Basic Solar Installation

Electrical issues, both 12 volt and 120 volt
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Rugster
Weekend Camper
Posts: 19
Joined: Sat Jun 08, 2019 6:57 pm

Basic Solar Installation

Post by Rugster »

I recently installed a basic 100W solar system in my B190, which is easily upgradeable to 200W. I've noticed that while some folk are well versed in the ins and outs of solar, and how to put one in a B190, many are not. I thought I'd write about my installation in some detail, in the hope it can help anyone who is uncertain about putting a system in for themselves. I uploaded the article to the files section of the Airstream B190 Nation group on Facebook, and skater has very graciously allowed for it to be hosted here too. That way, if we all come to our senses and decide to stop using social media one day, the information will still be accessible here :D

You can find it here -

manuals/Basic%20Solar%20Install.pdf
Reddeer
Seasoned Traveler
Posts: 137
Joined: Mon Dec 31, 2012 1:40 pm
B190 Year: 1993
WBCCI: 0
Location: Santa Fe, NM

Re: Basic Solar Installation

Post by Reddeer »

Nice installation! Thanks for putting the work into the write up. It is very helpful.

(Down to just a single SM account...Linked-In). :)

Cheers.
BelaVanTe
Newbie
Posts: 4
Joined: Wed Sep 16, 2020 7:59 am
B190 Year: 1994

Re: Basic Solar Installation

Post by BelaVanTe »

Rugster wrote:
Sat May 23, 2020 7:55 am
I recently installed a basic 100W solar system in my B190, which is easily upgradeable to 200W. I've noticed that while some folk are well versed in the ins and outs of solar, and how to put one in a B190, many are not. I thought I'd write about my installation in some detail, in the hope it can help anyone who is uncertain about putting a system in for themselves. I uploaded the article to the files section of the Airstream B190 Nation group on Facebook, and skater has very graciously allowed for it to be hosted here too. That way, if we all come to our senses and decide to stop using social media one day, the information will still be accessible here :D

You can find it here -

manuals/Basic%20Solar%20Install.pdf

This is awesome! Thank you! I have some version of solar already in my b190 but the previous owner told me it didn’t work well. Because it’s already there, I didn’t quite understand how to trace it and find the issue. Thanks to your write up, I think I can do this and either fix the issue or replace whatever is necessary. My hope is to add a second panel. Boondocking is important to me. I know the system will recharge on the drive to San Francisco in December, but I’d rather take my time and drive a couple hours a day and not seven to recharge everything back to 100%. I’m relying on solar to get me there.
‘94 B190 acquired in September 2020. Location: Denver, CO. Three furry CO-captains (2 canine and 1 feline) plus Capt. Zissou, my human husband.
Rugster
Weekend Camper
Posts: 19
Joined: Sat Jun 08, 2019 6:57 pm

Re: Basic Solar Installation

Post by Rugster »

I'm happy that the article is helpful BelaVanTe. I recently added a second panel in series with the first. It's good to have the extra current flowing into the charger, to recharge the battery faster.

Best of luck in tracing the issues with your installation!
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con5
Weekend Camper
Posts: 53
Joined: Thu Aug 20, 2020 8:30 pm
B190 Year: 1998
Location: Fort Worth, TX

Re: Basic Solar Installation

Post by con5 »

Rugster,

Did your run a negative cable back to your house battery or did you just use the chassis ground?
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