Going Independent: A Complete Guide to Ember’s 2026 Overland Series Standard Max Solar Package

For RVers who crave true independence on the road, reliable off-grid power is non-negotiable. Ember RV has taken this to the next level with its Max Solar Package, now standard equipment on every Overland Series model for 2026. This powerful system combines cutting-edge solar technology, lithium battery storage, and intelligent energy management, giving travelers the freedom to explore.

Our Max Solar package is designed to keep you camping unplugged, but just like anything with a battery, learning to manage your power correctly, while learning to manage your expectations, is the key to ultimate satisfaction with our Max Solar Package. And part of proper system management is understanding the key components. Here’s a deep dive into each component of the Max Solar Package, how it benefits your adventures, and best-use practices to maximize its potential and harness the power of the sun:

1. 1,200 Watts of Rooftop Solar!

Ember’s package starts with an ample number of solar panels, utilizing as much of the roof top as possible to maximize solar power collecting capabilities. We install a total of six high-efficiency 200W solar panels installed on the roof straight from the factory, with a side solar port if you want to bring more along on your adventures. Additionally, our solar panel system is installed in series and in parallel (3 groups of 400W) so you won’t lose complete power harnessing capabilities if some panels or partial panels are in the shade.

With 1,200 watts of solar and each panel having the capability to produce up to 10 Amps an hour, this system is capable of harnessing enough power to keep your batteries charged, even during long stays off-grid, so long as the panels are in direct sunlight.

Best Practices:

• Park your RV in a location with maximum sun exposure, avoiding shade as much as possible.
• Regularly clean the panels to remove dust, dirt, or debris for optimal performance. Dirty panels means less efficiency!
• Angle your RV strategically to capture the most sunlight during different times of day. The sun being directly above the panels (90-degree angle) for optimal performance.
• Overland Series models’ rooftop slopes to the rear of the coach at a 1.2° angle. This could be advantageous if the unit is able to be positioned where the rooftop is angled toward the sun, allowing the system to harness more power.

2. 3,000W Victron® Inverter

Bringing in solar energy with all those panels is great! But if it’s not paired with a sufficient inverter, you won’t get the true benefits of Solar power! That’s why at Ember we include a heavy-duty inverter capable of converting stored battery power into usable AC power, straight from the factory! This powerful inverter allows you to use everything, even high-demand appliances like the factory-installed air conditioner or microwave straight from your batteries while off-grid.

Best Practices:

• Prioritize high-power appliances one at a time to avoid drawing too much energy simultaneously.
• Use the Cerbo GX monitoring system to track energy usage and avoid unnecessary drains on your battery.
• Schedule high-consumption tasks like microwaving or coffee brewing during peak solar production hours and limit high-power draws when little to no power is coming in through the solar panels (evening hours and through the night)

3. Cerbo GX Communication Center

The Cerbo GX with GX Touch is a heads-up touchscreen display communication center that allows you to monitor your solar system with ease! The Cerbo GX seamlessly connects your system components, so you always have access to real-time monitoring of your Max Solar system and can see how everything is performing separately and together. It also provides you with historical analysis and remote access with the VictronConnect™ app.

Best Practices:

• Download the VictronConnect™ app to your smart device to monitor your power system while away from your RV.
• Familiarize yourself with the Cerbo GX and everything it has to offer you for system management and historical analytics before your first camping trip. This is the tool you need to properly manage your power while camping!

4. 270Ah Battle Born® GameChanger LiFePO4 Battery

If you think of the sun’s energy as your “gas”, and the solar panels as your “gas pump”, then you need a large, reliable battery to act as a “tank” to store your “gas”. That’s why Ember uses the 270Ah Battle Born® GameChanger LiFePO4 battery in its standard Max Solar Package – a high-capacity lithium iron phosphate battery. If you want even more power storage, you can add a second 270Ah battery from the factory for a total of 540Ah!

Best Practices:

• Begin your trip with a fully charged battery.
• Avoid completely draining the battery regularly; lithium batteries last longer when kept above 20% charge. Use your Cerbo GX to easily monitor battery charge levels.
• Use energy-efficient appliances to extend battery life between charges.
• When storing in colder weather, bring the battery to full charge and enable the cold weather disconnect to properly store the battery. Battle Born batteries can handle a storage range of -15˚ F to 145˚ F.

5. Three Victron® Bluetooth® MPPT Controllers

Our Max Solar package features three Victron Bluetooth MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) controllers because of their advanced MPPT technology and Bluetooth connectivity. These solar controllers ensure maximum energy conversion and customizable energy management. Additionally, Ember has installed a PV (photovoltaic) solar disconnect in line with each of the MPPT controllers for safety and ease of service.

