Is my camper suitable for solar panels?
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- Create an energy balance to gain insight into your consumption. For this, we have made a calculator that makes an estimate based on the equipment entered;
- Ensure that the service battery (12V/24V) has sufficient energy (measured in Ampere-hours / Ah) to store the energy. View our page 'how much battery capacity do I need?' to determine if the battery is large enough;
- Provide a suitable place on the motorhome roof with sufficient distance from the roof hatch or satellite dish (to minimize any shadowing); shadowing on the solar panel has a considerably negative effect on the efficiency of the solar panel (even if it is only a small edge of shadow);
- Choose the correct mounting method for the type of roof. View our explanation page about roof types to determine the best solution for your motorhome.
The key is to find a good balance between the consumers (equipment), the solar panels (and any other chargers*) and the battery bank. There is sufficient energy if the battery is charged between 50% - 100%. For lithium batteries, you can even maintain 30% - 100%.
* In addition to charging the service battery with solar panels, you can also charge the battery while driving or when connected to shore power.
What types of solar panels are there?
There are many different types and technologies available. For example, we often get the question of which type of panel is better: a solar panel or a daylight panel. In fact, we are talking about the same thing. A solar panel is nothing more than a daylight panel. Both panels consist of mono- or polycrystalline cells that convert (sun)light into electrical energy. The more light that falls on them, the more current flows out of the panels. In addition to mono- and polycrystalline solar panels, there are other types suitable for motorhomes; such as semi-flexible panels, CIGS, and foldable panels. We explain the advantages and disadvantages of each type, so you can make an informed choice.
Monocrystalline solar panels
Description: Monocrystalline solar panels are made of a single-crystal silicon structure. They are recognizable by their uniform, dark appearance and have the highest efficiency.
Advantages:
- High efficiency: These panels have high conversion efficiency, meaning they extract more energy from sunlight than other types.
- Space-saving: Due to their higher efficiency, fewer panels are needed to generate the same amount of energy, which is ideal for motorhomes with limited roof space.
- Durability: They have a long lifespan and perform well in various weather conditions.
Polycrystalline solar panels
Description: Polycrystalline solar panels are made of multiple silicon crystals and have a bluish color with a characteristic crystal pattern.
Advantages:
- Cost: They are generally cheaper than monocrystalline panels.
Disadvantages:
- Lower efficiency: They are less efficient than monocrystalline panels, meaning you need more roof area to produce the same amount of energy.
- Aesthetics: Some people find the blue color and crystal pattern less appealing.
Semi-flexible solar panels
Description: Semi-flexible solar panels are thin, lightweight panels that can bend slightly to fit curved surfaces.
Advantages:
- Flexibility: Ideal for curved surfaces such as motorhomes with pop-top roofs.
- Lightweight: They add little extra weight to the motorhome.
- Easy installation: They can often be easily glued on, making installation simpler.
Disadvantages:
- Less durable: They are less robust than their rigid counterparts and can be damaged more easily. Not every (pop-top) roof is suitable for placing this type of panel. Contact us if you have any doubts about this. Always follow the installation procedure as indicated by the manufacturer.
- Lower efficiency: Because they are glued directly to the roof, they often dissipate heat less effectively, resulting in lower efficiency.
CIGS solar panels
Description: CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium Selenide) solar panels are thin-film panels that are flexible and lightweight.
Advantages:
- Flexibility: They can be easily installed on curved surfaces.
- Aesthetics: They are often more aesthetically pleasing due to their uniformly dark color.
- Low-light performance: They perform very well in less ideal light conditions.
Disadvantages:
- Cost: They are often more expensive than traditional solar panels.
- Lower efficiency: Generally, they have lower efficiency than crystalline panels.
Foldable solar panels
Description: Foldable solar panels are portable panels that can be easily unfolded and stored.
Advantages:
- Portability: They are ideal for motorhome owners who do not want to permanently mount solar panels on their roof.
- Flexibility in use: They can be placed anywhere where sunlight is available, which is useful when parking in the shade.
Disadvantages:
- Limited output: They usually have a lower energy output compared to fixed installations.
- Manual effort: They need to be manually set up and stored each time.
Which choice is best for your motorhome?
The choice of solar panels for your motorhome depends on several factors, such as your energy needs, available roof space, budget, and personal preferences. Monocrystalline panels are ideal for those seeking maximum efficiency and durability, while polycrystalline panels offer a cost-effective solution. Semi-flexible and CIGS panels are perfect for curved surfaces and lightweight applications, while foldable panels offer flexibility and portability.