Keystone RV, the THOR Industries subsidiary, announced today (Aug. 12,) that it will be the first major towable RV manufacturer to offer standard solar power on all travel trailers or fifth-wheel RVs.
According to Keystone, the move was guided by its core mission to leverage consumer insights in order to rapidly bring industry-changing innovations to the market.
“Over the last few years, we have seen solar power demand skyrocket,” Josh Miller, vice-president of sales, said.
He expects the trend to drive up, noting that the market is expanding as Hipcamp, Campendium and Harvest Hosts offer alternative campsites.
Matt Christensen (General Manager) said that Keystone saw an opportunity to raise the bar for RV solar energy systems.
With the exception of Keystone’s destination trailers, all brands will feature one of four new SolarFlex solar energy packages that scale up in terms of energy collection, charging speed, energy storage, and power availability.
Future Solutions, RV solar energy experts, was partnered by Keystone Innovation Lab to provide a more user-focused solution for the RV industry.
Future Solutions is an independent, hands-on RV solar upfitter. This gave them the experience and practical knowledge to create the customer-focused systems that they wanted.
“We were able to design a seamless solution using trusted products because we had the freedom to choose the best components and technologies for dealers and owners,” Jon Brock, lead innovation engineer at Keystone.
Each of the SolarFlex packages was developed to be easily expandable as campers learn more about how they want to use solar energy. The Keystone website offers expansion ideas and all components can be purchased through authorized Keystone dealers. Dealers will find it easier to install aftermarket upgrades and reduce complexity by having a common component for all Keystone brands.
Keystone will launch the SolarFlex with customer education initiatives, dealer training via Keystone IGNITE ™, dealer training via Keystone Tech’s Digital Toolbox, Key Express and parts ordering and stocking programs.
“This was a huge effort that involved almost every department of our company,” Jeff Runels, President and CEO, stated.
“The engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, and quality assurance all worked together to create the best-supported solar power program on the market for many years to come,” Runels said.
“Programs like SolarFlex are where the expertise, depth, and size of our company really shine,” he added.
SolarFlex will launch on Keystone brands through October 2021