RV Solar Panel Size Guide & Dimensions: What Size do you Need?

October 13, 2022April 23, 2023 by Thomas Vandepitte

If you’re like most full-time RVers, you’re always looking for ways to save money and reduce your environmental impact. One great way to do both is to install a solar panel system on your RV. But how big of a system do you need? And what are the factors that affect how much power you’ll generate (skip straight to the RV solar panel size chart)?

RV Solar Panel Size Guide & Dimensions: What Size do you Need? size-charts.com — _{Photo by Jackery Power Station on Unsplash}

In this guide, we’ll explore all that and more. So whether you’re just starting to think about solar or already in the planning stages, read on for some valuable information.

Jump right into the Frequently Asked Questions

Table of Content of RV Solar Panel Sizing

RV solar panel sizes: key facts
RV solar panel size chart
RV solar panel size chart of (leading brand dimensions)
What size solar panel does I need for my RV?
How to choose the right RV Solar Panel size?
Frequently Asked Questions

RV solar panel sizes: Key facts

Small or big?
A small panel may be sufficient for charging small electronics, but if you want to run appliances or heaters, you’ll need a larger panel.
Sunlight hours:
You’ll also need to consider the number of hours of sunlight your RV will be exposed to each day. In general, a larger solar panel will be more efficient, but if you’re only going to be using it for a few hours each day, a smaller panel may be all you need.
Solar panel size depends on RV appliances:
The size of your solar panels will depend on your RV’s size and the appliances in there. Generally, you’ll want to get panels that match well with your RV size i.e in terms of consumption. This will ensure you have enough power to run your RV’s appliances and electronics. If you plan to use an air conditioner, you’ll need a larger panel size—usually between 150 and 200 watts.
Panel angle:
Your panels should be tilted towards the sun for optimum performance.
RV solar panel wire size:
The wire size you need for your RV solar panel will depend on the wattage of your solar panels and the amount of current your RV can handle. Most RV users recommend using 10-gauge wire for up to 150 watts of solar power, and 8-gage wire for up to 300 watts. If you’re installing more than 300 watts of solar panels, you’ll need to use 6-gauge wire or thicker. Be sure to consult a professional if you’re unsure which RV solar panel wire size is right for your setup.
RV solar panel size and inverter installation:
Once you’ve chosen your solar panels, it’s time to install your inverter. This device converts direct current (DC) from the solar panels into alternating current (AC), which your appliances run on. The inverter is usually installed near the breaker panel in your RV and should be connected to your solar panels using cables and connectors provided by the manufacturer.

RV solar panel size chart (corresponding to # of batteries, capacity, and off-grid equivalent)

Size of RV	# of batteries	Recommended solar panel capacity	Recommended off-grid power system
10′-14′	1x dL 100 ah	100-watt rooftop	12V 100ah off-grid solar power system
15′-20′	1-2x dL 100 ah or 1x dL 200ah	100 or 200-watt rooftop	12V 200ah off-grid solar power system
21′-30′	2x dL 100 ah or 1x dL 200ah	200-watt rooftop	12V 200ah off-grid solar power system
31′-40′	2-4x dL 100 ah or 1-2x dL 200ah	400-watt rooftop (4x 100-watt panels)	Dakota lithium 12V 400ah off-grid power system
40’+	4-8x dL 100 ah or 2-4x dL 200ah	600-watt rooftop (6x 100-watt panels)	Dakota lithium 12V 400ah off-grid power system

RV solar panel size chart of (leading brand dimensions)

Brand	Folded dimensions (inches)	Folded dimensions (cm)	Weight	Wattage
Renogy 100-watt foldable portable solar panel	19.9 x 27.2 x 2.8 inches	50.55 x 69.09 x 7.11 cm	26.6 lbs.	100
Jackery Solarsage 100w portable solar panel	26 x 22.5 x 2.5 inches	66.04 x 57.15 x 6.35 cm	11.6 lbs.	100
Outad portable solar panel	32.5 x 19.9 x 2.8 inches	82.55 x 50.55 x 7.11 cm	33 lbs.	102
HqsT Off grid 100w solar panel	20 x 27.3 x 3.1 inches	50.80 x 69.34 x 7.87 cm	21.7 lbs.	100
Goal Zero Nomad 20	8.5 x 13 x 1 inches	21.59 x 33.02 x 2.54 cm	2 lbs.	20

There are a few other factors to consider when choosing solar panel sizes, such as the amount of sunlight you receive and the power you need. But in general, bigger is better! Ultimately, deciding what size RV solar panel to purchase depends on your specific needs and desired usage.

What size solar panel does I need for my RV?

The solar panel size you need for your RV depends on a few factors: how much power your RV needs, your budget, the size and shape of the RV, how you plan to use the solar panel, and how much sunlight you get where you’re parked.

You also need to know the wattage of your RV. This is the power your RV draws when all appliances are running. You can find this information in the owner’s manual or on the manufacturer’s website.

