The Best Campervan Solar Panels

Solar panels are without doubt the best solution for meeting the energy demands of your campervan, but knowing the type of solar panels that best suit you might seem confusing at first. From the size and wattage you need to the materials used to make them, there’s a lot to decide about your solar panels.

Different types of solar panels for campervans

There are two main types of solar panels, monocrystalline and polycrystalline. Monocrystalline panels are formed from a single cell making them more efficient and, in our eyes, a more worthwhile investment that will last you longer. 

The next thing to decide is whether you need rigid frame or semi-flexible solar panels. In most cases, rigid frame panels will suit perfectly fine. If your campervan has a curved or irregular roof like a pop-top, semi-flexible panels are likely to be a better solution.

Finally, your van’s solar panels will be either fixed or portable. This mostly comes down to the available space on your camper van’s roof. Portable solar panels, like these freestanding solar panels, allow you to park up, position the panel outside and generate power whenever there’s some sunshine. 

If, however, you’re planning to travel often and be off-grid for extended periods of time, a fixed solar panel on your campervan roof may be the most convenient option.

Choosing the best solar panels for a van conversion or campervan

Different people will have different needs when it comes to solar panels for their campervan. There are several things you’ll need to consider in order to know which panels are best for you. 

First, you’ll have to calculate your energy requirements. You’ll want a solar panel that offers a higher wattage than your total usage. 

Whether you’re looking for the best solar panels for a van conversion or for a campervan, you’ll then want to decide what type of panel you need based on the criteria above. You’ll then need to think about the appropriate size and wattage of the panel. Depending on your needs, even a 60w system might be sufficient just for lights and a water pump. The more appliances you have, and the more energy you use in your campervan, the higher wattage you’ll need.

Finally, you’ll have to decide on the practical decisions about installing the panel. This will depend on your particular van, but our handy campervan installation guide can help with this. Solar panel kits from Sunstore Solar will come with everything you need to install them, but think about how and where you’ll fit them to your van.

Our Most Popular Campervan Solar Panels

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100w 12v Solar Battery Charger Vehicle Kit Deluxe

£232.75 Original price was: £232.75.£209.48Current price is: £209.48. including v.a.t.

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120w 12v Solar Battery Charger Vehicle Kit Deluxe

£258.60 Original price was: £258.60.£232.74Current price is: £232.74. including v.a.t.

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120w 12v MPPT Solar Battery Charger Vehicle Kit

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Best solar panels for a campervan

When choosing the best solar panel for your campervan, we often recommend semi-flexible panels as they work well when mounting to a campervan roof without the extra weight. 

What size solar panel for a campervan?

Choosing the best solar panels for campervans depends on your individual needs. The more power your appliances will need, the higher the total wattage and amp hours you’ll need in your solar setup. For people who want to spend days or weeks at a time off-grid, running lights, kitchen appliances, and other electronics, higher wattage solar panels would be essential. 

When it comes to size, it’s also important to consider the weight of the solar panels as some are heavier than others and this should be factored into your decision. 

Best solar panels for a campervan in the UK

The best solar panels for a campervan will be those which fit your energy demands while also physically fitting to your vehicle properly. For a larger campervan with a flat roof, many of our customers might opt for a rigid frame panel. If you are converting a van, though, with less regular surfaces, semi-flexible solar panels may suit your needs better. If your van has a pop-top roof, or simply nowhere to permanently install panels, semi-flexible panels are a great choice, as are freestanding solar panels.

For very frequent trips, you probably won’t want to refit a portable panel each time, in which case fixed solar panels would be more convenient. Fixed panels are hardy and you won’t have to dismantle them for every trip. If you have more limited space on the roof, you would benefit from detachable, portable panels.

Another decision you’ll make is whether to use monocrystalline or polycrystalline solar panels. We certainly believe that monocrystalline panels are the best choice as they are more efficient. As the name suggests, monocrystalline panels are made from a single sheet of silicon, while polycrystalline panels are blended from several pieces. Monocrystalline panels have higher efficiency ratings as a result, providing better power output and requiring fewer panels to run your campervan. Especially in the UK, where sunlight is hard to come by, you want to soak up as much of it as possible!

Best solar panel for a van conversion in the UK

When it comes to van conversions, most of the same advice applies. Individual needs can vary greatly, so think primarily about the power output you need and how the panels will fit. If you have space for permanent rigid frame panels, we recommend investing in monocrystalline panels as they will be the most convenient and efficient set-up in most cases. Even for lower energy needs, greater efficiency is still better, as you’ll get more power output with fewer panels. You won’t need to hook up to mains power on campsites as often, and you can spend more time roaming off-grid. 

Whether it’s a short weekend break or a month-long off-grid excursion, you’ll want to make sure you have the best campervan solar panels that will meet your needs.

Choosing the best solar panels for your campervan entirely depends on your energy requirements and lifestyle choices. What’s important to remember is that solar panels come in many forms to fit any and all campervan and van conversion needs. 

If you have any questions, you can always contact Sunstore Solar for the best expert advice about solar panels for your campervan and what best fits your needs.