RV solar planning tool

RV solar panel calculator: start with the panels you can install.

Pick 200W, 400W, 600W, 800W or your own solar panel setup. The calculator estimates daily energy, battery bank size, MPPT controller size, wire starting points and what that setup can realistically run.

Built around common RV panel sizesOptional device comparisonBeginner friendly
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What it solves

  • What will 200W, 400W or 600W actually do?
  • What size battery bank matches my panels?
  • What size MPPT controller should I shop for?
  • How much more solar would I need?
Interactive calculator

Start with your solar panels.

Most campers are not starting with giant solar arrays. Choose the panel size that fits your roof or budget first, then use the optional device list to see whether that setup is enough.

Panel wattsThe solar panel size printed on the panel label, such as 100W or 200W.
Daily watt-hoursWhat your panels can make over a sunny day. This is the useful energy number.
Battery amp-hoursHow much stored energy your battery bank can hold at its voltage.
Controller ampsThe MPPT charge controller size needed to move panel power into the batteries.
Step 1

Solar panel setup

Choose the solar panel setup you are thinking about installing. A lot of campers are in the 200W to 400W range, while larger RV roofs may reach 600W to 800W before roof space gets tight.

Step 2

System assumptions

Step 3 optional

Compare against devices

You do not have to fill this out. Use it if you want to know whether your selected panels can keep up with your actual daily use. Check AC for household-style 120V items that run through an inverter.

DeviceWattsQtyHours/dayAC24/7
Step 4

Advanced wire planning distances

Leave these alone if you are just estimating. These are one-way cable distances; DC voltage drop uses the full round trip path.

How to use the numbers

Solar size replaces energy. Battery size stores energy.

A lot of RV solar mistakes come from mixing up watts, watt-hours and amp-hours. Solar panels are rated in watts, but your camping day is measured in watt-hours. A 400 watt solar setup does not make 400 watts all day; it makes energy over the sunny part of the day. Batteries store that energy so you can use it later.

For "run it indefinitely" loads

Use the 24/7 checkbox in the optional device section. The calculator treats that device as a full-day load and compares it to the daily energy your selected panels should make. If the solar array cannot replace daily usage, the batteries will still run down.

For air conditioners and high-draw appliances

Roof air conditioners, microwaves, induction cooktops, coffee makers and electric heaters can dominate the entire system. A 3,000 watt solar result does not mean that much panel will neatly fit on the roof. It means the daily energy use is huge. In many RVs, running air conditioning from batteries is possible but expensive, heavy, sensitive to weather and usually needs backup charging.

Why panel watts and inverter watts are different

Solar panel watts are charging power spread across the day. Inverter watts are instant 120V output. A system can need a large solar array to recharge batteries all day while only needing a smaller inverter to run the appliances that are on at the same time. Air conditioners are the exception that often need extra inverter surge capacity and a soft start.

For wire gauge and fuse sizing

The wire results use current, one-way distance and voltage drop to suggest a starting copper conductor size. The fuse is there to protect the wire, not the appliance. Final sizing depends on insulation temperature rating, routing, bundling, conduit, terminals, manufacturer instructions and local code.

RV solar FAQ

Common sizing questions.

How many solar panels do I need for boondocking?

Start with daily watt-hours, divide by peak sun hours, then add losses and weather margin. Then compare that number to what can physically fit on your RV roof.

Should I build a 12V, 24V or 48V RV solar system?

Small RV systems are often 12V because the coach is already 12V. Larger inverter and solar systems benefit from 24V or 48V because current drops, wire size becomes more manageable, and controller capacity goes further.

Can I run my RV air conditioner on solar?

Sometimes, but it is not a normal small solar setup. A/C usually needs a large lithium bank, a serious inverter, heavy cabling, soft-start planning and another charging source for cloudy days.