Budget Weekend Starter (100W / 100Ah, no inverter)
The cheapest credible RV solar setup: keep the lights, fridge, fans and USB devices running for a weekend off-grid, with no AC inverter to buy or wire. Add an inverter later when you actually need 120V.
Parts list
| Part | Qty | Price | Why this pick | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| panel Newpowa Newpowa 100W 12V Monocrystalline Solar Panel | 1× | $70 | Lowest-cost 100W rigid panel here and the only one well-suited to budget PWM charge controllers. | View Newpowa listing ↗ |
| charge controller EPEVER EPEVER Tracer 2210AN MPPT 20A | 1× | $75 | Lowest-cost true MPPT for small 100-260W builds; strong price-per-amp value. | View EPEVER listing ↗ |
| battery LiTime LiTime 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 | 1× | $230 | Top budget pick offering full LiFePO4 capacity at roughly a quarter of premium-brand pricing. | View LiTime listing ↗ |
| System total | $375 | Parts only — wire, fuses, mounts and breakers extra. | ||
Affiliate disclosure: Some links here (Renogy) are affiliate links — if you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes which part we recommend: picks are ranked by spec fit across every brand, and non-Renogy parts are listed with neutral source links. Sizing and wiring output is guidance, not an electrical sign-off — verify before buying or wiring.
Compatibility checks
Wire & fuse starting point
| Run | Max current | Wire (AWG) | Fuse / breaker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solar array → Charge controller | 5A | 16 AWG | 10A |
| Charge controller → Battery | 20A | 12 AWG | 25A |
Wire and fuse sizes are a conservative starting point from each run's max current (×1.25). Run length, temperature and local code can change them — confirm with an electrician. Off-grid DC carries real fire and shock risk.
Intentionally inverter-free to stay under ~$700. Everything is single-voltage 12V, so wiring is simple and the failure surface is small.
Tune this build in the planner →
FAQ
Can I run a microwave or coffee maker on this?
No — there's no inverter, so this build powers 12V DC loads and USB only (lights, a 12V fridge, fans, water pump, phone charging). Add a pure-sine inverter and likely a second battery when you want 120V AC.
Why an MPPT controller on a budget build?
An MPPT controller harvests ~20-30% more from the same panel than a cheap PWM unit, so the small price bump pays for itself in usable daily watt-hours, especially in shoulder-season sun.
How long will the battery last overnight?
A 100Ah LiFePO4 holds ~1,200Wh usable. At a ~600Wh/day draw that's roughly two cloudy days before you need sun or a recharge.
Build vetted 2026-06-21 · confidence: high. Prices and specs from each part's linked sources.