Keeping your motorhome powered for longer.
Solar Panels
“Solar panels provide your motorhome 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.
- 1 Year Guarantee
- Free overnight stay
- Free personal on-site assessment
- We stock solar panel systems to suit your vehicle, energy needs, and travel style
- Qualified, experienced, approved & trusted technicians
Solar Panels Explained
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.
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.
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?
With the right setup, yes. Solar panels can help maintain your battery when your vehicle’s in storage.
Will solar panels keep my battery charged over winter?
With the right setup, yes. Solar panels can help maintain your battery when your vehicle’s in 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 20W–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 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?
Not everything, solar can power your 12V system, but high-power 230V appliances will need more than just solar.
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. But they aren’t designed to power heavy-duty 230V appliances like kettles, microwaves, or air conditioning, unless you have a large battery bank and an inverter, 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 a generator.
Do I need a regulator or charge controller with my solar panel?
Yes, a charge controller is essential to safely manage power going into your battery.
Do I need a regulator or charge controller with my solar panel?
Yes, a charge controller is essential to safely manage power going into your battery.A charge controller (also known as a regulator) sits between your solar panel and your battery. Its job is to prevent overcharging and 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 systems, extracting more usable energy from your panel under changing light conditions.
Can solar panels be fitted to any motorhome?
Most motorhomes can be fitted with solar panels, either roof-mounted or portable.
Can solar panels be fitted to any motorhome?
Most motorhomes can be fitted with solar panels, either roof-mounted or portable.Solar panels are highly versatile and can be installed on almost any motorhome roof, regardless of age or model. Fixed, roof-mounted panels are ideal for regular off-grid travellers, while portable panels offer flexibility for occasional use or if roof space is limited. Some systems also allow panels to be tilted or removed seasonally.
When installing, it’s important to consider roof layout, existing equipment (like satellite dishes or skylights), cable routing, and airflow. A professional installer can recommend the best layout and securely fit your system to ensure long-term durability and efficiency.
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.
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.
Related Services
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.
“We arrived at Llanfyllin, and it was raining so hard it was difficult to find our plot. Once parked up, it took just 90 seconds as we let our automatic levelling system get us level. Thank you, Bristol Caravans, for fitting our amazing levelling system.”
Jake and Carol Smith