# Solar parts list and pre-buy checklist

A free planning worksheet that turns your solar calculator result into a practical first parts list before you start buying panels, controllers, fuses, and wire.

- **Source:** OffGridRVHub
- **Resource page:** https://www.offgridrvhub.com/email-planners/solar-parts-list
- **Download URL:** https://www.offgridrvhub.com/email-planners/solar-parts-list/download
- **Format:** Markdown worksheet

## Use this when

- You have a daily watt-hour estimate and need to translate it into a buy list.
- You are comparing roof solar, portable solar, or a hybrid setup.
- You want to check controller, fuse, wire, and battery questions before ordering parts.

## This is not for

- A final engineered wiring diagram or permit-ready design.
- Brand-specific shopping advice without checking current specs.
- A substitute for manufacturer manuals, code requirements, or installer review.

## Recommended workflow

1. **Run the calculator first:** Use your real appliance loads and sun conditions so the parts list starts from a math target, not a forum guess.
2. **Pick the lane that fits the rig:** Choose starter, balanced, or buffer-heavy based on roof space, travel style, and tolerance for cloudy-day generator time.
3. **Verify the small parts:** Check controller limits, wire distance, protection devices, mounting clearance, and battery charging rules before buying.

## Calculator handoff

| Input | Your value | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Daily load target |  | Watt-hours per day from the solar calculator |
| Existing battery bank |  | Chemistry, amp-hours, and usable percentage |
| Target reserve |  | One night, one cloudy day, or more |
| Usable roof space |  | Include vents, shade, rack clearance, and walkable areas |
| Average sun assumption |  | Use conservative sun hours for where you camp |
| Recovery target |  | How quickly the system should refill after a normal day |

## Parts lanes

| Lane | Best fit | What to verify before buying |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Starter | Weekends, modest loads, and a small roof | Controller input voltage, fuse/breaker size, and whether a portable panel would help |
| Balanced | Regular boondocking with a usable roof and normal daily loads | Roof layout, wire distance, array current, battery charge limits, and alternator/shore backup |
| Buffer-heavy | Longer stays, cloudy shoulder seasons, or work-from-rig loads | Mounting area, weight, charge controller headroom, battery acceptance rate, and service access |

## Pre-buy checklist

- Panel wattage target is based on daily watt-hours, not a rule of thumb.
- Roof layout leaves room for vents, skylights, shade, service access, and wire entry.
- Controller max PV voltage and current exceed the planned array in cold conditions.
- Fuse, breaker, disconnect, and wire sizes are checked against actual component specs.
- Battery bank can accept the planned charge current.
- Lithium low-temperature charging protection is handled if freezing weather is possible.
- Portable solar is considered if roof shade or roof space is the weak link.
- The final plan has a safe path for cable entry, strain relief, and service access.

## Related links

- **Open the solar calculator:** https://www.offgridrvhub.com/tools/solar-calculator
- **Preview the roof layout planner:** https://www.offgridrvhub.com/implementation-assets/roof-layout-planner
- **How many solar watts do you need?:** https://www.offgridrvhub.com/solar-power/how-many-solar-watts
- **RV solar wiring diagram:** https://www.offgridrvhub.com/solar-power/rv-solar-wiring-diagram
- **MPPT controller comparison:** https://www.offgridrvhub.com/solar-power/best-mppt-charge-controller-for-rv

## Final check

- Re-run the matching calculator after changing any major assumption.
- Verify all component specs against current manufacturer manuals before buying.
- Treat this worksheet as planning support, not an engineered installation plan.