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RV & Camper Solar Panel Calculator

Right-size portable solar for life on the road

✓ Free estimate, no signup required

RV and camper solar is all about portable power — keeping your phone charged, running a 12V fridge, powering lights, and maybe running a fan or small appliances. Most RV setups range from 100W to 400W of panels with 50–200Ah of lithium battery storage. Unlike home solar, RV systems are DC-heavy, simpler, and often DIY-friendly. The calculator below will estimate your panel needs based on an equivalent monthly consumption.

Calculator pre-loaded with typical rv & camper solar defaults — adjust for your actual usage

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Key Considerations for RV & Camper Solar

  • ✓Most RV loads are 12V DC — match your inverter/battery to your actual appliance needs
  • ✓100–200W handles lights, phone charging, and a small fridge
  • ✓400W+ supports air conditioning, induction cooking, or working remotely full-time
  • ✓Portable folding panels offer flexibility for weekend campers
  • ✓Lithium batteries (LFP) are worth the premium for RV use — lighter, more cycles, deeper discharge

RV & Camper Solar Solar — Frequently Asked Questions

How many solar panels does an RV need?▾
A weekend camper typically needs 100–200W (1–2 panels) to handle lights, phone charging, and a 12V fridge. A full-time RV lifer or van dweller doing remote work usually needs 400–800W (2–4 panels) plus 100–200Ah of lithium batteries. Use the calculator with a $20–$60/month equivalent bill for a realistic RV estimate.
Can I run an RV air conditioner on solar?▾
Yes, but it requires a substantial system. A standard 13,500 BTU RV AC draws 1,200–1,500W. To run it for several hours daily, you'd need 800W–1,500W of solar and 200–400Ah of lithium batteries. Most RVers use solar for everything except AC, and plug into shore power for that — or use a dedicated high-capacity system for boondocking with AC.
What's the best panel setup for a camper van?▾
Most van builds use 200–400W of rigid panels on the roof, paired with 100–200Ah of lithium batteries and a 2,000W pure-sine inverter. For a van where you work remotely, 400W of panels and 200Ah LFP batteries handle most daily needs including laptop, phone, lights, a small fridge, and occasional power tool use.
Do I need a charge controller for RV solar?▾
Yes — always. A charge controller prevents overcharging your batteries and extends their life. MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) controllers are 20–30% more efficient than PWM controllers and worth the extra cost. Victron Energy, Renogy, and EPever make reliable options from $50–$300 depending on amperage.
How much does an RV solar system cost?▾
A basic 200W RV kit (panels, charge controller, wiring) runs $300–$800 and is often DIY-installed. A full 400W system with lithium batteries and an inverter typically costs $1,500–$4,000 DIY or $3,000–$7,000 professionally installed. Full-time van builds with 600W+ and large battery banks can run $5,000–$15,000 total.

Solar Calculators by State

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Related Guides

→How Many Solar Panels Do I Need?→How Solar Panel Calculators Work→Main Solar Panel Calculator

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Disclaimer: This is an estimate for planning purposes only. Actual solar system size, cost, production, and savings depend on site-specific conditions. This tool does not constitute financial, engineering, or tax advice. Always consult a licensed solar installer and tax professional before purchasing. Data sources: NREL PVWatts, EIA Residential Energy Survey, EPA eGRID.