RV Solar Power Services Guide
We're David and Rolland, and we’re so excited about the newfound freedom and adventure you’re about to experience with a solar-powered RV. After a combined 20 years of RV experience, we were truly disheartened by the RV industry using solar as a gimmick to provide sub-par service and cheap materials to make a buck. There’s a massive lack of quality technicians, long-lasting equipment, and reasonable turnaround times in the RV space... until now.
That’s why we founded Solar Power My RV. Now you can outfit your RV with the highest quality, sustainable solar power systems available - installed and ready to roll out in about a week! So, you can enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing ANY modern comforts or concern that something will break on the road.
Use this solar power services guide to explore all we can offer to upgrade your RV. As always, let us know if you have any questions or would like a free estimate on your specific RV solar system!
“I highly recommend David and Rolland. They did a great job installing a lithium battery bank, inverter, charge controller, and solar ports on our trailer. You can expect a very clear process and excellent communication, from start to finish. We will use them again for any battery/solar needs on our trailer.”
-Kevin B.
Warranties
Every system we install has a 5-year warranty on the labor with 10+ year warranties on all products. Your investment is protected so you can safely enjoy off-grid travel without boundaries.
What Makes Us Different?
Our Philosophy: Our goal is to design a system that is simple and reliable for our customers to use in the real world. There are many ways to design a system, but our goal is to minimize the chance of being stranded off the grid with a system you can’t understand or troubleshoot easily.
Our Reputation: Over 500+ installs on all types of RV’s and 5-star reviews.
Our Experience: Not all installers are created equal. Our background comes from RV repair. We’re certified RVIA techs with over 10 years of experience.
Our Location: We’re conveniently located 30 minutes north of Denver, Colorado right off I-25 for easy access.
Our Products: High-quality compact and simple-to-use lithium batteries rated for cold weather, top-of-the-line Victron components. Marine grade UV-rated wiring fuses and breakers, Monocrystalline and lightweight solar panels. 5-10 year product warranties.
Our Support: Upon delivery, we deliver your RV with 1-on-1 system tutorials, how-to videos, and an operations guide. Our installations are backed by We have a 5-year warranty and we include free remote monitoring.
Our Design: Simple for customers to use, troubleshoot, and repair. No complicated and exotic battery systems or overly complex designs can leave you frustrated and stranded off-grid. No upselling you on things you don’t need. We focus on a ‘one-switch’ design.
💪🏼 Our Process:
How does our solar power services process work?
1. Building Your Custom System
Every system we build and install is custom. You will have different product needs depending on your travel plans. The first step is understanding inside and out what you envision so we can custom design a system that prepares you for any situation.
2. One Week Install Timeline
INSTALLATION: We order the RV solar components custom to your RV, ensure compatibility with your RV, and professionally wire them. No matter what model of RV you have, we can get compatible parts for it.
PROGRAMMING: This is the part many get wrong. It’s crucial to properly synchronize every component so that the battery, panels, alarms, internet, and components are all communicating with each other. If not programmed right - you can destroy the battery and the whole system or your RV. (We use the required Windows and Android necessary to program correctly.)
TRIPLE - CHECK TESTING: Before your RV delivery, we'll rigorously run your solar system through every possible scenario to ensure performance. We confirm proper charging, correct monitor readings, and stress-test the batteries for overloading, use, and temperature durability.
3. Post-Installation Support - Anytime, Anywhere
In the rare instance that your solar system glitches, you can call us and we can look at your solar system via our linked app. That means you’ll be able to fix it at the moment - no need to find a repair shop in the middle of nowhere! Camp in peace knowing you’ll never be too hot/cold because of your system breaking.
⚡Our Standard System - 4 Main Parts
Our systems will power all major appliances, AC, all outlets, CPAP, and more. Most of our customers leave their generators at home.
Lithium Batteries (Epoch 300 or 460)
Lithium Batteries have 100% usable capacity, are lightweight, last 10-20 years, charge 5x faster, are maintenance free, are compact, have more power in less space, can be mounted inside, no toxic gasses are vented, and cost less over the long run, give consistent power from 0-100%.
