Motorhome & Campervan Solar Panel Kits: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to installing a solar power kit
Let’s face it — more and more of the things we rely on in our motorhomes, campers, and caravans need power. Fridges, TVs, LED lights, 4G/5G routers, tablets, smart speakers… the list just keeps growing. And lots of these devices need an internet connection, too.
The world’s getting full of smart tech that makes life easier on the road — but they don’t run on fresh air, do they?
At OffGridWiFi.co.uk, we help people across the UK get connected off-grid using 4G and 5G routers, antennas, and mobile data solutions. But staying connected also means staying powered up, especially when you’re off-grid without electric hook-up.
That’s where solar panel kits come in.
Whether you’re a weekend camper or a full-time vanlifer, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know — no tech jargon, no fluff. Just clear, useful info to help you build your own solar power setup, power your gear, and enjoy the freedom of off-grid living.
Notice: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, offgridwifi.co.uk may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
In This Guide, You’ll Learn:
✅ What a solar panel kit actually does (in plain English)
✅ How to install a solar kit step by step
✅ Handy links to suitabel products
📡 Want to stream Netflix from a remote layby? Run your router, lights and fridge without hookup? A solar kit is the power partner your WiFi setup needs.
Haven’t Bought Your Solar Kit Yet?
Still on the fence about which solar panel kit is right for your camper, motorhome, or caravan? Don’t worry — you’re not alone. With so many options out there, it can be tough to know where to start.
That’s why we’ve put together a complete guide to the best solar panel kits on the market, tailored specifically for UK-based travellers and off-grid adventurers.
with real-world power outputs, ease of install ratings, and clear advice on what each kit is best suited for.
Let the sun do the hard work — we’ll help you pick the right gear to make it happen.
⚡ Why Solar Power Makes Sense for Off-Grid WiFi Users
40% of UK campsites don’t offer electric hookup (especially CLs, rallies, and wild spots) – Camping and Caravanning Club
Solar panel prices have dropped over 80% in 10 years, while efficiency has improved by 50%+ – SolarPower Europe
You’ll save £3–£10 a night by avoiding hookup fees
Solar systems provide clean, silent power that automatically tops up your battery whenever the sun’s out — no fuel, no noise, no fuss
It’s the ideal setup for powering things like:
A 4G/5G router and external antenna
USB chargers for phones or tablets
LED lights, TVs, fridge, or water pump
What’s in a Solar Panel Kit? (Made Simple)
Solar Panel – Converts sunlight into electricity Your power source
Charge Controller – Prevents the battery from overcharging Think of it as a traffic cop for your power flow
Cables & Clips – Connects all the components Your plug-and-play wiring kit
Mounting Brackets / Frame – Fixes the panel in place Roof mounts or ground stands to hold it steady
Battery (optional) – Stores the generated power Like a giant power bank for your van
Inverter (optional) – Converts 12V DC to 230V AC Needed for using standard plug sockets
🔋 What Can a Solar Kit Power?
Here’s how much you can expect to run in UK summer conditions (5–6 hours of strong sunlight) using a 200W panel and 100Ah
4G/5G Router Power Draw: 10–15W Daily Runtime: 24+ hours
12V Fridge Power Draw: 40W (average) Daily Runtime: 10–12 hours
12V LED Lights Power Draw: 10W (total) Daily Runtime: 10+ hours
12V TV Power Draw: 20–30W Daily Runtime: 4–6 hours
Phone Charging Power Draw: 5–10W Daily Capacity: 4+ full charges
Tip: MPPT charge controllers are up to 30% more efficient than PWM ones — especially on cloudy days.
🛠️ Installing Your Solar Panel Kit (Beginner’s Guide with Real Options)
Installing a solar kit might sound like a job for an electrician, but don’t worry — it’s actually quite straightforward. Most UK vanlifers and motorhome owners do it themselves, often in under 2–3 hours with basic tools and a bit of planning.
We’re going to break this down step-by-step. No jargon — just what you need to know, how to do it, and what products we recommend to make the job easier.
Step 1: Mount the Solar Panel to Your Roof (or Go Portable)
You have two main options:
Option A: Drill-Free Mounting Brackets (Best for Simplicity)
These use industrial-grade adhesive and don’t require any screws or drilling into your van’s roof. They’re very popular with campervans, especially if you’re worried about leaks or warranty.
RRP: £35.99
✅ Easiest to install — no tools needed beyond a caulking gun
✅ Strong adhesive holds up well in UK weather
✅ No roof damage
⚠️ Must be applied to clean, dry surfaces (ideally in warm weather)
How to fit them:
Clean the van roof area with alcohol or degreaser
Apply adhesive to brackets (CT1 or Sikaflex recommended)
Press panel and brackets into place
Allow 24–48 hours for adhesive to cure
Option B: Screw-In Brackets (Best for Strength)
These are bolted or screwed into the roof and then sealed with waterproof sealant. Ideal for larger panels, bumpy roads, or full-time setups.
