Why install a solar system on your vehicle?
A photovoltaic system on a camper or van offers numerous advantages:
- Autonomy : allows you to recharge the batteries without the need for an electrical connection.
- Quietness : Unlike generators, it is completely silent.
- Savings : After the initial investment, solar energy has no costs.
- Sustainability : reduces fuel consumption and environmental impact.
- Increased vehicle value : A solar system increases its attractiveness on the used vehicle market.
Where to start: calculating energy needs
Before choosing panels, it is essential to understand how much energy you consume every day .
Here's how:
- List all appliances : lights, refrigerator, water pump, charging tools, any 230V devices via inverter.
- Estimate the hours of daily use .
- Calculate your total daily consumption in Wh or Ah.
- Evaluate the useful hours of sunshine based on the area and season.
- Size the power of the panels also considering losses and non-ideal conditions.
A small example:
If you consume around 800 Wh per day and have 5 hours of effective sunshine, you will need at least 160 W of nominal power, but in practice it is advisable to increase this estimate by at least 20–30%.
Types of solar panels : which one to choose?
Not all solar panels are created equal. Here are the main categories.
Monocrystalline
- High efficiency.
- They produce a lot of energy even in a small space: ideal for small roofs.
- Excellent performance even in less than perfect lighting conditions.
Polycrystalline
- They cost less but have lower efficiency.
- They require a larger surface area for the same power as monocrystalline ones.
Rigid
- These are the most common panels.
- Strong, durable, good ventilation under the panel.
- Ideal for fixed roof installations.
Flexible
- Lightweight and adaptable to curved surfaces.
- More expensive and usually less long-lasting.
- They can heat up more, losing efficiency.
Portable or foldable
- Great as additional support.
- You can place them in the sun even if the vehicle is in the shade.
- They are not ideal as the sole source of daily charging.
How much power do you really need?
Power depends on consumption, travel habits and roof area.
- Typically, for good autonomy, many campers choose 200–400 W panels.
- Winter or extended off-grid trips may require higher power.
- It is always helpful to leave room for expansion when adding additional panels.
Practical tip: If you can, install as much power as possible on your roof. During less sunny periods, every extra watt makes a difference.
In addition to the panels: essential components of the system
A complete solar system includes:
Charge controller
- Essential for managing the current between panels and batteries.
- MPPT regulators are much more efficient than PWM and are generally recommended.
Service batteries
- They can be AGM, Gel or Lithium .
- Lithium batteries offer longer life cycles, greater efficiency and weigh less, but they cost more.
Inverter
- Converts direct current (12 V/24 V) to alternating current (230 V).
- Only necessary if you need to power 230V devices.
Correct cables, fuses and cross-sections
- Essential for safety and performance.
- A well-done installation reduces losses and risks.
Assembly and ventilation
- The panels must be positioned in a stable manner, with good ventilation to avoid overheating.
- Shading even on a small portion of the panel can greatly reduce performance.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Underestimating real consumption .
- Installing panels that are too small for your needs.
- Ignore shading (roof racks, antennas, portholes, etc.).
- Don't consider winter , when the hours of sunshine decrease.
- Using poor quality materials that can cause problems after a few months.
- Don't plan for future expansions : it's better to choose a more powerful regulator right away.
Specific tips for those traveling to Italy
- Sunny conditions are good most of the year, but winter may require higher power or larger batteries.
- In summer, heat can reduce the efficiency of the panels: good ventilation is essential.
- Smaller vehicles, such as vans, need to optimize roof space: rigid monocrystalline panels are often the best choice.
- For weekends or short periods off-grid, a 300–400W system with well-sized batteries is more than sufficient for most uses.
In conclusion
Choosing solar panels for your camper or van means finding a balance between power consumption, available space, budget, and travel style. Starting with a thorough assessment of your needs is essential to designing an efficient and reliable system capable of offering maximum autonomy on every adventure.