Can I run my RV air conditioner on solar power?

Calculating Solar Panel Requirements

To run an RV air conditioner on solar power, you’ll need to calculate the energy requirements of the unit and determine the necessary solar panel size. A typical 13,500 BTU RV air conditioner requires around 1,200-1,500 watts of power during peak usage. To calculate the required solar panel size, multiply the power requirement by the desired daily usage hours: 1,300 watts * 8 hours = 10,400 watt-hours (Wh) per day.

Choosing the Right Solar Panel and Battery Configuration

To accommodate the air conditioner’s energy requirements, you’ll need a solar panel array with a minimum of 3,000-4,000 watts of power. This can be achieved with two or three 300-400 watt solar panels, depending on your roof space and desired daily energy production. Additionally, you’ll need a deep cycle battery bank with sufficient capacity to store excess energy generated during the day for nighttime use. A 400 Ah battery bank with a 24V configuration and an 80 Ah hour rating would be a good starting point.

Sizing the Battery Bank and Inverter

To ensure reliable power output, size the battery bank to handle the air conditioner’s peak power draw. A general rule of thumb is to size the battery bank to provide at least 6-8 hours of backup power. For a 13,500 BTU air conditioner, you’ll need a battery bank with a capacity of around 400-600 Ah at 24V. The inverter should be sized to handle the air conditioner’s maximum power draw, which is typically around 1,500 watts. A 2,000 watt pure sine wave inverter will provide sufficient power for most RV air conditioners.