RRP: £29.99
✅ Very secure — great for permanent setups
✅ Withstands high wind and road vibrations
⚠️ You’ll need to drill into your roof and seal the holes well
🧰 Basic tools needed: drill, screwdriver, sealant
How to fit them:
Mark hole positions on roof using panel as a template
Drill holes and insert screws with sealant
Apply sealant generously around screws to prevent leaks
Attach brackets to panel and fix in place
Tip: Always use UV-resistant cable entry glands to pass wiring into the van — this protects against leaks and damage.
Step 2: Route the Cable Inside the Van
You’ll need to run your solar panel cable into your van so it can connect to the charge controller and battery.
Most people route the cable through:
A cable gland
A roof vent or skylight
An existing wiring entry point or grommet
RRP: £9.99
Tip: Make sure to seal around any new holes with weatherproof adhesive (CT1 or Sikaflex are popular).
Step 3: Connect Panel to Charge Controller
You must connect the solar panel to the charge controller first — this regulates how much energy flows into the battery and prevents overcharging.
Most kits come with:
Pre-labelled wires
Quick-connect MC4 plugs
Clear instructions
RRP: £11.99
⚠️ NEVER connect your solar panel directly to the battery without a charge controller. It will damage the battery and possibly overheat.
🔌 Step 4: Connect Charge Controller to Battery
Once the controller is wired to the panel, connect its output to your 12V leisure battery (or off-grid power bank system).
Most controllers have a dedicated terminal marked “Battery” with clear + and – signs. Use ring terminals or crocodile clips depending on your kit.
RRP: £9.99
You’ll start seeing charge data appear on the controller screen within a few seconds if the sun is out
Linking Multiple batteries
Linking up multiple leisure batteries in a motorhome is a popular way to boost energy storage—especially for those who travel off-grid or run power-hungry devices. Here’s how and why it’s done:
🔋 Why Link Batteries?
More Capacity: One battery might power your lights and router for a day, but add in a fridge, heater, or TV and you’ll burn through it fast. Doubling up batteries gives you longer-lasting power.
Better Performance: When batteries share the load, they tend to last longer and perform more efficiently—especially under high-demand conditions.
Less Depth of Discharge: Discharging batteries too deeply shortens their lifespan. More capacity means each battery discharges less, improving longevity.
🔧 How It’s Done:
Parallel Wiring is most common—positive to positive, negative to negative. This keeps the voltage at 12V (so your gear still works) but increases the total amp-hours.
Matched Batteries Only: People usually link batteries of the same type, age, and capacity to prevent imbalance and inefficiency.
Heavier Cables & Proper Fusing: Since current draw increases, thicker cables and protection fuses between batteries are key for safety.
Optional Step 5: Add a Fuse Box or Inverter
If you plan to power:
230V appliances (like laptops, chargers, small kitchen gadgets)
You’ll need an inverter wired to the battery.
RRP: £199.99
If you’re staying entirely on 12V power (router, lights, fridge), you may want to:
Add a 12V fuse box with switches for each device
Use 12V sockets or USB charging hubs
Why do you need a fusebox for your 12v setup
Safety First – It protects your wiring and devices by isolating faults. If something draws too much current, only that circuit’s fuse will blow—no risk of melting cables or damaging your whole setup.
Neat and Tidy Wiring – A fuse box helps keep your installation clean and organized. It’s far better than a tangle of direct connections to the battery.
Easier Troubleshooting – If something stops working, you can quickly check the relevant fuse instead of hunting through a rat’s nest of wires.
Device Isolation – You can power individual circuits (like your lights, fridge, or router) independently. Want to turn off the TV circuit to save power overnight? No problem.
Scalability – Need to add a 12V fan or extra USB sockets later? Just run a new line from the fuse box—no rewiring chaos.
Professional Look & Feel – If you’re building trust with customers or showing off your setup, a proper fuse box says, “This is done right.”
🧰 Tool Checklist (What You’ll Likely Need)
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Drill + bits | For screw-in brackets |
| Sealant (CT1, Sikaflex) | For sealing and glueing |
| Screwdrivers | For controller and inverter terminals |
| Crimp tool / cutters | For wiring |
| Cable ties & clips | For tidy installations |
| Multimeter (optional) | To check voltage and polarity |
Need a Motorhome, Camper or Caravan solar panel Kit?
If you’re ready to install your solar panel kit but not sure which setup is best for your motorhome, caravan, or camper, we’ve got you covered. From compact solutions for weekend getaways to high-powered kits for full-time off-grid living, our expert guide breaks down the top solar kits available—helping you choose the right balance of performance, price, and ease of installation. Check out our full guide to the best solar panel kits and get one step closer to energy independence on the road.
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