Once you know your RV’s wattage, you can use this solar panel sizing guide to find the right solar panel for your needs.

Generally, you’ll need a solar panel that’s at least 100 watts to power most RVs. If you’re living in a shaded area or don’t get a lot of suns, you might need a larger panel. Another great option is to talk to an expert at your local solar retailer to find the best option for your needs.

Learn more about RV Solar Panel Size and batteries (video)

_{How To Size RV Solar and Batteries the Easy Way! by All About RV’s}

How to choose the right RV Solar Panel size?

The best way to do this is to consider your power needs and the size of your RV. When sizing a solar panel for your RV, you’ll need to consider how many watts your RV consumes and how many amps your solar panel can provide. Most RVs require around 100 watts to run comfortably, so you’ll want to choose a solar panel that’s capable of providing at least that much power.

You also need to consider how much space you have on your roof. Larger solar panels can be more efficient but require more room to install. If you don’t have a lot of space on your roof or are looking for a more affordable option, smaller solar panels may be a better fit for you.

You can also use an RV solar panel size calculator. This will help you to determine the right size solar panel for your needs, based on the amount of energy you use and the size of your RV.

There are a number of online solar panel calculators available, so you can easily find one that’s specific to your RV. All you need to do is enter your information and the calculator will tell you the size and wattage of the solar panel you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of solar panels for RVs?

There are three main types of solar panels for RVs: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film.

Monocrystalline solar panels are made from a single silicon crystal, making them the most efficient and expensive option. Polycrystalline panels are made from multiple silicon crystals, which makes them less efficient but more affordable. Thin-film solar panels are the cheapest but least efficient option, but they’re also the most lightweight and flexible.

What is the average solar panel size for an RV?

Typically, solar panels for RVs range in size from around 100 watts to 350 watts. Larger panels can produce more power but also take up more space on the roof. If you’re limited on roof space, it may be necessary to go with a smaller panel.

Keep in mind that a higher wattage panel doesn’t always mean it’s better; you want to find a panel that is sized appropriately for your RV and that has a wattage rating that matches or exceeds your current power needs.

What is the best size solar panel for a motorhome?

The best size solar panel for a motorhome will depend on various factors, including the size and type of your RV, the amount of sunlight it receives, and your power needs.

Generally speaking, the larger your RV, the larger the solar panel you will need. A 100-watt solar panel should be sufficient if you have a smaller RV. You may need a 200- or even 300-watt solar panel if you have a larger motorhome.

It’s also important to consider where your RV will be parked. If it’s in an area that receives a lot of sunlight, you may be able to get away with using a smaller solar panel. But if it’s in a shady spot, you’ll need a larger panel to make up for the lack of sunlight.

How much will a 100-watt solar panel run?

A 100-watt solar panel can generate up to 125 watts in optimal conditions. This means that it can run a small appliance like a TV or laptop, or charge a small battery bank.

However, it’s important to remember that not all solar panels are created equal. The wattage rating is only an estimate, and your results may vary depending on the type of solar panel you choose, the weather conditions, and the size of your RV.

Is a 100w solar panel enough for RV?

So, is a 100w solar panel enough for RV? The answer to that question depends on how you plan to use your RV. If you’re just using it for weekend trips, then a 100w panel should be more than enough. However, if you’re using your RV as a full-time home, you may need a larger panel in order to meet your energy needs.

A 100-watt solar panel that receives about 8 hours of sunlight daily will generate about 1kWh of electricity daily. This may be enough for some people, but if you are using appliances or running the air conditioning in your RV, you will need more power.

Generally speaking, a 100w solar panel is enough to provide power for lights, a fan, and a small TV or refrigerator. You’ll need a bigger solar panel if you have more power-hungry appliances.

Will a 200W solar panel run a fridge?

The average RV refrigerator consumes about 2.5 amps per hour and is powered by 50-60 watts. The average amperage of a 200-watt solar panel is 10 to 12 amps per hour. And so it follows that an RV fridge can be powered for 24 hours by 200W of solar power.

But please be aware that a 200W solar panel should generally be used to run a small fridge. If you have a larger fridge or one that’s used frequently, you may need a more powerful panel.

If you’re unsure how much wattage your panel has, or you’re not sure whether your fridge will be compatible, it’s always best to consult a professional installer. They’ll be able to help you find the right solar panel size and configuration for your needs, and they’ll also be able to provide any necessary installation seRVices.

Conclusion

As we have seen, sizing is everything when it comes to RV solar panels. You need to take into account the size and shape of your rig, the amount of power you use, and how much sunlight you can expect to get. However, by following the guidelines here, you should be able to choose a solar panel that is just right for your RV. With a little bit of planning, you can enjoy all the benefits that RV solar power has to offer.

Got any questions you would want to be addressed? Please ask in the comments section and as always we’ll be so ready to help you out.

Picture in this post is by NewPowa on Unsplash