The Power of Solar for Your RV

[@jhernellmusic]

I know it's been 4 years since you posted this video, but I wanted to thank you for demonstrating that it is NOT rocket science to do this as a DIYer, and you certainly took much of the mystery of Solar Panel installation for my next RV project. Thanks for sharing Scott.

[@timothy790110]

Good job , Scott! Good tip with the bit of wood when drilling through the aluminium frame. I could see myself drilling straight through that!

[@marcwolf2254]

Awesome production!!! Top 5 solar panel instructional video I personally have viewed. Thank you Scott

[@natfandaggy]

One hell of a wardrobe change you had going on there fella✌

[@ScottLawPhotography]

I had to do something to make it a little more entertaining. My wife asked why I was back in changing shirts every half hour or so. 90% of this was recorded in one day.

[@lloydmorrison2321]

I installed a 100 watt panel to my R.V. last year and added the controller for the bank of 4 deep cycle batteries, and an inverter to operate my tiny frig., and all lights were converted to LED. It works great out in the woods. When I can plug in I do with a 30 amp inverter I purchased from EBAY. Your idea of running the wire through the vent hole was Awesome. I did the same and NO leaks! My 110 power is separate from the air conditioner on the roof.

[@mikebeaulieu9485]

Dear Mr Law, this video is one of the best instructional video I have ever watched. Unlike many videos your sound quality and installation pertinence was bang on. I learned a lot from this video. I am considering installing a solar panel on my RV, I just don't know the wattage I should buy. The through the vent feed was a real eye opener for me, that's worth a patent for sure what a great idea. I will not forget that anytime soon. Thank you very much, Sir!

[@bertaustin8827]

We really enjoyed your presentation on Solar for RVs. We loved the wardrobe changes!

[@IHaveNoNameRawr]

This is edited very well. Consistent, very easy to understand, and almost feels as if I'm watching Ask this Old House or something similar. KZbin needs more content creators such as yourself.

[@ScottLawPhotography]

Thank you for such kind comments.

[@MisterHampton]

This is one of the better videos I've seen on this subject, great presentation. As an old Marine instructor I appreciate the KISS technique that you used! As soon as the snow melts again I'm going to tackle this project for my truck camper.

[@bigjoe2458]

do you live in Houston Texas?

[@efealbayrak1830]

You are a good teacher and your accent is really easy to understand sir.I wish you sunny days and happy times with your caravan.greetings from turkey.

[@markhopson8910]

This has to be the best video I've seen on adding solar. The way you explained everything in an easy to understand and entertaining way was outstanding. You've given me the knowledge and confidence to install one myself. Thanks!!

[@werquantum]

You have a gift for making the seemingly complicated, easy. Thanks for taking the time to do this video, Scott. I will use it as a template for installing a solar panel system on my new Sprinter.

[@Andruu22]

I watched this video years ago. Used the information to install 2-100 watt solar panels....never looked back. Great instructional video for the novice. Just needed to say a belated THANK YOU!

[@KenFairhurst]

A brilliant video I have watched several times, this helped me enormously in planning and installing my system. I love your direct no nonsense approach and dry sense of humour. Thank you Ken

[@dansmith7919]

Watching your video reminded me of working DIY projects with my late father-in-law. He was a Army guy too who later worked as an Engineer. Thanks!

[@Bushcraftknack]

Best step by step installation of solar panels on a camper. Simple and just gosh darn useful. thanks sir.

[@retiredminimalist1937]

Thank you, Scott -- well done video - very clear, concise, to the point, and no rambling. I am going to attempt such a project as yours and I feel very comfortable after viewing your experiences. You are a valued KZbin contributor and you have helped me!

[@alansam67]

This is one of the most informative videos I saw on installing solar panels. Thanks for showing how to run wires down the vent pipe. I never understood that concept until I saw this video. Time for me to install my solar panels.

[@michaelhucks946]

Thanks for a very clear and informative lesson in solar power. I enjoy the "matter of fact" approach and appreciate having you do the experiments!

