Campervan with Solar Panels: Complete Guide to Installation and Costs
Travelling in a campervan is fun, but keeping your lights, phone, and small appliances running can be tough when you’re moving from place to place. A solar setup, or a campervan electrics kit with solar panel, makes it much easier, giving you steady power even when you’re far from plug-in points.
In this article, you’ll learn what a campervan solar system is, how it works, and how to choose the right size for your needs. We’ll also look at installation and simple care tips. By the end, you’ll know how to keep your campervan powered wherever the road takes you.
How a Campervan Solar System Works
A campervan is both your vehicle and your home, so you need a power setup that keeps everything running. The best solar panels for campervans and motorhomes help you power your lights, phone chargers, and kitchen gear, whether you’re parked for a few days or travelling far from home. But how does a campervan with solar panels actually work?
First, let’s look at the basic parts:
Solar Panels
Wiring
Charge Controller
Battery
Inverter
When sunlight hits the panels on your roof, the tiny cells inside turn that sunlight into electricity. The brighter the day, the more power the panels make. That power then goes through a charge controller, which balances the flow so your batteries don’t get too much or too little energy.
Your batteries store this power until you need it. When you want to use something inside your campervan, an inverter changes the battery power into the same type of electricity you use at home. After that, you can run lights, chargers, kitchen tools, and most other everyday items in your campervan.
Determining the Right Solar Panel System Size for Your Campervan
Figuring out how much solar power you need in your campervan is easier than it seems. You just need to match what you use each day with what your panels can make. Many people choose 300W panels, while others go for 400W, but the right size depends on your own setup and how you use your van.
To find the size you need, start by writing down everything you plan to run—lights, chargers, a fridge, a laptop, or anything else. Add up how much power these items use in a full day. This number shows how much energy your solar system must replace. It’s a good idea to pick a setup that can make a bit more than your daily total so you’re not running low on power.
Keep in mind that solar panels don’t always produce their full output. Clouds, rain, shade, and even wiring can reduce power. The number of sunny hours you get also matters. Most full-time van users do well with 300–400W, but you may need more in low-sun areas or if you use lots of devices.
Quick Guidance for UK Campervan Solar Sizes
Campervan Size | Typical Solar Panel Setup | Battery Recommendation | Notes |
Small (2-3 people) | 150–250W | 100–150Ah | Enough for basic lights, fridge, and small devices |
Medium (3-4 people) | 300–400W | 150–200Ah | Can handle a fridge, small cooker, and multiple devices |
Large (4+ people / long trips) | 400–600W | 200–300Ah | Suitable for full appliances, extended off-grid stays |
Once you know how much power you need each day, the next step is choosing equipment that can keep up with your trips. If you’re unsure about building a full solar system, a solar generator is an easy option. It already includes the inverter and charge controller, so you don’t need to buy those parts separately.
The EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max Solar Generator (PV400W) is a powerful, flexible, and long-lasting system built for both campervans and home backup, letting you store and use energy effortlessly wherever you go.
EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max Solar Generator (PV400W)
Another great option to look at is the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus Solar Generator (PV220W) — a lighter, travel-ready choice built for on-the-road reliability. It packs a 1,024 Wh LFP battery, delivers 2,400 W AC output (with X-Boost to handle heavy loads), and uses an efficient MPPT solar charging system paired with the PV220W panel to maximise harvest on the move.
Choosing the Best Solar Panels and Accessories for Your Setup
Choosing the right solar panels and accessories means looking at energy needs and system compatibility to get the best return. Let’s walk through what to look for.
1. Solar Panel
You have a few choices. Rigid panels are strong and last a long time, but they can be harder to mount on curved roofs. Flexible panels bend to fit the roof shape and are easy to install, though they usually cost more and don’t last as long. Portable panels can be packed away or moved into the sun, which is great for camping, but they’re often a little pricier.
In, addition, solar panels come in different materials, and each type works a little differently. Here are the main options and what they offer:
Type | Quality | Lifespan | Efficiency | Price |
Monocrystalline | High | High | 20%+ | High |
Polycrystalline | Low | Low | 15% | Medium |
Thin-Film | Medium | Medium | 7–10% | Low |
2. Solar Battery
Your battery is where all your energy is stored, so size matters. A campervan solar panel kit with battery is a simple option because the parts are already matched for charging and daily use. Most kits use lithium batteries, which store more power and last longer. Pick a size that fits your daily needs plus a little extra for cloudy days.
