Solar Setup

Is 200W or 400W of solar enough for van life? Real-world output numbers, what each system can run, and how to decide which you need.

The best affordable solar panels for RV and van builds in 2026 — under $200 for 200W, verified performance, and which budget brands to trust.

The best MPPT solar charge controllers for van and RV builds in 2026 — Victron SmartSolar vs Renogy Rover compared on features, sizing, and price.

The best solar panels for RV and van builds in 2026 — rigid vs flexible, monocrystalline vs polycrystalline, and top US picks from Renogy, Rich Solar, and Newpowa.

Flexible vs rigid solar panels for a van or RV — output, longevity, heat performance, and which one is actually worth buying for your build.

How to calculate the right solar panel wattage for an RV or van — the sizing formula, peak sun hours by region, common load scenarios, and US product recommendations.

Step-by-step guide to mounting and wiring solar panels on a van or RV roof — mounting types, cable routing, MC4 connectors, and connecting to your charge controller.

Peak sun hours by US state and region — how to use PSH to size your van or RV solar array correctly, with summer and winter averages.

Portable solar panels for RV and van use — what they're good for, how they compare to rooftop panels, and the best options in 2026.

Renogy Rover 40A and 60A MPPT charge controller review — real-world performance, app monitoring, and how it compares to Victron SmartSolar.

Should you wire your RV or van solar panels in series, parallel, or series-parallel? Here's how each configuration affects voltage, current, and MPPT performance.

A complete solar wiring diagram for a van or RV — how panels, MPPT controller, battery, and loads connect, with wire gauges and fuse placement.

How to plan solar panel placement on a van roof — clearance rules, cable routing, shade avoidance, and maximizing panel count on Sprinters, Transits, and Promasters.

How solar performance changes in winter for RVs and vans — fewer peak sun hours, low angles, snow, and what you can do about it.

Victron SmartSolar MPPT charge controllers reviewed — the 75/15, 100/30, and 100/50 models, Bluetooth monitoring, and whether they're worth the cost over Renogy.

How to size a solar array for a van or RV build in the US — peak sun hours by region, the sizing formula, and real examples.

MPPT vs. PWM solar charge controllers compared for van and RV builds — efficiency, cost, and which one to choose.

Renogy vs. Victron solar panels and charge controllers compared for van and RV builds — price, quality, monitoring, and which mix makes sense.

Step-by-step troubleshooting for a van or RV solar array that isn't charging the battery — wiring, controller, fuses, and panel checks.