Solar Panel Size Chart for RVs, Vans, Campers

Here’s a size chart for what solar panels you need by size of RV/van/camper & how many Dakota Lithium batteries you have.

To connect solar panels to a lithium battery you will need a lithium compatible solar charge controller (a deep dive on RV electrical systems is available here). To connect lithium batteries to charge from an engine’s alternator you will need a DC-DC battery charger. Every Dakota Lithium battery includes a free lithium battery charger for charging via shore power.

For a complete lithium power system kit that includes the solar panels, batteries, chargers and accessories needed check out the recommended off-grid power systems.

Size of RV  |  # of Batteries  |  Recommended Solar Panel Capacity | Recommended Off-Grid Power System

• 10′-14′ | 1x DL 100 Ah | 100 Watt Rooftop | 12V 100Ah Off Grid Solar Power System
• 15′-20′ | 1-2x DL 100 Ah or 1x DL 200Ah | 100 or 200 Watt Rooftop | 12V 200Ah Off Grid Solar Power System
• 21′-30′ |2x DL 100 Ah or 1x DL 200Ah | 200 Watt Rooftop | 12V 200Ah Off Grid Solar Power System
• 31′-40′ | 2-4x DL 100 Ah or 1-2x DL 200Ah | 400 watt rooftop (4x 100 watt panels) | Dakota Lithium 12V 400Ah Off Grid Power System
• 40’+ | 4-8x DL 100 Ah  or 2-4x DL 200Ah | 600 watt rooftop (6x 100 watt panels) | Dakota Lithium 12V 400Ah Off Grid Power System

A deep dive on how to choose a battery for RVs/vans/campers is available here. More on lithium batteries and solar panel efficiency is available here.

SHOP DAKOTA RV LITHIUM BATTERIES

An example of 500 watts of rooftop solar. Three larger 150 watt panels plus one smaller 50 watt solar panel on the roof of this RV generates more than enough power for the 4 Dakota Lithium house batteries they are charging.