RV Solar Calculator

Free RV solar sizing calculator - find out if your solar panels can keep up with your power needs. Calculate watts needed for off-grid camping and boondocking.

For educational purposes only. Always verify specifications with manufacturers and consult qualified RV technicians for safety-critical decisions. See our Terms of Service.
Your Solar Setup
W
Add up all your panels (e.g., 2x 200W = 400W)
hrs
Peak sun hours per day (US avg: 4-6)
Ah
Daily Power Needs
Ah
Use the Electrical Load Planner to calculate this
Solar Analysis
Daily Solar Harvest
-- Ah
Daily Balance
-- Ah
Usable Battery
-- Ah
Enter your setup above

Solar Sizing Guide

Rule of Thumb

You need roughly 2-3 watts of solar per 1 Ah of daily usage in average conditions.

Sun Hours by Region

  • Southwest US (summer): 6-7 hours
  • Midwest/South: 4-5 hours
  • Pacific Northwest: 3-4 hours
  • Winter anywhere: Reduce by 30-50%

Efficiency Losses

Real-world solar harvest is ~75-85% of theoretical due to heat, angle, shading, and controller losses. This calculator uses 80% efficiency.