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RV Solar Panels and Lithium Batteries

How solar charges your batteries, what lithium changes, and how to tell how much power you really have left.

How solar works

Solar panels on the roof make power from sunlight. A charge controller sits between the panels and the batteries and keeps them from being overcharged. Solar charges the 12 volt batteries. It does not run the air conditioner on its own.

Panels give the most power at midday in full sun. Shade on even part of a panel can cut its output a lot. Clouds, dust and winter sun cut it too.

Lithium batteries

Many newer rigs have lithium batteries. They weigh less, charge faster and can use far more of their power than lead acid batteries before they need a charge.

They need a charger set for lithium. The converter, the solar controller and the charge from the truck all have to match. Most lithium batteries will not charge below freezing unless they have a heater built in.

Know what you have left

A voltage reading is a rough guess, and it is worse with lithium, since the voltage stays flat until the battery is nearly empty. A battery monitor with a shunt counts the power in and out and shows a true percent.

The biggest users are the furnace fan, an inverter, a 12 volt fridge and anything that heats. Lights, fans and phone charging use very little.

Care

Wipe the panels a few times a year.
Check the wires and roof seals where they come through the roof.
For storage, charge lithium to about half and turn the battery disconnect off.
Keep lead acid batteries full in storage, and check the water in flooded ones every month or two.

When to call a shop

Call a shop if a battery feels hot or swollen, you smell something burning near the batteries, or the controller shows a fault. Adding solar or lithium is also a job for a pro.

The maker's own manuals

These guides cover how most RVs work. Your own rig may differ, so check the manual for your make and model.

Lippert · Slides, awnings, jacks and leveling
Winnebago · Operator manuals and diagrams
Every maker we link to

Renting from us? Call or text 909-259-RVDR before you try a fix. We would rather talk you through it than have you guess, and it is free.

The other manuals

ManualFresh water and the water heaterCity water, the fresh tank, the pump and the water heater. How to fill it, turn it on and keep it clean.5 parts ManualBlack and gray tanksThe order, the hose, the valves and what to put down the toilet. Dumping your tanks the right way, step by step.4 parts ManualShore power and batteries30 amp and 50 amp shore power, the 12 volt battery side and the inverter. What runs on what, and how not to trip a breaker.4 parts ManualPropane, furnace and fridgeOpening the tanks, lighting the stove, running the furnace and fridge, and what to do if you smell gas.5 parts ManualSlide outsWhen to open them, when not to, and what to check first. Slide outs are the most common repair on a rental, and most of it is avoidable.4 parts ManualAwningsPower and manual awnings, how to set them, and why wind is the thing that breaks them.4 parts ManualWinterizing and spring start upDrain it, bypass the water heater and fill the lines with RV antifreeze. Then how to undo it all in spring.4 parts ManualGeneratorsStarting it, loading it, keeping it healthy, and staying safe from exhaust.4 parts ManualHitching a trailerCoupler, safety chains, breakaway cable and lights. A simple routine to hitch up the same way every time.4 parts ManualThe water heaterGas, electric or both. How to fill it, light it, drain it and care for the anode rod, plus what to do when there is no hot water.4 parts ManualThe refrigeratorGas and electric absorption fridges, 12 volt compressor fridges, how long they take to cool and how to keep food cold on the road.4 parts ManualThe roof air conditionerHow much power it needs, why it freezes up, how to clean the filters and what to try before you call for help.4 parts ManualThe furnaceA propane furnace with a 12 volt fan. How it starts, why it drains the battery and what to check when it blows cold air.4 parts ManualLeveling and jacksBlocks, tongue jacks, stabilizers and auto leveling. How to get level, why it matters and why stabilizers are not for lifting.4 parts ManualTires, wheels and bearingsTire age, pressure and load, lug nut torque and when to service trailer wheel bearings. The parts that cause the most trouble on the road.4 parts ManualTrailer brakes and breakawayElectric brakes, the brake controller in your truck, how to set the gain and how to test the breakaway switch.4 parts ManualRoof and sealsWater is the biggest enemy of an RV. How to check the roof and seams, which sealant to use and the signs of a leak.4 parts ManualThe toiletHow to flush, what paper to use and how to keep the black tank from clogging or smelling.4 parts ManualPropane, smoke and CO alarmsWhere each alarm is, what each one means, how to test them and why the propane alarm sometimes beeps on a low battery.4 parts ManualTowing a car behind a motorhomeWhich cars can be towed four down, the gear you need, and the steps before and after every tow.4 parts ManualWeight and payloadWhat GVWR, cargo capacity and tongue weight mean, how to weigh your rig, and why sway almost always starts with weight.4 parts

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