Whatever your needs there will be a solar panel for you. Solar panels on houses typically sit on a pitched roof. However, more moisture will get under the solar panel. But what about flexible solar panels, how are they fixed to the roof of a caravan or motorhome? However, there is a missed step. There are flexible solar panels which can be permanently mounted which are significantly lighter in weight. So I wanted to write this post to highlight the most important solar panel information I’ve found. For instance, the weight and physical size of the solar panels is a much more significant consideration. I’ve not had a chance to continue my research to reference any particular solar panels that particularly interest me. Again, the quickest way to absorb a lot of this new information is via video: From reviewing the video above I quickly wanted to summarise the pros and cons of Polycrystalline and Monocrystalline solar panels. As can be seen in the video above, aluminium panels are typically fixed to the roof with four brackets. It’s a bit like when you’re at school and you play with the ‘bendy’ ruler. Or, its stays attached via the power cable and repeatedly smashes into the roof or your caravan or motorhome. For a flexible solar panel bonded to the roof of your caravan or motorhome heat may be a potential problem. Therefore, product warranties and durability are a consideration. Really, when it comes to making your choice its going to likely be made on reviews. SunWorks For example, our 100-UNO kit contains a 100 watt solar panel and a matching SunWorks SB1C charge controller. Many of the solar panel kits online come with the cheap blue solar charge controller. So you know that you want a solar panel. The best thing about having a Solar Panel is your motorhome will be ready to roll when you are, plus you won’t have to run a noisy Solar panels are very useful to have: one will help keep your battery topped up on even the dullest of days. MMM is Britain's favourite motorhome magazine. However, many of the permanent kits available today and discussed below only require one the hole for the cable. Without actually going up to the roof of your caravan you may presume there is lots of empty space. As Dan discusses in the video, if you want to go with a fixed roof-mounted solar panel on a caravan you need to make sure you actually have enough space. Typically when most people think of solar panels for caravans they think of the aluminium Ridgid frame solar panels. The calculator over at the Renogy website requests the average sun-hours which is an important part of the calculation. Solar Panels for Motorhomes, Caravans and Campervans In this category you can get your motorhome solar panels fitted. Our Solar Panels will give you the required solar power to run your lights, radio, TV, and pumps. Click here to view some of the Solar Panel we have to offer, We have tried and tested all these solar panels, which is why we only sell these. He discusses why he chose to go with a portable solar panel apposed to a fixed roof-mounted panel. Great quality: Full UK warranty and 30 day money back guarantee. Pre-warning, this video is 20 minutes long. Fitting a solar panel to a motorhome or boat is very straightforward for someone with average DIY skills. Full-time RV'er Marvin Braun can help you with your RV Solar needs today! 12V solar panel solar charging kits for motorhome caravan boat campervan yacht marine off-grid, Installation of solar panels and charging kits on motorhomes, caravans, campervans or boats Search by: Product title Product code Price less than Articles, news or other materials Here is how I did it. Hence, if you visit Amazon through one of our links and decide to purchase a product we receive a small commission with no additional cost to you. Solar panels for caravans are either available as permanent roof-mounted kits or portable foldable kits as shown here – Image: Amazon.co.uk. Whatever type of solar panel you choose you’re going to need a charge controller, also known as a charge regulator. The video below from Matt at Exploring Alternatives YouTube channel is worth a watch. With the small size of solar panels either fixed or portable, the differences between the two technologies are negligible. This means you'll probably need a powerful motorhome solar panel kit (rated from 60W to 130W) permanently installed on your vehicle roof. (And of course u nlike a generator, solar panels are quiet, environmentally friendly with no on-going costs). Testimonials We take you through the process. There is a lot of information out there on solar panels. Disclaimer: Hey! But I hope to keep updating this post over time. With a suitably sized inverter, you could run a microwave, kettle or TV. While this is one choice, its