Mounting Solar Panels On Airstream

Airstream utilizes zamp solar panels and a victron charge control and display.

Mounting solar panels on airstream.

Ensuring the panels are clean not partially shaded by trees or other interference will promote solar charging. An external battery box limits the size of battery banks or requires the battery bank to be relocated. Airstream trailer power systems are unique in several ways. 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. On airstreams due to their rounded roofs we often use different sized feet to attach the solar panels to the roof. A curved roof requires specialized mounting hardware. Cut the cord to expensive daily shore power hook ups with the 12 volt solar charging system.

Many folks installing solar on an airstream with a fridge vent use it to run wires into the trailer. Zamp solar kits feature solar panel mounts hardware connectors cables deluxe digital charge controller and a robust aluminum framed tempered glass monocrystalline solar panel. 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. We now have 500 watts of solar on top of our airstream five 100 watt solar panels. Solar pre wires are frequently factored into the design. We are happy to install them either way or even come up with custom mount sets when necessary.

Some clients like to have the panels conform to the curvature of their roof others prefer a more level appearance. After much discussion we finally nailed down our system. Connected through our solar charge controller these panels feed our new agm battery bank consisting of 440 ah of juice 220 usable. These kits are perfect for keeping rv s campers and travel trailers from colonial airsteam fully charged.

A 100w panel for example can collect up to around 6 amps. Limited roof space requires narrow solar panels. A 135w panel might give you closer to 8 amps. Here s where we try to put those amps back into our.

The first step was to remove the aluminum fin attached right next to the vent and drill 2 holes to pass through the wires.