[@bigkbron]

Out of all the videos i have seen on youtube for solar panels on rv/van this is the best one yet. I have a new 1988 custom van (yes new because she is my new baby) and i want to install some solar panels on her. Up to right now this is almost all i needed. It would be great if there was a second part explaining how long it took to charge the battery and how long did the batteries last without hooking it up to the alternator. But the best thing about this video is that it is "dumbed down" for us that do not know the "lingo". thanks and good job Mr. Law

[@ScottLawPhotography]

Thanks Mr. Rodriguez. It is very hard to do a part two that says how long it takes to charge the battery and how long they will last because there are so many variables, like how much direct sun you are getting, the types of batteries and how many you have, your controller, etc. etc. and that's just for the charging and then it comes to the discharge rate of what you are running off the battery(ies). There are lots of sources on the internet to help you understand the different types of batteries and which is better and why, along with wattage and amperage draws, and so on. Unfortunately there is not just one straightforward answer to all this.

[@smitty7592]

Very good instruction and explanation of something I want to do to my RV soon. Thank you for doing this! On another note, your mastery of the many combinations of collared shirts with jorts is noteworthy! :)

[@dangyll]

Thank you, Scott, for being so thorough in your explanation. I now feel confident to do the installation on my RV.

[@torch39]

Great video and covered everything I wanted to know. Lessons learned; 1. yes you can use the vent pipe. 2. Do not Connect/Disconnect under a load.

[@MrSparks54]

Thanks for the nice presentation old guy! I installed the same charge controller with my 144 watt Unisolar panel last spring. Working great.

[@mfc54m]

Scott, that was an excellent video. I've done a fair amount of reading about this topic but you're really tied it together nicely. Great job and looking forward to more outstanding videos!

[@dorisshanks9117]

Great video! Very clear and concise. I have watched a couple of others. But none kept the box cover on as you did. Makes perfect sense to me.

[@DonWilsondigginTimeUSA]

Your a natural teacher, well done. Going to do the same I think on my 21ft gulf stream. Happy camping!

[@ianwhitcombecomedy]

Excellent video Scott. Just wanted to thank you for taking the time make this. I'm just about to do the same thing here in the UK on my 25 year old autoquest320, so you've been a real help. Cheers !

[@BenotzJoe]

Wow. Excellent video. Ingenious using the tank vent as a conduit. Really nice looking results.

[@roseh4444]

You were excellent in your step by step tutorial. Thank you for posting this up. I like DIY projects and may actually do this. This is my second video, first I watched was you insulating water pipes to stay the winter and I am also from Florida, loved your comment ending with LOL. I'm hooked on your channel and God willing, may even have the pleasure of camping in the same location at some point. God Bless and I look forward to more videos!! Rose

[@grizzlyman4386]

Nice video! I like how you have 2 gloves next to you but you never bother to put them on. I do that too! Thanks again for uploading the video.

[@djtkdmaster1]

Very cool Uncle Scott. It was very informative you did a great job explaining and video taping. It was fun seeing you in front of the camera as well.

[@jptank94]

Thank you for this video Scott. I have been doing a lot of surfing on this and your video was by far the most informative and enjoyable I have come across yet. I had already purchased the same MTTP charger/controller and panels, so I am looking forward to installing these now. Cheers

[@ScottLawPhotography]

Glad you liked the video. To answer your question, we just returned yesterday from a four night trip, and we did have to use the furnace every night. We would wake up in the morning with the meter saying I was at about 40% power, but by early afternoon we were back up to 100% even on the cloudy day. You would have to have a lot of battery and a very heavy duty inverter to run A/C but the furnace worked very well.

[@trevsaccount]

That was great. Just changed my lights to LED on my trailer. Helps when off the grid. Haven't installed my solar panel yet, but now that I have seen it done, I may just get after it. Then I can watch my favorite show when camping...Galaxy Quest.

[@ScottLawPhotography]

Galaxy Quest on the road . . . you gotta do it!!!

[@blindsquirrel4882]

Hi Scott, Thanks for the video! If/when you do go to the 6 volts and add the inverter, I hope you will consider filiming that and sharing it too.

