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Mobile power

RV and van solar starts with the way you travel.

Record the loads, parking pattern, available roof area, alternator limits, shore connection, and expected weather before pairing equipment.

See the buildsSize mine first

Direct answer

An RV using 1.6 kWh per day needs roughly 510 W of panel, a controller near 52 A at 12 V, and about 2.7 kWh of lithium storage for 1.5 days. Roof space and alternator charging can change the build.

Before the hardware

Collect these four inputs.

  1. 01Roof area
  2. 02Daily loads
  3. 03Charge sources
  4. 04Battery location

Worked example

RV reference load

Assumptions

  1. 1,600 Wh used each day
  2. 4.0 peak sun hours and a 0.78 derate
  3. 1.5 autonomy days at 90% usable lithium depth
  4. 12 V battery bank

Calculation

  1. 1,600 ÷ (4.0 × 0.78) = about 510 W of array
  2. 500 ÷ 12 × 1.25 = about 52 A of controller current
  3. 1,600 × 1.5 ÷ 0.90 = about 2,700 Wh of storage

Result:A 400 to 600 W array, about 52 A of controller capacity, and 2.7 kWh of storage.

Sources and assumptions (2)
  • Enerwav sizing rules reviewed on 2026-07-22.
  • Product records and specifications are checked again at quote.
Read the full method

Build tiers

Compare the hardware and see what still needs checking.

No price is public. Every item uses Dixon web price times 1.0 as the internal basis and must be repriced before publication.

Base

Held until 100 to 200 W panels, RV mounts, and a cataloged 12 V battery are available.

Request priceRepricing required
Base included items
QtyProductKey specNote
1Roof layout reviewMeasured roof and shade planRequired before hardware selection
112 V battery selection2.7 kWh targetCatalog model still to be confirmed
A wiring diagram PDF is included after protection, cable, and compatibility checks.
Held by a missing input or partRequest this build

What makes it work

Three choices that need to be checked together.

Panels and mounts

Check module dimensions, roof loading, shade, fasteners, and travel height.

View the category

Charge sources

Solar, shore, and alternator sources need compatible settings and isolation.

View the category

12 V storage

Capacity, BMS current, low-temperature charging, and mounting drive the choice.

View the category

Help around the hardware

A product record does not replace a system review.

Free

Free sizing review

A load worksheet review with the assumptions, missing inputs, and a hardware direction.

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Quoted

Custom battery bank assembly

Series or parallel configuration with cables cut, crimped, and labelled after compatibility review.

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Keep checking

The method and terms used here.

Read the sizing method

See the assumptions, suppression rules, and evidence standard used here.

Read the guide

Check the energy glossary

Confirm the meaning of capacity, energy, current, and autonomy.

Read the guide

Honest limits

Know before you buy

  • The 440 W glass module may not fit or be suitable for every RV roof.
  • The catalog feed does not yet provide the required small or flexible panels, RV mounts, or DC-to-DC charger.
  • BMS continuous current must cover the inverter draw before pairing.

Read the method and limits

Common questions

Short answers, limits included.

Will a 440 W panel fit my RV roof?

Not always. Measure clear roof area, weight limits, shade, mounting points, and travel height first.

Do I need alternator charging?

Many travel patterns benefit from it, but the charger must match the alternator, battery chemistry, and wiring.

Can one battery run a 3,000 W inverter?

Only if its BMS continuous and surge current ratings cover the inverter draw. That rating still needs confirmation.

Why is the Recommended build held?

Its panel, controller, and inverter are known. The cataloged 12 V battery and RV-specific mounting parts are not.