Mounting Solar Panels On Airstream

Some clients like to have the panels conform to the curvature of their roof others prefer a more level appearance.

Mounting solar panels on airstream.

The sunexplorer charge control performs these basic functions. Solar pre wires are frequently factored into the design. These kits are perfect for keeping rv s campers and travel trailers from colonial airsteam fully charged. Airstream utilizes zamp solar panels and a victron charge control and display.

Ensuring the panels are clean not partially shaded by trees or other interference will promote solar charging. We also had a 1000 watt pure sine inverter installed to electrify our. Drilled 2 holes and added grommets to prevent the wire from rubbing against the metal. Now remember all those numbers for our amp usage.

The first step was to remove the aluminum fin attached right next to the vent and drill 2 holes to pass through the wires. Many folks installing solar on an airstream with a fridge vent use it to run wires into the trailer. A 100w panel for example can collect up to around 6 amps. Connected through our solar charge controller these panels feed our new agm battery bank consisting of 440 ah of juice 220 usable.

A curved roof requires specialized mounting hardware. This is the path we chose. Solar panels come with wattages which when divided by their voltages less some expected loss give you peak amps they can collect. 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.

Cut the cord to expensive daily shore power hook ups with the 12 volt solar charging system. Airstream trailer power systems are unique in several ways. After much discussion we finally nailed down our system. Although having the solar panels permanently attached is an added convenience it can lead to costly repairs down the road.

An external battery box limits the size of battery banks or requires the battery bank to be relocated. On airstreams due to their rounded roofs we often use different sized feet to attach the solar panels to the roof. Here s where we try to put those amps back into our. 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.