Portable Solar Panels UK: Camping, Campervan & Motorhome Guide
Everything you need to know about portable solar panels for campervans, motorhomes, caravans, camping, and boats in the UK. From foldable panels and roof-mounted kits to power stations and sizing guides.
Quick Answer
Portable solar panels are lightweight, foldable or rigid panels that charge 12V leisure batteries or USB devices directly. They are not grid-connected. A 200W panel with a 100Ah lithium battery is the sweet spot for most campervan setups in 2026, costing around £300–£500 for the panel alone. In summer, a 200W panel generates enough power to run a 12V fridge, charge phones, and power LED lights indefinitely.
What are portable solar panels?
Portable solar panels are lightweight, foldable or rigid photovoltaic panels designed for off-grid use. Unlike rooftop solar PV systems that connect to the National Grid, portable panels charge 12V leisure batteries or USB devices directly. They are used in campervans, motorhomes, caravans, boats, and for general camping and hiking.
They range from small 30W foldable blankets that charge a phone to 400W rigid panels permanently mounted on a motorhome roof. Most use monocrystalline cells for maximum efficiency in the limited space available.
No grid connection
Portable panels operate entirely off-grid. They charge a leisure battery or power station, not your home's electricity supply.
12V or USB output
Most portable panels output 12V DC to charge leisure batteries via a charge controller. Many also include built-in USB ports for direct device charging.
No installation required
Foldable panels set up in seconds. Even roof-mounted systems on campervans are a straightforward DIY job with no MCS certification needed.
Types of portable solar panels
There are four main types of portable solar panel, each suited to different use cases. Here's how they compare:
| Type | Wattage | Price Range | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foldable briefcase | 50–200W | £80–£300 | Camping, weekends away | Most popular. Sets up in seconds. Includes carry handle and kickstand. |
| Rigid roof-mounted | 100–400W | £100–£400 | Campervans, motorhomes | Permanent mount. Highest output. Always ready to charge. |
| Flexible thin-film | 50–175W | £60–£200 | Curved surfaces, boats | Lightweight, bendable up to 30°. Stick to curved roofs with adhesive. |
| Solar blankets / roll-up | 30–120W | £100–£250 | Hiking, backpacking | Ultralight (under 3kg). Roll up into a compact pack. Lower efficiency. |
For most campervan and motorhome owners, a rigid roof-mounted panel offers the best long-term value. For camping and occasional use, a foldable briefcase panel is the most versatile choice.
Best portable solar panels for campervans (2026)
These are the most popular and well-reviewed portable solar panels available in the UK. We have selected them based on output, build quality, value for money, and availability.
EcoFlow 220W Bifacial Portable Panel
Best overall portable
High-output bifacial panel that captures reflected light from the ground for up to 25% extra generation. Foldable with built-in kickstand and carry case. Pairs with EcoFlow power stations or any 12V system via MC4 connectors.
Jackery SolarSaga 100W
Best budget camping panel
Reliable, affordable foldable panel with built-in USB-A and USB-C ports for direct device charging. Lightweight at 4.7kg. Ideal for weekend camping or as a starter panel. Works with Jackery power stations or any MPPT controller.
Renogy 200W Suitcase Kit
Best value kit with controller
Complete kit including a 200W foldable panel, 20A PWM charge controller, and all cabling. Plug-and-play for 12V leisure battery charging. Excellent value for campervan owners who want everything in one box.
Victron Energy 175W Mono
Best for permanent campervan install
Premium rigid monocrystalline panel built for permanent roof mounting. Victron's reputation for quality and their BlueSolar MPPT charge controllers make this the top choice for serious campervan builds. Excellent low-light performance.
What size solar panel for a campervan?
