200W Solar Panel Output - How Much Power?
The 200W panel is the van life standard. Whether as a single panel or two 100W panels, this capacity can sustain a small 12V fridge and daily device charging. Expect 800-1000Wh per day in good conditions.
Rated Power
200W
Daily Output (Summer)
1000Wh
Voltage (Vmp)
20V
Typical Use
Van life
Output Calculator
Your Battery (for charging estimate)
Daily Production
850Wh
Peak Output
170W
Charge from 50%
3.5 hrs
Charge from Empty
7.1 hrs
Recommendations
* Actual output varies by location, season, panel angle, and shading.
200W Panel Output by Conditions
| Conditions | Peak Output | Daily Production |
|---|---|---|
| Full sun (summer) | 200W | 1000Wh |
| Partial sun | 120W | 600Wh |
| Winter / cloudy | 80W | 400Wh |
| Overcast | 40W | 200Wh |
* Based on typical conditions. Actual output varies by location, angle, and temperature.
Battery Charging Times
| Battery Size | Voltage | Time to Full Charge |
|---|---|---|
| 100Ah | 12V | 8 hours |
| 200Ah | 12V | 15 hours |
| 300Ah | 12V | 22 hours |
* From 50% to full in ideal sun conditions. Charging slows as battery approaches full.
- ✓Van life (minimal use)
- ✓Weekend RV trips
- ✓Marine systems
- ✓Backup power
- ✓Small cabin
- ✗Full-time stationary RV
- ✗Multiple high-power devices
- ✗Areas with poor sun
- ✗Running AC
200W Solar Panel Tips
- •The minimum for sustainable van life with a 12V fridge
- •Two 100W panels often fit van roofs better than one 200W
- •MPPT controller recommended - provides 15-20% more power than PWM
- •Can fully recharge a 100Ah battery in a single good day
- •Consider 24V panels for long wire runs to reduce voltage drop
Panel Specifications
Typical Dimensions
65" x 26" (single) or 2x 47" x 21"
Weight
25-35 lbs
Voltage at Max Power (Vmp)
20V
Current at Max Power (Imp)
10A
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 200W solar enough for van life?
For minimal use (fridge, phones, lights, laptop), yes - barely. Most van lifers find 300-400W more comfortable. 200W works if you are mobile and chase the sun.
How much power does 200W solar produce?
About 800-1000Wh per day in summer, 400-600Wh in winter. Enough to run a 12V compressor fridge (400Wh/day) plus devices.
What size charge controller for 200W solar?
A 20A PWM or 15A MPPT controller handles 200W easily. For future expansion, get a 30A MPPT.