Solar systems for camping

Whether you're taking a motorhome on a holiday or living in your converted camper for longer periods in vanlife - electricity is something you always need when camping. The simplest way to camp off-grid and sustainably with your van without depending on shore power at our VanSite pitches or other campsites is to use solar power.

Here you'll find all the options for running your devices, e.g. a cool box, power bank, your smartphone, the parking heater or fairy lights purely powered by the sun.

Solar in a motorhome: 2 options for power supply

There are various energy storage solutions for camping and outdoor activities. In a motorhome or van, regular shore power can be stored well in a second battery. But what's the best way to generate new power and store it on the road?

With solar energy, of course. By using solar modules or photovoltaic systems, solar power (12V) can be generated. This can be stored in a connected lead-acid or lithium-ion battery and easily converted into charging current by a charge controller.

These are the solar options available for camping with a motorhome:

1. Fixed photovoltaic system

Generating solar energy with a module permanently mounted on the roof of your camper, van or caravan attached solar module sounds practical, but it isn't necessarily. If you travel exclusively in summer or in sunny regions, your photovoltaic system charges well with solar energy.

But if you park in the shade on a pitch, like to travel in winter or in the rain, or in cold regions, solar camping may not work so well. Also, with the panel lying flat on the roof, it's hard to solar module at the right angle towards the sun.align it.

Estimated costs for a fixed roof-mounted solar system:

• Solar modules, cables & charge controller: 200 € to 600 €

• Mounting system: approx. 30 €

• Storage: approx. 1,000 €

Note: If you live or travel permanently in your camper and mostly travel in the south, the fixed photovoltaic system is the right choice for you. For colder regions and shorter camping trips, however, we recommend the second option.

2. Mobile solar system

A mobile solar system gives you much more flexibility. You can simply park your camper in the shade and set up your solar panels a little further away in the sun, angling them according to the position of the sun.

Mobile solar systems come in two forms:

• Solar briefcase

• Foldable solar module

Solar briefcases consist of two solar modules that fold together like a suitcase using a hinge. You normally get a charge controller for conversion and a connection cable for the solar battery. The weight of the briefcases is around 10 kg, but they are very sturdy.

Estimated costs for a solar briefcase including storage:

• Solar briefcase: 150 € to 500 €

• Storage: approx. 800 €

Foldable solar modules are particularly suitable for hiking, camping and trekking, as they are lightweight (max. 4 kg) and compact. Of course, you can also use them perfectly well when camping with your van, panel van or restored classic. When buying a foldable solar module, however, you should pay attention to quality, as performance varies considerably.

Estimated costs for a foldable solar module including storage:

• Solar panel: 100 € to 300 €

• Solar charge controller 12 V: approx. 20 €

• Storage: approx. 500 €

As you can see, there are quite different ways to generate electricity while camping with solar. Choose the option that suits your needs to generate power independently and sustainably. The range in various modules and the necessary accessories is now very large, so you'll find what you're looking for quickly.

If you're still looking for some tips on camper insulation, self-built furniture etc., check out our blog category Camper Conversion!