeing the improvements and I’m looking forward to the date we go full time! BTW you’ve got a better tool box in your rig than I have in my 3-1/2 car garage!

[@cherylneuman2002]

Thank you for sharing this video. It really opened our eyes to using solar power.

[@jurasicrocker1961]

All I can say is that I am so humbled and inadequate to take this on, that I will never be able to do this addition. I have so much to learn…thank you and so cool to watch for sure!

[@harvesthunt]

Thanks for putting out all this informational vids. I just picked up the Mobile Solar Power book and started watching his videos. SEEING how these things go together goes a long way for all of us! Please keep up these videos :)

[@ChangingLanes]

Thanks, Bill! 😊

[@salidacyclones8639]

You guys have the best how to videos of any rv'ers out there. Love this video. Have been watching for more then a year now. Super awesome content. Keep up the good work. Tara we know your the real brains behind the scene.

[@ChangingLanes]

🤣 Thanks!

[@leonajameson8902]

Awesome. It answered some questions I had about the system I have on my motor home. I have a much better understanding of what all the components do

[@princesonthemove4020]

Great job Chad. You are very good at this stuff and explain it so well. Thanks for sharing and I hope it works well for you.

[@dennycappetta2035]

Great install and explanation, Chad. Good luck with the system.

[@rcd917rd]

I bet there is never a dull moment in your RV keep it coming love your work

[@ss1320ss]

Extremely informative Chad! I will defiantly save this as a favorite video. Thank You!

[@mikeanatra2354]

Thank you Chad for sharing all of your knowledge. I just installed 200ah BattleBorns with 200 amp solar panel and it is exciting to see you gain power on your system while the frig and other power is on.

[@crystalherrin7858]

Thank you for the great information that I understood a lot of. Many questions answered! Hugs to you both!

[@jonathanbeaaale73]

The two of you make an awesome team putting these videos together

[@paulvta761]

I put 4 Battleborn batteries, 200 watt of solar panel and Victron solar controller also a 3,000 watt Victron inverter and color control monitor in a class B, 2017 Mercedes Benz sprinter motor home. Love it, works great. In the morning I can make coffee without having to start the generator. My neighbor's are happy campers, no noise.

[@drinkinslim]

Just a note that the Victron is a 2,400 watt inverter, that they badge as 3000 VA.

[@RoamingwiththeRamsays]

Totally impressed. Very detailed and informative without confusing the process.

[@johnmcgee374]

You are the ‘Tim the Toolman Taylor’ of things RV. Urg Urg Urg…..Great, great presentation as always….Thank you for doing these love watching you guys!

[@Joel-hr1uw]

Lol, except he doesn't end up in the ER 4 times during the project!!

[@johnmcgee374]

@@Joel-hr1uw Yes, I think we could build on this.....!

[@andysukosd8177]

Watt a great video guys, really enjoyed this one. Great job .

[@williamastorino9551]

WOW! What a big job to undertake on the road. Congrats on a great job. I was just thinking that this would be a great 5er to buy when you guys decide to upgrade to something else! Stay safe and enjoy!

[@P.Wood-ef2gv]

Love your videos. You explain things so even old ladies can understand what you are talking about.

[@randypetty3066]

You do great quality work on your wire placement. Great job explaining the work

[@brentbarrett6152]

Really great job. I'm so impressed with you guys. Learned a lot but watching you do each step gives me confidence that I could do this as well. Thanks so much Brent

[@brentbarrett6152]

Would you consider installing for the right price?

[@biglemms]

Great video and description. Nice work to both of you.

[@maureenadam5980]

We have no intentions of getting solar, but I absolutely love listening to Chad explain all of this! Lol. It’s fascinating and great information to refer to if we ever decide to go for it! Thanks, from a loyal viewer in 🇨🇦

[@wallaceniebel3369]

Great Video.. this in conjunction with your Victron video really helped educate me on how to get the solar system I want. Thanks!

[@johnnyallan3640]

Great video Chad! A ton of solar information that I understand. Thanks for sharing

[@TheDarkViolinist13]

I love it! Would definitely want to see the Victron Inverter! I'd also really be interested in seeing the whole Victron ecosystem working together with the Victron Cerbo GX and the touchscreen!

[@WD40Gaming]

Great videos guys, can’t wait to see how the RV gets even better!

[@spudbudy]

Thanks Chad, this is a straight forward video. I just did a 1800 watt system on my fifth wheel. This was spread out over the course of maybe 3 months waiting on parts. You doing it in 9 days means you were a very busy boy. I agree that it's not for your average person to do such a complex install. Please give us a future update on how well it's working for you.

[@doughinkle2947]

Nice job Chad (Tara too)! The solar teaser you gave us a few weeks ago was killing me. Really looking forward to your performance follow-up video and potential Victron inverter install.

[@nancybonczyk2365]

Thanks for the video! Very well timed,as we are ordering our solar panels this week to install on our Momentum this summer. Loved your drone picture with one template……we did that today. Clicking on your link to order 10 panels from HighTec! Keep ‘em coming! ❤️

[@brianmihalick2325]

You are very knowledgeable. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. You are helping a lot of us RV'ers.

