Anybody know about the solar panel on my 2004 2550

Hi Rosy Phoenix,

Your solar panel was most likely added some time after your PC left the factory.  I imagine any solar panel on a 2004 model year would have been added by an independent dealer as a dealer-installed option, or by a previous owner.  

The factory did not offer a solar panel as an option back then, at least not offered to us in 2007.  The factory started selling directly to the general public around 2009 and as I recall, solar panels came later as an undocumented option, handled on a per-request basis.  So the solar panel you have on your roof is a hit-or-miss with regards to commonality with other PC owners.

Rosy, what is your question?

Systems are fairly simple, size of arrays vary.

They basically have 3 parts. Solar Array, charge controller and your RV batteries.

Thanks Ron, your reply was über helpful! My question was, did I have to take any overt action to employ the benefit of the solar panel, or does it just work automatically, assuming it is in good working order. As I do mostly forest service-type camping, I will soon determine if the solar is working by the condition of the batteries after a couple days of no 110 service. I do not watch tv and use a French press for coffee, so my power use is limited to lights and the water pump.  Thanks again for your quick response to the newb.

There should be an information panel for the solar panel that tells you if and how much the panel is charging the batteries. Check that panel from time to time to keep track of solar function and battery state.