How to Determine the Power Requirements for Your RV Solar Inverter Generator?

Basic Concepts of RV Power Needs  

A reliable solar inverter generator is a truly reliable source of power for your RV. If you are considering switching to an RV solar panel, the first step is to assess your basic power needs. This begins with understanding a few key concepts.

The RV Electrical System

A solar inverter generator system consists of a number of devices, including your solar panels, an inverter and the battery. The best way to connect the solar generator to your RV is simply by plugging it into the RV's power port. The installation is quite simple and can be handled even by a layman.

When a solar generator is put to use, it starts converting the captured sunlight into electricity that can be used to run your various devices and appliances. Solar panels are basically responsible for converting sunlight into direct current (DC). However, your appliances only operate on alternating current. This is where the inverter steps in; it converts the generated direct current into alternating current or AC. Some solar generators also come with batteries to store the additional electricity generated for future use.

The capacity of your inverter and the battery will depend on the amount of energy needed and the duration of your use. To find the best fit, you need to first assess your power needs.

Power Measurement (Watts)

To assess the power needs, you simply need to add the necessary wattages of the items you are aiming to power with your solar generator. The wattage is essentially the power output of the generator and the power needed to operate a device. In other words, it is a product of voltage and amperage. So, if you have a lightbulb that consumes 10 amperes and 5 volts of electricity, the wattage required would be 50 watts.

In the same way, the power output of your solar generator is also measured in watts. The total wattage of the solar generator will indicate the amount of electrical power it can provide when in use. You simply need to ensure that the total collective wattage of your appliances does not exceed the voltage being supplied by your solar inverter generator.

Starting Wattage vs. Running Wattage  

Note that it is not just the running wattage of your device that needs to be taken into account; you also need to assess the startup wattage. In simple terms, the starting wattage is the excess wattage that some devices need to begin operations. Refrigerators or air conditioners are good examples of devices that need a high startup energy consumption before they can fall back into the running wattage.

The starting wattage can be twice or even three times as much as the running wattage. If the running wattage cannot be satisfied, the device will not begin operations. This is why you should ensure that the wattage of your solar inverter generator accounts for both the running and the starting wattage.

Comprehensive Checklist for Calculating RV Solar Inverter Generator Power  

Here is a complete guideline that will help you calculate the correct RV solar inverter generator power needs.

Inventory All Devices in the RV

The first step is to list all the electrical devices you will use in your RV. You should include your refrigerator, air conditioner, microwave, laptops and phone chargers, lighting, water pump, heater, etc. In particular, you should accommodate any emergency devices you might be running in the event of an emergency so you can have additional power capacity. Not to mention, a generator with extra power capacity can deal with fluctuations a lot better.

When listing your devices, note that each will have varying power requirements. Each will have its own running wattage, and larger devices such as air conditioners and refrigerators may even demand a higher starting wattage.

Find The Power Requirements of Each Device

The power requirements of each device can usually be found labelled on the appliance or in the manual. You can also always quickly search online and determine the power needs. Now, take the list of essentials you prepared in Step One and enlist their power requirements (in watts) one by one.

Here is a list we have created using the essential appliances an RV might incorporate. You can make a list of your own using the provided template.

Calculate Total Power Requirements

With the devices in order, we can now calculate the total power requirements of your RV. This is done through two steps.

Simultaneously Operating Devices

It is unlikely that you would be running all devices at once.  So, you should distinguish between the devices that are integral for a comfortable day in your RV and those that you might not be using as much. For example, it is far more likely that you will be keeping the refrigerator running throughout your trip to avoid food spoilage. Similarly, you might keep the air conditioner or the heater running to avoid discomfort during your trip, depending on the season. On the other hand, you might not use your TV, laptop or microwave as much until they are needed.

So, the devices you will need at all times include:

Refrigerator

Air conditioner

Lighting

The total power needed for just these devices would be 1200W+2000W+30W=3230W

Calculate the necessary power for your RV according to the devices you consider essential. For example, if you are taking your RV to a chillier area, you might substitute the air conditioner for a heater.

Total Power Calculation

This doesn’t mean you should only keep a minimal power needed to operate only your necessities. No, you need to accommodate all your devices for a truly comfortable experience. The calculation we have outlined above only gives you the minimum threshold for the power requirements you need to fulfil. Now, we will create an upper threshold, the peak power that your RV may demand. This can be calculated by adding the power requirements of all the devices.

