We are often asked to help calculate much solar power our clients need in their camper van or RV. For starters you will need to consider how many days you will be off-grid and how much energy will be used inside and outside of your camper van. If you are unsure about your solar needs, we suggest starting off with a single solar panel and you can add more as your power needs change. When it comes to simple solar sizing, you can start with a baseline of what type of traveler you are, the type of RV or camper van you have, and how you intend to camp.
What type of traveler are you?
Weekenders – 200+ Watts
Many weekend off-grid campers start with a minimalist approach and only need limited DC power to operate fresh water pumps, roof vent fans, lights, and a camper van refrigerator. If you are looking to power small electronics like cell phones, laptops, or TVs, adding a power inverter with a DC adapter is an easy upgrade that requires no additional installation.
Week-Long Travelers – 400-600+ Watts
Adventurous travelers who prefer remote locations may opt for portable power systems if your power requirements aren’t too extreme. Typically, 400+ watts (400Ah for Lithium batteries, and at least a 2000-watt pure sine wave inverter is recommended.
Full-Time/Power Users – 1000+ Watts
‘Power users’ or RV’ers who want all the conveniences of home will need a robust rooftop solar installation. This type of traveler will need a robust solar system paired with ample battery capacity and a 3000-watt pure sine wave inverter.
What type of solar panels should I get?
There are four main types of solar panels on the market today. Portablesolar panels, rigid aluminum framed solar panels, walkable solar panels, and flexible solar panels. Since we are trying to size an installed, roof-mounted system, let’s go through a few of the features and drawbacks of each type of solar panel:
Rigid solar panels (monocrystalline or polycrystalline) are constructed of silicon wafers that are about the width of a human hair. Although its thin, the layer is rigid and easily broken, requiring solar cells to be protected with metal and glass frames.
Flexible solar panels belong to a family of solar products called “thin film panels.” Flexible panels are constructed with silicon layers over 300 times smaller than those of standard solar panels, allowing them to be flexed and still retain their functionality. The biggest issue with flexible solar panels is that they’re much less efficient than rigid panels. Today’s average rigid solar panels are about 16-22% efficient. Thin-film flexible solar panels, however, are only 7-15% efficient, meaning you’ll need more of them (and more space) to produce the same amount of electricity that a rigid panel can produce. Flexible solar panels are a great option for anyone needing lightweight and portable power. Flexible solar panels are ideal for mobile applications such as sailboats, yachts, RVs, and camper vans, that don’t require large power outputs. Flexible solar panels don’t have the same longevity as rigid solar panels.
Walk-on Solar Panels: Our walkable solar panels are available with two different types of solar cells; SunPower Maxeon and Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact (PERC). Nomadic Supply Company walkable solar panels are the best walk-on panels in the entire world.
Portable Solar Panels: Portable, (or “suitcase” style) panels require no installation and ideal for weight-conscious or entry-level travelers.
Solar Panel Sizing by Vehicle Type
Another method for quickly sizing solar requirements is to use the vehicle that you have have as the main factor. See below for detailed information:
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Power:
“How long can solar run electronics or appliances?” Appliances don’t run directly on solar power. Solar panels charge your RVs or camper van’s Lithium batteries, which can then be drawn on to power DC components. The batteries can be likened to the “gas tank” of the power system. The more battery power available, the larger the “gas tank”, the more runtime for DC appliances.
“Can I run my TV or fridge with solar energy?” All of the refrigerators that we sell at Nomadic Supply Company run on DC and AC power. The solar panels will provide power to the batteries, which will allow you to run a fridge on DC power. Solar panels will also charge your batteries so that you can use your fresh water pump. Since many TVs and some fridges run on 120-volt (AC) power, your RV would require a power inverter as well.
“What do I need to consider when sizing a solar system?” Factors that travelers will need to consider when picking a solar kit are battery bank capacity, current and future power requirements and, of course, budget.
“How can I measure my daily battery consumption?” RV & camper van owners can determine a usage estimate by starting with a full battery and measuring the voltage of the battery after a full day of camping. This requires that you have a battery bank large enough to handle a day’s worth of usage in the vehicle. Consider a Kill-A-Watt meter: a device that you place between your RV and shore power to calculate how many watts have been used automatically.
Convenient Sizing Tools for Mobile Solar
If you want an easy way to get started quickly without having too much technical knowledge upfront, then some great tools are available online for estimating the size of your mobile power setup. For example, use the Go Power specifically tailored toward mobile homes. Additionally, Go Power has created an informative PDF document titled Solar Sizing Worksheet ,enabling you to make more accurate estimations depending on your needs. Both options provide great resources when beginning the process of sizing up a new solar power system for your RV.
Why is Sizing Important?
When it comes to powering your mobile home with solar energy, sizing the system correctly is crucial. It involves calculating the amount of power you need and determining how many solar panels you need to generate that power. Factors such as the size of your vehicle, the number of appliances you use, and your travel habits all play a role in finding the right solar system for you.
1. Don’t run out of power
Nothing can ruin a camping trip like running out of power. Whether relying on solar energy or a generator to keep your RV or mobile home powered, having enough juice is essential for an enjoyable and stress-free experience. Fortunately, you can take some simple steps to ensure that your system has enough power while you’re off the grid. With the right solar system, you can enjoy the freedom of the open road without worrying about running out of power.
