Everything you need to plan, wire and install RV solar for Alberta conditions, from the energy audit and Natural Resources Canada sun data to series vs parallel wiring, inverters, transfer switches, fusing and grounding. Diagrams are original and use example values, so always follow your equipment manuals.
Safety: Batteries can deliver dangerous fault currents, solar panels are live in daylight, and 120V AC can kill. Have a licensed electrician do or inspect any 120V AC panel or transfer switch work, and follow every manufacturer manual.
Electrical: 12V, 120V & Solar
Size RV solar the right way: do an energy audit, then size batteries, panels, charge controller and inverter. Includes NRCan solar data for Calgary and Edmonton and winter tips.
PlanningElectrical: 12V, 120V & Solar
How series, parallel and series-parallel solar wiring change voltage and current, with diagrams, MPPT vs PWM, shading, cold-weather voltage math for Alberta and wire sizing.
ModerateElectrical: 12V, 120V & Solar
A step-by-step guide to installing rigid RV solar panels: layout, mounts, sealing, roof cable entry, controller placement, fusing, connection order and testing.
AdvancedElectrical: 12V, 120V & Solar
Plan and install an RV inverter or inverter/charger with an automatic transfer switch: location, cable and fuse sizing, DC connections, AC integration, neutral-ground bonding and testing.
AdvancedElectrical: 12V, 120V & Solar
Where fuses and breakers go in an RV solar and battery system, how to size them to protect wire, DC-rated breakers, Class T fuses for lithium, grounding and safety.
ModerateElectrical: 12V, 120V & Solar
RV solar panels not charging the battery? Check the charge controller, battery settings, panel voltage, MC4 connectors, fuses and winter sun angles in Alberta.
Moderate
Solar
Rigid roof-mount solar panel kit (panels, mounts, controller)
The most durable option for roof installs. Plan your system first.
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Solar
Flexible solar panel
Low profile and light for curved roofs. Usually runs hotter and may not last as long as rigid panels.
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Portable folding solar panel (solar suitcase)
Park in shade and put the panel in the sun.
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Solar
MPPT solar charge controller
Converts higher panel voltage into charging current. The best choice for series strings and cold, bright days.
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PWM solar charge controller
Simple and inexpensive for small systems with panels wired in parallel.
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Batteries & inverters
12V LiFePO4 (lithium) deep-cycle battery
Lighter with more usable capacity than lead-acid. Most can't be charged below freezing unless they have built-in heating, so check the spec and your charger's lithium profile.
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Self-heating 12V LiFePO4 battery
Built-in heating allows charging in cold weather, useful for Alberta shoulder seasons. Check the low-temperature spec.
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Batteries & inverters
Smart battery shunt (Bluetooth)
Measures every amp in and out so you know real state of charge, not just voltage.
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Batteries & inverters
Pure sine wave inverter
Runs 120V devices from your batteries with clean power for electronics and appliances.
Check price on Amazon.caConverters & chargers
Inverter/charger with built-in transfer switch
Combines an inverter, a multi-stage charger and automatic switching between shore and battery power.
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Batteries & inverters
Automatic transfer switch (RV, 30A or 50A)
Automatically selects shore power, generator or inverter. Installation is 120V work, so hire a licensed electrician if unsure.
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Converters & chargers
DC-DC charger
Charges your house battery from the vehicle alternator while driving at the correct profile for lithium or AGM.
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Batteries & inverters
ANL or Class-T fuse and holder
Main battery protection. Size to your inverter and cable per the manual.
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Batteries & inverters
DC circuit breaker (solar/battery)
A resettable disconnect between panels, controller and battery.
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Solar
Solar combiner box
Combines parallel strings with fuses or breakers per string.
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Batteries & inverters
Positive and negative bus bars
A tidy, safe way to land multiple DC connections.
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Solar
Solar extension cable (MC4 ends)
UV-rated PV wire from panels to the roof entry.
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Solar
Roof cable entry gland
Gets solar cables through the roof without leaks. Seal with the right lap sealant.
Check price on Amazon.caElectrical: 12V, 120V & Solar
RV house battery won't charge on shore power or while driving? Test battery voltage, the disconnect switch, converter breaker and fuses, and wiring with this step-by-step guide.
ModerateElectrical: 12V, 120V & Solar
No power to RV outlets, microwave or A/C when plugged in? Check the pedestal, power cord, surge protector, GFCI outlets and breakers, safely and in the right order.
Easy to moderateCrown land camping
How random camping on Alberta Crown land works: the Public Lands Camping Pass, 14-day stay limit, Public Land Use Zones, the Kananaskis exceptions, fire bans and Leave No Trace, with official links.
