FITTED SOLAR FOR MOTORHOMES & CAMPERVANS IN THE UK, TELEPHONE OR WHATSAPP 07479351951

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Solar Shack
  • Home
  • fitted-solar-kits
  • Visit Ashington
  • Leisure Batteries
  • Contact Us
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  • Best Camper Solar Panel
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  • What Solar Kit?
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What is the best solar panel kit for my camper or motorhome

Choose the best off grid solar panel and solar kit to fit your budget, your requirements and your lifestyle.

What Solar Panel?

The best solar panel for a motorhome or campervan in the UK depends on how you use your vehicle. Small 100W kits are fine for a few small lights and phone charging, but most van owners quickly find they don’t produce enough power for modern off-grid living.


At Solar Shack, our most popular choice is the 325W single-panel kit. This provides enough energy to run a 12V fridge, TV, water pump, lighting, laptops and chargers, without needing multiple panels cluttering the roof.


For reliability and efficiency, we recommend pairing your solar panel with a Victron SmartSolar MPPT charge controller or an Epever MPPT digital display controller. Both optimise charging for leisure, lead acid, AGM or lithium batteries, and ensure your system performs in all weather conditions.


So, if you’re asking “what is the best solar panel for my campervan or motorhome?” — the answer is a high-output single panel (325W or more) with an MPPT controller. It gives the best balance of power, roof space, and value for money.

modern solar POWER systems FOR OFF GRID USE

TYPES OF Solar Controller and SOLAR Chargers

 PWM vs MPPT – What’s the Difference?

A solar charge controller connects your solar panel to your leisure battery. Its job is to reduce the panel’s high voltage (typically 18v–55v) down to a safe level for charging your 12 volt or 24 volt battery.


1. PWM (Pulse Width Modulation)

  • A simple, cost-effective controller – ideal for lead-acid batteries like wet, AGM, and GEL.
  • Efficiency: 60–80%
  • How it works: Sends short pulses of energy to match battery voltage 
  • Downside: Doesn’t convert unused voltage – excess power is wasted
  • Not really suitable for lithium: The pulse charging can interfere with the battery’s BMS (Battery Management System)
     

2. MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking)

  • A more advanced controller – compatible with all battery types, including LiFePO₄ and lithium-ion.
  • Efficiency: 90–98%
  • How it works: Actively converts surplus panel voltage into extra charging current
  • Performs well in low light and with high-voltage panels.


  • Summary:
    MPPT controllers cost more, but offer much faster, smarter, and more efficient charging. PWM is great for low budget setups where price matters

Leisure Batteries. LITHIUM V LEAD ACID

Lead Acid vs Lithium LiFePO₄

Your leisure battery stores the energy produced by your solar panel. Here’s how the two main types compare:


Lead Acid Batteries

The most common and budget-friendly choice. Includes sealed, AGM, and GEL types.

  • Proven and reliable 
  • Can last for years with proper care
  • Fully recyclable
  • Slower to charge – limited to about 25% of the battery’s amp-hour rating
     

Lithium LiFePO₄ Batteries

High-performance option for modern setups.

  • Around half the weight of lead acid
  • Faster charging – up to 80A (depending on BMS)
  • Can sit for long periods partially charged without damage
  • Rechargeable up to thousands of times
  • Longer lifespan than lead acid – often by several years
     
  • Summary:
    Lithium costs more upfront but offers faster charging, lighter weight, and much longer recharge life. Lead acid remains a solid choice for simpler or lower-cost setups.

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FITTED SOLAR FOR MOTORHOMES

Fitted solar panel kits for Motorhomes & Campers..

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STUFF TO DO WHILE YOU WAIT

City Trains, Sandy Beaches, Shopping, Museums...

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LEISURE BATTERIES & INVERTERS

Sealed, AGM & Lithium Batteries and Inverters...

Copyright © 2015-2025 Solar Shack - Fitted off grid solar kits for campers, motorhomes and caravans. Solar Shack ® is a registered trademark. Voltco ® is a registered trademark. Solarshack is an approved Epever Dealer and Victron Energy Dealer.

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