Off-Grid Power Systems for Campervans & Motorhomes
A complete off-grid electrical system gives your campervan, motorhome or caravan the ability to operate entirely independently from mains hookups — powering lighting, refrigeration, cooking appliances, laptops and anything else you need, for as long as you need it.
At Keltie Campers Ltd we design and install complete off-grid power systems, built around proven Victron Energy equipment and quality lithium batteries. Every system is designed around the specific vehicle and how it will actually be used.
What a Complete Off-Grid System Includes
A properly designed off-grid system brings together multiple components that work together as an integrated whole. A full system build typically includes:
- Lithium battery bank — correctly sized for your power requirements, with integrated BMS and Victron CANbus communication
- Victron MultiPlus inverter charger — combines a pure sine wave inverter and mains battery charger in one unit, allowing 230V appliances to run from the battery and the battery to charge when on hookup
- Victron SmartSolar MPPT controller — manages solar input efficiently and maximises energy harvest
- Solar panels — sized for your roof space and power requirements
- Victron Orion DC-DC charger — provides controlled, efficient charging from the vehicle alternator
- Victron Cerbo GX — the system monitoring hub, providing a complete real-time view of battery state, solar input, charging and power usage via the VRM portal
- Victron GX Touch display — optional touchscreen dashboard for in-vehicle monitoring
- Correct wiring, fusing and distribution — all sized and protected to the demands of the system
System Design
Every vehicle and owner uses power differently. Before designing a system we'll work through your power requirements — what appliances you run, how long you typically stay off-grid, whether you need induction cooking, how important solar independence is versus hookup charging. This determines the right battery capacity, solar panel size, inverter specification and charging setup for your situation.
Getting the design right at the start means the system performs reliably in real use rather than falling short when you need it most.
What Can a Full Off-Grid System Power?
With a correctly sized system, a campervan or motorhome can comfortably run:
- Compressor fridge or fridge-freezer
- Diesel heating system
- Induction hob and kettle via inverter
- Coffee machine via inverter
- Laptops, monitors and remote working equipment
- Lighting throughout
- Phone and device charging
- Water pump
- Starlink or other satellite internet equipment
The limiting factor is always battery capacity and recharging — which is why system design matters. A well-specified system keeps you self-sufficient for days at a time in remote locations.
Scotland's Victron Approved Installer for Leisure Vehicles
Keltie Campers Ltd is Scotland's Victron Approved Installer for leisure vehicles. Every off-grid system we build is designed and installed following Victron's recommended practices, ensuring components are correctly integrated, configured and monitored. As an approved installer we have full access to Victron's configuration tools, VRM portal and technical support.
Frequently Asked Questions — Off-Grid Power Systems
What is the difference between an upgrade and a full system build?
An upgrade improves specific components within an existing electrical system — a new battery, solar panels, a DC-DC charger. A full system build designs and installs everything from scratch as an integrated system — battery bank, inverter charger, solar, alternator charging and monitoring all working together. For vehicles with outdated or inadequate existing systems, a full build often makes more sense than repeated individual upgrades.
How much does a full off-grid system cost?
A complete Victron off-grid system with lithium batteries, inverter charger, solar and Cerbo GX monitoring starts from around £2,500 fitted and can range to £5,000+ for larger or more complex systems. See our Prices page for indicative costs and contact us for a quotation based on your vehicle and requirements.
Can I run an induction hob off-grid?
Yes — with a correctly sized inverter and adequate battery capacity. An induction hob draws significant power for short periods. We design systems that handle this regularly. The key is having the right inverter capacity and enough battery to sustain cooking use between charges.
How long can I stay off-grid with a full system?
This depends on your power consumption and the amount of solar input available. A well-designed system with adequate battery capacity and solar will typically allow several days of normal use between needing hookup or significant driving. We'll calculate expected autonomy as part of the system design process.
Do you offer a mobile or call-out service?
No — all installation work is carried out at our workshop in Callander, Perthshire. Please bring your vehicle to us.
Where are you based?
Callander, Perthshire — 45 minutes from Edinburgh and Glasgow, within easy reach of Perth, Stirling and the Highlands.
Plan Your Off-Grid System
Get in touch to discuss your vehicle, how you use it and what you want it to be capable of. We'll design a system that delivers genuine off-grid independence.