The Ultimate Van Life Solar Calculator

“Planning your van build electrical system? Don’t buy a battery until you know exactly how much power you need.

This free off-grid power audit tool calculates your daily energy consumption based on real-world usage. Whether you run Starlink, a 12V Fridge, or a Diesel Heater, this calculator determines the exact Lithium Battery bank (Ah) and Solar Panel array (Watts) required to keep you powered up.

Supports USA (120V), Australia/UK (230V), and Europe voltages. Includes logic for DC-DC charging, roof space limits, and portable solar panels.”

⚡ Ultimate Solar Calculator

🔋 Charging Sources
Driving (DC-DC Charger)
Alternator charging
1h
Portable / Ground Panel
Extra panel to reduce roof need
200 Watts
Roof Space Limit
Max solar that fits on your roof
Max 400 W
❄️ Climate Control
Diesel Heater
8h
Roof Fan (MaxxAir)
10h
Portable Fan (Sirocco)
8h
🍳 Kitchen
12V Fridge
Water Pump
15 min
Nespresso (AC)
2 Cups
Kettle / Toaster (AC)
5 min
💻 Tech & Misc
LED Lights
4h
Laptop Charger (AC)
4h
Starlink (Satellite Internet)
8h
TV (12V)
2h
Custom 12V
Watts
1h
Custom AC (Inverter)
Watts
1h
Battery Needed
0 Ah
Recommended Lithium (12V)
Find Battery ➤
Amazon Affiliate Link
Roof Solar Needed
0 W
Total array required
Find Panels ➤
Amazon Affiliate Link
Inverter Size
None
Pure Sine Wave
Find Inverter ➤
Amazon Affiliate Link
DC-DC Charger
None
Charge while driving
Find Charger ➤
Amazon Affiliate Link
Load
0 Wh
Batt
0 Ah
Solar
0 W
A person in a blue jacket carries a large solar panel, walking on a brick pathway surrounded by gravel. In the background, there is an RV parked near greenery.

Life Starts on The Road -Lets Start Wiring

A person crouches on the ground connecting cables from a portable solar panel into a blue and green power pack. The panel is propped up against a car wheel. The setting appears outdoors with trees in the background.
Calculate your solar panel needs quickly with our intuitive tool.
A modern camper van with its side door open, showing a glimpse of the interior. The van is parked in an outdoor setting with a few trees in the background and some dry grass in the foreground. The vehicle has off-road tires and a roof rack, suggesting it's equipped for travel and adventure.
Get precise battery sizing advice tailored to your energy use.
The interior of a van features wooden paneling and a sleek countertop with a metallic sink. Yellow curtains frame the rear opening, revealing a serene landscape in the distance. Cozy cushions and bedding suggest a comfortable living space.

Get the right products so you can relax and not keep looking under the panels trying to trouble shoot.

About Us

We built this calculator to take the guesswork out of sizing solar systems for van life and tiny homes. I’ve spent enough time with my head behind the panels and not sitting in my camp chair knocking back a brewski.

I hope I can save you some of my battery, solar, invertor pain.

A solar panel kit is laid on the ground surrounded by green foliage with purple flowers. The kit includes a folded solar panel with a zippered pouch, a set of alligator clips, a charge controller, and coiled red and black cables. The brand 'Newpowa' is printed on the panel.

Real feedback

This calculator saved me hours of guesswork—finally, a tool that just works for van life!
Accurate and simple. I sized my solar setup perfectly without any confusion.

Get Started

Calculate your perfect solar setup in minutes—no guesswork, just clear results.