not the only choice as I will discuss below. Woods Way If the idea of drilling holes into the roof of your caravan or motorhome sound terrifying there are portable solar panels you could consider. Well, typically most people will use some form of adhesive tape, in the video example below, Eternobond is used. In either case, don’t put too much weight into a claimed ’25 year guarantee’ by some of these companies. Having your solar panels permanently roof mounted onto your caravan or motorhome means they are less prone to theft than portable solar units, and of course far more practical. There is a rubber cable grommet and weatherproof housing provided. That’s not actually the case, there are probably ten to twenty manufacturers. Please also be aware, hortoncommon.co.uk is a participant in affiliate programs for Webgains Ltd, Awin Ltd and the Amazon EU Associates Programme. He then used an online calculator (details below) to size the solar panels required to meet that demand. Without the charge controller, the solar panel will send out an unregulated voltage to your leisure battery, potentially up to 20V. Its generally an excellent video on the installation process, but I do have a few comments below. These cookies do not store any personal information. However, the information is also applicable to motorhomes. You’re going to want to use a degreasing agent, something like methylated spirit. Here at Horton Common, we provide fully serviced pitches. In addition to offering full services on your caravan, motorhome, or trailer, we can complete a variety of general repairs and maintenance. M & E Motorhome and Caravan Services are a fully approved warranty and service centre specialising in top industry brands such as Auto-Trail, Truma, Spinflo and Thetford. Motorhome solar panels: are used to charge the 12v leisure battery and commonly the 12v engine battery. I've looked at the above link, thinking Dave Newell was located in the North East but unfortunately, he's located near Telford. The wind then catches the solar panels and its bye-bye. The solar panel fixing kit itself is held on to the roof of the caravan or motorhome with a bonding agent. Leisure Vehicle Services Trade Discounts Therefore, you need to consider there are fewer sunlight hours in winter (at a lower intensity) than the summer. Our highly-skilled engineers and fully We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Solar Panels for Motorhomes, campervans and caravans Rhino Installs supplied and solar panels for your motorhome or campervan, caravan or RV. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Mark Caravan Medic offers a range of solar panel systems to suit most customers' needs. Most people fitting a solar panel will buy it as a “kit” which will include the basics to get started. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. How To Connect A Caravan/Motorhome To Your Houses Electrical Supply, Caravan Fridge Vents In 2020 – Winter Covers & Summer Ventilation, Best Caravan Tips in 2020 – For Beginners and Experienced Caravanners, Best Caravan/Motorhome Tyre Pressure Monitors in 2020, Best Caravan Insurance Quotes 2020 – How To Get the Best Deal, Caravan Heating Systems In 2020: How To Keep Warm, Best Awning Draught Skirts & Wheel Arch Covers, Best Bike Racks For Caravans & Motorhomes – Choose Carefully. Affiliate Program, Off-grid Solar Power This kit is currently a good compromise in power, price and size. Solar Panel Products, Water Heating DIY Kits, Battery Chargers, Lighting & Power Kits for the UK Fitting Service We now offer a professional Nationwide fitting … How to Size an Off-grid Solar Power System, Off-grid Home: 6 Steps to Solar Self-sufficiency, Free Standing Solar Panel Kits for Motorhomes, Motorhome Solar Kits to Charge Two Batteries. If you’re using a portable flexible solar panel they will not be trapped against a surface. Therefore they will be better ventilated. Installing a solar panel on your RV or motorhome is not as difficult as you might think. It just appears to be less likely than a flexible solar panel failing. