Off-Grid Power – Air Conditioners
Solar power and lithium battery technology have revolutionized the way people travel in recreational their vehicles. This game-changing combination allows for more off-grid freedom and the ability to enjoy modern conveniences wherever you park. Think of it as a greener, more sustainable way to explore the great outdoors. However, off-grid energy comes with limitations—especially when it comes to power-hungry appliances like air conditioners.
This article covers common themes experienced by RVers, along with base-level recommendations for building an effective mobile power system.
“I need to cool down with A/C over short bursts”
How can customers balance comfort and power use when they’re not plugged in?
Air conditioners are major power guzzlers. A standard battery cannot produce enough power to run a 120V A/C unit. However, when a 120V air conditioner is paired with 200Ah of lithium batteries, customers can run the A/C for about an hour to cool down the RV. This setup leaves just enough power for overnight essentials like lights, fans, and charging electronics.
Adding solar significantly improves the setup. A good starting point is 400W of solar, an appropriately sized inverter, and two 100Ah lithium batteries.
“I go off-grid for days at a time; efficiency is key for me.”
Those who go off-grid for more than 2–3 days at a time will need a much more robust setup. This build will vary based on personal usage and travel habits. The more efficient the user, the smaller the required system.
We recommend starting with no less than 600W of solar, paired with at least 300Ah of lithium batteries. This supports basic use: keeping the fridge running, lights on, devices charged, and running the A/C for a short time—on an ideal day.
Pro Tip: More available power is always better. Trying to add too much solar to a small battery bank can create problems. When upgrading a mobile power system, adding another battery is almost always a better investment than adding more solar.
“We’re down South—the A/C is our lifeline”
Using A/C heavily becomes an expensive venture quickly. To run a 120V A/C unit continuously for eight hours, you’ll need no fewer than 800Ah of lithium batteries. At $1,000+ per battery, this can be a steep investment.
A solar setup can help, but keeping the batteries charged on a hot day while running a 120V A/C unit would require at least ten panels on the roof. In most cases, that simply isn’t feasible.
Solar panels alone cannot produce enough current to run the A/C permanently. This means customers will rely on stored battery power while the A/C is running. A practical solution is to operate the A/C during the most necessary parts of the day, giving the solar panels time to recharge the batteries. Compromise is essential—run the A/C only when it’s most needed.
This type of customer may also benefit from a third option: running a generator for a few hours during peak usage. While not ideal for everyone, it gives comfort-focused travelers the ability to go off-grid for extended periods.
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