Tools Spaziou · Energy to travel
More time off-grid.
Fewer doubts.
Find out how much energy your camper uses and get a clear starting point for choosing a battery or portable power station.
Calculate my consumption ↓Free · No registration · Downloadable result
What you take with you.
Start with a profile or select the appliances you use.
How you use it.
Set the daily operating hours and the number of days between recharges.
An informed decision.
Check consumption, the breakdown by appliance and a solar estimate before comparing equipment.
Appliance power ratings and usage factors are estimates. Use the result for planning; check your equipment specifications and use measured consumption where available.
Camper energy calculator
Select your appliances, adjust operating hours and set the days between recharges.
Understand your result
Wh for energy needs.
W for power.
The calculator adds up power × hours × usage factor for your selected appliances, then multiplies daily consumption by the days without recharging. This estimates energy consumption; it is not the exact nominal battery capacity to buy.
Reserve and losses. The calculation does not add a battery reserve or installation losses. For example, delivering 1,000 Wh with a hypothetical usable fraction of 80% would require 1,250 Wh nominal capacity. This fraction is an example, not guaranteed product performance.
Simultaneous devices. The displayed peak is the highest individual peak among the selected appliances; simultaneous loads are not added together. Check continuous power, starting surge and available outputs before choosing equipment.
The refrigerator works in cycles. The prefilled compressor values use an estimated duty cycle of 35%. Temperature, ventilation and how often you open the fridge can substantially change actual consumption.
Solar as a planning scenario. Equivalent peak sun hours use the proposed panel power and an assumed efficiency of 70%. They are neither daylight hours nor a weather forecast. Check location, season, shading and solar-input compatibility.
The next step
Choose how to power your trip.
Portable power.
Compare capacity, connections and recharge for a device that you can take with you.
Explore power stations ↗
A fixed leisure electrical system.
Consider battery, chargers and available space as parts of one system.
Compare batteries ↗
Recharge with solar.
Assess roof space, portable panels and the energy you can recover along your route.
Plan the solar system ↗Our equipment guides contain affiliate links. Images illustrate the categories; they are not automatic recommendations based on your calculation.
From energy needs to available space
Your vehicle model matters too.
Energy needs depend on your usage; installation also depends on your van's space and configuration. Explore our guides to Ducato, California, Trafic, Boxer/Jumper and Vivaro.
Find my model ↗Frequently asked questions about energy in a camper
How long does a 500 Wh power station last?
It depends on the appliances and how long you run them. A compressor fridge usually cycles rather than drawing its maximum power continuously, so a 45 W fridge can use substantially less than 1,080 Wh per day. A 500 Wh power station may cover a short trip with a phone, LED lights, laptop and other moderate loads. Use your actual appliances in the calculator above for an individual estimate.
Do I need a solar panel if I am going to plug in almost always?
If you have campsite electricity most nights, solar is an extra rather than a necessity. It is particularly useful for permitted overnight stays without a hookup, helping you spend several days without relying on a socket.
What is the difference between watts (W) and watt-hours (Wh)?
W describes the power an appliance draws while operating. Wh describes energy used or stored over time. For example, 100 W used for 2 hours equals 200 Wh. A power station's energy capacity is expressed in Wh.
Why does peak power matter and not just normal watts?
Some appliances, especially compressors, microwaves, power tools and certain motors, briefly need more power at startup. If the power station cannot supply that surge, the appliance may not work even when its Wh capacity is sufficient.