Quick answer by rig
| Rig | Typical panels | Typical battery |
|---|---|---|
| Camper van | 400–800 W | 200–400Ah 12V lithium |
| Big RV | 800–1,600 W | 400–600Ah 12V, or 48V |
| School bus / skoolie | 800–1,600 W | 1–2 × 48V rack batteries |
Size it yourself
Daily use (Wh) ÷ sun hours ÷ 0.77 = panel watts. A van using 2.4 kWh (2,400 Wh) a day in 4 hours of sun: 2,400 ÷ 4 ÷ 0.77 ≈ 780 W. In winter sun (2 hours), you'd need twice that, which is why most vans add a DC-DC charger to refill from the engine while driving.
What to get
- Van: 12V lithium + Victron MultiPlus-II + MPPT. See the van guide.
- Bus or big RV: often 48V. See the RV and bus guide.
Questions people ask
Is 400 watts of solar enough for a van?
For lights, a 12V fridge, fans and devices in sunny weather, often yes. In winter or with Starlink or induction cooking, you'll want more panels or charging while you drive.
Rigid or flexible panels?
Rigid if your roof is flat: they last longer. Flexible only for curved roofs, and pick a name brand.
Get the exact setup
A few taps and you'll know exactly what to buy for your situation.