The right panel size depends on what you want to power and how often you use your van. Here's a sizing guide based on typical usage patterns:
| Usage Pattern | Panel Size | Battery Size | What It Powers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekend camping | 100W | 50Ah (lead-acid or lithium) | LED lights, phone charging, small fan |
| Full-time van life | 200–400W | 100–200Ah lithium (LiFePO4) | 12V fridge, laptop, lights, phone, fan, water pump |
| Motorhome (high draw) | 400W+ | 200–400Ah lithium | All of the above plus TV, coffee maker (short use), hair dryer (short use) |
These are summer figures for the UK (3–5 peak sun hours). In winter, output drops to roughly 30–40% of summer levels, so you'll need to rely on campsite hook-ups or drive charging for extended winter trips.
Campervan solar setup explained
A campervan solar system has five main components. Understanding each one helps you spec the right system and avoid common mistakes.
1. Solar Panel(s)
Rigid, flexible, or foldable. Mounted on the roof or set up outside. Connected to the charge controller via MC4 cables.
2. MPPT Charge Controller
Regulates voltage from panel to battery. MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) is 15–30% more efficient than older PWM controllers. Victron and EPEver are popular brands.
3. Leisure Battery
Stores energy for use at night or on cloudy days. LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) batteries are lighter, last 3,000+ cycles, and allow 80–100% depth of discharge vs 50% for lead-acid AGM.
4. Inverter (optional)
Converts 12V DC to 240V AC for mains appliances. A 1000W pure sine wave inverter handles most devices. Not needed if you only use 12V and USB appliances.
5. Wiring & Fuses
Use appropriate gauge cable (4mm² or 6mm² for most setups). Fuse every positive cable run. MC4 connectors for panel connections, Anderson plugs or bus bars for battery.
LiFePO4 vs AGM batteries
LiFePO4: £200–£500 for 100Ah, 3,000+ cycles, lighter, 80–100% usable capacity. AGM: £80–£150 for 100Ah, 500–800 cycles, heavier, only 50% usable. LiFePO4 is better value long-term.
What can you power with portable solar panels?
Here's what typical camping and campervan appliances draw, and how long you can run them from a 200W panel and 100Ah lithium battery on a sunny summer day in the UK:
| Appliance | Power Draw | Daily Use | Daily Wh | Can a 200W panel handle it? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LED lights (x4) | 5W each | 5 hours | 100Wh | Yes, easily |
| Phone charging (x2) | 10W each | 3 hours | 60Wh | Yes |
| Laptop | 50W | 3 hours | 150Wh | Yes |
| 12V compressor fridge | 40W (average) | 24 hours | 400Wh | Yes in summer, tight in winter |
| 12V fan | 15W | 8 hours | 120Wh | Yes |
| 12V TV (19") | 30W | 3 hours | 90Wh | Yes |
| Coffee maker (mains) | 1000W | 10 mins | 170Wh | Needs inverter + big battery |
A 200W panel in summer UK conditions generates roughly 600–800Wh per day. That comfortably powers lights, phones, a laptop, and a fan. Adding a 12V fridge is achievable but uses most of your daily budget. High-draw mains appliances like coffee makers, hair dryers, and microwaves require a large inverter and significantly more battery and panel capacity.
Portable solar panels vs power stations
All-in-one power stations (like EcoFlow, Jackery, and Bluetti) combine a battery, inverter, and charge controller in a single unit. They are an alternative to building a separate panel + battery system. Here's how they compare:
| Feature | Panel + Leisure Battery | All-in-One Power Station |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (200W + 1kWh) | £300–£600 | £600–£1,200 |
| Expandability | Add panels or batteries easily | Limited to manufacturer's ecosystem |
| Portability | Panel portable, battery heavy | Carry-handle, all-in-one, easy to move |
| Ease of setup | Some wiring knowledge needed | Plug and play |
| Best for | Permanent campervan installs | Camping, occasional use, home backup |
| Lifespan | Components replaceable individually | Whole unit replacement when battery degrades |
For permanent campervan builds, a separate panel and leisure battery system offers better value and flexibility. For weekend camping, festivals, or people who don't want to wire anything, an all-in-one power station is simpler and more portable.
Do portable solar panels work in the UK?