2. Avoid early battery replacement
Early battery replacement can be a costly mistake, as it can result from an improperly sized solar power system. If a solar power system is too small to meet the needs of the RV or mobile home, the batteries will overwork themselves and fail prematurely. This means that even if the solar power system is efficient and working properly, it won’t be able to store enough energy to run everything in the RV reliably over long periods.
3. Save money in the long run
Buying high-quality tested components will go a long way. You no longer have to pay for power, since you are producing your own. Properly sizing the system will ensure that you have enough power to run all of your electronics and appliances while saving money by avoiding costly battery replacements.
4. Helping the planet
Switching to solar energy is a great way to help the planet. Solar energy is renewable, sustainable, and clean; meaning that it does not produce any emissions or pollutants into the atmosphere. By utilizing this abundant source of natural power, we can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and move towards a greener future.
Understanding Your Power Needs
Before determining the appropriate solar sizing for your RV or mobile home, you need to understand your power needs. This means, first of all, calculating the amount of power you typically use on a daily basis. To start, list all the electrical devices you plan to use while on the road. This might include lights, refrigerator, microwave, water pump, fan, TV, and laptop. Next to each device, write down its power consumption in watts. You can usually find this information on the device or its user manual. Then calculate your daily power consumption by adding up the wattage of all the devices you plan to use and multiplying that number by the number of hours you expect to use them daily. For example, if you plan to use a 50-watt light for 4 hours and a 100-watt refrigerator for 24 hours, your daily power consumption would be:
| Device | Power Consumption (Watts) | Hours of Use per Day | Daily Energy Consumption (Watt-hours) |
| Light | 50 | 4 | 200 |
| Refrigerator | 100 | 24 | 2400 |
| Total | 2600 |
How Much Energy Will You Consume?
As a next step, consider your peak power demand, which is the maximum amount of power your system will need to supply at any given moment. This typically occurs when you turn on multiple devices at once, such as when you start your air conditioner or microwave. To calculate your peak power demand, simply add up the wattage of all the devices you plan to use simultaneously. This will to a large extent define the type and capacity of the batteries you will need. The amount of energy you use, also depends largely on your travel habits. How many days at a time do you spend off-grid? Do you need a lot of energy at night, when the solar panels are not generating any power? How much sunlight is available at your travel destinations? Do you only want to cover your basic necessities?
How Many Solar Panels Do You Need for Your RV?
Let’s say, you use 3.6 kWh of energy per day, and you are camping in California with six hours of horizontal irradiance. You would need a minimum of 600W worth of solar panels. Remember to always consult with a professional before installing solar panels on your RV or mobile home. They can help you determine the best solar sizing for your specific needs and ensure that your system is installed safely and correctly.
Which Size Battery Do I Need?
When it comes to powering an RV or mobile home with solar energy, batteries are an essential part of the system. Depending on the size of the system, anywhere from one to multiple batteries will be required in order to store enough energy while the sun is up. Additionally, it is important to factor in battery efficiency and lifespan when deciding which type of battery should be used for the system. A high-quality, long-lasting battery will save money in the long run as there will be less need for premature replacements due to a low capacity or degraded performance over time. When researching and budgeting for a solar power system, be sure to consider the recommended number of batteries needed for your particular setup so that you can get the most out of your new system without spending too much money on unnecessary components. As an example, two 100AH Lithium batteries will provide you with 200 ampere-hours, enough to stay off-grid for 2-3 days in a midsize trailer.
System Components – What You Need to Know
Since you are considering investing in a solar power system for your RV, you are likely also interested in how it works. Solar panels, batteries and inverters all come in different sizes depending on the amount of electricity that they are handling. It is essential to ensure that all parts of the equipment are designed to work together. If you buy all components from the same trusted supplier you are significantly reducing the risk of a system failure.
Portable solar panels as an alternative to rigid aluminum roof-mount solar panels
There are two types of mobile solar, roof-mounted installs or portable systems. Both options come with their own advantages and disadvantages. Consider your particular situation carefully before deciding which type of installation is best suited for your needs. Many RV’ers choose a fixed installation on their vehicle, but you will find that a portable system can do the trick as well with an amazing amount of flexibility. Explore Portable Solar Panels in more detail on our website.
Budget – How Much Do You Want to Spend?
Budgeting for a solar power system is an important part of the process. It’s essential to understand how much you are willing to spend in order to get the most out of your new system. Before investing in a solar energy system, consider all expenses: Equipment, installation, maintenance and upgrades over time. Choosing high-quality equipment can often save you substantial amounts of money down the road. Longer product lifetimes mean less frequent replacement, less maintenance and lower installation costs, and not to forget, fewer headaches for you. With careful planning, you can ensure that you have enough off-grid power without breaking the bank.
Quick Guide to Choosing the Right Mobile Solar System for You
- Size your solar system appropriately to ensure they don’t run out of power in the bush or end up with premature battery replacements.
- Calculate your daily power consumption and peak power demand and determine the type and capacity of batteries needed.
- Use our solar sizing worksheet to assist in understanding your energy needs.
- Quality components are more efficient and also have a longer lifespan, saving money in the long run.
- Portable solar systems offer flexibility, but both roof-mounted and portable installations require careful budgeting.