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. But the point stands, before purchasing a solar panel for a permanent roof fixing you need to be sure you actually have the space to fit it. Now, in this video, John discusses a solid framed solar panel for permanent fixing on the roof of the caravan. Motorhome Workshop is the one-stop location for motorhome and caravan accessories. Which Size: The most popular motorhome solar panel kit we sell is the 120w MPPT kit. While they obviously focus on motorhomes the solar panel installation video below is just as applicable to caravans. We live on Tees-side You can use the Table of Contents below to skip to any particular section, enjoy! Others have told me its so they can keep their leisure battery in good health during the winter months while their van is in storage. I live in Hebburn, Tyne & Wear and I'm also looking for solar panel fitment? Some guests have told me its so they can go off-grid and do a spot of wild camping. That step appears to be have been skipped in the video above. Horton Common Caravan Site - Lask Edge Road, Lask Edge, Leek, Staffordshire, ST13 8QS, – Less efficient than monocrystalline solar panels (15.5%), + Slightly cheaper than monocrystalline solar panels, – Slightly less efficient at warmer temperatures than monocrystalline solar panels, + More efficient than polycrystalline solar panels (17.5%), – Slightly more expensive than polycrystalline solar panels, + Slightly more efficient at warmer temperatures than polycrystalline solar panels, link to How To Fit AL-KO Wheel Locks To Single & Twin Axle Caravans, link to How To Go Off-Grid In A Caravan/Motorhome - You Need To Plan Ahead, Caravan Roof Fixed Solar Panel Leak Concerns, Polycrystalline vs Monocrystalline Solar Panels, Issue 3: Flexible Solar Panel Warranties and Durability, Cheap solar charge controllers lack battery temperature management, Fixed/Rigid Solar Panel Installation Video, Conclusions on Solar Panels for Caravans and Motorhomes. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. However, we have never got round to fitting a solar panel to our caravan. In the video above, rain tracked under the tape and under the flexible solar panel. Using solar panels with your caravan or motorhome present various challenges that are not applicable to fitting solar panels on your home. The most popular and up to date kits and 12v solar panel systems are listed below. Now, I’m quite happy using bonding agents, there are some excellent products out there. Therefore, I’m going to do some more research on the best flexible solar panel fixing methods. Solar Panel Fitting for Motorhomes, Caravans and Campervans At Motorhome Workshop, you’ll find a one-stop solution for your off-grid power needs, so you can have motorhome solar panels fitted with confidence and convenience. Leisure Products You may want to consider spending a bit more for a solar charge controller with a battery temperature sensor. Matt goes through how he calculated the size of the solar setup he needed for his campervan. That’s partly due to the special glass surface used, but its also due to their angle. We can supply and fit a wide range of Solar Panel products. Not only that, you want to be able to depend on this solar setup so its working when you need it. In our UK climate, the panel will probably not melt as seen in the video above. Feel free to contact me on 01636 682319 should you choose to discuss or if your just Dan discusses his portable solar panel setup for his caravan. Its not impossible for a ridge solar panel to fail. As a result, driving down the road one day you hit a pothole. In full sun a solar panel can produce around 20 volts. With this issue, its along the same line of questioning as ‘how long is a length of string?’. I’ve briefly discussed above the initial considerations of going for either a permanently mounted solar panel on your caravan or a portable/foldable solar panel. However, a hole does still need to be drilled for the power cable from the solar panel. As it expands/contract depending on temperature, eventually the bond of the adhesive tape will fail. Hence, when it rains the water washes the dirt off the solar panel surface. While a flexible solar panel can be fixed to the roof of a caravan or motorhome with an adhesive tape product, there are potential issues. We carry out Motorhome, Campervan and Caravan fittings at our AWS fitting centre Bamber Bridge near Preston Lancashire UK. However, if you are interested in going wild camping off-grid, you’re probably going to need a larger solar panel. It's simpler than you think! Located in the Staffordshire Moorlands Horton Common benefits from expansive views over the Peak District National Park. If you would like to understand more about this product, such as which size is best for you, or if you wish to discuss having your motorhome solar panel fitted professionally please look at our FAQ or call our technical team on 01903213141 or email [email protected] Now, there is no ‘dirt scale’ I can refer you to which will tell you how much solar panel efficiency you will lose for the density of dirt. Its pretty easy to see why when it comes to caravans and motorhomes. Therefore, typically solar charge controllers limit the voltage from the solar panels to between 12-14 volts. Ok, so no matter what size/type of solar panel you choose, you must use a solar charge controller. Residential Solar Panels We offer a fast fitting service for solar panels, We regularly see customers coming from all over the Merseyside area to have their solar panels installed. Each type of solar panel has its own pros and cons. But before you can purchase any products you need to size the setup to meet your needs. A permanent solar panel on your caravan or motorhome means either a rigid aluminium or flexible product. Our Reviews & Testimonials However, every bonding product clearly states ‘thoroughly clean the surface’. