Should You Get Caravan Solar Panels? The Pros and Cons

We all look to save money on utilities and find ways to reduce our carbon footprint. When it comes to your caravan, one way you can do this is with caravan solar panels.

This might not be something that initially springs to mind when planning your time away in a caravan, but when you think about how your caravan appliances are powered presently, solar panels could be an investment that pays off over time.

So, in this blog, we thought we’d take a deep dive into solar panels for a caravan so you can decide whether they are something worth investing in.

Is caravan solar panel installation easy?

Yes, caravan solar panel installation isn’t a particularly challenging task, and it is made easier by a caravan solar panel kit. These provide easy-to-follow instructions and only require you to use a small number of tools.

Small touring caravans may not require many solar panels, and you could easily have them set up within the day; however, should you have a large caravan, or a particularly complex solar panel set up, it could take you considerably longer.

What size solar panel for a caravan?

You should look at how much power you are going to need before buying any solar panels for your caravan. A larger caravan is likely to drain more power than a smaller model. However, due to how much power a panel can generate, you should look at what your typical daily consumption is. This will stop you from buying too many panels or, in some cases, not enough.

It’s estimated that one 100-watt solar panel can generate approximately 30 amp-hours of electricity each day. To see whether this is enough, calculate what your typical daily consumption is in amp-hours. Divide this by the output of one panel. You’ll now have an idea of how many panels you need.

You should always look for a higher capacity than you plan to consume. This way should there be a sudden increase in demand for power, or a few days of no sun, you’ll still have energy in reserve.

How long do caravan solar panels last?

Solar panels for your caravan can last for some considerable time but much depends on how well you look after them. With such exposure to the elements, it is easy for them to get dirty and damaged and therefore have a reduced lifespan.

If you look after them well, you could easily expect 25 years from them, with some variants offering up to 40 years’ lifespan.

Can you run a caravan off solar panels?

You can run a caravan off solar panels, but you’ll need to make sure you can store excess energy so it can help power your caravan when there are periods of less sunlight. A solar charge controller and battery bank will provide suitable power storage so you can keep running your caravan when the sun is hidden away.

Are solar panels for caravans expensive?

They can be. The initial purchase can set you back a considerable sum, and if you need multiple panels, you could be spending a lot of money right away. This can be off-putting at first, but long-term, with minimal upkeep to consider too, the savings are huge, and you’ll recoup your investment perhaps sooner than you think.

You’ll need to budget approximately £2,000-£5,000 for a decent set-up.

What are the benefits of having solar panels for your caravan?

There are a host of benefits to having caravan solar panels. Aside from the potential money saving they can bring over the long term, caravan solar panels do so much more for you.

Reduced carbon footprint

With clean energy, no fossil fuels are required, meaning you aren’t adding to the drain on Earth’s natural resources or polluting the atmosphere. It’s been reported that one acre of solar panels can save 138 metric tons of CO2 emissions each year.

Enhanced resale value

We all know that the moment something leaves the forecourt, it loses value. You can recoup some of that loss by installing solar panels on your caravan. You’ll get the benefit whilst you own the caravan, and when you come to sell it, you’ll be able to mark it up a little due to the benefits the panels deliver.

Less noise

Solar panels simply rely on the sunlight; there is no generator being powered, so there is no noise! This can be welcome not just for you but also for others who may be staying in the same area as you.

Protects the caravan leisure battery

With the solar panels springing into action when the sun shines, your leisure battery can be constantly kept topped up. Take away the solar panels and you’ll need to find a way to keep them charged whilst on the road, which isn’t always easy.

Are there any downsides to caravan solar panels?

There are a few, with perhaps two of them being standout reasons why people may be reluctant to buy them.

The cost

As we touched upon earlier, the initial outlay can be huge, and that alone can be off-putting. Finance deals are available, but even if that makes monthly payments affordable, it might still be something that you see as an unnecessary expense. You can spend as much as £5,000 equipping your caravan with solar panels.

Weather dependent

Without the sun, your solar panels become nothing more than a rather expensive bolt-on to your caravan. They need several hours of sunlight to get a full charge, so it is always best to get a larger capacity so you can store energy to use for those days when the weather is a little cloudy.

Maintenance and upkeep

It isn’t a tricky job to look after your caravan solar panels, but it is one you shouldn’t forget about. Leaving them to get dirty or damaged not only reduces their functionality but also how long they will last.

More expensive insurance

It may not make a huge change to your premiums, but it will make a difference. Your current insurance will cover the caravan as it is now, but once you add solar panels, you’ll need to inform your insurer and pay a higher price for coverage.

If you are still looking for a caravan, speak to our team. We provide used caravan finance as well as finance for new models. With a huge acceptance rate, we love to say yes. Get your free quote today.