Boondocking Electrical, Solar, and Batteries
Learn the basics of solar panels, battery banks, generators, power stations, and other electrical issues for boondocking. How many solar panels do you need for boondocking? How much battery power do you need? How big of a generator will you need?
Is a 100-watt Solar Panel Enough for my RV?
No, a 100-watt solar panel is not enough for an RV, especially if you plan to use your RV for boondocking. A single 100-watt solar panel is the bare minimum required to recharge a couple of 100 amp hour batteries, but that's only...
How Long Will RV Batteries Last While Boondocking?
A typical RV battery bank of one to two dual purpose RV/Marine Deep Cycle batteries will generally last about 3/4 of a day of normal use while boondocking. This is also assuming the RV has a single 200-watt solar panel on the roof...
Are Generators Banned in California?
No, generators are not banned in California. What the Golden State did was ban the sale of gas-powered generators starting on January 1, 2028. It's still totally legal to possess a gas-powered generator and operate it within the State of California.
How to Power a CPAP When Tent Camping
Most tent campers who use a CPAP use a "portable power station" (also referred to as a battery generator) to power their sleep. They also rely on a fold-up solar-panel to recharge the power station. The two together can be expensive...
Which Generator to Choose For an RV?
An RV is a great way to explore the outdoors. When paired with a good generator, you’ll have all the tools you need to comfortably camp anywhere. But, with hundreds of different types of generators on the market, it can be confusing...
What Kind of Batteries Do You Use for Solar Panels?
You can use any kind of batteries with solar panels. Solar panels don't care what batteries they are charging, and batteries don't care what solar panels are being used. You can use lithium-phosphate batteries, lithium-ion...
Boondocking with a Residential Refrigerator
Yes, boondocking with a residential refrigerator is possible. In fact, several boondockers have installed residential refrigerators into their RVs just because they want the larger storage space. However, it will require a constant source of 110-120 volt power which means...
How Many Batteries and Solar to Run a 5,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner?
A small 5,000 BTU portable air conditioner is a popular choice for many RVers and vandwellers who don't already have a roof-mounted system. But how many batteries and solar panels does it take to run a 5,000 BTU portable air conditioner...
How Many Batteries Does it Take to Run an Air Conditioner?
Four 12 volt batteries is the very minimum needed to run a rooftop RV air conditioner. But then, that will only run an air conditioner for about 1 hour maximum. Of course, it depends upon the type of battery. Flooded cell batteries, AGM batteries...
How Many Solar Panels Do I Need to Run My RV AC?
You will need at least 1,800 watts of solar panels to run your RV air conditioner for 8 hours each day. This is assuming you are using 12 volt RV grade panels. This is also assuming, of course...
