1. What is the Solar Wattage Calculation?

The solar wattage calculation determines how many watts of solar panels you need to power your RV based on your daily energy consumption and the average sunlight hours in your location.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the solar wattage formula:

Where:

• \( Load \) — Your daily energy consumption in watt-hours
• \( Sun\ Hours \) — Average peak sunlight hours per day at your location

Explanation: This calculation gives you the minimum wattage of solar panels needed to meet your daily energy needs.

3. Importance of Solar Wattage Calculation

Details: Proper solar panel sizing ensures you have enough power for your RV needs without overspending on unnecessary capacity.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

• Calculate your total daily energy load by adding up all electrical device consumption
• Find average sun hours for your location (typically 3-6 hours depending on region)
• Add 20-30% to the calculated wattage for system inefficiencies and cloudy days

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I calculate my daily energy load?
A: Multiply each device's wattage by hours used per day, then sum all devices. Many RVs use 2000-5000 Wh/day.

Q2: What are typical sun hours for different regions?
A: Southwest US: 5-6 hours, Northeast US: 3-4 hours, Southern Europe: 4-5 hours, Northern Europe: 2-3 hours.

Q3: Should I add a buffer to the calculated wattage?
A: Yes, add 20-30% to account for system inefficiencies, cloudy days, and panel degradation over time.

Q4: How does battery capacity factor into this?
A: Batteries store excess solar energy for use at night. You'll need enough battery capacity to cover nighttime usage.

Q5: Can I use this for non-RV solar systems?
A: Yes, the same calculation applies to any off-grid solar system, though residential systems often have different considerations.