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How to Make a Solar Power System for an RV or Trailer

old trailer with solar

Light Up Your Adventures with Solar Power!

Ready to harness the sun for off-grid adventure? This workshop will guide you through building a 12v solar system for your trailer or RV. You'll learn to how to choose solar panels, controllers, batteries, and build them into a working system. By the end, you'll have the know-how to design and assemble your own 12V solar system with confidence.

When:  July 27, 12:00pm to 4:00pm

Where: Hanai Foundation, 62430 Eagle Rd, Bend

Price: $190 + $20 for supplies

ENROLL
old ticket booth

Sold Out? Can't Make the Date?

Pre-registration is free; we only charge your credit card when we're ready to schedule (and you say ok).  When 3 people pre-register, we'll set up the next workshop with your input on dates!

PRE-REGISTER

WORKSHOP DETAILS

System Essentials

Design Your System

Design Your System

solar parts

Get your hands dirty with a pre-mounted solar system model! We’ll walk you through the parts and how they fit together, with hands-on exercises like wire stripping, making connectors, and multimeter use.

Design Your System

Design Your System

Design Your System

planning solar system

Using our AI Solar Planning Tool, you’ll map out a solar setup tailored to your needs. Collaborate with our instructors to tweak your design, troubleshoot ideas, and leave with a step-by-step plan for success.

solar workshop in progress
solar workshop in progress
solar workshop in progress
solar workshop in progress
solar workshop in progress
solar workshop in progress

WORKSHOP LEADER

Rick Bell

Rick Bell brings over 13 years of expertise, including 7 years as an Airborne Ranger, to his work in self-sustainable living. Since 2014, he’s lived off-grid on a 20-acre property he’s building into a model of self-reliance. With training in electrical engineering and real-world experience with solar systems, Rick is here to help you master the nuts and bolts of 12-volt solar power. When he’s not teaching, you can find him wiring solar setups or working on water systems for his homestead.

Rick Bell

MEMBERSHIP

welcoming campsite

Save 20% On This Workshop!

Join School of Ranch and get 20% off all workshops for a year.  Your membership helps us cover our costs. Being non-profit doesn't mean you can lose money!  We need your support and nothing shows support as much as a membership.

JOIN

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How should I dress?

We'll be indoors for this workshop. Dress comfortably.

What should I bring?

Bring a smartphone (and/or a laptop). Please create a free account on Chatgpt before coming.  www.chatgpt.com.  Bring something to take notes with. We’ll provide all the tools and installation materials.  Bring water and a snack!

Can minors attend?

This workshop is ideal for adults and teens 16+, but participants under 18 must have an adult present. Everyone must have their own ticket.

Will food be provided?

No food will be served, so bring water and a snack.

How should I prepare to use the AI planner?

Be sure you can login to www.chatgpt.com before the session.  You can login with your Gmail or other accounts, or create one.  It will make it easier if you can login easily at the workshop.  

Will you cover how to install this system on my rig?

No.  Actually installing panels to the roof of a specific RV or trailer, where to put the batteries, and other modules, and how best to run the wires is a custom job pretty much.  We can't realistically cover every type of installation.  However, the system we show you how to design will work for almost every type of vehicle.

What is School of Ranch?

School of Ranch is a Central Oregon-based 501c3 nonprofit.  We hire skilled community members to teach practical and artisan skills.  Our mission is to educate and help people discover common ground regardless of their politics, age, background or beliefs.

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