Solar panels for RV or camper van: complete guide

The van-life boom has exploded RV solar kit sales. But there's tons of misinformation. Here's what you actually need by usage (weekends, long stays, full-time nomad).

Minimum load inventory

• 12V compressor fridge (1.5-3 cu ft): 400-700 Wh/day
• Water pump + small boiler: 100-200 Wh/day
• LED interior lighting: 100-200 Wh/day
• USB loads (phones, laptop, drones): 200-500 Wh/day
• Fan or exhaust: 100-300 Wh/day
• Electric Webasto heater (occasional): 200-400 Wh/day

Weekend vs full-time sizing

Weekends (don't need full autonomy): 1 rigid 180-200 W panel + 100 Ah LiFePO4 (1.28 kWh). Full-time nomad: 2 × 200-250 W (400-500 W total) + 200 Ah battery (2.56 kWh) + alternator-charging capability.

Rigid vs flexible: the truth

Flexible panels look ideal but degrade much faster (5 years vs 25 for rigid) and dissipate heat poorly (lose output). Pick flexible only if the roof is curved or can't carry weight. For flat van roofs, rigid panels with low-profile rails glued with VHB tape or Sikaflex.

Smart MPPT charge controller

Essential: an MPPT controller (Victron SmartSolar is the standard) with Bluetooth app and DC-DC charging from the alternator (Victron Orion-Tr Smart). Sun + driving keep the battery full.

Inverter: do I need one?

Laptop + coffee maker + small loads: 300-500 W inverter is plenty. Microwave, hairdryer or power tools: 1,500-2,000 W pure sine wave. If you have no AC loads, skip the inverter and save weight and standby drain.

If you'll spend lots of time off-grid also read complete off-grid system and to save weight, portable camping solar panels.