There’s nothing quite as nice as a good pairing - wine and cheese, movies and popcorn, peas and carrots. Here’s one more nice pairing for you: the freedom of the open road paired with the reliability of solar power. Silent streams of sunlight are harnessed to keep your lights glowing, your devices charged, and your appliances running smoothly as you explore the world in your home on wheels. It makes for a pretty good combination.
But how much solar do you need for your camper van?
Life on the road means ensuring you have enough power to keep your day-to-day essentials running. Solar power is a popular choice among van lifers - it’s a readily available, environmentally friendly resource that can eliminate the anxiety of finding a hookup - but there’s a catch. Solar panels take up a lot of space, something camper vans have in limited supply. Depending on how much power your lifestyle requires, you may not have the required space to rely on solar power alone. Let’s explore the essentials of solar power usage and why it might be best to balance it with other charging options.
THE BASICS OF SOLAR POWER FOR YOUR VAN
Let’s strip it back to basics and how solar works. Solar power captures energy from the sun using solar panels, converting it into electricity to charge your battery bank. How much electricity is dependent on a few factors, the angle of the sun, temperature, humidity, and hours of sunlight, but more than anything, it comes down to size. To figure out just how many watts of solar panels you require, it’s important to determine your energy consumption, the size of your battery bank, and how long you want to be able to go off the grid. Keep in mind it's best to have redundancy in your off-the-grid electrical system so incorporating backup charging options is essential. Your van's alternator acts as a built-in generator and you can also configure your system to have shore power so you can plug in when needed.
Step 1: Determine Your Battery Bank Size
Your battery bank stores the energy collected by your solar panels. To ensure you have enough power, your battery bank should cover your daily energy consumption, plus a buffer for cloudy days or increased use. A common rule of thumb is to have a battery bank capacity that’s at least twice your daily consumption in amp-hours (Ah). For example, if your daily energy use is 40Ah, aim for a battery bank with a capacity of 80Ah.
Step 2: Assess Solar Panel Capacity
The capacity of your solar panels is measured in watts (W). The amount of solar power you can generate depends on the wattage of your panels and the amount of sunlight you receive. On average, a 100W solar panel can generate about 300-600Wh per day, depending on the sunlight conditions.
To cover a daily energy consumption of 1,000Wh, you might need around 300-400W of solar panels (since multiple 100W panels can be used together). However, the available space on your van’s roof will limit the number of panels you can install.
SPACE CONSTRAINTS AND OTHER CHARGING OPTIONS
Camper vans don’t have a lot of space. It’s a limitation but also a big part of their appeal. Because of their limited size, it’s not always possible to install enough solar panels to cover all of your energy needs - and this is where other charging options come into play. At Wanderful Wheels, all our vans charge in three ways: solar, shore power, and the vehicle’s alternators.
Shore Power
Shore power allows you to plug your van into an external power source, such as a campsite hookup or a household outlet. This can be a reliable way to charge your battery bank when you’re stationary and near a power source, but a bit challenging when you’re far-flung or off-grid.
Vehicle's Alternators
Your van’s alternator charges the battery bank while you’re driving. This method is highly efficient and can significantly boost your battery levels during long drives. For even faster charging, consider installing a secondary alternator dedicated to the "house" battery bank. This means your vehicle charges the battery bank significantly faster when driving, ensuring you have ample power even when solar or shore power isn’t available.
BALANCING SOLAR WITH OTHER CHARGING METHODS
While solar power is fantastic and eco-friendly, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Balancing solar with shore power and alternator charging ensures a reliable and consistent power supply regardless of your location or weather conditions. Here’s a quick recap of what we’ve covered:
Calculate your energy consumption to determine your power needs.
Size your battery bank to store enough energy for your needs plus a buffer.
Install as much solar as your roof space allows, understanding that you may need additional charging options.
Utilize shore power when available for a steady power supply.
Leverage your vehicle’s alternator, or install a secondary alternator, for efficient charging on the go.
SOLAR CHARGING ESSENTIALS
Solar Panels:
100W Solar Panels
Mounting Brackets and Hardware
Solar Charge Controller
Battery Bank:
Deep Cycle Batteries (Lithium or AGM)
Battery Monitoring System
Shore Power Setup:
Shore Power Inlet
Extension Cords
Power Converter/Inverter
Alternator Charging:
DC to DC Charger
Secondary Alternator (optional)
Other Accessories:
Fuse Box and Fuses
Wiring and Connectors
Installation Tools
SUMMARY
The question remains: how much solar do you need for your van? The answer involves a blend of thoughtful planning and understanding your unique needs. Solar power is fantastic, but balancing it with other charging methods ensures a smooth and enjoyable van life experience. By calculating your energy needs, sizing your battery bank, and combining solar with shore power and alternator charging, you can keep your adventures powered and your devices humming.
Ready to get started? Contact Wanderful Wheels for a personalized consultation and find the perfect power solution for your campervan.