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SolarFlex Protect 220 uses a 220-watt roof-mounted solar panel and a charge controller to replenish an owner-supplied battery bank for your RV’s 12-volt systems. It is a starting point for battery charging and future expansion. The standard package does not include batteries or an inverter, so powering household-style outlets without hookups requires additional compatible equipment. Understanding those limits helps you match the system to your camping needs.
Keystone lists the following components for the Protect 220 package:
Batteries and an inverter are not included in the standard package. Confirm your RV’s installed equipment, since dealer-added accessories and production changes can affect its configuration.
The panel converts sunlight into DC electricity. The charge controller regulates that energy to charge the connected battery bank using the appropriate battery settings.
Your RV’s 12-volt equipment draws from the electrical system while solar helps replenish stored energy. Production changes throughout the day with sunlight, shade and weather.
A properly installed battery is required. Keystone’s Quickstart Guide directs owners not to operate SolarFlex without a 12V battery connected because voltage variations could damage 12V components.
Have your dealer confirm that the controller settings match the battery type before relying on the system.
With an adequately charged battery, the system supports installed 12-volt equipment such as:
These components have different demands. A slide-out operates briefly, while a refrigerator may use energy throughout the day. Solar collection and usable battery capacity must be considered together.
Protect 220 does not provide a guaranteed number of camping days or a fixed recharge time. A shaded site, cloudy weather or sustained electrical use can leave the battery losing charge even while the panel is producing power.
Inverter preparation means designated wiring is ready for a compatible inverter installation. It does not mean those outlets already operate from battery power.
An inverter converts battery DC power into AC power for connected circuits. Keystone identifies a compatible 2,000-watt inverter as an available Protect 220 upgrade.
Some RVs equipped with a residential refrigerator may already have an inverter serving its circuit. Check your equipment rather than assuming that every Protect 220 installation is identical.
The base package is not an air-conditioning power system. Running an air conditioner from batteries requires an appropriately designed combination of equipment and storage.
Use the VictronConnect app to connect to the SmartSolar controller and review solar production, battery voltage and charging information.
To connect:
Some controllers use a unique PIN printed on their label; older versions may use the default PIN until changed.
Controller readings do not provide the same information as a dedicated battery monitor. A compatible SmartShunt upgrade can help track battery-bank current and estimated state of charge when correctly installed and configured.
When practical, choose a campsite position that limits shade on the roof panel. Trees, nearby structures and changing sun angles can reduce collection.
Keep the panel clean according to its manufacturer’s instructions, and inspect accessible equipment for damage.
Before camping without hookups, compare your normal electrical use with the system’s charging performance. If the battery repeatedly loses charge each day, reduce consumption, arrange another charging source or discuss expansion with your dealer.
Keystone identifies several dealer-supported expansion options:
Have your dealer verify controller limits, panel compatibility, wiring and battery requirements before adding equipment. More solar collection helps replenish energy; more battery capacity stores additional energy. Neither automatically increases the power an inverter can deliver.
The supplied specifications describe each 220-watt panel:
These are panel specifications, not battery charging limits or expected continuous output. Confirm the label on your installed panel before planning an upgrade.
The listed controller specifications include:
Use the installed controller’s manual for mounting, environmental and electrical limits.
Other packages include SolarFlex Ready, Discover 440i, Outlast 660i-L and Outlast Extreme 1320i-L. Compare their included solar collection, inverter capability, battery storage and monitoring equipment rather than selecting by panel wattage alone.
Visit the SolarFlex home page to compare packages for your camping needs.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is deemed to be true and accurate at the time of publication. However, due to the evolving nature of our products and services, there may be changes or updates that occur after this article was published. We encourage users to verify the contents and consult with their dealer or Keystone RV for the most current information. If you have any questions or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact your dealer or reach out to Keystone RV directly.