white and black board on green grass during daytime

Solar Panels

Wanting to make your campervan last longer off-grid? Looking for a cost-effective solution? At Trend, we supply and fit solar panels and charge control systems to campervans, motorhomes and caravans. We can also offer a mobile service within 50 miles of our base in South East Wales

We use quality brands such as

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Unsure why your campervans power system isn't performing as it should? Contact us today to see how we can help!

Adding solar panels into an off-grid campervan offers a wide range of advantages, making it a sustainable and self-sufficient choice for adventurers. Firstly, solar panels harness clean, renewable energy from the sun, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing the environmental impact of travel. Additionally, solar panels provide a reliable source of power wherever the campervan roams, ensuring access to electricity for charging devices, running appliances, and lighting without the need for noisy generators or constant refuelling. Their low maintenance requirements and long lifespan make them a cost-effective investment in the long run, allowing travellers to enjoy the freedom of the open road without worrying about power limitations.

Setting up a solar system for your campervan is an excellent way to ensure you have a reliable and sustainable power source for your travels. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you design and install an effective campervan solar system:

1. Assess Your Power Needs

  • List Your Devices: Create a list of all electrical devices you plan to use (e.g., lights, refrigerator, laptop, phone charger).

  • Calculate Daily Energy Usage: Determine the wattage of each device and estimate the number of hours each device will be used daily. Multiply these to get the daily watt-hour (Wh) requirement for each device, then sum them up to get the total daily energy consumption.

2. Selecting Components

  • Solar Panels: Monocrystalline panels are efficient and space-saving, while polycrystalline panels are slightly less efficient but often cheaper.

  • Charge Controller: Ensures the correct charging of the battery. MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) controllers are more efficient than PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) controllers.

  • Battery: Choose between AGM, Gel, or Lithium (LiFePO4). Lithium batteries are lighter, have a longer lifespan, and can handle deeper discharges.

  • Inverter: If you need AC power, choose an inverter with enough wattage to handle your maximum load. Pure sine wave inverters are better for sensitive electronics.

  • Wiring and Fuses: Ensure you use appropriately rated wiring and fuses to handle the current from your solar panels and to your devices.

3. Installation

  • Mounting Panels: Install solar panels on the roof of your campervan using appropriate mounting brackets. Ensure they are secure and have minimal shading.

  • Running Wires: Run wires from the solar panels to the charge controller, then from the charge controller to the battery. Use cable glands or grommets to prevent water ingress where cables enter the van.

  • Connecting Components: Connect the solar panels to the charge controller, the charge controller to the battery, and the battery to your 12V distribution system or inverter.

  • Safety: Install fuses or circuit breakers between the solar panels, charge controller, and battery to protect against overcurrent. Ensure all connections are secure and protected against short circuits.

4. Maintenance

  • Panel Cleaning: Regularly clean the solar panels to remove dust and debris.

  • Connection Check: Periodically check all connections for corrosion and tightness.

  • Battery Health: Monitor battery voltage and state of charge to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Tips

  • Optimize Panel Positioning: If possible, tilt the panels towards the sun for better efficiency.

  • Energy Efficiency: Use energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting to reduce power consumption.

  • Monitor Usage: Use a battery monitor to keep track of your energy usage and battery health.

By following these steps and carefully selecting your components, you can set up an efficient and reliable solar power system for your campervan, ensuring a sustainable and enjoyable off-grid experience.

Enquire today

t. 07413003320

e. info@trendconversions.co.uk

a. unit 4, bettws newydd business park, NP15 1JY