Solar Panels for Caravans, Motorhomes & Campervans
Caravan and motorhome solar panels let you camp off-grid for days or weeks without a hook-up. A basic 100W kit keeps a fridge and lights running indefinitely; a 200–400W system powers a full campervan including charging phones, laptops, and small appliances. Typical UK kits cost £100–£600 and can be fitted in a weekend.
Quick Answer
A 100W caravan solar panel costs around £100–£150 and runs lights and a 12V fridge. A 200W motorhome system (£250–£400) powers most appliances. Full campervan systems of 300–400W with a lithium leisure battery cost £600–£1,200 and support laptops, induction kettles, and Starlink. Most UK leisure solar kits are 12V and can be fitted DIY.
What size solar panel do I need?
Caravan and motorhome solar sizing depends on what you want to run and for how long. Typical UK kit sizes:
| Use case | Panel size | Leisure battery | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caravan hook-up top-up (lights, water pump) | 50–100W | 100Ah AGM | £100–£200 |
| Weekend motorhome off-grid | 150–200W | 100Ah AGM or lithium | £250–£450 |
| Week-long off-grid campervan | 200–300W | 100Ah lithium | £450–£800 |
| Full-time vanlife | 300–500W | 200Ah lithium | £800–£1,500 |
| Induction cooking, Starlink, laptops | 400–600W | 300Ah+ lithium | £1,200–£2,500 |
Lithium batteries cost more than AGM but last 4–5× longer and can be discharged deeper — typically a better long-term value.
Portable vs roof-mounted panels
Portable (foldable)
Folding solar blankets you position in the sun — independent of where you park. Can be moved to track the sun.
- No drilling/fitting required
- Angle adjustable — can beat roof-mounted output
- Can be stolen or blown away
- Not useful when driving
- Takes up storage space
Roof-mounted (rigid)
Fixed to the motorhome roof with a mounting kit. Charges whenever parked or driving in daylight.
- Charges automatically — no set-up
- Generates while driving
- Fixed angle limits winter output
- Requires drilling or adhesive fitting
- Cannot be moved to follow the sun
Most full-time UK vanlifers use roof-mounted as primary + portable as backup for shaded pitches. See our portable solar panels guide.
Caravan solar panel kit costs (UK 2026)
- 100W kit (panel, MPPT, cables): £100–£180
- 200W kit: £200–£380
- 300W kit: £300–£550
- 400W kit: £450–£750
- Lithium leisure battery 100Ah: £400–£800 (vs £100–£200 AGM)
- Professional fitting: £200–£500 for roof-mount
Note: 0% VAT on solar installations applies to dwellings and does not typically apply to leisure vehicles. Caravan and motorhome solar pays standard 20% VAT.
How to fit caravan solar panels yourself
- Choose panel location: middle or rear of roof, avoiding vents, skylights, and air-con units. Keep 10cm clearance around edges.
- Mount the brackets: use Sikaflex 252 or equivalent adhesive (drilling is avoided on most modern motorhomes). Let cure 24 hours.
- Route the cables: through an existing vent or via a cable gland (around £10). Run to the battery compartment.
- Install the MPPT charge controller: between the panel and the leisure battery. MPPT is more efficient than PWM — choose MPPT unless on a tight budget.
- Connect to battery: fuse on positive line within 30cm of the battery. Use the correct gauge cable for the distance and current.
- Test: cover the panel, connect, uncover. You should see voltage and amps on the MPPT display.
Most UK caravan and motorhome shops fit solar for £200–£500 if you prefer professional installation. Many dealerships offer factory-fit at purchase time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size solar panel do I need for a caravan?
For occasional caravan use topping up during storage or hook-up, a 50–100W panel is enough. For regular off-grid use, 150–200W is a good starting point. Most caravans have roof space for 200–400W maximum.
How many solar panels for a motorhome?
A typical UK motorhome fits 200–400W of solar on the roof. Two 100W or 200W panels wired in parallel is a common setup. Larger coach-built motorhomes can fit 500–800W.
Can I run a fridge from a caravan solar panel?
Yes. A 12V compressor fridge uses around 30–50Ah per day. A 100W solar panel on a sunny UK day generates around 30–40Ah, so a 150–200W system with a leisure battery comfortably runs a fridge continuously.
Do caravan solar panels work while driving?
Roof-mounted panels continue generating while driving. Portable panels obviously cannot. Most motorhomes use a split charge relay that also charges the leisure battery from the alternator while the engine runs, so solar becomes the secondary charger.
Do caravan solar panels work in winter?
Yes, but at reduced output. UK winter days produce 10–20% of summer output. Full-time winter vanlifers typically need 400W+ of solar plus larger battery capacity, or rely on hook-up when available.
Are camping solar panels the same as home solar panels?
No. Home panels output 400W+ at ~40V DC and need a grid inverter. Caravan panels output 50–200W at 12V or 24V DC and charge a leisure battery directly via an MPPT controller — much simpler.
Related off-grid guides
Related Guides
Portable Solar Panels
Portable solar for camping, campervans, and caravans: types, sizing, and top picks.
Off-Grid Solar
Off-grid solar systems: costs, sizing, components, and setup guide.
Solar Panels for Sheds
Shed and garage solar: off-grid kits, sizing, costs, and installation guide.
DIY Solar Panels
Can you install solar panels yourself in the UK? Costs, risks, legal requirements, and when DIY makes sense.
Sources
- Caravan and Motorhome Club — Solar Panels Guide — caravanclub.co.uk
- HMRC — VAT on Energy-Saving Materials — gov.uk
Last updated: April 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.
Need Home Solar Instead?
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