Introduction
Thinking of going off-grid in your RV? Solar power is one of the best ways to enjoy the freedom of the open road without relying on noisy generators or campground hookups. But one of the first questions RVers ask is: How many solar panels do I actually need? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to size your solar setup with confidence.
Why Go Solar in Your RV?
- Freedom to camp anywhere — no hookups required.
- Silent, clean energy — no noise or fumes from generators.
- Cost-effective in the long run — save on campground fees and fuel.
Solar lets you stay longer in remote locations, power your essentials, and reduce your carbon footprint all at once.
Understand Your Energy Needs (Step-by-Step)
Before you buy any panels, you need to know how much power you use each day.
1. Make a List of Your Devices
Start by listing all the electronics and appliances you use in your RV:
|
Device |
Watts |
Hours/Day |
Daily Energy (Wh) |
|
Fridge |
60W |
24 |
1440 Wh |
|
LED Lights (x4) |
40W |
4 |
160 Wh |
|
Laptop |
50W |
3 |
150 Wh |
|
Phone Charger |
10W |
2 |
20 Wh |
|
Water Pump |
60W |
0.5 |
30 Wh |
|
Fan |
30W |
5 |
150 Wh |
|
Total |
1950 Wh/day |
2. Total Up Your Daily Usage
Add all the watt-hours together. In this example, you'd need about 1950 Wh per day.
Factor in Sunlight: Peak Sun Hours
The amount of energy your solar panels can produce depends on how much sunlight you get. This is measured in Peak Sun Hours.
- Southwest US: 5.5 - 6.5 hrs/day
- Southeast/Midwest: 4.5 - 5.5 hrs/day
- Northeast/Northwest: 3.5 - 4.5 hrs/day
Use an average of 5 hours/day for most of the U.S. unless you're traveling in very sunny or cloudy regions.
The Solar Panel Calculation
Use this simple formula:
Daily Watt-Hours ÷ Peak Sun Hours = Required Solar Watts
Example:
1950 Wh ÷ 5 hours = 390W of solar
Add 25% for inefficiencies:
390W x 1.25 = ~490W
You'd need about 500W of solar panels to meet this daily usage. That could be:
- 2 x 250W panels
- 3 x 170W panels
Don’t Forget the Battery Bank
Solar panels charge your batteries, which power your devices when the sun goes down. Here’s how to size your battery bank:
Battery Ah = Daily Wh ÷ 12V
Example:
1950 Wh ÷ 12V = 162.5 Ah
- Use 200Ah LiFePO4 batteries for efficiency and deep discharge capability.
- For lead-acid, you'd need double that (around 350Ah) because only 50% of capacity is usable.
Recommended RV Solar Setups
|
Type of RVer |
Suggested Solar |
Battery Bank (LiFePO4) |
|
Weekend Warrior |
200W - 300W |
100Ah |
|
Part-Time Explorer |
400W - 600W |
200Ah |
|
Full-Time Nomad |
800W - 1200W |
300Ah - 400Ah |
Other Important Considerations
- Inverter: Required for running AC appliances. Size it based on your peak load (e.g., microwave, blender).
- Charge Controller: Use MPPT for maximum efficiency.
- Expandability: Leave room to add panels or batteries later.
- Mounting: Tiltable mounts increase winter output.
Use Our RV Solar Calculator
Not sure how to crunch the numbers? Try our free RV Solar & Battery Calculator to input your devices and get an instant recommendation.
Conclusion
Solar power transforms RV travel. Whether you're a weekend camper or a full-time vanlifer, a well-designed solar system gives you the freedom to roam without compromise. Now that you know how to calculate your needs, you can start building your perfect solar setup.
Need help? Contact us or explore our complete solar kits designed just for RVs.
Contact Us
Email - sales@powergenstore.com
Phone: 845-202-2982
Note: This content was drafted using AI assistance and reviewed by our editorial team for quality and accuracy.