[@ScottLawPhotography]

Thanks for your kind comments. No I'm not a teacher by profession, though I did teach quite a bit in my Army career and taught seminars for a couple years after. Maybe that counts.

[@MitchC-vr8nw]

Greetings Mr. Law, just wanted to thank you for the helpful tidbit of information. Just wanted to say that by watching your video after 4 minutes, I could tell that you were a fellow soldier, especially after you mentioned the importance of your eye protection. Also, the military instruction style you chose to work with brought me back to happy days in service. Keep up the insightful videos and Godspeed.

[@michaelweddell3730]

Nice video Mr Law. Looking to do this for our motorhome as we boondock a lot. Very nice presentation and very thorough as well. I'll be doing this project very soon.

[@reneek8648]

One of the very few actually helpful videos out there! Very informational! Enjoyed the whole thing. Thank you.

[@ScottLawPhotography]

Thanks, Ron, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Looks like things are going well for you and Sandra and family. Doubt that we'll ever get to Savannah, but would sure love to.

[@enlivomapp28]

I'm a teacher and I think you've done it very well. Thanks from Spain.

[@lenpellerin]

Scott, this was an excellent video. Very informative and professional. I dabble with solar power and like yourself have added a small 30W panel & charge controller on my old RV for the purpose of charging the batteries. I've researched the internet and KZbin for adding a larger system and incorporating it into the existing inverter. As for the batteries, I've seen the Trojan T-105 6V golf cart battery is a whopping 225 amp hours!! I'm really into going Green on the RV and no having to use shore power or a generator to be fully self sufficient. So far, it has been working for the simple things like lighting. Keep up the good work and keep us informed on any other projects you may want to share.

[@Bobbertx3]

This is one fantastic video! You're easy to listen to informative and it didn't seem rehearsed to the point of it not actually being as simple as you make it seem hah. Thanks for the upload.

[@BrightOutlook]

I agree with the many other commenters on the very helpful style of this video. Much of this info can be found elsewhere on the internet but I especially enjoyed seeing how you installed the panels. I was wondering how to install my 250 watt panels and I've decided to use the same method you did. I also benefited from your many replies about your experiences with your system.

[@alphawolf9219]

Scott, great video! Huge help. I was searching for this topic after deciding to add solar to my new Montana. I stumbled upon your video, and after watching for a few seconds, thought to myself "Hey! I know this guy!" I'll see you at the store my friend.

[@ScottLawPhotography]

Hi, Mark. Thanks for commenting. Did you notice I got the panel from HomeDepot.com. If you like to boondock you'll be glad you went with the solar. See you in the store.

[@richfaraone]

Thank you for your time and effort Mr. Scott, I enjoyed it, and I especially liked the new idea of using vent pipes to run wires! Million dollar idea!

[@JodianGaming]

Great video! I liked how you took us through every step of the installation, not skipping anything. I'm also impressed that you went and did research to get the right answers and didn't just toss us what you "think" might be correct. Bravo sir!

[@ScottLawPhotography]

Thanks for your nice comments. I'm glad it helped.

[@sandyb2391]

can i ask you if it's wise to put a full cover over the panels when not used in the winter?

[@StephenWeppler]

Good job Scott, doing a video of my install myself. I'm using Dicor for sealing over the caulking though, supposed to hold up better than caulking, self leveling as well.

[@seeradog]

Thank you very much . From Australia . We are wanting to fit solar to our small getaway camper . Now I have the knowledge . Thanks again mate ! :))

[@johnfiskin4188]

Good video, I enjoyed your clear explanation and camera style.

[@outbackeddie]

Very helpful video. I really like the cardboard box idea and I had a good laugh at your seatbelt comment. I'm getting ready to install 2 panels on my RV and every bit of information helps. Thanks again for the very helpful video.

[@expatriateprepper]

A very well presented video. Thanks so much for taking the time to show us your well thought out solar system. Someday I will do the same.

[@samheartsill4800]

Thanks Scott. That was a first class presentation.

[@djmuchomartinez4341]

Thank You for a very informative video on solar installation. This was the BEST! video I have seen! Happy Boon-docking Sir.

