In general, no. In most situations, you will not be able to run AC using RV solar panels. An air conditioning unit needs a lot of power. And, RV solar panels typically do not provide the amount of electricity needed to run an AC system.
The roof of an RV provides limited space. And, this restricts the number of solar panels that can be placed on the RV. Limited solar panels mean, less electricity. And, in most situations, you will not generate enough power to run an AC unit.
However, while running AC using solar panels is difficult, it’s not impossible. If you assemble the equipment needed to meet the electricity demands of an air conditioning unit – you can power it using solar power. Below we take a closer look.
Key Takeaways
• In general, No. You cannot power an AC unit using a regular RV solar power set-up.
• AC units consume a lot of electricity and it’s difficult to meet these demands using solar power.
• However, it’s not impossible. With the right set-up, it can be achieved.
How to Run AC Using Solar Panels
If you’re going to run your AC system on solar power, here’s a few things you need to know.
1: Number of Solar Panels
To run AC using solar panels, you need LOTS of solar panels. Often more than can be fitted on the roof of an RV. You’ll need to cover the roof with high-performance panels that generate lots of electricity. Even then, you may not produce the amount of power needed.
2: Large Batter Bank
You will need a large leisure battery bank to store the electricity generated while the sun is shining. The battery bank provides power throughout the day. And, this way you’re AC system can run at any time, even when the sun isn’t shining.
3: Power Inverter
This device is used to convert the DC (direct power) electricity stored in the batteries to AC (alternate current). Air conditioner units are run using AC power. Also, the inverter must be powerful enough to handle the surge of electricity required to start the AC compressor. This is a substantial surge and is too big for many inverters.
4: Managing Your Power
Efficient energy management is crucial when running an AC on solar power in an RV. AC units consume a lot of power, so you need to be mindful of how you use them. You’ll also need to consider what additional devices are running at the same time and draining the battery.
You’ll need to carefully manage how you run your devices to optimize the running of your air conditioner. Running an AC on solar power significantly drains your battery. Top tip – consider switching it off for periods and saving power for later in the day.
How Much Solar Power Do You Need to Run AC in an RV?
You’ll need to generate a lot of solar power to run an AC in an RV. AC systems consume a lot of electricity. The precise amount of power you need will depend on several factors including the size of the AC unit, the size and insulation quality of your RV, and your local climate.
However, for a quick and simple estimate of how much power you’ll need, perform the two simple steps below.
1: How Much Power Does Your AC Consume?
First up, you need to figure out the power consumption of your AC. Just take a look at the ‘watts’ rating of your AC. This can be found on the side of the AC unit or in its user manual. Most RV AC units range from 1,000 watts to 3,500 watts.
2: How Many Hours Will the AC Be Running?
Next, you need to calculate your typical AC daily energy consumption. Don’t worry, it’s easy. All you need to know is how many hours you’ll be running the device each day.
Simply, multiply the AC’s power consumption (in watts) by the number of hours it will run each day. For example 1,000 watts by 9 hours = 9,000 watt-hours (Wh).
Now you know how much solar power you need to run your RV AC.
How Many Solar Panels Do I Need to Run AC in an RV?
In general, you will need at least 4 high-performance solar panels to run AC in an RV. This is a rough estimate and the precise number you need will depend on several factors.
But, in general, most situations will require at least 4 solar panels to efficiently run an AC unit. How did we arrive at this number? Let’s take a look.
• AC Power Consumption: 1,500 watts
AC units consume varying amounts of power. For this walkthrough, we will take a typical RV AC unit with a power consumption of 1,500 watts. This is a standard value for an RV AC unit.
• Daily Runtime: 10 hours
We will base our calculation on a typical average daily runtime of 10 hours. This will cover the hottest part of the day in most situations.
• Daily Energy Consumption: 15,000 watt-hours (Wh)
Daily energy consumption is calculated by multiplying AC power consumption × Daily runtime.
This works out as: 1,500 watts × 10 hours = 15,000 watt-hours (Wh)
• Solar Panel Power Output: 4,000 watt-hours
On average, a high-efficiency solar panel can generate about 4,000 watt-hours or 4 kWh of electricity per day. This will be influenced by sunlight availability and panel orientation.
• Number of Solar Panels Needed: 4
The number of solar panels needed is equal to your “Daily Energy Consumption” divided by “Solar Panel Power Output”. In this walkthrough, this is equal to 15,000 / 4,000 = 3.75. Then, round this up to the nearest whole number, and you get 4.
How Long Can RV Solar Panels Run AC?
You can run an air conditioning unit on RV solar panels for 10 hours based on the example above. This involves using 4 x 4,000 watt-hour panels on your RV roof to generate 16 kWh of power over the course of the day.
This power will then be stored in your battery bank. And, can be used to run a 1,500 watts AC unit for a period of 10 hours. The exact figures for your solar power system may be different, but the example above will give you an idea of how RV solar panels can run AC.
Note, running AC using solar panels is a tough ask. The amount of electricity generated by solar panels will struggle to power a typical AC unit. If you are intent on running your air conditioner on solar power you will have to avoid using any other electrical devices while the unit is running.
So, in answer to the question – Can RV Solar Panels Run Air Conditioning? – in general, no, but it’s not impossible.
Can I Run Just my AC with Solar Panels?
Yes, you can. Running AC using solar panels is difficult, but not impossible. AC units consume a lot of power. So, you’ll need to create a setup that generates enough solar electrical energy to power your RV AC.
How Many Watts Does It Take to Run an RV Air Conditioner?
It will take 1,500 watts to run a typical RV AC for one hour. This works out as 1.5 16 kWh – every hour. And, this involves powering a 1,500 watts AC device.
READ NEXT
• Pros & Cons of RV Solar Panels
• How Does an RV Solar Panel Work?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
John McTominay
- B.S. Electrical Engineering
- Solar Power Expert
Meet John McTominay, a solar energy pro with an electrical engineering degree from Arizona State University. With over 30 years in solar, John loves blending tech smarts with nature.
Outside work, he’s all about RV adventures, hiking, and cheering for the Phoenix Suns in the NBA. John shares his solar wisdom on RV Solar Power Hub, helping others light up their RVs.
A travel buff, he’s on a constant quest for new horizons and scenic spots, making the solar journey as exciting as the destination. Explore the world with John, where green energy meets the great outdoors!
