Solar panels work by converting sunlight into electricity. They contain photovoltaic cells that capture solar energy and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity, which is then converted into alternating current (AC) electricity by an inverter for use in your RV or home.

An off-grid solar system requires solar panels, a solar charge controller, inverter(s), battery, mounting and racking system, wiring cables, and fuses.

An RV solar system typically includes 230W solar panels, MC4 cables, a Victron SmartSolar 75/15 MPPT charge controller, and a Z bracket mounting kit.

Solar panel performance can be hindered by environmental conditions such as indirect sunlight, temperature rise, cloudy skies, and dirt or stains on the glass surface, reducing efficiency.

Solar panels can be connected in series or parallel to meet your electrical circuit size and power demands. In series, the operating voltage output adds up, while the system current output remains the same as one panel. In parallel, the operating current output adds up, while the system voltage output remains the same as one panel.

The number of solar panels needed depends on the power load required for your system. Power is measured in watts, and capacity is measured in watt-hours. Size your battery bank first based on the minimum required capacity, then decide on the number of panels needed. For more details, check our guide on how many solar panels you need.

Yes, high-quality solar panels still work during cloudy weather conditions, although power conversion is lower than on sunny days.

Solar panels require maintenance to ensure efficiency. Clean them with a microfiber cloth, glass cleaner, and water to remove dirt or stains that can affect sunlight conversion.

Bifacial solar panels capture sunlight from both sides, making them more efficient and powerful than monofacial panels. They also perform better in overcast weather and can be installed in any direction. Learn more about bifacial solar panels in our blog post on the breakthrough year for bifacial solar panels.

To complete an off-grid solar power system, you need a solar panel connected to a charge controller, a battery to store electrical power, adapter kit cables to wire the solar panels and charge controller, and tray cables connecting the charge controller to a deep-cycle battery.

On-grid systems are connected to the electrical grid, while off-grid systems store generated power for later use and are not affected by grid blackouts.