For RV camping, you need a solar generator with 1000-3000 watts of capacity, depending on your power needs and trip length.
Most RV campers find that a 1500-2000 watt solar generator handles essential appliances like lights, refrigerator, phone charging, and small electronics comfortably.
Quick Power Assessment for Your RV
Before you buy any solar generator, you need to know what you’re powering. Think of it like planning a road trip – you wouldn’t guess how much gas you need, right?
Start by listing every device you plan to use. Your phone charger uses about 10 watts. Your RV refrigerator might need 100-200 watts. A microwave can demand 1000+ watts.
Essential RV Appliances and Their Power Draw
I found that most RV campers use similar devices. Here’s what research shows as typical power consumption:
- LED lights: 5-15 watts each
- Phone/tablet charging: 10-20 watts
- Laptop: 50-100 watts
- RV refrigerator: 100-200 watts
- Coffee maker: 800-1200 watts
- Microwave: 1000-1500 watts
- Air conditioner: 1500-3000 watts
Calculate Your Daily Energy Needs
You don’t just need watts – you need watt-hours. This tells you how much energy you use over time.
Multiply each device’s wattage by hours of daily use. Your phone might charge for 2 hours at 15 watts. That’s 30 watt-hours per day.
Sample Daily Energy Calculation
Let me show you a real example. Say you use:
- LED lights (40 watts × 5 hours) = 200 watt-hours
- Phone charging (15 watts × 2 hours) = 30 watt-hours
- Laptop (75 watts × 3 hours) = 225 watt-hours
- Coffee maker (1000 watts × 0.2 hours) = 200 watt-hours
Total daily need: 655 watt-hours. You’d want a generator with at least 1000 watt-hours of storage.
Solar Generator Size Categories for RV Use
Small Generators (500-1000 Watts)
These work for basic needs only. Think phone charging, LED lights, and small fans.
You can run a laptop and charge devices, but forget about cooking appliances. Perfect if you’re truly roughing it or just need backup power.
Best For Light Users
Weekend warriors who mainly want to keep phones charged and run a few lights find these sufficient. They’re also lighter and cheaper.
Medium Generators (1000-2000 Watts)
This sweet spot works for most RV campers. You get enough power for essentials plus some comfort items.
Research shows this range handles refrigerators, multiple device charging, lights, and occasional use of small cooking appliances. You just can’t run everything at once.
The Popular Choice
From what I found online, most RV forums recommend starting here. You get good value without going overboard on size or cost.
Large Generators (2000-3000+ Watts)
Now we’re talking serious power. You can run air conditioning, microwaves, and multiple appliances simultaneously.
The trade-off? These units are heavier, more expensive, and take longer to recharge. But if comfort matters more than weight, this is your range.
When You Need Maximum Power
Extended trips in hot weather often require AC power. Full-time RV living also pushes you toward larger capacity.
Key Factors That Affect Your Size Choice
Trip Length Matters
A weekend trip has different needs than a week-long adventure. Longer trips need more storage capacity or better solar charging.
Short trips let you get away with smaller batteries. You’re not running appliances for days straight.
Weather Conditions
Hot weather means more fan or AC use. Cold weather might require electric heaters. Cloudy days reduce solar charging efficiency.
I came across advice from experienced RVers: always plan for less-than-perfect solar conditions. Clouds happen.
Solar Panel Considerations
Your generator’s solar panels need to keep up with your usage. A 1500-watt generator with tiny panels won’t stay charged in heavy use.
RV Size and Storage
Bigger generators need more space and add weight. Your RV has limits on both.
Smaller RVs might physically can’t fit large generators. Check dimensions before buying.
Real-World Usage Scenarios
Scenario 1: Weekend Camping
Two people, Friday to Sunday. You want lights, phone charging, and basic comfort.
A 1000-watt generator usually handles this well. You’re not running power-hungry appliances much.
Scenario 2: Week-Long Adventure
Four people, seven days, using more appliances daily. You need reliable power for cooking and cooling food.
Start looking at 1500-2000 watt range. The extra capacity provides peace of mind for longer stretches.
Scenario 3: Full-Time RV Living
This is your home on wheels. You need consistent power for all normal activities.
Many experts say 2000+ watts becomes necessary. You’re running appliances like you would at home.
Common Sizing Mistakes to Avoid
Underestimating Power Needs
People often forget about “hidden” power draws. Your RV’s control systems use power even when you’re sleeping.
Water pumps, propane detectors, and other systems add up. Build in a 20-30% buffer above your calculated needs.
Ignoring Peak Power Requirements
Some appliances need extra power to start up. Your refrigerator might run on 150 watts but need 300 watts to start.
This is called surge power. Make sure your generator handles these spikes.
Forgetting About Efficiency
Generators aren’t 100% efficient. You lose some power in the conversion process.
Factor in about 10-15% loss when calculating your needs. It’s better to have too much capacity than too little.
Budget Considerations
Price vs. Capacity Trade-offs
Bigger generators cost more, both upfront and in ongoing maintenance. But running out of power on a remote camping trip costs too.
I found that most people are happier spending a bit more for peace of mind than saving money and worrying about power.
Long-term Value
A quality generator lasts years. Divide the cost by expected years of use to see the real daily cost.
Cheap generators that fail after one season aren’t bargains. Research shows that reliable brands save money long-term.
| Generator Size | Best For | Typical Price Range | Weight Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500-1000W | Basic needs, light use | $500-$1200 | 15-30 lbs |
| 1000-1500W | Most RV camping | $1200-$2500 | 30-50 lbs |
| 1500-2000W | Comfort camping | $2000-$4000 | 45-70 lbs |
| 2000W+ | Extended/full-time use | $3500-$6000+ | 60-100+ lbs |
Conclusion
Choosing the right size solar generator for RV camping comes down to honest assessment of your power needs. Most campers find success in the 1000-2000 watt range, which balances capacity with portability and cost.
Start by calculating your actual daily energy use, then add a safety buffer. Consider your trip length, weather conditions, and comfort preferences. Remember that it’s usually better to have slightly more capacity than you think you need.
The right solar generator transforms your RV camping experience from power anxiety to confident adventure. Take time to choose wisely – your future camping self will thank you.
How many days can a solar generator power an RV?
A typical 1500-watt generator can power basic RV needs for 1-3 days without recharging, depending on usage and weather conditions for solar recharging. Heavy appliance use shortens this time significantly.
Can I run my RV air conditioner on a solar generator?
Yes, but you need at least 2000-3000 watts of capacity. RV air conditioners draw 1500-3000 watts while running, so smaller generators won’t handle the load or will drain quickly.
What happens if I choose a generator that’s too small?
You’ll either run out of power quickly or be unable to start larger appliances. The generator may shut down when overloaded, leaving you without power until it resets or recharges.
Do I need different sizes for different seasons?
Not necessarily, but summer camping typically requires more power for cooling fans or AC. Winter camping in mild climates often uses less power, while extreme cold increases heating needs.
How long does it take to recharge a solar generator while camping?
Full recharge takes 4-12 hours in direct sunlight, depending on generator size and solar panel capacity. Cloudy conditions can double or triple charging time, so plan for partial charging on overcast days.
