How Much is Solar Power for Home, Mobile Home, RV, and Trailer

When it comes to investing in solar panel systems, the most common question people ask before getting started is: How much is solar power for a home, mobile home, RV, or trailer? The answer isn't one-size-fits-all. The solar panel cost depends on the amount of energy you need, the type of solar setup you choose, and whether you're powering a house or something more compact, such as a camper.

This guide will break down typical solar power costs, show you how to calculate your exact energy needs and help you choose the right solar setup based on the use case. If you're just starting out or want a flexible option, portable solar generators like Jackery Solar Generators make it easy to go solar without the hassle of complex installations.

Key Takeaways

• The cost of solar power varies depending on the setup: full homes require higher-capacity systems, while RVs and mobile homes can run on smaller, portable units.
• You can calculate your solar power needs by compiling a list of appliance wattages and their corresponding daily usage hours.
• A full home solar setup typically costs between $25,000 and $35,000, while RV setups can start at under $1,500.
• Jackery Solar Generators are essential battery backup solutions ideal for homes, mobile homes, trailers, and even small cabins.

How Much is Solar Power for a Home

A typical residential solar panel and energy storage system can cost between $25,000 and $35,000, although the cost may vary depending on factors such as battery size. On average, homeowners use about 899 kWh per month, which means a 6 kWh to 10 kWh range would be enough to meet their power requirements.

How to Calculate Solar Power Need for Home

If you want to understand how much is solar power for your home, you can consider the following steps.

Step 1: Determine the monthly electricity usage in kilowatt-hours. It's typically available at the bottom of the electricity bill.

Step 2: Note how many peak sun hours your location gets per month. Peak sun hours represent the sunlight intensity in an area and are typically 4-5 per day or 120-150 per month.

Step 3: Divide the household energy consumption by the monthly peak sun hours to get the size of the system you need to install.

If we assume the average home's energy usage is 899 kWh per month and 130 sun peak hours for the calculation, the system size will be 899 kWh ÷ 130 hours = 6.9 kW or 7 kW.

Hence, you'll need a 7000-watt generator to cover your home's daily energy requirements.

Cost Breakdown of Solar Power for Home

Here's a cost breakdown for residential solar panel systems with different capacities:

How Much is Solar Power for a Mobile Home

Installing solar panels on mobile homes or investing in portable solar generators is one of the best ways to save money on electric bills. It's generally more affordable than a standard house because of the smaller square footage. On average, mobile homes can use anywhere from 500 kWh to 700 kWh per month. You can expect to pay between $3,000 and $15,000, or even more, for solar power for mobile homes. The total cost of installation depends on factors like your location, power usage, and system size, which directly affects how much is solar power for a house.

How to Calculate Solar Power Need for a Mobile Home

Just like with any other home, you can calculate how much solar power is needed for mobile homes by understanding their energy usage.

Step 1: Check the electricity bill to understand the energy usage per month or identify the wattage requirements of the appliances used in the mobile homes, along with their runtimes.

Step 2: Multiply the wattage by the hours of each appliance, and then sum up to determine the total power consumption.

Step 3: Determine the daily sun peak hours available at your location. Then, divide the energy consumption per month and the number of sun peak hours to determine the size of the solar power system.

Let's say the power consumption of the mobile home is 600 kWh, and the area receives around 5 peak sun hours per day or 150 hours per month. The solar power system will be 600 kWh ÷ 150 hours = 4 kW.

Therefore, you would need a 3000-watt or 5000-watt generator to ensure that essential mobile home appliances remain powered without a grid connection.

Cost Breakdown of Solar Power for Mobile Home

Here's how much solar power is for different mobile homes:

How Much is Solar Power for RV & Trailer

The amount of solar power needed for an RV or trailer depends on various factors, such as peak sun hours available in the location, the power consumption, and the solar panel output. The cost of solar panels for RVs and trailers will also depend on whether you plan to take weekend trips or live full-time in your RV. On average, you can expect to pay between $1,500 and $10,000 for a basic solar power system for a solar-powered RV.

How to Calculate Solar Power Need for RV & Trailer

Figuring out how much solar power is required for an RV or trailer is fairly simple. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Start by estimating the daily power consumption of the RV by listing the appliances used and their runtimes.

For example, let's say you want to use a mini-fridge (100W), lights (20W), fan (100W), and a TV (80W) simultaneously with the solar panel system. If the appliances are used for 3 hours each, the total power consumption would be 900Wh per day.

Step 2: Determine the sun's peak hours and then divide them by the daily power consumption to get the required solar panel output. If the sun peak hours are 5 per day, the required panel setup would be 900Wh ÷ 5H = 180W.