[@WideWorldofTrains]

Very nice video, well done and great job on the solar install

[@headdown1]

Thanks for this video. I retire soon and am in the dreaming and planning stages, and solar installation and efficiency is one of my questions. This helped a lot. thanks!

[@toddanonymous5295]

Scott, Great video. I am about to add solar to my rv and your clear and concise video really helps, Thanks

[@Andruu22]

I'm totally disappointed after watching your KZbin video. After subscribing to you I'm at a loss. You need to make more videos. You're refreshing, entertaining, down to earth and a wizzard at explaining. Hope you make more so I won't stay disappointed. 😊

[@Littlervrentals]

I like the cardboard Idea so the panel is not energized while installing, I now have a plan to install these on all my rental trailers. Thank You!

[@ScottLawPhotography]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. After a little experience I've discovered that there is one more thing I need to do and that is go from 2 12 Volt batteries wired in parallel to 2 6 volt "Golf Cart" batteries wired in series to get 12 volts and almost double the amp hours.

[@LatinaLady30]

Hello, Scott! Can you please update us on how the panels are working. Thanks for the instructional video.

[@ScottLawPhotography]

Thanks to your question and some others I have added an update at the end of my written description of this video.

[@williammedford6031]

The best and clearest guide I've seen. Thanks!

[@DarkEnergyStudios]

Way to go Scott. Nice work and thanks for sharing all this information with us.

[@richardwilliams6217]

Great video mate I found it very informative! And quite enjoyed how you engaged the audience (me) Cheers from Australia :)

[@adventureized3130]

Thanks for this video it is going to be our guidebook for installing ours this week!

[@ScottLawPhotography]

I've been out one one short "boondock" since installing and it was wonderful to see my batteries back up to full charge quite quickly. I can't wait form more experiences with it.

[@lass-inangeles7564]

Well explained, thank you! I appreciated the detail view of mounting hardware. Those things are always a puzzle until you do it. Beautiful solar job, thanks a lot.

[@SnakebitegamingNet]

Nice video and info! I've been researching doing the exact same thing to our Coleman travel trailer. I feel more confident about going through with my project now, thanks!

[@marc01234]

Great vid Scott very informative, and well put together for the average layman to understand

[@zevilaga]

Hi Scott, thanks for the ideas, and for the video. I'm going to copy your method exactly. Greetings from Hungary.

[@grassman8100]

will be setting up my first rv this spring . I believe your video will help me with the solar power issue.I was kind of scared but it doesn't look any harder than wiring lights on a trailer Thank you

[@preppersintent]

Very thorough video and pleasant to view, two of those 250 watt panels is almost a perfect match for two 6v trojans...220 amp/h batteries...rarely will U need the genset, Im sure You will "find" ways to use all the extra power,lol. U need to keep in mind most deep-cycle batteries need between 10 and 14 % charge rate ratio, here is an example a 12v 220 amp hour bank needs 22 to 25 amps to be properly and efficiently supplied, can be from solar or shore power stand alone charger, it really doesnt matter the source just needs to be in that 10/14% range.I Hope You find this helpful as it is often misunderstood by DIY solar installers.

[@doreenklein363]

Nice informative video.. beautiful home also!

[@grumpyold790]

Hello from Australia. Great video Scott.

[@whowantstoknowido]

Thanks for the video.Well thought out and presented.Now you have me thinking about this as an addition to my tent trailer.

[@ScottLawPhotography]

Thanks for your kind words and I'm glad that it helped. I have a friend who put one on his tent trailer and has been very happy that he did. His is not permanently attached, however and is about a 100 watt panel. When he gets to the camp site he puts it on the top before lifting it. I don't know how he secures it in case of wind, but I think he uses small spring clamps to stabilize the cables going down to the batteries.

[@SailingCoffeecup]

we are new to camping. and we have been thinking of doing this as well. you make it look very easy. great video. and think we are going forward with this project. thanks for your time you put in this!

[@korsaire65]

great video if i may suggest check for using cell tower battery those are pretty amazing for that application.

[@timfitch4474]

Thanks for the great video. It was both informative and encourageing. Now when the time comes I won't be intimidated.

