A Solar Panel also known as Photovoltaic (PV) Panel is a device which converts sunlight into Direct Current(DC) electricity.
In RV, 4×4 & Marine applications a solar panels sole purpose is to charge batteries. The solar panel will not run appliances alone. A Solar Panel must be connected to a solar charge controller which feeds charge into the on board battery until the battery is charged and then allows the solar panel to continue to charge the battery when power is drawn from the battery from your appliances.
To charge a battery from a solar panel the panel must be wired through the solar charge controller so as to regulate the voltage and current going into the battery and to isolate charge from the solar panel when the battery reaches a full state of charge.
To carry out a full solar install you will require the panels, charge controller, panel brackets, fuses, cable, sealants and fixings.