The Magic of a Portable Solar Panel in Your Campervan

Whether you’re a full-time vanlifer or an occasional weekender, solar gives you more flexibility, more self-sufficiency, and more time off the grid. It keeps your battery topped up, your gadgets running, and your adventure flowing without compromise.

So, in this post, we’ll shine a light on why solar matters, how it works, and what to look for in a quality portable setup. Plus, we’ll share our top tips for getting the most out of your power supply – wherever the road takes you.

Why Go Solar in a Campervan?
Solar energy isn’t just about saving money – though it certainly can. It’s about freedom. With solar, you’re no longer tied to campsites with electric hook-up points. You can park up in the mountains, by a lake, or deep in a forest – and still run your lights, fridge, USB chargers, and more.

Here’s what solar can do for you:

• Charge your leisure battery during the day

• Power your lights, water pump, USB sockets, fans, and 12V appliances

• Keep your fridge running consistently

• Extend your off-grid stays by several days or more

• Reduce your environmental impact

For many of our Spartan customers, solar is the key that unlocks proper, peaceful wild camping.

Fixed vs. Portable Panels – What’s the Difference?
Fixed panels are installed permanently on your roof and are great if you’re planning long-term travel or full-time van life. But for many people – especially those just starting out or upgrading their camper – portable panels offer the perfect balance of power and flexibility.

Here’s why we love them:

• Easy to use: No need for permanent installation or complicated wiring.

• Flexible: Move the panel to face the sun, park in the shade while your panel sits in the sun.

• Compact: Folds down for storage when not in use.

• Expandable: You can add more if you want extra power later.

• Affordable: A great way to dip your toes into solar without breaking the bank.

How Does a Portable Solar Panel Work?
It’s surprisingly simple. A portable panel gathers sunlight and converts it into electricity. That electricity goes through a solar charge controller – which regulates the flow of power to your leisure battery. From there, your van’s 12V systems can draw on that battery power to run everything from LED lights to USB chargers and fridges.

The key is to match your panel size to your energy needs. Here’s a general guide:

• 50W panel: Ideal for topping up a battery on short trips or powering LED lights/phone chargers

• 100W–160W panel: A solid choice for running a fridge, lights, and charging devices daily

• 200W+ panel: Best for high usage or extended off-grid stays

What to Look for in a Portable Solar Kit
Not all panels are created equal. If you’re shopping for a solar setup for your campervan, look out for:

• Monocrystalline panels: Higher efficiency and better performance in low light

• A built-in charge controller: Prevents battery overcharging or draining

• Anderson plug or SAE connectors: For simple, secure connection

• Long cable length: So you can move the panel without needing to reposition the van

• Waterproof and weather-resistant design

We always recommend buying from a reputable UK supplier who understands campervan setups. Need help? The Spartan team are happy to chat through your van’s needs and point you in the right direction.

How to Maximise Your Solar Power
Want to get the most out of your panel? Here are our top Spartan solar tips:

1. Angle Your Panel Toward the Sun
Seems obvious – but many people overlook it. Use a stand or lean your panel at the correct angle to catch the most rays, especially in spring and autumn when the sun is lower.

2. Monitor Your Battery Levels
A solar panel works best when you understand how much power you’re using. Many charge controllers include a display showing how much power you’re generating and using. Keep an eye on this to avoid running your battery too low.

3. Reduce Unnecessary Loads
During cloudy days or in winter months, lighten the load. Turn off unneeded lights, charge phones while driving, and swap out energy-hungry appliances for more efficient alternatives (like LED lighting and compressor fridges).

4. Clean Your Panel
Dust, bird droppings, and grime can reduce efficiency. Give your panel a quick wipe before setting it up.

Spartan Family Solar Stories
Jill and Chris, who’ve taken their Spartan T6 on a five-week Scottish tour, told us: “Our 120W panel was a total game changer. We stayed at wild sites 80% of the time. No hook-ups, just sunshine. Our fridge stayed cold, our lights stayed on, and we were completely self-sufficient.”

Their top tip? “Get a long extension cable for the panel. That way, you can park in shade for the van, but put the panel out in full sun – best of both worlds.”

Sustainability and Solar
There’s something brilliant about being able to run your camper without burning fuel or relying on a mains connection. Solar doesn’t just give you independence – it lowers your environmental impact, helps reduce noise (no generators!), and supports a more conscious kind of travel.