Yes, but temper your expectations. The UK receives 3–5 peak sun hours per day in summer (May–August) and just 1–2 peak sun hours in winter (November–January). Portable panels are most useful from April to September.
Summer (Apr–Sep)
A 200W panel generates roughly 600–800Wh per day. Enough to keep a campervan self-sufficient with lights, fridge, phones, and a laptop. You can wild camp indefinitely.
Winter (Oct–Mar)
The same 200W panel drops to 150–300Wh per day. Enough for lights and phone charging, but not enough for a fridge and laptop. You'll need campsite hook-ups or drive charging as backup.
Even on overcast days, modern monocrystalline panels still generate 20–40% of their rated output. Positioning matters — angle your panel towards the sun (around 30–40° tilt facing south) for maximum output.
Frequently Asked Questions About Portable Solar Panels
How many watts do I need for a campervan?
For weekend use with lights and phone charging, 100W is sufficient. For full-time van life with a 12V fridge, laptop, and lights, aim for 200–400W of panels paired with a 100–200Ah lithium battery.
Can I charge a leisure battery with a portable solar panel?
Yes. Connect your panel to the battery via a charge controller (MPPT preferred). The controller regulates voltage to safely charge the battery and prevents overcharging. Never connect a panel directly to a battery without a controller.
What is the best angle for portable solar panels?
In the UK, tilt your panel at 30–40° facing south for maximum output. In summer, a lower angle (20–30°) works better as the sun is higher. Many foldable panels include adjustable kickstands for this purpose.
Monocrystalline vs polycrystalline for camping — which is better?
Monocrystalline. It is more efficient (20–22% vs 15–17%), performs better in low light, and produces more power per square metre. Nearly all modern portable panels use monocrystalline cells. Polycrystalline is largely obsolete for portable use.
Can I use a portable solar panel to charge an electric car?
Not practically. Even a 400W panel generates roughly 1kWh on a good day — enough to drive about 3–4 miles. EV charging requires grid power or a dedicated home solar PV system.
Do I need an MPPT or PWM charge controller?
MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) is 15–30% more efficient than PWM, especially in cold weather and when panel voltage is higher than battery voltage. For systems over 100W, MPPT is worth the extra £30–£50.
How long do portable solar panels last?
Quality portable panels last 10–20 years. Rigid monocrystalline panels degrade at about 0.5% per year. Flexible and foldable panels may have shorter lifespans (5–10 years) due to wear on the folding mechanisms and junctions.
Are portable solar panels waterproof?
Most portable solar panels are rated IP65 or IP67, meaning they are splash-proof and can handle rain. However, the junction boxes and connectors should be kept dry when possible. Rigid roof-mounted panels are fully weatherproof.
Related Guides
Solar Panels for Sheds
Shed and garage solar: off-grid kits, sizing, costs, and installation guide.
Off-Grid Solar
Off-grid solar systems: costs, sizing, components, and setup guide.
Battery Storage
Solar battery costs, sizing, popular models, and payback analysis.
Solar Panel Costs
Full cost breakdown and payback periods.
Sources
- Energy Saving Trust — Solar Panels — energysavingtrust.org.uk
- EcoFlow — 220W Bifacial Portable Solar Panel — ecoflow.com
- Jackery — SolarSaga 100W — uk.jackery.com
- Renogy — 200W 12V Foldable Solar Suitcase — renogy.co.uk
- Victron Energy — BlueSolar Panels — victronenergy.com
- PVGIS (EU Joint Research Centre) — Solar Irradiation Data — re.jrc.ec.europa.eu
Last updated: March 2026
Fact-checked by John Rooney, Solar Energy Editor. Editorial policy
John Rooney is the founder of Solar Info and has been covering the UK solar energy market since 2023. He fact-checks all content against official MCS and Ofgem data and maintains relationships with MCS-certified installers across the UK.
Get Quotes from Solar Installers
Planning a bigger solar project for your home? Get a free, no-obligation quote from MCS-certified installers in your area.