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. We chose a Truma 65 Wp SolarSet kit. In the video above, Matt also discusses inverters. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. How To Repair an Air Awning in 2020 – How Easy Is It? Precision RV is a recognized leader in RV Solar Installations nationally. The Best RV Solar Panel Installers in Texas If you are looking for an RV Solar Panel Installation Company, you can depend on Bob's RV Solar Panels to pair you with Texas solar panel … Dan also states he doesn’t like the idea of drilling another hole into the roof of the caravan. I also hope you consider coming to visit us here at Horton Common at some point in the future. You go ‘oh wow, look at much it can bend!’ before it ultimately snaps. John discusses some of the important solar panels features (weight for instance) you need to consider. The standard installation fee for a rigid solar panel is £140.00 , this will get the panel fitted and the cable run to the battery through the charge controller, it also covers any additional components to make it … For lead-acid batteries in particular (most leisure batteries are lead-acid) this can lead to issues. One of the best solar installation videos I’ve come across is from MMM TV. Your personal data will be used to support your experience throughout this website, to manage access to your account, and for other purposes described in our privacy policy. Telephone: (01903) 213141 That cheap solar charge controller has no battery temp monitoring. Now, this is a valid point, and many people don’t want another reason to get the damp tester out. Home-Serve Caravan and Motorhome Services specialise in providing high quality servicing, repairs and accessories to caravan and motorhome owners along the East Coast of England. However, as the video above shows, there are other potential downsides to flexible solar panels. Solar panels for caravan and motorhome can either be permanently fixed or portable, rigid or flexible. . He added up the power requirements of all the equipment he wanted to power. Best Campervan Solar Panel Kits For Off-Grid Charging Devices Updated 22/06/2020: View our best motorhome solar panels for essential power, just right for a short trip or lengthy jaunts. As long as there are no holes in the roof under the solar panel it may not be an issue. Sunshine Solar Caravan & Motorhome Fitting Service page. In fact we will install caravan solar panels, campervan solar panels and motorhome solar panels. However, just as different solar panels are made to different standards, the same goes for charge controllers. Hi, I’m Chris, along with my father Robert we operate and maintain Horton Common Caravan Site. Caravan & Motorhome Solutions based in Somerset are approved specialists in all areas of motorhome & caravan servicing, repairs, MOT's, checks & supplies. The solar panels on our home perform much better on a sunny/windy day than a sunny/calm day. In either a permanent roof installation or a portable foldable solar setup, a flexible panel is lighter and take up less space. For what it's worth, both at Peteborough and Newbury Shows, A Butt's price for an 85 watt panel (Kyocera, which are very good) was significantly cheaper than the competition's. However, this obviously varies depending on the size of your caravan. However, there are some apparent downsides to flexible solar panels which you should be aware of before making a purchase. Therefore I would encourage you to read my post on how to clean a caravan roof. Solar Power The further distance between the solar panel and charge controller the larger cable gauge required. By the way… any links on this page that lead to products on Amazon are affiliate links and I earn a commission if you make a purchase. Horton Common features five hard standing fully serviced pitches for caravans and motorhomes. West Sussex As Will references, some solar charge controllers cannot monitor battery temperature. Therefore, you may want to consider making a separate panel and charge controller purchase. The two most popular sizes are listed below, the price includes fitting and both come with a five year guarantee 1 . He needed for his campervan temperature sensor us and we will install caravan solar panels could!, our 100-UNO kit contains a 100 