Can 100W Or 200W Solar Kit From Rich Solar Power AC Unit In 2017 Jayco Greyhawk Travel Trailer?

Updated 08/07/2025 | Published 07/14/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Rich Solar RV Solar Charging Kit w/ 1 Panel - 12V - 100 Watts

(2)

$251.14

Rich Solar RV Solar Charging Kit w/ 1 Panel - 12V - 200 Watts

(3)

$347.14

Rich Solar RV Solar Charging Kit w/ 6 Panels - 12V - 1,200 Watts

(2)

$1689.40

Rich Solar RV Solar Charging Kit w/ 2 Panels - 12V - 400 Watts

(3)

$642.32

Question:

Can the RS27VR or RS37VR solar kit power an A/C unit on my 2017 Jayco Greyhawk?

asked by: Alicia

Expert Reply:

Hi Alicia, we get this question a lot, and its a really important one if you’re trying to stay cool while off-grid. The short answer is: unfortunately, the Rich Solar 100w kit # RS27VR and 200w # RS37VR won’t be able to power your air conditioner directly, but we have a kit that will!

Here’s why: air conditioners, even smaller RV rooftop models like a 13,500 BTU unit, draw a lot of power, typically around 1,200–1,500 watts continuous, and even more at startup. The # RS27VR is a 100-watt solar kit, which means in peak conditions it might produce about 30–35 amps of power per day or ~5–6 amps per hour; double that for the 200w # RS37VR kit. That’s fantastic for maintaining a battery bank and running 12V appliances like fans, lights, water pumps, and even charging electronics, but it’s not enough for high-draw AC loads.

Now, if you're really hoping to run an A/C while boondocking, you'd be looking at a system with:

800–1200 watts of solar panels roof + portable,

At least 400–600Ah of lithium battery storage,

And a high-output inverter 3,000W or more,

Plus a soft start module for the A/C unit to reduce startup surge.

For a solar kit that will do the best job possible, you'd be looking at the Rich Solar RV Solar Charging Kit w/ 6 Panels - 12V - 1,200 Watts # RS67VR.

Many of our full-time RV customers combine a solar setup like the 400 Watt Kit # RS97VR with a small generator for A/C use when needed. It’s a good compromise; solar keeps your batteries topped off for daily essentials, and the generator runs only when A/C is required.

expert reply by: Andrew N

rich solar 6 panel kit
(click to enlarge)

Andrew N.

8/7/2025

Hi Alicia, did you find a setup that works for running your A/C while off-grid? I'm curious to know if the larger solar kit or a combination with a generator ended up being the right fit for you. Your experience could really help others in a similar situation!