For example:

Refrigerator: 600W

Air conditioner: 1500W

Lighting (LED): 30W

Microwave: 1200W

TV: 200W

Heater: 1800W

Laptop: 70W

The total power requirement would therefore be 600W + 1500W + 30W + 1200W + 200W + 1800W + 70W = 5,400W.

This gives you the peak power that the RV may demand to function optimally. However, it is always advisable to select an inverter generator with slightly higher power than the total requirement to accommodate additional device needs and power fluctuations. For a 5,400W total power needs, an inverter delivering 6000W-6,500W is a good start.

Inverter Efficiency and Battery Storage Capacity

There are two other considerations you need to keep in mind: the inverter efficiency and the battery storage capacity.

As we discussed earlier, the solar inverter is the device that converts DC into AC. Without it, you won't be able to put the generated power to use.  However, a solar inverter generator is typically not 100% efficient and will lose some power along the way. So, even if your solar panels operate at complete capacity, you will not get as much power as indicated. Most inverters usually operate at only 80% to 90% efficiency as some of the power is lost as heat. Moreover, some stand-by power may be needed to operate the inverter mechanism itself. The best way to go about this is to choose an inverter generator with a power rating of at least 10% to 20% higher than your total power needs.

The second thing to consider is the battery storage capacity. The battery is what will store the power as it is being generated so you can use it in the future. You cannot simply use the power as it is being generated. Instead, it is advisable to invest in a battery if your system doesn't already incorporate one. This way, you will have a sufficient supply of power at all times. Again, the capacity of this battery must meet your power needs and should be used to store the output of the inverter generator. 

Plan For Future Expansion Needs  

With RVs, it is natural to add new devices with time or change your user habits. With new devices, you will need more power to operate them, so it is recommended to reserve some power capacity for future expansion. For example, if your current need is 1500W, consider selecting an inverter generator rated at least 2000W.

The good thing about solar power inverter generators is that some suppliers offer expandable battery services. So, all you need to do is get the basic system, and when you add new devices, you can simply add more battery packs to boost the system’s storage capacity. Not all models are expandable, so check with your supplier to make sure you are getting a compatible model.

Choosing the Right Power Inverter Generator for Different RV Types  

The next step is to choose the right power inverter generator according to your RV. RVs come in three basic varieties: small RVs, medium RVs and larger motorhomes.

1. Small RVs (Camper Vans)

Small camper vans or RVs typically only include a few basic devices, such as LED lights, refrigerators and a few electronics. For such RVs, a smaller 1000W-1500W inverter generator is recommended. 

The Jackery Solar Generator 600 Plus is an excellent example of a basic solar inverter generator that will supply sufficient power for a small RV. The portable inverter generator delivers a basic 800W output with a battery capacity of around 632Wh. By estimates, such a power capacity is enough for a two-day camping expedition.

2. Medium RVs (Travel Trailers)

The second type of RV is a bit larger in size, usually known as a travel trailer. These RVs include more heavy devices and even a few heavy-duty appliances such as air conditioners and refrigerators. Such an RV requires an inverter generator with a 2000W to 3000W output.

For such RVs, we recommend the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus. Despite being small in size, it delivers an expansive battery capacity of 1264Wh and a 2000W output. The best part is that this quiet generator for camping can support up to 3 add-on battery packs (sold separately), expanding up to 5kW of battery capacity. Such a supply can comfortably power nearly all your essentials for 1-3 days.

3. Large RVs (Motorhomes, Class A RVs)

If you have a larger class A RV, also called a motorhome, you should seek a power device with even more output.  You might need simultaneous support for multiple high-consumption devices, such as air conditioners and heaters. A recommendation of 3000W or more for the inverter generator is advisable to ensure a stable power supply.

For this case, we recommend Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus. It boasts a 2kW large battery capacity capable of supporting even high-wattage devices, and it is not just powerful but also expandable. You can add up to 5 battery packs for a total capacity of up to 12kWh. In other words, you could survive for a week off-grid living with this power. 

Conclusion

Finding the power needs of an RV is a simple process if you know what you are doing. Follow the process we have outlined above to know exactly what power limits you should be aiming for. Once you know your RV power limits, you can identify the right solar electric generator. It is incredibly essential to select the right inverter generator for your RV. The right inverter generator will not only provide you immense comfort during your trip but will also help avoid unnecessary power wastage. But for best results, you should always rely on a reputable supplier.

Jackery is one of the leading solar power inverters suppliers across the globe, including Australia. We provide a wide range of solar generators and assure you that you will find the best one according to your RV power needs.