[@michaelmurphy6434]

You are a great instructor Chad. I have a short in my unattached garage. The problem may be under the new cement that was just laid for our RV. Instead of digging a new line 75' I was thinking Solar panels. Seeing this I understand more what is needed. Garage door opener, 3 over head lights, 4 outlets to run occasionally air compressor for tires, miter saw and connect to our 30amp RV. Wish my dad and grampa, both electricians were still here. Safe travels. When you were in Cleveland, you ran close to us, nice to see.

[@mebeliving9184]

Great video Chad. I learn something new every time you do one of these videos. My wife and I are planning to go to the NRVTA next year before we start full timing and the solar course is one my wife wants to do while I do the tech side for us to maybe earn some money while we're on the road. Keep up the good work and have fun with Phil and Stacy.

[@MsMariaSierra]

Wow! Have you ever thought of being a professor?! Your explanation was perfect and kept me intrigued!! Great job Chad!!!

[@UncleTracy]

What a fantastic, educational walkthrough! Thanks!

[@popdaddyg]

Thank you for making this seem a bit simpler than I imagined. My next RV will have solar. Our current one is 7 years old and I fear “other” things will be needed.

[@asadventures_moriicoddiwomple]

Great video, Chad! Very detailed and very well explained! Happy camping!

[@bikabill5182]

Thanks much for this video, Chad. I just completed my first solar install, and I studied this video like I was cramming for finals!!! It has been a tremendous help! We are part-time RV'ers, usually out about 5 days per month. So when it's in storage I watched forlornly as my battery slowly died. Now when I see the battery getting low, I just flip the solar breaker and watch it charging up! Never thought watching a battery charge could be so much fun!!!

[@ChangingLanes]

Congrats on completing the install!

[@jimmartinson4280]

Very informative video. Enjoy your time boondocking with Phil and Stacy.

[@michaelmontag5863]

Great video! Best explanation of a solar system I've seen.

[@arvnatives4726]

Great video and explanation! We love our Battle Borns paired with Victron.

[@domenickruttura5412]

The Hummer community and our Navy Really lucky to have had you !

[@jimdunn731]

That was a fantastic video. Chad, you are awesome at explaining the details.

[@sergiocorrei]

Hi Chad, question for you, as I follow your video, I noticed that at the end of the duct where the solar wires came down (minute 29:58), the wires were not insulated to protect them from the furnace heat. Wouldn't that be too much heat on the wires? Could that be a problem down the road. Thank you for sharing that great video. Sergio.

[@blessedtoquest]

I love the way you think. This os exactly how I'd think I would figure out how many I could fit up there lol. Great tutorial! Nice friend you had there too!

[@bigfootsbestlife]

Chad, great video and you did a phenomenal job presenting the information. Solar is difficult when you start talking math and understanding what you can do with it. YOU KILLED IT! Thanks for the shout out and keep it going brother. 👍

[@ChangingLanes]

Safe travels! 👊🏼

[@bevanderamos9110]

This was a very informative video, thank you and keep filming.

[@kerrykelly6377]

Thank you, this video simplified a lot of things for me. Is it gonna cost me a lot of money? YES! Will it be with it? YES! You guys rock xoxo

[@gretchenmittelstaedt6703]

Execellent video! Well organized, well presented.

[@bretrobison5529]

Chad, Well done shipmate (yea, I know you were an airdale, but Navy is Navy!!). Being a former Fire Control Tech working on and teaching Phalanx CIWS back in the day, your video and commentary left no doubt that folks with our training and background would typically be able to do this. Thank you for the channel and sharing the knowledge and experiences of Tara and yourself being full timers!

[@halwagle]

You are an amazing wizard! Bravo. I wish you both all the best.

[@jc525exc]

Built mine out too along with Battle Born Batteries & Will Prowse was great resource. Great Video! Solar sets you free and gives you piece of mind. Since helped buddy build his out too and he's amazed too.

[@tinkeringwithelectronics]

Wow! Great job explaining all of that. Very concise. Thanks

[@skyburner1]

As usual, very informative! Thanks for sharing.

[@findfreeman]

Super, super useful video. Thanks!

[@pammwaddilove4514]

Thank you for your service🇺🇲

[@Dave-hc6pp]

Wow. Great job and an even better presentation. I worked as an IT consultant for 35 years and one of the biggest challenges was how to communicate a highly technical solution in a way that made it understandable for non-technical people. You accomplished that in a way that was clear without coming across as condescending. BZ.

[@davidbooth5851]

I agree

[@BrokenDreamsReborn]

Looks good y'all! We got solar about a month ago! Can't wait to start boondocking too! ~ Shion and Matthew

[@crystallimerick4787]

Wow, just wow. Amazing job.

[@binhnnguyen4926]

Great video! Thank you for sharing.

[@fantastiqueberliotz1209]

Excellent video. Thank you SO much for the info and making it understandable to solar neophytes like myself. 👍

[@johnfcomeau5011]

Awesome video Chad! Thanks.