Since the 2019 model year, every Airstream travel trailer rolling out of the Jackson Center, Ohio factory has been built with dedicated solar-ready infrastructure. Factory rooftop packages were built on Zamp Solar panels from model year 2019 through 2022, and the same SAE-based solar architecture continues on newer models. Whether you're a new Airstream owner trying to understand what came with your trailer, or a seasoned Airstreamer looking to expand your system, this guide breaks down exactly what each factory solar option includes and how to get more out of it.
What Every 2019+ Airstream Includes
Regardless of which solar package you selected at purchase, all 2019 and newer Airstream travel trailers come standard with two key solar-ready features:
- Zamp Solar SAE Side Wall Port — a dedicated exterior port wired directly to your battery bank, designed for connecting a regulated (charge controller-equipped) portable solar panel kit
- Zamp Solar or Merlin SAE Roof Cap — a roof-mounted SAE connection hub that allows up to three rooftop solar panels to be added or expanded without running new wiring
These two features mean that even a base-model Airstream is ready for solar expansion right out of the factory.
The Three Factory Solar Options
Option 1: Solar Pre-Wire (Standard on All Trailers)
The base solar configuration comes pre-wired with the Zamp Solar Side Wall Port and 3-Port Roof Cap, but no rooftop panels installed. This is ideal for owners who want flexibility — you can start with a portable solar kit and add rooftop panels later as your needs grow.
The Side Wall Port is perfect for connecting a regulated portable kit like the Go Power! Duralite Airstream-Compatible Portable Solar Kit. The 3-Port Roof Cap allows you to add up to three rooftop panels when you're ready to go permanent.
Option 2: Factory Solar Package — Single Panel
This package builds on the pre-wire foundation by adding a single factory-installed rooftop solar panel. It also includes:
- Interior digital solar monitor
- Two upgraded AGM batteries
- Zamp Solar Side Wall Port (for portable panel connection)
- SAE Roof Cap (room to expand with additional panels)
This is a solid starting point for weekend campers who want reliable solar without going all-in on a larger system from day one.
Option 3: Factory Solar Package — Dual Panel
The top-tier factory option doubles the rooftop solar capacity with two factory-installed panels. It includes everything in the single-panel package:
- Two factory-installed rooftop solar panels
- Interior digital solar monitor
- Two upgraded AGM batteries
- Zamp Solar Side Wall Port
- SAE Roof Cap (one port still available for expansion)
With dual rooftop panels, most Airstream owners can comfortably run lights, fans, a refrigerator, and charge devices for multiple days without hookups — depending on sun exposure and usage habits.
What Changed in Model Year 2023
Starting with model year 2023, Airstream moved its factory rooftop panels from Zamp Solar to 100 watt Merlin panels and began letting customers choose their own batteries at the dealership on delivery. The solar-ready fundamentals — including the SAE Side Wall Port — carried over unchanged, which means portable solar remains the fastest way to add capacity to a newer trailer. Own a 2023 or newer Airstream? See our dedicated guide: Adding Solar to a 2023+ Airstream with Factory Merlin Panels.
Expanding Your Airstream's Factory Solar System
Ready to add more solar? No matter which factory option your Airstream came with, the upgrade path is the same: the Airstream OBSIDIAN® Series 9 100W Slim Solar Panel Expansion Kit is purpose-built for 2019 and newer Airstreams with the factory SAE roof port.
Each kit plugs directly into your existing factory system via the SAE roof cap — no controller replacement required — and adds a full 100 watts of premium OBSIDIAN® power. The Series 9 slim panel uses advanced 9-bus bar monocrystalline cell technology in a narrow, low-profile form factor designed specifically for Airstream's curved aluminum roof, backed by a 25-year power output warranty.
Every expansion kit includes:
- 100W Slim OBSIDIAN® Series 9 Monocrystalline Solar Panel
- Set of 4 Silver Curved Roof Mounting Feet (Airstream-specific)
- 36" MC4 Wire Lead
- MC4 to SAE Adapter
Need to mount the panel further from the roof cap? If your installation requires extra reach, you'll need to add MC4 extension wires to bridge the distance between the panel and the SAE connection point.
The factory 3-Port Roof Cap makes it easy to stack multiple expansion kits — owners of the single-panel factory package have two ports open, while the pre-wire base package has all three available. Owners of pre-2019 Airstreams may also be compatible — just verify your roof cap connection type before ordering.
Which Option Is Right for You?
- Weekend camper at established sites: The pre-wire + a portable kit is often enough to top off batteries between hookup stays.
- Extended dry camping or boondocking: The factory solar foundation is a great start — then expand with the OBSIDIAN® Series 9 Expansion Kit as your needs grow.
- Already have a factory system and want more: Add one expansion kit per available roof cap port. Each kit adds 100W and plugs straight into your existing SAE connection — no rewiring needed.
Airstream travel trailers allow people to "go" in a way that no other manufacturer has been able to replicate. We believe lives are best lived with less worry and more adventure. Our goal is to help Airstreamers get further off the beaten path — with batteries charged and ready for whatever comes next.