We recommend and use Epoch lithium batteries because they have internal heaters for cold weather use and internal monitors for tracking cycles and internal health. They are also super compact so you can fit 3x the power in the same space as standard lithium batteries with less weight!
Solar Panels and Solar Controller (Rich Monocrystalline Solar Panels)
Solar Panels collect sunlight and send power to an MPPT solar charge controller (fancy name for battery charger), and charge a battery bank. Monocrystallines cost more but are more efficient for the same physical size. Since RV roof space is limited, we recommend monocrystalline panels. Flexible solar panels do not have long-term reliability. We recommend 200-300w of solar for every 100 amp hours of battery capacity (if roof space allows). The more solar you have, the faster you will recharge your battery every day. You can’t have "too much solar".
Inverter (Victron MultiPlus 3000)
If you want your outlets or any household appliance to work, you need an inverter. It’s also a fast battery charger for backup situations so you can re-charge quickly with a generator or shore power. The wattage rating is how much you can run at one time. A 3000w inverter can run up to 3000w of appliances at once. We recommend a 3000w for most installations. 2000w can easily be overloaded. An Inverter requires AC wiring, DC wiring, fuses, switches, a programming dongle, Windows computer for programming.
Battery Monitor (Cerbo GX/Touch 50)
This system monitor is how you turn the system ON and OFF and will give you a complete picture of where your power is going. It’ll allow you to manage your power usage at a quick glance. It also stores history, is WIFI capable, and gives you and us/installer access to your system for remote troubleshooting.
Solar Power Services + Add-On Products
+ Portable Panels
If you have an Airstream or a smaller trailer, you might not have a lot of roof space for panels. Or you might want to adventure in winter, with less sunlight. Or you might want to park in the shade on a hot day.
Whatever your reason, adding a portable solar panel will guarantee that you meet your power needs. We’ll set you up with compact, easy-to-store folding panels that take less than a minute to set up.
+ Auto-Generator Start
Eliminate the worry of draining your batteries with our Auto Generator Start add-on. We tailor the system to your needs, prioritizing your battery life by configuring the system to activate the generator automatically when batteries reach a low voltage. This prevents power depletion, extends the life of your batteries, and gives you peace of mind.
+ AC Soft Start
Beat the heat and preserve your batteries with our air conditioner soft starts. Our soft start device takes charge of the electrical current during the startup of your RV's air conditioner. It limits the initial surge of power, reducing the stress on your system and preventing spikes in electricity consumption. Our device ensures a smooth and gradual increase in amps as the AC unit warms up. This not only enhances the overall performance of your air conditioner but also minimizes strain on the motor, contributing to a longer lifespan for your compressor.
+ DC to DC tow trailer CHARGER
Turn your tow vehicle into your generator! If you want to enable high-power alternator charging of your towable RV without spending a bundle on a generator, this is for you. This device 10x’s charging power from your tow vehicle to charge your trailer batteries (only for towable RVs).
If you can’t fit a lot of solar panels on the roof of your rig, you’re traveling a lot, or if there are many cloudy days where you’re traveling, this device supplements your solar power and helps power high-energy loads like your fridge! Perfect for Airstreams, full-timers, or anyone with limited space for solar power on their rig’s roof.
Epoch Lithium Batteries
Battery Technology is changing fast! These are the best bang-for-your-buck RV lithium batteries on the market today!
BEFORE - 6 x Battleborn 100amp/hours = $5,994
vs.
AFTER - 2 x Epoch 300amp/hours = $1,998
What you get with Epoch batteries:
3X capacity
1/3 the space
1/3 the weight
1/3 the cost
Internal Automatic heaters
Internal Bluetooth monitor and APP
11-year warranty
Simpler to install, use, and troubleshoot
10-20 year lifespan
We’re not affiliated with Epoch, but we are always looking for the best products to fit our customer's needs. These are so easy to operate, have a lot of capacity in less space, and at a fantastic price!
