RV camping tool · Off-grid power
RV Solar Calculator
Size a first-pass RV solar array and battery bank from actual daily energy demand.
Updated 2026-08-12
How the estimate works
Daily appliance energy is adjusted for inverter and system losses. Required solar watts equal adjusted daily watt-hours divided by effective peak-sun hours. Battery size adds the chosen no-sun reserve and respects usable depth of discharge.
Inputs that change the answer most
- Air conditioning, electric heat and cooking loads can dominate a small RV system.
- Cloud, shade, panel angle, heat and dirt reduce harvest.
- Lithium and lead-acid batteries have different practical usable depth of discharge.
- The inverter must handle both continuous watts and short startup surges.
Electrical safety
This is an energy-planning estimate, not a wiring design. Cable ampacity, overcurrent protection, disconnects, grounding, roof mounting and shore-power integration should be designed to applicable codes and manufacturer instructions.
Frequently asked questions
How many solar panels do I need for an RV?
Add daily appliance watt-hours, account for losses, then divide by effective peak-sun hours. Panel count depends on the wattage of each panel.
How many amp-hours of battery do I need?
Convert required stored watt-hours to amp-hours by dividing by system voltage and usable depth of discharge.
Can RV solar run an air conditioner?
It can, but air conditioning often requires a large array, battery and inverter. Startup surge and daily runtime matter as much as the running watts.
Related tools and guides
Official sources
Rules and penalties change. Confirm your situation with the issuing authority or a qualified professional before acting.