Can Solar Panels Power RV AC Unit
Updated 09/12/2025 | Published 08/26/2025
Question:
I have a 2022 Sunset Trail 272BH. It came pre wired for go power solar panels. I purchased this kit and had it installed before I picked up the camper. I would now like to add an inverter and maybe a second solar panel. My camper is a 30 amp with one AC unit. Would the second solar panel 400 watt total run my fridge 12v and the AC plus some outlets? Maybe the TV? And what inverter would I need?
asked by: Julie
Expert Reply:
Hey Julie, AC units and fridges draw a pretty large amount of current (especially AC units) so to power it all with solar energy alone would get pretty elaborate and expensive.
To put it in perspective for every 100 watts of solar panel power you get 5.4 amps. A lot of AC units will draw up to 40 amps at start up and then settle down to around 14 amps.
What do you have for a battery setup? I attached a help article that goes over a lot of solar panel requirement info for you to check out down below as well.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Go Power Overlander Solar Charging System with Digital Solar Controller - 200 Watt Solar Panel
- RV Solar Panels
- Roof Mounted Solar Kit
- Rigid Panels
- 101 - 200 Watts
- 5.1 - 10 Amps
- AGM
- Gel
- Lead Acid
- Lithium
- Expandable
- PWM
- 1 Panel
- Go Power
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Expanding Go Power Solar on 2021 Jayco Eagle
- Q&A: Does Progressive Dynamics 5500 Series AC Distribution Panel Include Converter
- Q&A: When Installing Multiple Go Power Solar Panels in Parallel, Does Each Panel Need its Own Fuse
- Article: 4-Step Guide to Installing RV Solar Power
- Q&A: Replacement Bolt For MORryde CRE3000 And X-Factor Crossmember
- Q&A: Soft Start for Grand Design Reflection 297RSTS With Coleman-Mach 48204-669
- Q&A: Can etrailer Solar Expansion Kit Be Used With Go Power Overlander Solar Kit
- Article: How Much Solar Power Do I Need For My RV?
- Q&A: Replacement For High Pointe Built-In Convection Microwave with Air Fryer ECO28KD7
- Article: 4 Reasons Not to Use RV Solar Power (And 4 Reasons You Should)
- Article: What are the Common Types of Propane Fittings Used on RVs?
- Article: 5 Products You Need For Your Next Camping Trip (2022)
- Article: Slipper Spring Trailer Suspension System Review
- Article: Troubleshooting Brake Controller Installations
Jameson C.
9/12/2025
Hey Julie, did you have a chance to check out the battery setup for your camper? I'm curious if the information helped you figure out the best way to power your fridge and AC with solar energy. If you're still looking for a solution, I'm happy to help!