RV Solar System Benefits:
1. More camping options (literally limitless)
2. Go whenever you want (no longer dependent on campground availability!)
3. Camp “off-grid” for as long as you want
4. Not a single other human for miles (if you want)
5. Power major appliances (take your 24/7 fridge with you!)
6. Breathtaking scenery (you’re going where humans usually can’t.)
7. More quiet/Less generator noise
8. Power 24/7 when you need it
9. Your system charging while you’re driving
10. All appliances work when you’re driving
11. Extremely low maintenance
12. Lasts an average of 20 years
13. Monitor your system from your phone (Bluetooth or WiFi)
14. Wifi in the middle of nowhere - wherever you want
15. One switch system - very easy to use
16. Four ways to recharge (simultaneously)
17. Fast-recharging
18. Emergency home backup plan
Financial Expectations of Solar Power Services
1. Never pay for another campground ($50 night x 6 months = $9,000 - every year)
2. One-time investment - no re-installations needed for 10-25 years
3. Federal Tax Credit: 30% off parts and labor ($3,000-$6,000 back)
4. No cost to maintain or repair it
5. No generator gas
6. Limited battery replacements
“David and Rolland are great at what they do. They were able to assess my current solar system and provide the best upgrade options at the best price. Thanks for the great service. I highly recommend them for your solar and off-grid needs.”
-Steve L.
RV Solar Power Services Alternatives
1. DIY or Buying Solar DIY Kits
Even if you’re an electrician or engineer - it’s very dangerous (and ultimately more expensive) - to install your system for these reasons.
Your Safety: This is an electrical system. You’re sleeping in your RV. If you don’t do it correctly, you can burn it down or damage the electrical system. We’ve seen this happen - too many times.
Expensive Tools: The tools to install your system aren’t the same as the ones lying in your garage. You have to buy new ones and a lot of them are expensive.
System Programming: We have never met a DIYer who could do this correctly. You need specific experience and Windows and Android software to properly program. If you don’t program correctly, your system will fail, you will be stuck somewhere unsafe and all the money and time you spent to install will be wasted.
Incorrect Parts: There are a lot of solar power products, DIYers almost always overbuy or underbuy, and often the incorrect parts. Most RV shops won’t do partial systems with whatever parts you have because of liability and warranty reasons.
Incomplete DIY Kits: Most online kits aren’t complete and the parts that are included are very low-quality wiring, fuses, and parts. That means the parts break easily and they don’t last more than a few months.
Incorrectly Sized DIY Kits: Would you buy an engine off the internet without a consultation? There isn’t only one size of RV out there - there’s a variety. You can’t buy a one-size-fits-all DIY kit and expect it to fit your specific RV. 10/10 of DIY kits our customers have tried to install are the wrong components - we’ve never seen it go well even once.
Zero Installation Support with DIY Kits: DIY kits never go as planned and there’s no support when they don’t work. Most RV shops will not install customer-provided products or partial systems (we don’t) because of liability and warranty reasons.
2. RV Dealer and Repair Shop Installation
Solar systems are often used as a gimmick to upsell customers.
Solar Expertise: Typical RV repair shops/dealers don’t have the expertise for solar specifically - and for that reason, a lot can go wrong.
Low quality, High Price: The parts used are typically the lowest quality (GoPower, Battleborn, Zamp, Renogy, etc) with a big markup on the price. So, you’re overpaying for a cheap counterfeit.
Waitlists: We’ve seen waitlists at dealerships for as long as two years for solar power system repairs.
Customer Service: It’s very difficult to get a hold of support of any kind.
New RV with Solar Package: The solar package advertised for New RVs is usually too small for the average person’s needs and is much more expensive than it needs to be.
3. Online Solar Generators
They have fantastic advertising. (Avoid: EcoFlow, Bluetti, Jackery, Goal Zero) Below is the reality:
High Risk: Since it’s all so connected, if one part breaks then you need a whole new system. You can’t just replace or service one part of it.
Inconvenient Repairs: To repair solar generators, you often have to ship the entire unit back. It’s expensive and you’re out of options until it’s fixed.
Heavy: Extremely heavy (over 100lbs) and often require more batteries (more expensive).
Incompatible: You have to get the portable panels and batteries specific to them - they aren’t compatible with other brands. This can be extremely inconvenient and expensive.
Limited: Solar generators can only charge when you are NOT driving and they have a slow recharge rate and are not as efficient. The lithium is lower grade too.