Best Practices:

• Use the VictronConnect™ monitoring app to check each controller’s performance daily.
• Keep firmware updated for best controller performance and safety.
• Use PV disconnect switches for storage, service, or diagnostics.

6. REDARC® DC to DC Trailer Battery Charger

Adding the REDARC DC to DC battery charger to our Max Solar package allows you to safely and efficiently charge the battery from your tow vehicle’s 7-way cable. The DC to DC charger minimizes load on your alternator and allows the solar panels to charge the battery while in transit. Not only does this charge your battery as you’re traveling from campsite to campsite, it also allows you to put a little extra into your battery when/if needed by plugging your RV into the 7-way and turning on your tow vehicle while at camp.

Best Practices:

• Use this feature to add battery power during travel stretches of poor sunlight, or if you are in critical need of battery power to operate necessary functions.
• Check connection wiring periodically to ensure proper charging from the tow vehicle.
• Avoid overloading the vehicle’s alternator with other high-draw electronics while charging the trailer batteries.

7. Integrated PV and Cold Weather Disconnects

Ember also made sure to build in disconnect switches for proper maintenance and temperature protection. By integrating PV and Cold Weather disconnects, Ember is protecting your solar system from damage. These also allow for safe shutdowns when needed for storage, service, or diagnoses.

Best Practices:

• Use disconnects before performing any electrical maintenance on your RV.
• Activate disconnects if internal temperatures drop below freezing to safeguard the batteries.

8. Side Solar Port

Ember utilizes 3 solar ports on the rooftop for the factory installed solar panels. Each solar port is routed to its own dedicated Victron Bluetooth MPPT solar controller. However, if you’re looking to expand the solar panels in the Max Solar Package, Ember has included an additional ground solar input port for portable or expandable solar arrays. This allows each customer the flexibility to supplement solar power based on their needs, even trip to trip!

Best Practices:

• Carry foldable or portable solar panels to deploy in sunny areas away from your RV. Note: the ground solar port is not integrated through a solar controller so it is important to make sure your portable panels have an integrated solar controller.
• Ensure all connections are secure and properly rated to avoid electrical shorts.
• Store portable panels safely to prevent damage during travel.

Things To Consider For Optimal Performance

Even the most advanced solar setups have limitations. To get the best results from your Max Solar Package, it’s important, and even crucial, to keep these things in mind when powering your rig off grid.

• Cloudy Days: Solar production decreases significantly during extended overcast conditions. Plan for reduced power availability and conserve energy when sunlight is limited.
• Tree Cover and Shade: Parking under trees or near tall structures blocks solar input. Always try to choose open, sun-exposed campsites.
• Dirty or Obstructed Panels: Dust, dirt, snow, or fallen leaves can reduce panel efficiency. Clean panels regularly to maintain optimal output.
• High Power Usage: Running multiple high-wattage devices at once can drain batteries faster than solar can replenish them. It is also not advisable to run multiple high-wattage devices because of the risk of overloading the system. Prioritize usage and spread out energy demands.
• Solar Cycle: Solar harvest is naturally lower during shorter daylight hours. Summer months provide more direct sun to the solar panels while spring, fall, and winter have less. Consider adding movable portable panels, managing power differently, or adjusting travel plans seasonally.
• Temperature Extremes: Batteries and solar components operate best in moderate temperatures. Protect your system from prolonged exposure to extreme heat or freezing conditions.
• System Monitoring: Failing to monitor energy input and output can lead to unexpected and unwelcomed power shortages. Use the Cerbo GX touchscreen display and VictronConnect™ apps to stay informed about your energy status and adjust your usage accordingly to preserve power when needed.

By keeping these factors in mind and adapting your usage, you’ll help your Max Solar system consistently perform at its best.

Why Our Max Solar Package Sets Ember Apart

With this package now standard on all 2026 Overland Series models, Ember has raised the bar for factory-installed solar solutions in the RV industry. Instead of piecing together an aftermarket system, owners get a fully integrated, high-capacity solar setup designed to work seamlessly with the RV’s electrical systems from day one. Here’s what you get when you own a unit with our 2026 Max Solar Package:

• True Energy Independence: Stay off-grid longer with reliable power production, storage, and management.
• Quiet, Eco-Friendly Camping: Get away from the busy campgrounds and also reduce or eliminate generator use for a more peaceful experience.
• Expandable Setup: Expandable capacity and ports to grow with your needs.
• Smart Monitoring: Real-time data puts you in control of your energy usage.

The 2026 Ember Max Solar Package delivers everything adventurous RVers need to roam freely and sustainably. By combining powerful solar panels, intelligent energy management, superior lithium batteries, and versatile charging options, and, of course, using common sense and following best practices for optimal use, you can make the most of every ounce of solar energy your RV captures.

With Ember, you can camp farther, stay longer, and experience true freedom under the sun. Declare independence with Ember RV!