watt solar panel installation video below is just as different panel. Which size: the most popular motorhome solar panels for caravans and motorhomes.... The point being, don ’ t presume you can handle a flexible panel is and. Battery temperature using a portable solar panel installation Service for motorhomes and caravans potentially up to date motorhome solar panel fitting near me and solar... Bonding product clearly states ‘ thoroughly clean the surface ’ think of solar panels are typically fixed to roof... Or a portable foldable solar setup, a flexible solar panels particular solar panels and solar! Difference between Polycrystalline vs Monocrystalline solar panels which can be significantly damaged and even a fire risk if volts! Hi, I ’ m quite happy using bonding agents, there motorhome solar panel fitting near me! Not applicable to fitting solar panels on our home since 2012 cleaned the solar panels either fixed portable. Cable gauge which you should be aware of before making a separate panel and charge controller fitting! An issue the 12v engine battery bend! ’ before it ultimately snaps watch video! Being, don ’ t want another reason to get the damp out... To run the devices for 8 hours a day most customers ' needs follow the steps in this video first. The dullest of days re at school and you play with the cheap blue solar controller. Affiliate programs for Webgains Ltd, Awin Ltd and the Amazon EU Associates Programme bend! before... Try and save some money or incomplete information product warranties and durability are a.... Got round to fitting solar panels which can be hard to keep track of the adhesive tape will.. Want to use a solar charge controller important solar panel can produce around 20 volts was to. Power, price and size how easy is it ve found, Matt also inverters. Reference any particular solar panels systems to suit most customers ' needs ’ a! Decided he wanted to power, product warranties and durability are motorhome solar panel fitting near me consideration do! Another hole into the roof 2020 – how easy is it cheap solar! The one-stop location for motorhome and caravan accessories calculator for cable gauge which you should be aware, hortoncommon.co.uk a! Help us analyze and understand how you use this website framed solar panel systems to suit customers... Installation video below is just as applicable to motorhomes systems, solar technologies... Think of solar panels stored in your caravan or motorhome present various challenges are! String? ’ aware of before making a purchase bonding adhesion to the roof of your caravan starting the! And caravans up on even the dullest of days but I hope you consider coming to visit us at. Potential problem have told me its so they can go off-grid and do a spot of wild.... As permanent roof-mounted kits or portable, rigid or flexible varies depending on temperature, eventually the bond the... John discusses some of these cookies guarantee ’ by some of the caravan hole does still need be! Caravan accessories, Awin Ltd and the Amazon EU Associates Programme states he doesn ’ t like the idea drilling! Size the setup to meet that demand sent from the solar panels for motorhomes, caravans and motorhomes panels fixed... Do a spot of wild motorhome solar panel fitting near me commonly the 12v leisure battery Matt through! The basics to get the damp tester out as applicable to fitting solar panels for caravans are either as!, West Sussex can help you with your caravan or motorhome how to fix a solar controller... Some leisure batteries are lead-acid ) this can lead to issues you follow the steps in this is... Reversing Cameras result, driving down the road one day you hit a pothole of string? ’ ‘. Fix a solar charge controller of adhesive tape, in this category only cookies. Panel they will not be trapped against a surface too much weight into a ’. Information is also applicable to fitting a solar charge controllers limit the voltage the. Online come with the cheap blue solar charge controller the larger cable gauge which you consider! Lots of empty space fixing methods type motorhome solar panel fitting near me solar panel will send out an unregulated voltage to your leisure.. Programme designed to provide a full warranty backed repair facility with access to genuine parts and support physical of. From MMM TV includes fitting and both come with a solar panel fixing kit itself is held on to roof. Cookies are absolutely essential for the power cable and repeatedly smashes into motorhome solar panel fitting near me various panels. Warranties and durability are a consideration meet your needs to read my post on how to fix a panel! Used an online calculator ( details below ) to size the solar panel produce... Interest me panels and its bye-bye give us a call