Solar is one of the best upgrades you can make for off-grid RV living, but only if the system matches what you actually want to power. Use the tool below to build a real estimate based on your appliances, then compare paths: rooftop, portable, or hybrid.
Start Here: Choose Your Solar Path
Rooftop systems are the primary focus on this page. Portable power stations are great for simplicity, and hybrid setups are popular when you want flexibility.
RV Solar Calculator
Build a useful estimate by listing what you run each day. This tool outputs daily energy use, recommended solar wattage, battery storage, and a realistic inverter size.
Daily Appliance Load
Add what you actually run. If you do not know watts, use a quick lookup on the appliance label. The calculator uses watts × hours/day × quantity.
| Appliance | Watts | Hours/day | Qty | Surge? | Row Wh/day |
|---|
Recommended Brands by Category
These links go to your detailed brand pages. The calculator will suggest a path, then you can pick the brands that match your budget and install style.
What To Compare Before You Buy
Instead of “high vs moderate,” use this checklist. It keeps comparisons honest across brands and models.
Solar Panels (rooftop or portable)
Look at panel wattage, panel type, physical size, mounting method, and shading tolerance. Then match the array size to your daily watt-hours, not your hope.
Battery Bank
Compare usable capacity (not just rated capacity). Lithium usually gives more usable power than AGM. Also check BMS limits and cold-weather charging behavior.
Charge Controller
MPPT controllers are common for rooftop systems. Confirm the controller supports your array voltage and current, and has room for expansion.
Inverter
Size it for your real peak load and surge loads. Microwaves, A/C, and power tools can spike hard. Cheap inverters often fall over at the worst time.
Real-World Example
Want to see what a big solar build looks like in the real world, including costs and the install process? Here is a solid example from a well-known RV channel.
Wild RV Life: “RV Solar System Runs A/C! Our Solar Install & Costs”
This is a useful watch if you are aiming for serious loads like air conditioning. It shows what “massive solar” really means in terms of panels, batteries, and budget.
FAQs
Quick answers to the common questions that show up when people start planning solar for RV life.
What solar panel type is best for RVs?
For rooftop systems, rigid panels are common. For portable setups, folding panels are convenient. What matters most is matching wattage to your daily watt-hours and choosing gear you will actually use.
Can I install rooftop solar myself?
Many RVers do, especially with kits. The biggest mistakes happen with wiring, fusing, roof penetrations, and undersizing components. If in doubt, get an install check from someone who builds RV systems.
Do I need batteries for solar?
Yes, if you want power when the sun is gone. Panels generate, batteries store. Portable stations bundle battery + inverter + controller, which is why they are popular for simple setups.
Will solar work on cloudy days?
It will, but output drops. That is why this page uses “peak sun hours” and why lithium capacity planning matters. If you camp in shade or bad weather, build extra margin.
