Fitting solar panels to your caravan roof is an excellent step towards more energy-efficient holiday trips. Perhaps you’ve found the ideal caravan solar panels for your touring or static vehicle and are wondering how to install them. Where to start?
If you’re fitting flexible or semi flexible solar panels, we’re here to show you how to install solar panels on your caravan. So read on, gather the tools and equipment you need, and get ready to harness solar power on the move.
Where to install touring and static caravan solar panels
Firstly, let’s look at which part of your caravan is most suitable for solar panel installation. In most cases, it’ll be your roof — whether you’re installing solar panels on a touring caravan or a static one. Just as building rooftops are ideally positioned to absorb the sun’s rays, your caravan roof is likely to have the best access to sunlight.
However, while the panel itself should go on the roof, you’ll want to install the solar charge controller and fuse somewhere you can access easily.
Tools you’ll need for fitting caravan solar panels
The exact tools required for installing caravan roof panels depend on which kind of panels you’re fitting.
You can often use a strong adhesive to attach flexible and semi-flexible panels to your vehicle roof. However, framed solar panels will need mounting brackets. In many cases, framed solar panels — like our Spectra Leisure and Ameresco solar panels — will come with dedicated mounting brackets to make installation easier.
Aside from adhesive or mounting brackets, we suggest getting the following tools ready:
- Your solar panel kit, including the charge controller panel, cables, solar panel battery (if applicable), and fuse
- A ladder for reaching your caravan roof
- Drill and drill bits
- Screwdrivers
- Wire cutters
- Caulk or sealant
- Wrench set
- Spirit level
- Soapy water and a sponge
How to install solar panels on your caravan: A step-by-step guide
Now it’s time to install your caravan solar panels. The process should usually take a couple of hours, and we recommend working with another person to make the job easier and safer.
1. Clean your caravan roof
Sweeping away any debris and washing your caravan roof with soapy water will help ensure there’s a smooth, clean surface for the solar panel to stick to if you’re using adhesive for flexible solar panels.
It’s also helpful for framed solar panels, as it allows you to mount your brackets accurately without dirt obscuring your access.
After cleaning your caravan surface, make sure to allow time for your caravan surface to completely dry out before using any adhesive.
2. Test your panel position
Before using any adhesive or starting to mount your brackets, test out where you want your panel to go. Ensure it’s lined up in a suitable spot and is level. One of the benefits of flexible solar panels is that they can fit snuggly to curved or irregular surfaces, making them an excellent choice for caravans and motorhomes.
You’ll need to drill a hole in your vehicle roof to connect your panel to your charge controller. When you’re positioning your panel, make sure there’s a clear spot for the entry hole.
3. Attach the solar panel to your vehicle roof
Next, it’s time to fit the panel itself. Use a strong adhesive for flexible solar panels and press down for at least 30 seconds to help the panel bond to your roof. Alternatively, follow the manufacturer’s bracket mounting instructions if you’ve chosen a framed solar panel.
4. Drill an entry hole
Now it’s time to drill the entry hole for your solar panel cables. Depending on your solar panel kit, you may need to drill two holes for two cables. When using your drill, proceed slowly and steadily to reduce the risk of damaging your roof’s exterior or the ceiling beneath.
5. Thread the cable
Once you have the holes ready, thread your solar panel cables through and down into your caravan. They are ready to connect to your battery and solar charge controller — make sure you turn the power off to ensure safety through the next steps.
Caulk can be helpful here for sealing any gaps to prevent rain or debris from falling into your caravan.
6. Install the solar charge controller
To help regulate power and ensure your caravan battery doesn’t become overcharged, it’s important to fit a solar charge controller (sometimes called a solar charge regulator). This acts as an intermediary between your solar panels and your battery.
It needs to be in a convenient position, not too far from your solar panels — the cables need to reach it. Many people find it helpful to install the charge controller in a cupboard to keep it safe and tucked away.
You’ll want to use a drill to mount your solar charge controller to the wall before connecting any cables.
7. Route your cables
You’ll need to link everything up to make a circuit. Before connecting anything, route your solar panel cables so they can easily reach your charge controller without getting in the way.
8. Install a fuse
Before connecting the circuit, it’s wise to install a fuse for safety — this will trip if there’s an electrical fault. Your solar panel set may include a fuse, or you can purchase one separately.
9. Connect your charge controller to your caravan battery
Now you can connect your solar panel cables to your charge controller and connect your charge controller to the caravan battery. Remember to keep the power off while you do this.
10. Test your circuit
Once everything has been connected, you can turn the power on to make sure your circuit works.
Find the best solar panels for your caravan
The team at Marlec Engineering is proud to have over 40 years of experience in renewable energy. We offer a range of solar panels for an array of diverse applications — from caravans and boats to bus shelters and signage.
If you require more guidance on which are the best caravan solar panels for your needs, please take a look at our ultimate guide to caravan solar panels, and feel free to contact us if you have any further questions – we are here to help with all your solar power questions.
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