A single 100W solar panel paired with a 100Ah leisure battery is enough for weekend static caravan use — lights, phone charging, and a small TV. If you're running a fridge continuously or staying for extended periods, you'll want 200-300W and a bigger battery bank. This guide covers exactly what components you need, real UK prices, and which setup suits your use.
This guide covers 12V DC off-grid systems that charge a leisure battery — completely different from the mains-connected 230V AC "plug-in solar" kits covered elsewhere on this site. There's no G98 notification, no DNO, and no connection to the electricity grid at all. If you're looking for balcony or garden solar that feeds your home's mains supply, see our plug-in solar legal guide instead.
What you actually need
A static caravan solar setup has four components:
- Solar panel(s): convert sunlight into DC electricity. Sized in watts (100W, 200W, etc.)
- Charge controller: regulates the power flowing into your battery so it charges safely without overcharging. Either PWM (basic) or MPPT (more efficient).
- Leisure battery: stores the electricity for use when the sun isn't shining. Either lead-acid/AGM (cheaper) or LiFePO4 lithium (lighter, longer-lasting, pricier).
- Inverter (optional): converts the battery's 12V DC into 230V AC if you want to run standard UK plug appliances rather than just 12V-native devices and USB chargers.
Rigid vs semi-flexible panels
For a static caravan specifically, rigid panels are usually the better choice. They're more durable and slightly more efficient than flexible alternatives. Semi-flexible panels earn their keep on motorhomes and campervans with curved roofs where a rigid panel physically can't sit flush — that's not a concern on a static caravan's flat or gently sloped roof, so you're better off with the more efficient, longer-lasting rigid option unless your roof genuinely has an unusual curve.
MPPT or PWM charge controller?
MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) controllers typically harvest 20-30% more energy than a basic PWM controller, and the gap is bigger in the UK's frequently overcast conditions where every bit of available light matters. For any system above roughly 100W, the extra upfront cost of an MPPT controller pays for itself in extra charging fairly quickly. PWM is only really worth considering for the smallest, most budget-conscious setups.
Lead-acid/AGM vs lithium (LiFePO4)
| Battery Type | Typical Price (100Ah) | Usable Capacity | Lifespan | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGM Lead-Acid | £100-£180 | ~50% (don't fully discharge) | 3-5 years | ~28 kg |
| LiFePO4 Lithium | £250-£450 | ~95-100% | 10-15+ years | ~12 kg |
AGM costs less upfront but only gives you around half its rated capacity safely, needs replacing every few years, and is more than double the weight. Lithium costs more initially but gives you nearly all its rated capacity, lasts several times longer, and is much lighter — for anyone using their caravan regularly, lithium usually works out cheaper over a 10-year span despite the higher sticker price.
How many watts do you actually need?
| Use Case | Recommended Panel | Recommended Battery |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend use — lights, phone charging, small TV | 100W | 100Ah |
| Seasonal use — fridge running continuously | 200-300W | 150-200Ah |
| Year-round / heavy use — multiple appliances | 400W+ | 200Ah+ lithium |
Real UK prices
| Setup | Typical Price |
|---|---|
| Single 100W rigid panel only | £80-£120 |
| Complete 100W starter kit (panel + MPPT controller + cabling) | £150-£250 |
| 300-400W kit with lithium battery and MPPT controller | £500-£700+ |
Do you need permission from your caravan park?
Static caravans generally aren't subject to the same planning permission rules as houses, but that doesn't mean anything goes — caravan park site licences and rules often have their own restrictions on visible roof-mounted equipment, satellite dishes, and similar additions. Always check with your park operator or site owner before fitting panels; some parks are relaxed about it, others are strict, and it varies site to site rather than being governed by a single national rule.
Recommended starter kit
Renogy 100W 12V Solar Panel Starter Kit
The most common entry point into caravan solar. Includes a rigid 100W monocrystalline panel, an MPPT charge controller, and the cabling and brackets needed to get started — you just add a leisure battery. Renogy is the dominant brand in this space in the UK, with a wide range to scale up later if you need more capacity.
amazon Check Price on Amazon →For the battery, a 100Ah LiFePO4 leisure battery is worth the extra cost over AGM if you'll be using the caravan regularly. If you want to run standard UK plug appliances rather than just USB and 12V-native devices, add a pure sine wave inverter to the setup.
Fitting out a narrowboat or canal boat instead? The considerations are different — curved decks, dual battery charging, and marine-grade fittings. See our narrowboat solar panels guide for the specifics.
Summary — what to buy
- Weekend use: 100W panel + 100Ah battery, around £150-£250 all in.
- Regular use with a fridge: 200-300W + 150-200Ah battery.
- Rigid panels beat flexible ones for a static roof. MPPT beats PWM for anything above 100W.
- Lithium (LiFePO4) costs more upfront but pays off over years of regular use versus AGM.
- Always check your park's site rules before fitting anything to the roof.
Browse static caravan and off-grid solar kits on Amazon UK.
🚐 Browse Caravan Solar Kits on Amazon →Frequently Asked Questions
What size solar panel do I need for a static caravan?
For occasional weekend use (lights, phone charging, a small fridge), a single 100W panel with a 100Ah leisure battery is usually enough. For regular seasonal use with a fridge running continuously, 200-300W is more realistic. For year-round or heavy use, 400W or more paired with a larger lithium battery bank is worth the investment.
Do I need planning permission for solar panels on a static caravan?
Static caravans are not typically subject to the same planning permission rules as houses, but caravan park site rules often have their own restrictions on visible roof-mounted equipment. Always check with your park operator or site owner before fitting panels, since site licence conditions vary and some parks are stricter than others.
Rigid or flexible solar panels for a caravan roof?
Rigid panels are more durable and slightly more efficient, and are the better choice for a static caravan that stays in one place. Flexible (semi-flexible) panels are lighter and can curve slightly, which matters more for motorhomes and campervans with curved roofs — for a static caravan's flat or gently sloped roof, rigid panels are usually the better value.
Do I need an MPPT or PWM charge controller?
MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) controllers are more efficient — typically 20-30% more energy harvested than a basic PWM controller, especially in the UK's frequently overcast conditions. For any system above roughly 100W, the extra cost of an MPPT controller pays for itself in extra charging quickly. PWM is only worth considering for very small, budget setups.
How much does a static caravan solar kit cost in the UK?
A single 100W panel alone costs around £80-£120. A complete starter kit with a 100W panel, MPPT controller, and cabling typically runs £150-£250. Larger complete systems with a 300-400W panel array, MPPT controller, and a lithium leisure battery can cost £500-£700 or more.