When you are living life on the road, whether full time or extended trips, self-sufficiency becomes essential. One of the smartest ways to maintain your freedom and reduce your reliance on campsites or electrical points is by installing solar panels on your campervan or motorhome. At UK Leisure Parts, we supply a wide range of solar power solutions designed specifically for leisure vehicles. In this blog, we will guide you through the benefits of using solar panels, how they work, and what to consider when setting up your off-grid power system.
Why choose solar panels?
Solar panels offer a clean, quiet, and renewable source of energy that allows you to power essential systems like lighting, fridges, water pumps, and charging points, all without needing to plug into mains electricity.
Here are some key benefits:
- Energy independence – camp anywhere without needing hook-up facilities.
- Reduced running costs – free electricity from the sun cuts down on campsite fees and generator use.
- Environmentally friendly – solar power does not produce any emissions.
- Quiet and low maintenance – unlike generators, solar panels operate silently and require very little upkeep.
How do solar panels work in a campervan?
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic cells. This power is then regulated by a charge controller and stored in your leisure battery, ready to be used for running your onboard systems and appliances.
A basic campervan solar setup typically includes:
- One or more solar panels
- A charge controller
- Leisure battery or battery bank
- Optional inverter
At UK Leisure Parts, we offer complete solar panel kits and individual components so you can build the system that suits your van and lifestyle.
The ideal solar setup depends on how much power you would like to use and how often. If you are just topping up your battery for lights and occasional phone charging, a 100W panel may be enough. However, for full-time living with a fridge, lights, laptops, etc. you will likely need a more powerful system such as a 200W–300W system.
Some things to consider when getting solar panels on your mobile home are, roof spaces, battery capacity and mounting styles. If you need help choosing the right size, our team are happy to offer guidance based on your power needs and travel style.
One of the great advantages of solar systems is their low maintenance. However, you should keep any panels clean from dirt and debris, check connections for wear or corrosion and monitor the battery health to track performance. Here at UK Leisure Parts, we also stock accessories like cleaning tools, cable extensions, and battery monitors to keep your setup running smoothly.
Solar panels give you the freedom to travel wherever without worrying about where your next power source will come from. Whether you are wild camping, touring Europe, or simply enjoying a peaceful weekend away, solar energy helps you stay powered, connected, and comfortable. You can explore our full range of solar panels, kits, and accessories today on our website.
