What size solar generator for camper van?

Check, uncheck or adjust the typical device list below — watts, startup surge and battery size update instantly. Numbers come from U.S. DOE, ENERGY STAR and manufacturer spec sheets, not marketing copy.

1. Check what you need to power

Refrigeration & Freezers

  • 1

Kitchen

  • 1
  • 1

Heating, Cooling & Fans

  • 1

Water & Pumps

Laundry & Cleaning

Electronics & Office

  • 2
  • 1
  • 3

Medical Devices

Power Tools & Outdoor

Lighting

  • 3

2. Your sizing

Running load3,777 W
Startup peak6,037 Wdriven by 1× Portable AC (10,000 BTU, single-hose)
Daily energy14,665 Wh
Recommended capacity18,340 WhBasis: 1 day of typical usage, incl. 25% margin for inverter loss & battery depth of discharge
Backup duration:

Assumptions: daily hours per device follow DOE / ENERGY STAR duty cycles; capacity adds a 25% margin. Check your appliance nameplates — actual draw varies by model.

3. Best matches from our 6-brand database

  1. Anker SOLIX F3800expandable system~$2,199
    • rated 6,000W covers your 4,160W continuous load
    • surge 9,000W covers your 6,037W start peak
    • base 3,840Wh + expansion batteries (up to 26,880Wh) covers your 18,340Wh need
    • 120/240V split-phase output
    Check price →

Static answer (crawlable summary)

Typical device list: Portable AC (10,000 BTU, single-hose)×1, Starlink Standard (Gen 3)×1, Portable 12V Fridge/Freezer (Dometic CFX3 45 class)×1, Induction Cooktop (portable single burner)×1, Blender×1, Laptop Computer×2, LED Bulb (60W equivalent)×3, Phone / Smartphone Charger×3.

Estimated from: Mfr spec: Whynter ARC-10WB · Mfr spec: Starlink · Mfr spec: Dometic · Mfr spec: Duxtop 8120MC (Secura) · Unbound Solar Power Table (secondary) · VT Extension table (DOE-derived) · Energy Star Certified Products (bulbs) — some household values are cross-checked class estimates (not single-model nameplates); check your own appliance nameplate before buying.

Continuous load3,777 W
Startup peak6,037 W (driven by 1× Portable AC (10,000 BTU, single-hose))
Daily energy use14,665 Wh
Recommended capacity18,340 Wh (25% margin included)
Minimum inverter4,160 W continuous

Frequently asked questions

What size solar generator for camper van?

For a typical setup (Portable AC (10,000 BTU, single-hose), Starlink Standard (Gen 3), Portable 12V Fridge/Freezer (Dometic CFX3 45 class), Induction Cooktop (portable single burner) and Blender, plus 3 more devices), you need at least 3,777W of continuous power. The single biggest moment is startup: when 1× portable ac (10,000 btu, single-hose) kicks on, the momentary draw peaks at 6,037W. For a full day of runtime we recommend at least 18,340Wh of battery capacity (your devices use about 14,665Wh per day, plus a 25% margin for a full day of use).

Which power stations can handle this?

Based on published specs, Anker SOLIX F3800 (with expansion batteries) covers the 6,037W startup peak and delivers up to 1.8 days fully expanded of typical daily use. Check the comparison cards above for the full numbers.

Why is the startup surge higher than the running watts?

Motor-driven devices (fridge compressors, well pumps, air conditioners) draw 2-5× their running power for a split second at startup — measured as locked-rotor amps (LRA). On this page the biggest spike comes from the Portable AC (10,000 BTU, single-hose): a station that only meets the running load will trip or stall when it starts. Data sources: U.S. DOE Energy Saver, ENERGY STAR certified products, manufacturer spec sheets.

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