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Let’s talk about power—specifically, the kind that lets you binge-watch your favorite show in the middle of nowhere without your inverter throwing a tantrum. This week, we turned to our most trusted source: you, the RVer. The burning question we asked in our newsletter was all about your dream solar panel configuration. Whether you’re a minimalist boondocker or someone who wants to power a full-blown espresso machine under the desert sun, everyone has an opinion on solar. We’ve crunched the numbers from our recent poll, and the results reveal a fascinating split in our community’s energy ambitions. Remember, this data came straight from our newsletter subscribers, so if you didn’t vote this time, be sure to sign up and make your voice heard in our next one!
The responses to “What’s your ideal solar panel setup?” are in, and they paint a colorful picture of our power-hungry (or power-hesitant) lifestyles. Here’s how the votes stacked up:
| Solar Panel Wattage Preference | Percentage of RVers |
|---|---|
| 200-400 watts | 9% |
| 400-800 watts | 13% |
| 800-1200 watts | 43% |
| Over 1200 watts | 9% |
| I Don’t Want Solar | 26% |
The “Just Enough to Keep the Beer Cold” Crowd
On one end, we have the modest energy users. The 200-400 watt club isn’t trying to launch a satellite. They just want to keep the fridge humming and the fan spinning. We suspect their RV manuals are bookmarked at the chapter titled “Basics: Not Scaring Yourself.”
Meanwhile, the 400-800 watt voters are playing a careful game. It’s the “I can probably run my blender, but only if the sun is directly overhead and I’ve made a blood sacrifice to the weather gods” setup. A sensible, middle-of-the-road choice for those who enjoy a little luxury without the wire spaghetti.
The Glorious Power-Hungry Majority
And then, we have the undeniable champions: the 800-1200 watt enthusiasts. This 43% majority isn’t messing around. They look at the sun and see a free, cosmic battery charger. Their rigs likely have so many panels, they cast a shadow over entire campgrounds. For them, “off-grid” means running an air conditioner, a gaming PC, and a margarita machine simultaneously—all while charging an electric scooter.
Let’s not forget the brave 9% who said “Over 1200 watts.” These RVers are essentially rolling power stations. We imagine their setup requires a special permit and possibly its own zip code. Their solar arrays are so robust, they could probably power their rig and accidentally jump-start a neighboring small town.
The Sun-Free and Proud Faction
A surprising 26% declared, “I Don’t Want Solar.” And you know what? We get it. They are the purists, the plug-in devotees, the ones who see tangled wires and think, “Nope.” To them, a solar panel is just another thing to clean, mount, and explain. Their ideal campsite has a 50-amp hookup and a clear, unobstructed view of a power pedestal.
Why We Think the Votes Landed This Way
The overwhelming win for the 800-1200 watt range speaks volumes about modern RVing trends. We believe this sweet spot represents the practical ambition of today’s RVer: it provides enough serious power for genuine off-grid comfort without venturing into overwhelming complexity or cost. It’s the “goldilocks zone” for running essential systems plus a few coveted luxuries. Conversely, the strong showing for “No Solar” reflects a committed segment who prioritize simplicity, travel in different climates, or stick mainly to full-hookup parks. Ultimately, the split highlights our community’s beautiful diversity—from those who embrace solar sovereignty to those who happily let the campground pay the electric bill.