3. Solar Charge Controllers
A charge controller protects your battery and controls how much power goes in. PWM controllers are cheaper but waste more energy. MPPT controllers are smarter and pull more power from your panels, giving you faster, more efficient charging. For most campervans, an MPPT controller is the better long-term choice.
4. Inverters
An inverter changes your battery’s DC power into AC power so you can use household items. Pure sine wave inverters give smooth, clean electricity that works well with laptops, coffee makers, and other sensitive gear. Modified sine wave versions cost less but can cause problems, so a pure sine wave is usually safer.
Installing Solar Panels on a Campervan — A Practical Step-by-Step Guide
Once you’ve figured out your solar system’s size, components, and layout, it’s time to install your campervan with solar panels. Here is how to do it.
Step 1: Wire Your Solar Panels
Solar panels can be wired in series or parallel. Series is common because it’s simple and needs fewer parts. Connect the negative of one panel to the positive of the next. Parallel wiring joins all positives together and all negatives together to increase current. Pick the method that fits your system.
Step 2: Mount the Solar Panels
Place the panels on the roof and check how they fit before fixing anything. Mount them using brackets or adhesive feet. Keep panels flat and secure so they don’t move while driving.
Step 3: Add Roof Cable Entry
Drill a small hole for the cables (or use an existing entry). Use a waterproof gland to seal the opening so rain doesn’t leak inside.
Step 4: Install the Charge Controller
Mount the charge controller inside the van, close to the battery. Run the panel cables into the controller, but do not turn it on yet.
Step 5: Connect the Battery
Link the charge controller to the battery. Follow the labels carefully. Always connect the battery first before connecting the panels.
Step 6: Install the Inverter (If Needed)
Mount the inverter near the battery. Connect it with the proper cables so you can use AC devices like laptops or kitchen tools.
Step 7: Final Checks
Tighten all connections, tidy the cables, and turn on the system. Make sure the controller shows charging. Test a few devices to confirm everything works smoothly.
Tips to Maintain Your Campervan Solar Panels
Taking care of your campervan’s solar panels helps them make more power and last much longer. Here are some simple ways to keep everything working well:
Wipe off dust, dirt, leaves, and bird droppings using a soft cloth and mild soapy water.
Check that all terminals, connectors, and the charge controller are tight and not rusty.
Keep an eye on your battery levels, voltage, and temperature so you can spot issues early.
Make sure your panels get as much sunlight as possible. Move portable panels when needed, and keep fixed panels clear of shade.
Look for cracks, loose mounts, or any signs of damage and fix them as soon as you notice them.
Conclusion
Solar power has completely changed how we travel in campervans. It gives you the freedom to explore off-grid without worrying about hookups or running out of energy. With the right setup, you can keep your lights on, fridge cold, and devices charged wherever the road takes you.
For even more convenience, pairing your campervan with an EcoFlow Portable Power Solar Generator gives you reliable backup power anytime. Whether you’re parked by the coast or camping deep in the countryside, EcoFlow’s range of smart, efficient generators keeps everything running smoothly, so your adventures never have to stop.
FAQs
Are solar panels worth it on a campervan?
Absolutely! They let you go off-grid, keep your gadgets and lights running, and reduce reliance on campsite power. Even a small setup can cover essentials, giving you the freedom to park wherever you like while saving money and helping the environment.
Will a 100 W panel run my UK campervan?
A single 100 W panel can handle lights and small devices for short trips, but it won’t cover fridges or longer off-grid stays. It’s great as a starter panel or as part of a bigger system, and adding batteries helps keep things running smoothly.
How many solar panels would it take to run a camper?
That really depends on your energy use and roof space. A small setup might need 1–2 panels (~150–250 W), while a larger off-grid setup could require 3–6 panels or more (300–600 W) to comfortably power fridges, appliances, and electronics. Bigger batteries also help store extra energy.