SolarMathKit

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RV system planning

RV & Camper Solar Calculator: Panels, Battery and Loads

Use this RV and camper solar calculator to build an RV or van appliance list, then estimate the solar array, battery storage, and a charge-controller current baseline together. Replace every example load with your own measured or nameplate data; use the integrated off-grid planner for a non-RV system.

Build the RV energy plan

Editable RV profiles Replaces the load list
Load previewbefore battery and solar losses
Daily energy
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Running power
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These are editable examples, not fixed appliance ratings. Replace them with measured or nameplate data.

Solar planning scenario

Choose the season you need to cover, then use a sourced peak-sun value for that season.

Find peak sun hours by locationOptional · PVWatts / NSRDB

Your coordinates are sent to NREL only when you apply the estimate. The lookup uses a visible planning model: fixed roof array, standard module, 14% losses, 1.2 DC/AC ratio, and 96% inverter efficiency.

Editable starting point. Check the battery maker's operating limits.
Advanced assumptionsEditable planning values
Solar and controller assumptionsEditable planning values

Your planning estimate

Local calculation

Enter your values, then calculate. Results will show the formula inputs and rounding used.

Formula used

RV plan = appliance Wh → shared battery sizing + shared panel sizing; controller baseline A = installed array W ÷ battery V × factor

The RV page does not maintain separate battery or solar formulas. It sends the appliance total to the same calculation modules used by the dedicated battery and panel tools, then reports a current baseline for controller research.

See the full assumptions and rounding policy.

Maintenance and verification

Maintained by: SolarMathKit Formula version: 1.3.0 Last reviewed:

The calculator calls the shared, tested TypeScript calculation modules documented in the methodology. Automated tests cover published examples, invalid inputs, rounding, and result invariants.

SolarMathKit maintains this implementation. The review is an internal technical check, not an independent engineering certification.

Worked example: a small van day

A 55W fridge runs for 12 hours, four 8W lights run for 4 hours, and a 65W laptop runs for 3 hours.

  1. Fridge: 55 × 12 = 660 Wh.
  2. Lights: 8 × 4 × 4 = 128 Wh.
  3. Laptop: 65 × 3 = 195 Wh.
  4. Daily total: 983 Wh before battery and solar losses.
Result: The shared battery and panel formulas size storage and generation from 983 Wh/day using the selected autonomy, sun, voltage, and loss assumptions.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Leaving a compressor appliance at nameplate watts for 24 hours without checking duty cycle.
  • Sizing panels from peak running watts instead of daily watt-hours.
  • Treating the controller current baseline as a complete MPPT selection.
  • Ignoring roof area, shade, panel Voc, temperature, and travel-season changes.

Questions people ask

How much solar does an RV need?

There is no fixed panel count. Start with daily appliance watt-hours, then choose the travel season, peak sun hours, panel rating, and coverage goal. This page turns those assumptions into a planning estimate.

Why are the example appliance values editable?

RV appliances vary widely. The examples only demonstrate the workflow; your measured use should replace them.

Does the controller result choose a model?

No. It is a current baseline. A real selection must also check cold-weather Voc, Isc, input voltage, charge current, battery profile, and manufacturer rules.

Should I plan from summer or winter sun?

Use the season and location that matter to your travel plan. A year-round system usually needs a more conservative scenario than a summer-only trip.

Before you build: Check voltage, current, temperature, protection, cable sizing and installation rules with the equipment manuals and a qualified professional.