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SolarFlex Ready: Keystone’s Scalable Solar Prep for 2024 RV Models


SolarFlex Ready prepares your RV for future solar charging and inverter installation. It includes connection ports and wiring infrastructure, but it is not a complete solar power system: roof panels, a solar charge controller and an inverter must be added before those functions are available. For owners who want to upgrade gradually, the preparation provides a starting point for building a system around their camping habits and electrical needs.

What SolarFlex Ready Includes

Keystone’s SolarFlex Quickstart Guide lists these preparation components:

  • A 30-amp solar roof port with MC4 connectors
  • A 10 AWG solar charging circuit routed to the future charge controller location
  • A 30-amp solar charge breaker, located in the 12-volt distribution box if equipped
  • Inverter circuit preparation serving up to seven designated outlets
  • A Zamp Solar sidewall charge port with a 15-amp solar charging circuit

The wiring and ports provide connection points for compatible equipment. They do not collect solar energy or convert battery power into household-style AC power on their own.

Check your RV’s installed equipment and documentation before purchasing upgrades. Dealer-installed accessories or previous modifications may change what is already available.

What Solar Prep Means for Everyday Camping

An RV with SolarFlex Ready can still use its existing battery and shore-power systems according to its equipment specifications. Solar preparation simply provides infrastructure for adding another charging source and inverter capability later.

Think about the problem you want an upgrade to solve:

  • Keeping the battery replenished between trips
  • Supporting lights, a water pump and other 12-volt equipment during stops
  • Extending time without electrical hookups
  • Powering selected outlets from batteries

Those goals require different combinations of solar collection, battery capacity and inverter output.

Adding panels alone does not make AC outlets operate from batteries. Likewise, adding an inverter does not replenish the energy it uses.

Adding Roof-Mounted Solar Charging

A roof-mounted charging system requires compatible solar panels, a properly sized charge controller and a suitable battery bank, along with the necessary mounting, wiring and circuit protection.

The controller regulates energy from the panels to charge the batteries. Its settings must match the battery manufacturer’s requirements.

Your dealer can evaluate an installation using one or two compatible Future Solutions 220-watt panels. Select the controller for the planned array rather than assuming SolarFlex Ready already includes a 15-amp controller.

If you expect to add another panel later, discuss that plan before installing the first one. Controller capacity, panel voltage, wiring limits and available roof space all affect expansion.

Follow the documented roof-port limits and approved panel configuration for your RV. A matching connector alone does not establish electrical compatibility.

Using the Portable Solar Charge Port

The Zamp Solar sidewall port provides another option for adding compatible solar charging equipment.

Portable panels can be positioned separately from the RV, which may help when the campsite leaves the roof shaded. Their usefulness still depends on sunlight, placement and system capacity.

Before connecting a portable kit, confirm its polarity, electrical ratings and charge-controller arrangement. Do not assume every portable panel can connect directly to the battery through the port.

Your dealer can identify a compatible kit and explain its setup and storage requirements.

Adding Battery Power for Designated Outlets

SolarFlex Ready includes preparation for an inverter circuit serving up to seven designated outlets. An inverter must be installed to supply those outlets from battery power when hookups are unavailable.

A compatible 2,000-watt inverter is one potential upgrade described in the supplied package information. Have your dealer confirm the appropriate model and installation requirements.

The inverter, battery bank, wiring and protective devices must support the intended appliances. Consider both continuous demand and startup requirements.

This preparation does not establish that the RV can run an air conditioner from batteries. That requires a separately evaluated system designed for the load.

Choosing Battery Capacity and Monitoring

Battery capacity determines how much energy you can store. Solar collection determines how much you can replenish under the available conditions.

Before choosing equipment, list the devices you plan to use and approximately how long each will operate. Include recurring loads such as a refrigerator, along with shorter uses such as the water pump.

A dedicated battery monitor can help track consumption and estimated state of charge when correctly installed. Monitoring capabilities depend on the equipment added; SolarFlex Ready does not include Bluetooth battery monitoring simply because it has solar preparation.

Keystone also directs owners not to operate an installed SolarFlex charging system without the required 12V battery connected.

Understanding Optional Equipment Specifications

The 220-watt panel specifications in the original package information describe an optional upgrade, not equipment included with SolarFlex Ready.

Key listed panel ratings include:

SpecificationRating per panel
Maximum power220W
Maximum power voltage35.75V
Maximum power current6.15A
Open-circuit voltage44.2V
Short-circuit current6.28A
Dimensions39.37 × 41.34 × 1.38 inches
Weight29.76 pounds

Confirm the exact panel and controller specifications before installation. Enclosure ratings, protective functions and certifications belong to the selected component, not to the preparation package itself.

Planning Your SolarFlex Upgrade

SolarFlex availability varies by model, floorplan and production date. Confirm your RV’s package before relying on a brand-level equipment list.

Use the SolarFlex Ready Quick Start Guide to identify the preparation and review component setup requirements.

For comparison, Keystone also offers SolarFlex Protect 220, Discover 440i, Outlast 660i-L and Outlast Extreme 1320i-L. Their included collection, storage and inverter equipment differ.

Visit the SolarFlex home page to compare options for your next upgrade.

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.