Incomplete: Your RV still needs its own battery to power basic items with a solar-powered generator.
Which Solar Power System is Right for You?
When deciding on the best solar power system for your RV, ask your solar installer these important questions.
🤔 Does this solar system have free remote monitoring?
You want to make sure that if something breaks, you won’t be required to drive to the nearest repair shop 200 miles away to fix it. A Bluetooth monitor allows you and your installer to monitor your system over the internet, in case you need to troubleshoot. We don’t charge for remote monitoring directly to our phone.
🤔 How long are the warranties and what’s the post-install support?
Our 5-year labor warranty is transferable so if you resell your RV, it can go to new owners. We offer remote monitoring and are one call away. We're conveniently located off I-25 near the Rocky Mountain National Park exit.
🤔 Are these high-quality products that aren’t OVERpriced?
You want to look deeper than just Amazon reviews. What are the highest standards of RV owners installing in million-dollar buses and expensive Airstreams? (Hint: Victron products)
Note: We don’t recommend Victron batteries because they’re:
Complex so require unnecessary products
No internal heaters
Low warranty
Harder to troubleshoot
More expensive for fewer features
We never recommend GoPower, Renogy, Battleborn, or Zamp.
Does this installer have RVIA certification?
To receive this certification you have to work on RV systems for five years so you have experience with all integrated RV systems. After RV experience, an installer must have solar experience. There are a lot of RV techs with little to no solar power experience offering to install your system. This causes a lot of problems for obvious reasons. Our techs are RVIA-certified and have worked on all RV types for over a decade.
“Such a great feeling going off-grid with confidence and being able to monitor our batteries and solar with the iPhone app! They did an outstanding job from initial guidance to installation.”
-Rich J.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Power Services
❓How much will these solar power services cost?
After 500+ installations, we’ve seen a ton of RV types and sizes. When people said they wanted a “small system for only 1 appliance” - they always returned for more panels - and it’s more expensive to install a panel at a separate time. Our smallest solar power systems begin at $10,000 and range up to $18,000 or more, based on needs. These systems are what customers imagine they’re getting with DIY kits, dealership solar, and cheap components. It’s a one-time
investment to get it right the first time.
There is a 30% federal tax credit for your entire solar invoice. Spend $10,000? Save $3,000 at tax time. Just take our receipt to your CPA!
❓Will this system run all my outlets and appliances?
Yes! Your new solar power system will power all your outlets and appliances. Anything that would run when you’re hooked up at the campground will work. It powers everything from AC to heater to fridge and WIFI!
❓How long does the installation take?
Installations range from 1-2 weeks but we do our best to have it to you in one week. If you’re coming from out of town, we can rush your installation. Our three techs work on one RV at a time so your install is completed efficiently. We’re conveniently located off I-25 near the Rocky Mtn Park exit. We’re 30 minutes from Denver in Longmont, CO.
❓How do I pay for my solar power services?
We prefer ACH payment but also accept all major debit and credit cards through your online invoice that we‘ll email. Payment plans are now available through the Wise Stack financing option upon payment.
❓Have you ever installed solar on my specific model of RV?
After 500+ installations, we can confirm that we can successfully install high-quality solar panel systems on anything that has wheels (even if it’s not an RV - and including every make and model of RV). Any size, any specs, any variation. Your RV size does not change the ability for us to install a solar system - it simply changes the parts we order for it.
❓Can you use the parts I already have to install my solar system/finish what I’ve started?
No. Due to liability and warranty reasons we can’t use any parts you’ve purchased or are provided through a DIY kit (which are typically low-quality parts anyway).
❓How long will I be able to go off-grid?
When it’s sized correctly (the way we do it) you can go off-grid indefinitely - no generator needed.
❓I won’t keep my RV for long. What if I resell it?
A fully operational solar system increases the value of your RV when you go to sell it. As the owner at the time of installation, you’ll be able to benefit from the 30% tax credit. Also, when the new owners reach out to us, we can transfer your solar warranty to them so they have uninterrupted solar support.
Get Started With Our Solar Power Services
Let’s get you going on the right path so you can get off the beaten path. Contact us today to get a free estimate for your custom RV solar system installation.
