Are Motorhome Solar Panels Worth It?

Though some brand-new motorhome and campervan models are fitted with solar panels already, there are plenty of older ones out there which are not. A recent survey by The Caravan & Motorhome Club revealed that 86% of respondents had solar panels on their vehicles (77% of that number with just one panel, 17.9% with two and approximately 3% with three panels).

Of the number of respondents to the survey who did not already have solar panels on their motorhome or campervan, almost two thirds said they were interested in having a system installed. Whether you are part of that 60% or in the other category of people who claim to not be interested in solar, or who don’t know enough about it, then this edition of our blog is for you. There are many benefits to having solar panels installed on your motorhome or campervan…

Energy Independence

Self-sourced power: Installing solar panels on a motorhome or campervan will provide a reliable source of energy for travellers, reducing dependence on traditional ‘grid’ power. This will be particularly advantageous if you are intending to travel to remote locations or camping sites without electrical hook-ups.

Off-grid living: Having solar panels installed on your campervan or motorhome will enable the possibility of off-grid living. You will be able to explore more secluded areas without worrying about losing access to the power you need. The freedom and flexibility of on-the-road living will be enhanced even further, making it easier for you to connect with nature.

Eco-friendly sustainability

Carbon footprint: One of the major benefits of solar panels is that they can generate electricity without emitting harmful greenhouse gases. This contributes to any trips you take generating a lower carbon footprint than might otherwise be the case. This eco-friendly aspect meets the need to adopt sustainable practices wherever we can, in whatever we do, and is a factor in attracting environmentally aware holidaymakers to motorhomes and campervans which have the facility to be solar-powered.

Clean energy: Unlike traditional generators, using solar panels means clean energy production, without noise or air pollution. This is a benefit to the environment – but it also enhances your overall on-the-road experience by providing a quieter and more peaceful atmosphere.

Battery life

Maintenance: Campervan or motorhome solar panels help to maintain the battery, by providing it with a constant trickle charge. This reduces the overall strain on the vehicle battery – especially during periods of inactivity – and prevents it from fully discharging (i.e. from going ‘flat’ or ‘dead’). This also prolongs the battery’s overall lifespan.

Continuous power: Solar panels ensure a continuous power supply, which enables users to run essential appliances (fridges, fans, lighting systems etc) without worrying about draining the battery. This continuous power supply means an enhanced level of convenience and comfort during time out on the road.

Convenience

Quietness: Solar panels operate silently, completely eliminating any of the noise associated with using traditional generators for power. This not only enhances the whole experience (by maintaining a peaceful environment with no nagging noise cutting through conversations etc) but also allows travellers to comply with noise regulations in certain camping areas.

Installation and maintenance: These days, solar panels are designed and manufactured to be extremely user-friendly, with straightforward installation and operation processes. Additionally, solar panels require a minimal amount of maintenance, which makes them a convenient and hassle-free addition to motorhomes and campervans.

Technological integration

Systems integrations: Solar panels can easily be integrated with your vehicle’s smart energy management system. This type of system allows travellers to use an app to remotely monitor their energy production, consumption and battery levels. The app will provide real-time insights into the power system and, therefore, the performance of the solar panel.

Gadgets and appliances: Solar power systems in motorhomes and campervans can be adapted to charge various gadgets and appliances, including smartphones, laptops and other digital and electronic devices taken on trips. This means that travellers can stay connected and in contact with the civilised world, and powered up even in remote locations.

Other benefits

Lower costs: The initial investment you will have to make to have a solar panel (or panels) installed on your vehicle may seem substantial, but the long-term savings will be significant. Solar power is essentially free power – so it enables savings on fuel costs that would have been incurred if using generators or relying solely on the grid.

Resale: Motorhomes or campervans which are equipped with a solar panel are likely to sustain a higher value in the second-hand market. Buyers tend to appreciate any technologies included in the vehicle, particularly as, in this case, there will be cost savings for them going forward. In addition, a motorhome or campervan with eco-friendly features and the convenience of a self-sustaining power source is a really attractive proposition, meaning the value will remain ‘up’ for resale.

Round up

Ultimately, installing solar panels into a motorhome or campervan will bring about a range of benefits. Energy independence and sustainability will be at the top of the list for most people, in addition to the convenience and the cost savings made. As technology continues to advance apace, the leisure vehicle industry is increasingly likely to adopt solar technology as an integral part of how vehicles work. For now, with some vehicles currently on the road or for sale at motorhome dealerships not coming pre-loaded with this capability, but with the installation of a solar panel system possible, there’s no reason not to go green!

Use Spinney’s Accessory Fitting service at our workshops in Cheshire, Flintshire and Staffordshire. We offer a comprehensive accessory fitting service at very competitive rates, including motorhome solar panel fitting, with our service engineers dedicated to providing you with a quality job to set you up for your next adventure.