Choosing solar panels for a UK campervan or off-grid setup
Compare full-size rigid modules, compact leisure panels and flexible panels by roof fit, price per watt, efficiency and practical installation limits.
Read the guideSolar guides / UK first
Make every watt
work harder.
Clear explanations for campervans and smaller off-grid systems. Understand the equipment, compare the real costs and build a better plan for your time outside.
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What are you working out?
Start with the decision in front of you.
AI-generated panel illustration.
A better starting point
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Less money per watt?
Full-size rigid modules can offer striking value beside compact leisure panels. Compare roof space, delivery, mounting and the controller alongside the panel price.
Compare the optionsBuild your understanding.
Ten practical guides, with dated UK examples and sources you can check.
Panels and roof space
Flexible or rigid solar panels for a campervan?
Understand the weight, roof fit, heat, mounting and warranty trade-offs between flexible and rigid solar panels, with dated UK price examples.
Read the guideCharging from sun, road and mains
MPPT charge controllers: choosing the right model
Understand MPPT controller sizing, Victron model numbers, cold-weather panel voltage, input current and output clipping before choosing solar for a UK campervan or off-grid system.
Read the guideMains battery chargers: choosing the right charger for your setup
A UK guide to campervan and off-grid mains chargers, comparing Victron Blue Smart IP22 and IP65 with Renogy and Fogstar alternatives, charging profiles and real costs.
Read the guideDC-DC chargers: charging your leisure battery while you drive
Understand campervan DC-DC and battery-to-battery chargers, smart alternators, combined solar inputs and the trade-offs between Victron, Renogy and CTEK examples.
Read the guideStorage and installation
LiFePO4 or lead-acid: choosing a leisure battery
A UK campervan guide to flooded, AGM, gel and LiFePO4 batteries, comparing usable energy, cycle claims, winter charging, BMS limits and real upgrade costs.
Read the guideSolar cables, connectors and fuses: a practical guide
Understand PV cable, battery wiring, genuine connector compatibility, voltage drop and DC fault protection before specifying a campervan solar system.
Read the guideUnderstand your system
Victron products explained: a guide to the range
A practical map of Victron solar controllers, battery chargers, inverters, shunts and GX monitoring, with model-specific interface limits and mixed-brand buying advice.
Read the guideSolar monitoring apps: what can you actually see?
Compare VictronConnect, GX and VRM, battery BMS apps, shunt monitors and Solar Outlook, with clear distinctions between local readings, cloud history and forecasts.
Read the guideHow much solar and battery does a campervan need?
Build a realistic UK off-grid energy budget using watts, watt-hours, daily loads, usable battery capacity and seasonal solar conditions, before choosing equipment.
Read the guideUseful evidence, clear limits.
We distinguish specifications, worked examples and personal experience. Prices are dated, installation details are model-specific, and illustrations are labelled. Read our research approach.
Plan before you buy.
Use the daily energy worksheet, panel value calculator and battery energy calculator. Try different assumptions to see what makes the biggest difference to cost and energy needs.
The Solar Outlook app
See your solar forecast.
Follow your system.
Explore terrain-aware daylight and weather-based solar potential with Solar Outlook. Readings from supported equipment add the view from your own system.
Meet Solar Outlook Independent project. Check current device compatibility.