You’ve heard a lot about adding Solar Panels to RVs and you may be ready to get started, but how much do you need to spend to have decent solar power? The RV Solar Cost will vary depending on the needs of your RV, so in this article we will go over three setups for different budgets and utility.
Before we review the options, here’s a quick guide to help you determine how much power your current RV setup is using:
- Take Inventory of Appliances: Start by making a list of all the appliances and electronics you use in your RV regularly. This includes lights, fans, water pumps, refrigerators, TVs, laptops, smartphones, tablets, microwaves, and any other devices you plan to power with solar energy.
- Calculate Power Consumption: Determine the power consumption of each appliance in watts. You can usually find this information on the appliance’s label or in the user manual. If wattage is not provided, you can estimate it by multiplying the voltage (V) by the current (A) the appliance draws when in use. Keep in mind that some appliances may have different power consumption levels depending on their settings or usage patterns.
- Estimate Daily Usage: Next, estimate how many hours each appliance will be in use on an average day. This will give you an idea of the total energy consumption for each device over a 24-hour period.
- Calculate Total Daily Energy Usage: Multiply the power consumption of each appliance by the number of hours it’s used per day, then add up the energy consumption for all devices. This will give you the total daily energy usage in watt-hours (Wh) for your RV and help estimate the RV Solar Cost.
- Factor in Efficiency Losses: Keep in mind that solar panels don’t operate at 100% efficiency, especially in less-than-ideal conditions. Factor in efficiency losses due to factors like shading, angle of sunlight, and temperature. A common rule of thumb is to add 25-30% to your total energy usage to account for these losses.
Once you calculate this information, you will have a rough idea of how many RV solar panels are needed and the associated RV Solar Cost. Solar panel output is typically measured in watts (W), so choose panels that can generate enough power to cover your daily energy consumption.
Here are three examples of different solar setups and what they can power:
Budget Option ($500 – $1,000)
A budget option allows you to power electronic devices and keep your battery-operated devices, like cell phones and laptops, charged when there’s sunshine. However, without a battery bank solution, you may have trouble keeping your devices fully charged for long periods when the sun is not shining.
System Components:
- 100-200 watt solar panels
- Charge controller
- Cables and connectors
- Mounting hardware
What it Could Power:
- LED lights
- Smartphone and laptop charging
- Small appliances like a portable cooler or fan
Mid-Range Option ($1,500 – $4,000)
By adding a deep cycle AGM or lithium battery bank and a RV inverter/charger, this system allows you to take surplus energy from solar panels and store them for periods when the sun is not as active. At higher watts generated, you may be able to power devices such as refrigerators and freezers. Using smart batteries, such as Xantrex lithium, allows you to see how much battery power you have left at any moment via your Xantrex battery app, helping you make decisions on how to best use your power.
System Components:
- 300-500 watt RV solar panels
- MPPT charge controller
- Deep cycle AGM or lithium batteries
- RV Inverter charger
- Cables, connectors, and fuses
What it Could Power:
- LED lights
- Smartphone, laptop, and tablet charging
- TV and entertainment system
- Refrigerator or freezer
- Water pump and fans
High-End Option ($5,000 – $10,000+)
The high-end setup allows you to run more appliances and electronics without having to worry about using too much power. A high-output inverter/charger ensures that you can power more appliances simultaneously, more solar panels ensure you have more power coming in, and a larger battery bank ensures appliances can run longer when the sun is down or behind cloud cover. However, this higher RV Solar Cost comes with greater benefits and reliability.
System Components:
- 600 watts or more RV solar panels
- MPPT charge controller with advanced features
- Multiple lithium iron phosphate cells
- RV inverter/charger with high-power output
- Monitoring system for real-time performance tracking
- Additional accessories like solar panel tilting or portable solar suitcase for added flexibility
What it Could Power:
- All appliances mentioned in mid-range option
- Microwave oven
- Air conditioning (smaller units)
- Coffee maker or blender
- Electric heater (limited use)
These are rough estimates, and actual costs may vary based on factors such as brand, quality, and installation complexity. Additionally, the power output and capacity of each system can be adjusted based on the specific energy needs and preferences of the RV owner. The RV Solar Cost is influenced by these various factors. It’s essential to carefully consider your energy requirements and budget constraints when selecting a solar system for your RV.