Solar panels are one of the most valuable investments for your camper, providing silent, free energy. So how do you choose the right panel for your camper? Here are the key points to consider.
How many watts of solar do you need?
Rather than giving a fixed figure, let's look at the factors that determine your needs: your daily energy consumption, your battery capacity and the season you travel in. A relatively small panel is enough for someone travelling in summer with few devices, while someone living on board all year round with a fridge and various devices needs a higher-output installation. The right wattage should be based on your consumption calculation.
Panel types
- Monocrystalline panels: Higher efficiency, delivering more energy from less space. Usually the most sensible choice for campers with limited roof area.
- Flexible panels: Lightweight and suitable for curved surfaces, but their lifespan and efficiency can vary compared with rigid panels.
MPPT charge controller
A charge controller is needed to transfer energy from the panels to your battery as efficiently as possible. MPPT technology harvests noticeably more energy than simpler PWM controllers, especially in changing sunlight. Over time, the difference directly increases the yield you get from your panels.
Positioning and mounting
Panels should be placed on the roof so that shading is kept to a minimum, because even partial shading of a single panel can cut output significantly. Watertight, aerodynamic mounting matters for both efficiency and the health of your vehicle.
Matching batteries and the system
Panel capacity should match your battery and inverter capacity. An oversized panel wastes its output with a small battery, while too little panel will never fully charge your batteries. That's why solar panels should be considered not as a standalone product but as part of the electrical system as a whole.
We're here for the right installation
Let's work out your energy needs and choose the panel, MPPT and battery combination that suits you, with professional installation included.