Solar Panels without compromising your roof space
Motorhome Solar Panels
Motorhome solar panels provide your motorhome, campervan or caravan batteries with a steady top-up, giving you extra power support when you’re parked up or exploring off-grid. While they don’t replace the need for a hook-up, they do help you stay away from one for longer by reducing battery drain and keeping your essentials running more comfortably. Enjoy quieter, more remote spots without constantly watching your battery levels – solar adds reliable supplementary energy, greater peace of mind, and a little extra independence on every journey. To confirm the best solar installation for you and your van, book your Free assessment, so you can go off-grid for longer.
- FREE personal on-site assessment
- 1 Year Guarantee
- FREE overnight stay while your vehicle is being worked on
- Approved South West installer
- Conveniently located just off the M5
Get an Easy Estimate for Your Vehicle
Solar Panel FAQs
How much solar power do I need for my motorhome?
How much solar power do I need for my motorhome?
It depends on how much power you use and how long you stay off-grid.
The amount of solar power you need is based on the appliances you run and how often you use them. For example, if you’re just keeping a leisure battery topped up to power lights and charge phones, a 100W panel might be enough. But if you’re running a fridge, inverter, or other power-hungry devices, you may need 200W or more, often in combination with a larger battery bank, or lithium install.
To calculate your ideal setup, it’s worth looking at your daily energy usage in amp-hours (Ah). Many motorhome owners benefit from a quick chat with a specialist or mechanic, who can recommend the right panel size and battery pairing based on your typical trips, seasons, and travel style.
Will solar panels keep my battery charged over winter?
Will solar panels keep my battery charged over winter?
Yes. With the right setup. Solar panels can help maintain your battery when your vehicle’s in outdoor storage.
A small solar panel with a suitable charge controller can trickle charge your leisure battery during winter, helping to prevent it from going flat or sulphating. This is especially useful if your motorhome is stored without access to a hook-up. Even in low winter light, a 50W maintenance panel can keep a healthy battery topped up.
However, winter conditions vary. Panels need to be clean and angled toward the sun, and shaded storage areas can reduce effectiveness. A charge controller (solar regulator) with overcharge protection is essential to avoid damaging your battery during long periods of inactivity.
Can I run everything in my motorhome on solar power?
Can I run everything in my motorhome on solar power?
Not everything, solar can power your 12V system, but high-power 230V appliances will need more than just solar.
Solar panels are great for charging your leisure battery and running low-draw 12V items like lights, USB chargers, water pumps, and even some TV systems.
To operate 230V appliances like kettles, microwaves, or air conditioning, you will need an inverter, connected to a large battery bank or lithium, which adds cost and complexity.
For most motorhome users, solar works best as part of a hybrid setup: charging batteries during the day and powering essential 12V needs, while larger appliances are used only when on hook-up or with an inverter.
Do I need a regulator or charge controller with my solar panel?
Do I need a regulator or charge controller with my solar panel?
Yes, a charge controller is essential to safely manage power from solar to your battery.
A charge controller (also known as a solar regulator) sits between your solar panel and your battery. Its job is to prevent overcharging, efficiently manage the voltage and current safely, particularly when the panel is producing a lot of power on a sunny day. Without one, you risk shortening your battery’s life or the potential of damaging it completely.
There are two main types: PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) and MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking). MPPT controllers are more efficient in larger battery banks or lithium systems, extracting more usable energy from your panel under changing light conditions.
Our team can discuss your existing electrical setup and make recommendations.
Are solar panels worth it for short trips or UK travel?
Are solar panels worth it for short trips or UK travel?
Even in the UK, solar panels offer convenience, battery protection, and freedom from hook-ups.
You don’t need to travel abroad or go completely off-grid to benefit from solar. Many UK-based motorhome owners enjoy the flexibility of stopping in CLs, laybys, or festivals without relying on mains power. Solar helps keep the battery topped up, supports short getaways, and reduces generator or engine running time.
Plus, even on overcast days, modern panels still produce a usable charge. Over time, solar panels pay for themselves by reducing campsite fees and battery replacement costs, while also making your setup more self-sufficient and future-ready.
Are motorhome solar panels worth it? Yes, in our opinion they are, because they sit in the background and gently recharge your batteries. Whether going off-grid or maintaining a battery during winter solar panels are a productive addition to your motorhome, campervan or caravan.
Contact us to book your Free assessment.
How long does it take to fit solar panels?
How long does it take to fit solar panels?
Depending on the roof space and appliances already fitted, a solar panel installation starts at around 4 hours.
This means a new install could be completed in one day. That said, we like sealant to cure before you leave us, therefore we offer a free overnight stay on our Late Pitch.
Contact us to book your Free assessment.
What size solar panel do I need to go off-grid?
What size solar panel do I need to go off-grid?
Solar Panel size will be governed by roof space and the battery size & type you are looking to recharge.
Approximate guide:
100W Solar Panel
Real world Output:
3.0 – 6.5 Amps
150W Solar Panel
Real world Output:
8.5 – 10.0 Amps
200W Solar Panel
Real world Output:
11.0 – 14.0 Amps
300W Solar Panel
Real world Output:
18.0 – 21.0 Amps
Contact us to book your Free assessment.
Price from £730 for Installation
Book your Free Assessment
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Our Team
Welcome to the team here at Bristol Caravans and Motorhomes. We’re really proud of the team, and over the years it’s been our pleasure to provide advice and services to our ever-growing loyal customers.
Thank you for trusting us with your investment.