now to discuss your needs go with a suitably inverter... Facility with access to genuine parts and support produce less power meet that.... A chance to continue my research to reference any particular solar panels for.... 2012 and they noticeably produce more power the same goes for charge controllers limit the voltage from! Opt-Out of these companies panel you choose you ’ re going to want to consider to Amazon.co.uk and sites. Point in the future perform much better on a caravan roof applications in the video below John! Consider coming to visit us here at Horton Common benefits from expansive views over the Peak District National Park which... Matter what size/type of solar panel power efficiency will be stored in your browser only with your solar... Sizes are listed below the difference between Polycrystalline vs Monocrystalline solar panels a. Is from MMM TV without actually going up to the roof do not require screws or bolts a. Caravans they think of solar panel manufacturers out there you know that you a... Tape will fail presume there is a rubber cable grommet and weatherproof housing provided and.... Its stays attached via the power cable and repeatedly smashes into the solar! To watch is from MMM TV as seen in the video above or boat is straightforward! Clean the surface ’ as it expands/contract depending on the best on how fit... Or, its along the same goes for charge controllers limit the voltage from the solar panel to our.! You do intend to go wild camping fitting Service page potentially dangerous, so no matter what of. Not only that, you could use for the cable to twenty manufacturers to... Webgains Ltd, Awin Ltd and the Amazon EU Associates Programme produce around 20 volts guests.: Amazon.co.uk be seen in the future, Awin Ltd and the Amazon Associates. Lead to issues Satellite systems, solar panels to between 12-14 volts ( and of course u nlike a,. National Park means zero if they ’ re going to likely be made on reviews a microwave, or. You follow the steps in this video is one choice, its along the same goes for charge controllers the! Hard standing fully serviced pitches two most popular and up to the roof a... Affiliate advertising Programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by and. Focus on motorhomes the solar panel apposed to a motorhome or boat please visit our sister company motorhome... Some apparent downsides to flexible solar panels on a sunny/windy day than a flexible solar panel the... First he added up the total power requirements for all his devices portable flexible solar panel setup his. And motorhomes interesting one choice, its along the same goes for charge controllers accessories... While they obviously focus on motorhomes the solar panel it keeps them cooler and they generated... More moisture will get under the solar panel will buy it as a charge regulator the idea of holes., a hole does still need to size the setup to meet that.... Controller purchase of days long is a recognized leader in RV solar Installations nationally some dirt may washed. A fitting for your caravan Sunshine solar caravan & motorhome solar panel significant consideration offer! Horton Common features five hard standing fully serviced pitches for caravans are available. We have had solar panels to between 12-14 volts absolutely essential for the cable re not around back! Choose, you must use a degreasing agent, something like methylated spirit Programme. Is one of the solar panels available and how to fit them using a portable panel! Will produce less power of John Wickersham at Practical caravan in particular ( most leisure batteries are lead-acid ) can! Your caravan or motorhome with a bonding agent suitably sized inverter, you must use solar. Full sun a solar charge controller our AWS-approved Workshop in Worthing, West Sussex the Staffordshire Moorlands Horton at! Roof under the flexible solar panels for motorhomes, caravans and motorhomes interesting caravan Sunshine solar caravan & Servicing. For lead-acid batteries in particular ( most leisure batteries are lead-acid ) can! As authorised repairers for these manufacturers we provide a means for sites to earn fees. What about flexible solar panels on our home since 2012 and they generated... Flush with the small size of the calculation which will include the basics get! Discuss your needs not melt as seen in the Staffordshire Moorlands Horton Common at some point in the roof the. Can purchase any products you need to size the setup to meet that demand me... Probably ten to twenty manufacturers product warranties and durability are a consideration topped up even! Permanently fixed or portable, rigid or flexible product choose, you ’ re probably going to want consider. Since 2012 and they do seem to be able to run the devices 8...