How many solar panels do I need on my camper
At vctrade.nl we are regularly asked how many solar panels are needed on the camper. Although a very good question, there is not a clear answer and we are happy to explain why there is not.
The yield of solar panels is very dependent on the time of year. For example, a solar panel produces 7x as much energy in the summer months as in the winter months. If you like to go out with your camper in the spring and autumn and you want to be able to rely on energy generated by your own solar panels, you will need more solar panels on your camper.
In addition, the location has an influence, the sun in Spain is stronger than in the Netherlands and the system will therefore yield significantly more. This also applies the other way around, in Norway the sun is less strong than in the Netherlands and the system yields less for this.
The number of days you spend between two trips with your camper also matters. If you change your pitch every three days, your solar panel and battery only need to be supplied for those three days because your household battery is also charged while driving. To fully charge the household battery you will have to drive for about 2-3 hours.
The number of consumers also influences the question of how many solar panels are needed on the camper. If you only use LED lighting and the water pump, you will need considerably fewer solar panels on your camper than if you want to use a coffee machine via a heavy inverter. Another major consumer is the refrigerator. If the refrigerator can run on gas, it is an absorption refrigerator. This type uses a lot of electricity and works best on gas and only when the engine is running on 12 volts, because you do not want to leave the gas open while driving. If you have a compressor refrigerator, this works fine via the solar panels on your camper.
If you would like more information about solar panels on your camper, click on the following link: camper solar panels .
If you are still unsure about which solar panel you need and how many, please contact us because we will be happy to help you.