[@DomDBuilder]

Very, very good! Please make sure to emphasize research and knowledge of RV electrical system. My system allows 120 v or 12v it switches automatically. Charging batteries at either voltage. Safety first

[@ShaliachJanetBrown]

Thank you for this. I am doing my research as I am planning to become a full timer. It has been my dream for years. As I saw it important to have solar panels on a house in the event nature causes a power outage. I was looking for a way to place on RV to productively have alternate power source and a way to charge batteries in the event I cannot connect. Thank you again.

[@starforged]

Thank you very much. Hope to see you camping.

[@ainsleighwalker235]

Im going to be living full time in my rv so this is extreamly helpful!

[@jackkarolak7858]

Great job A+ on being cerful with electic components and Thank You for sending the video Jack from CT

[@Keaton-Casablanca]

Thanks for sharing your video. One thing that I have wondered, what happens to the panel if it hails. I live in Amarillo, Texas and we sometimes get large baseball sized haid.

[@ScottLawPhotography]

These panels are reportedly really tough, but if I were worried about a hail storm I would probably try to cover it with something. Of course the problem is you often don't get a lot of warning with those. I read a lot of reviews and not one mentioned any problem with hail or any weather issues and, obviously, they are all outside.

[@dirkdaddy2]

You made a great video and are good on camera. Only that one scene under the RV was muffled sound. I was curious why you glossed over the choice of controller but I can look that up. I have made an solar charged boom box and was curious on RV install. Another thing you may consider is solar passive water heating.

[@carltrustrum8858]

thank you very much for the info.my wife and i some times run low on power and im allways thinking about it.Having to start the truck to charge up.solor is the way to go. Thank you again Carl.Timmins on. Canada.

[@gilmarquis]

Good job, you explained the job in detail, keep up the good work

[@boristurner4535]

thanks mr. law this video has been really helpful. look forward to seeing more videos like this.

[@Maggie-Gardener-Maker]

Great clear and comprehensive video! I wondered if you were going to do a follow up video. I would enjoy seeing boondocking and if the solar keeps the batteries up and for how long. Thanks!

[@pauls0416]

Nice video, Scott!! I didn't cover my panels at all, even while I was setting them up. I had bare wire exposed too :) They did end up shorting and, I must say, 250-watt panels that are shorted in full sunlight look like little arc welders. It doesn't cause any damage to the panel but one of the wires melted a bit where they touched :)

[@PapaLou4Christ]

Loved the way you instruct, learned and gave me courage to do mine, BLESSINGS.

[@clinte6468]

Excellent info, thank you for taking the time to make a video!

[@sdshawn29]

Great video, Im researching for my rv solar install and you showed me a few tips that will be very helpful , thank you .

[@TheDUNLOP6]

You did a wonderful install tape wished you could do all install tapes!

[@smilncynic]

I enjoyed your pace and presentation!

[@MY_SOLACE]

Great video! I'm in the research process and coincidentally was looking at the HD Grape Solar (2) 250 watts panels. They are reasonably priced compared to other online vendors. Just need to figure the best controller for the money. I like your idea of the remote monitor. My idea is to design a system that can be upgraded. We have a 41' FW Toyhauler...roof area is not an issue. Also, would install tilt brackets and upgrade from 2 to 4 AGM Group 31 batteries. I got look into the 6 volt set up too! Thank you again for your time and effort.

[@dar18283]

Great video! I've been wanting to add solar panels to my RV, but haven't gone through with it yet. By the way, I really like your CTR ring. :)

[@julievasquez3245]

Im installing some solar panels in my rv I really apreciate all your input thank you so much ill be watching and applayingall your good info in to my rv thank you

[@tnbmusic1]

Thanks for the video, it was very helpful to me ive been thinking about putting a solar panel on our RV and didn't have a clue how too hook up or what to buy, this was very helpful. thanks again and happy camping

[@ScottLawPhotography]

Thanks, Tim. You can do it and good luck and happy camping to you too.

[@ManofCulture]

It's awesome Sir... Be safe and good luck for your trip