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If you’ve ever thought about adding solar to your RV but weren’t sure where to start, this is the one conversation that changes everything.
At the Alliance RV Owners Rally, Todd Henson, Director of Education at the National RV Training Academy (NRVTA) in Athens, Texas, broke down solar systems, battery choices, and inverter setups in a way that made even complex electrical topics easy — and funny.
This rally session, packed with humor, practical tips, and math you’ll actually understand, is a one-hour preview of the full week-long Advanced Solar course offered at NRVTA.
Why Solar Matters for RVers
Todd started by setting the stage: RVing is exploding in popularity.
Even before 2020, the RV industry was seeing record numbers — over 500,000 new units built in 2019 — but most RVs are sold private-party, meaning over a million RVs change hands each year.
But while the number of RVs on the road skyrockets, RV park development isn’t keeping pace. That’s where solar comes in.
With solar, RVers can park anywhere — the mountains, the beach, BLM land, or even the Walmart parking lot — and take their power with them.
“If you can take your power with you, you can stay anywhere you want,” Todd said. “No reservations, no hookups — just freedom.”
Solar Isn’t Just for Boondockers
Even if you stay mostly in RV parks, Todd points out that solar makes sense for everyone:
- It keeps batteries topped off.
- It reduces generator noise and fuel use.
- It gives flexibility when traveling between stops.
And yes — it can run air conditioners.
“We can now run three A/C units with solar,” Todd explained. “Five years ago, that wasn’t realistic. Today, the technology is there.”
Breaking Down the Cost
A full off-grid system capable of running everything can cost around $16,000 in equipment.
That number shocks most people — until Todd breaks it down.
If you skip $45-per-night RV parks for a year, that system pays for itself in savings.
Solar is an investment that gives you freedom, quiet nights, and a faster return than most people realize.
The Heart of the System: Batteries
Todd loves analogies, and when he compares batteries, you’ll never forget it.
- Lead-acid batteries: “They’re joggers — steady, but they can’t sprint.”
- Lithium batteries: “They’re sprinters. They handle big loads, recharge quickly, and last longer.”
Lithium batteries are lighter, maintenance-free, and safe to store inside the RV since they don’t off-gas.
While a standard lead-acid battery lasts 300–500 cycles, a lithium battery can deliver 5,000–10,000 cycles — up to ten times longer.
“These batteries will last longer than your RV,” Todd joked. “Honestly, they might last longer than you.”
Understanding the Components
A complete solar setup includes:
- Solar panels: Capture energy from sunlight.
- Solar charge controller: Regulates voltage from panels to batteries.
- Batteries: Store energy for use day or night.
- Inverter: Converts 12V DC power to 120V AC to run appliances.
Each piece plays a critical role, and the key to building a system is matching components to your RV and lifestyle.
How Many Batteries Do You Need?
It depends on what you want to power.
- Running one A/C unit for about an hour requires two 100Ah lithium batteries.
- Running it overnight could take eight or more.
“It all depends on how much room you have — and how much money you have,” Todd said with a grin.
But he emphasized that you don’t have to start big. Many RVers begin small and expand their system over time, adding panels and batteries as their confidence grows.
The Safety Side
Todd also shared important safety reminders:
- Don’t travel with your propane on. “It’s not illegal — just stupid,” he joked. “All it takes is one tire blowout near that line.”
- Don’t forget that batteries self-discharge if left unused — unless they’re lithium.
- Check your converter to ensure it supports lithium charging (look for an LA/LI switch).
Real-World Use Cases
Todd and his wife Stephanie travel long distances. Instead of paying for overnight RV parks, they often “Wally dock” — parking overnight at Walmart lots.
“It’s great. I get my coffee, my McMuffin, and I’m back on the road by 7 a.m.,” Todd said. “That’s my kind of morning.”
With his system, he can run one A/C unit for 11 hours straight and three A/Cs for 4 hours, completely off-grid.
The Takeaway: Solar Changes How You RV
Solar isn’t just about saving money — it’s about changing your lifestyle.
Once you can generate and store your own power, you stop planning your trips around hookups and start planning them around views.
“You’re here because you want to be free,” Todd said. “Solar lets you go where you want, when you want — and stay there as long as you want.”
For those ready to go deeper, NRVTA offers hands-on solar training in Athens, Texas, where students learn to design, install, and troubleshoot complete systems using real equipment and live diagnostics.
Learn More
🔧 Train in-person: https://nrvta.com
💻 Home Study Course: https://rvtechcourse.com
⚡ Advanced Solar Class: Learn design, installation, and diagnostics.
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Talk to a student advisor to learn more!