This means a 200-watt RV solar panel with a small battery backup would be enough to run these essential appliances in an RV. However, if you want to run medium-sized to heavy-duty appliances, such as ACs, heaters, and induction cooktops, you will need a larger solar panel system.

Cost Breakdown of Solar Power for RV & Trailer

Here's a rough estimate of different solar power systems for RVs and trailers:

Which is the Best Solar Setup for Your Needs

The best solar panel setup entirely depends on your lifestyle, energy use, and mobility needs. Here is a quick breakdown of how much is solar power for homes and RVs:

Homeowners: If you're powering the most essential home appliances and heating/cooling systems, a high-capacity solar generator like the Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3000 would be ideal. It is an essential home backup solution that offers energy independence and protection from outages.

Mobile Home Residents: If you've enough space in your mobile home, it's best to consider a large-capacity solar generator. Since the mobile home won't be connected to the electric grid, it would be ideal to opt for a solar panel system with a massive battery capacity.

RV Travelers and Campers: A smaller and more portable solar power setup works best for RVs. You should look for solar generators with multiple solar panels and battery storage, such as the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus. It is compact enough to be stored in an RV and powerful enough to power most RV appliances.

Best Jackery Solar Generators for Homes & RVs

Regardless of where you live: traditional homes, mobile homes, RVs, or trailers, you will need a reliable power supply to run the essential appliances. Jackery is a global leader in manufacturing solar panels, power stations, and solar generators. The Jackery Solar Generators are reliable battery backups designed to supply electricity to the appliances. They are portable, easy to set up, and don't emit any noise or toxic fumes.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is a reliable RV generator that can power most outdoor appliances, including an RV AC, refrigerator, lights, electric stoves, and induction cooktops. With the foldable handle, pull rod, and double wheels, you can easily move this solar generator in and out of the RV. The capacity can be extended from 2kWh to 24kWh with the addition of battery packs, allowing for comfortable off-grid living.

Appliances Running Time

• Mini-Fridge (100W) = 14.2H
• Dehumidifier (200W) = 7.7H
• Fan (100W) = 14.2H
• TV (80W) = 17.1H
• RV AC (500W) = 3.2H

Customer Review

"I gave my Jackery 2000 and 500W solar panels a run, though, and am absolutely delighted with the performance, output, and input. A real tool that frees me to go off-grid without reservation. Love the ability to upgrade/add more modular power with ease." — Thomas Lanen.

Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3000

If you're looking for an essential home backup solution to power most household appliances, such as refrigerators, TVs, lights, and portable coolers, you can consider the Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3000. The essential home battery backup has a compact design and dual-sided handles for easy transportation around the traditional house or mobile home.

Appliances Running Time

• Large Refrigerator (400W) = 6.2H
• Microwave (1500W) = 1.7H
• Electric Stove (2000W) = 1.3H
• Portable AC (1500W) = 1.7H
• Electric Kettle (600W) = 4.2H

Customer Review

"I'm very impressed with my new HomePower 3000 Solar Generator. It's been doing everything I've put on it load-wise and more. Plus, Team Jackery has been excellent with getting back to me with any questions and their professional, timely support." — David Mantei.

FAQs

Is 1kW enough to run a house?

No, 1kW of power is generally not enough to run an entire house. While a 1000-watt generator can run basic appliances like lights and small fans, it cannot power heavy-duty appliances such as washing machines or ACs.

How much does a 5kW solar system cost in the US?

A 5kW solar system can cost anywhere between $13,750 and $25,000 before factoring in incentives. A portable 5kW solar generator can be less expensive due to its fewer components.

How much does it cost to install solar panels for a typical home?

The average cost to install solar panels for a home ranges between $15,000 and $22,500 for a 6 kW to 8 kW system.  After claiming the federal 30% solar tax credit, the cost to install solar panels for homes can be further reduced.

How much is a solar panel for an RV?

The cost of installing an RV solar panel typically ranges from $1,500 to $10,000, depending on various factors such as system size, battery storage, and installation method.

How much solar for a 50 amp RV?

For a 50-amp RV, a general guideline is to choose a solar power system capable of generating at least 1,000 watts of power. It will help you power various small RV appliances without relying on the electric hookups.

Conclusion

So, how much is solar power for a home, mobile home, RV, or trailer? It really depends on your lifestyle and energy demand. A home solar system can cost upwards of $35,000, while mobile solutions can start as low as $1,500. If you're a homeowner or a traveler looking to reduce utility bills or gain freedom from the grid, Jackery Solar Generators offer a reliable and portable option. They're especially helpful if you want to power essential indoor or outdoor appliances.