What is the best solar panel kit for my camper or motorhome

 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

Lead Acid vs Lithium LiFePO₄

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

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
   

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.