Mounting Solar Panels On Airstream

Here s where we try to put those amps back into our.

Mounting solar panels on airstream.

The first step was to remove the aluminum fin attached right next to the vent and drill 2 holes to pass through the wires. We now have 500 watts of solar on top of our airstream five 100 watt solar panels. We are happy to install them either way or even come up with custom mount sets when necessary. This is the path we chose.

These kits are perfect for keeping rv s campers and travel trailers from colonial airsteam fully charged. Ensuring the panels are clean not partially shaded by trees or other interference will promote solar charging. Solar panels come with wattages which when divided by their voltages less some expected loss give you peak amps they can collect. We also had a 1000 watt pure sine inverter installed to electrify our.

The sunexplorer charge control performs these basic functions. On airstreams due to their rounded roofs we often use different sized feet to attach the solar panels to the roof. Connected through our solar charge controller these panels feed our new agm battery bank consisting of 440 ah of juice 220 usable. Cut the cord to expensive daily shore power hook ups with the 12 volt solar charging system.

Although having the solar panels permanently attached is an added convenience it can lead to costly repairs down the road. Solar pre wires are frequently factored into the design. After much discussion we finally nailed down our system. First and foremost solar panels that are permanently attached to the roof of your airstream risk being damaged by hail falling tree limbs overhangs and other natural elements.

An external battery box limits the size of battery banks or requires the battery bank to be relocated. Limited roof space requires narrow solar panels. Drilled 2 holes and added grommets to prevent the wire from rubbing against the metal. Many folks installing solar on an airstream with a fridge vent use it to run wires into the trailer.

Now remember all those numbers for our amp usage. Airstream utilizes zamp solar panels and a victron charge control and display. Airstream trailer power systems are unique in several ways. A curved roof requires specialized mounting hardware.

A 135w panel might give you closer to 8 amps.