What Solar Panel Do I need?

What solar panel do you need to run all the lights and appliances you will be using. Find out here.

What Solar Panel Do I need?

Small Caravans and Small Camper Vans

No of People Season Usage Panel Needed (Flexi, Rigid or Fold Up)
2 Person Spring, Summer, Autumn Lights / Water Pump Only 10W
2 Person Spring, Summer, Autumn Lights / Water Pump / TV 2 hours per day 20W
2 Person Spring, Summer, Autumn Lights / Water Pump / TV 4 hours per day 30W
2 Person All Year Round Lights / Water Pump Only 40W
2 Person All Year Round Lights / Water Pump / TV 2 hours per day 40W
2 Person All Year Round Lights / Water Pump / TV 4 hours per day 60W
4-6 People Spring, Summer, Autumn Lights / Water Pump Only 20W
4-6 People Spring, Summer, Autumn Lights / Water Pump / TV 2 hours per day 30W
4-6 People Spring, Summer, Autumn Lights / Water Pump / TV 4 hours per day 40W
4-6 People All Year Round Lights / Water Pump Only 40W
4-6 People All Year Round Lights / Water Pump / TV 2 hours per day 60W
4-6 People All Year Round Lights / Water Pump / TV 4 hours per day 80W

Large Motorhomes / Large Caravans

No of People Season Usage Panel Needed (Flexi, Rigid or Fold Up)
2 Person Spring, Summer, Autumn Lights / Water Pump / Radio / CD Player 40W
2 Person Spring, Summer, Autumn Lights / Water Pump / TV 2 hours per day 60W
2 Person Spring, Summer, Autumn Lights / Water Pump / TV 4 hours per day 80W
2 Person All Year Round Lights / Water Pump / Radio / CD Player 60W
2 Person All Year Round Lights / Water Pump / TV 2 hours per day 80W
2 Person All Year Round Lights / Water Pump / TV 3 hours per day (use plug in 240V Appliances) 100W
4-6 People Spring, Summer, Autumn Lights / Water Pump / Radio / CD Player 60W
4-6 People Spring, Summer, Autumn Lights / Water Pump / TV 2 hours per day 80W
4-6 People Spring, Summer, Autumn Lights / Water Pump / TV 3 hours per day (use plug in 240V Appliances) 120W
4-6 People All Year Round Lights / Water Pump / Radio / CD Player 100W
4-6 People All Year Round Lights / Water Pump / TV 2 hours per day 120W
4-6 People All Year Round Lights / Water Pump / TV 3 hours per day (use plug in 240V Appliances) 150W – 200W

Boats And Narrow Boats

Size of Boat Number of People Boat Location Usage Panel Required Flexi, Rigid, Fold Up)
16-22 Foot 2 Inshore Just to Keep Battery topped up at mooring 5/10W
16-22 Foot 2 Inshore Battery top up, bilge / water pump 20W
16-22 Foot 2 Inshore Battery top up, lights, water pump, VHF Radio 30W
16-22 Foot 4 to 6 Offshore Nav Light, domestic lights, waterpump, VHF Radio 60W
16-22 Foot 4 to 6 Offshore Nav Light, domestic lights, waterpump, VHF Radio, TV 2hrs 80W
16-22 Foot 4 to 6 Offshore Nav Light, domestic lights, waterpump, VHF Radio, TV 3hrs 120W
22-45 Foot 4 Coastal Nav Lights, VHF Radio, CD, waterpump 40-45W
22-45 Foot 4 Coastal Nav Lights, VHF Radio, CD, waterpump, TV 2 hours 60W
22-45 Foot 4 Coastal Nav Lights, VHF Radio, CD, waterpump, TV 3 hours, 240V appliances 80W
Narrowboard Live Aboard Inshore/ Offshore Lights, waterpump, VHF radio, CD 100W
Narrowboard Live Aboard Inshore/ Offshore Lights, VHF Radio, CD, waterpump, TV 2 hours 120W
Narrowboard Live Aboard Inshore/ Offshore Lights, VHF Radio, CD, waterpump, TV 3 hours, 240V appliances 150W / 200W

4 Comments

  1. Hello.
    you address lights ,water pump TV use.
    I’d like to know can i charge mobile phone and lights?

    1. Hi Mary Carmel,
      All the options outlined would be fine for recharging your phone as this is not something that would place a huge demand power wise on the battery to which the solar panel is connected.

  2. Would the 200w power a washing machine or freezer…..?? Many thanks. and do they work in Ireland well. Many thanks.

    1. Hi Anne,
      Solar isnt really a cost effective and reliable option for running powerful electric appliances like a washing machine or ones that require a constant power feed like a freezer. Solar is fine for running lights, tvs laptops etc and for recharging power tools but I can’t recommend it for what you require.

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