Solar Generator for a 30 Amp RV
What size solar generator do you need for a 30 amp RV? The answer is driven by air conditioning: run the AC and you need a multi-kWh system; skip it and a ~1kWh station goes a long way.
Bottom line
Use the Solar Generator Size Calculator with your own appliance list for exact numbers. A loaded 30A RV example (AC + fridge + pump + lights + CPAP) totals ≈ 18.3 kWh/day → ≈ 21.6 kWh battery ÷ 0.85. Demand peaks with the summer camping season (Apr–Jun, Google Trends).
Typical 30A RV load list
| Appliance | Power | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Roof AC (13.5K BTU class) | ≈ 1500 W running / ≈ 3000 W surge | Dometic 13.5K BTU class official spec — startup surge decides inverter size |
| 12V compressor fridge (Dometic CFX3 55) | 104 W rated / ≈ 13 W avg | Dometic official spec (8.7 A DC rated; 1.1 Ah/h @ 12V avg) |
| Water pump | 100 W | Typical label (illustrative) |
| LED lighting (set) | 50 W | Typical label (illustrative) |
| CPAP (heated) | 53 W | ResMed official typical — see CPAP camping guide |
System sizing guidance
No-AC setup
AC setup
Inverter
Frequently asked questions
What size solar generator do I need for a 30 amp RV?
Without air conditioning, a ~1,000–1,200 Wh station with 200–400W of solar comfortably covers a fridge, lights, water pump and CPAP. With roof AC, expect a 3.5kW+ inverter and 30–40 kWh of battery — run the numbers in the size calculator.
Can a portable power station run an RV air conditioner?
Only if the station's inverter exceeds the AC's startup surge (typically ~3,500 W for a 13.5K BTU unit) and the battery covers the running draw (≈2,800 W). This is a heavy, short-runtime combination — solar recharge is essential.
Do I need a 30 amp setup to charge from solar?
Solar input is separate from the 30A shore-power circuit. A 200–400W foldable array paired with the station's solar input is the common off-grid setup.
Is there a seasonal pattern for RV power demand?
Yes — per Google Trends, camping power demand peaks Apr–Jun (pre-summer buying). Plan content refresh and gear checks before the summer peak.