Starting September 1, the RV Industry Association (RVIA) will require that all recreational vehicles (RVs) shipping with solar power systems must include a solar charge controller that is UL-listed. This move aligns with the adoption of the 2026 edition of NFPA 1192 and the 2025 ANSI/RVIA DC Standard for DC Voltage Systems in RVs, with mandatory enforcement to begin in September.
The new regulation stipulates four conditions for solar charge controllers. These controllers must be listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory (NRTL) such as UL, rated for input voltage no less than the maximum array open-circuit voltage, rated for input power at least 125% of the maximum array power, and installed according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
As solar power becomes an increasingly common feature in motorhomes, travel trailers, and fifth wheels, the RVIA aims to enhance the safety certification of the components used in these installations. This initiative is essential since previous electrical components used in RVs have already been subject to similar requirements.
For original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), the implication is clear: any RV utilizing a non-UL-listed solar charge controller will not pass RVIA inspections after September 1. Go Power! | Dometic has prepared for this change, ensuring that their pulse-width modulation (PWM) solar controllers meet these new standards and are ready for manufacturers still relying on unlisted products.
The RVIA will be conducting more than 2,000 unannounced inspections each year, with non-compliant components failing those evaluations. A transition period from June to September allows RV manufacturers to audit their solar controller specifications and ensure compliance with the new regulations before enforcement begins.
Source: rv-pro.com