Solar Panel Installations for Campervans & Motorhomes

Solar panels are one of the most effective ways to keep a campervan or motorhome battery charged while travelling or parked off-grid. A properly designed solar installation reduces reliance on hookups and gives your vehicle genuine independence — particularly valuable in Scotland where remote locations are often far from any mains supply.

At Keltie Campers Ltd we design and install solar systems for campervans, motorhomes, caravans and horseboxes, using Victron MPPT controllers as standard for maximum efficiency and compatibility.

What a Solar Installation Includes

A solar system is more than just panels on a roof. A complete installation will typically include:

Solar panels — correctly sized for your roof space and power requirements
Victron SmartSolar MPPT controller — regulates the charge from the panels and maximises energy harvest
Wiring and fusing — correctly sized and protected throughout
Roof gland and cable entry — weatherproof cable entry point through the roof
System configuration — charge profiles set correctly for your battery type
Battery monitor — where required, to give accurate state of charge information

For the best results, solar should be paired with a lithium battery system. Lithium batteries accept a higher charge current and make better use of available solar energy than lead-acid alternatives.

MPPT vs PWM Controllers

We install Victron SmartSolar MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) controllers as standard. MPPT controllers are significantly more efficient than cheaper PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) controllers, extracting more usable energy from the same panels — particularly in the variable light conditions common in Scotland. They are also fully compatible with lithium battery systems and integrate directly with Victron GX monitoring devices.

Do Solar Panels Work in Scotland?

Yes — modern solar panels generate useful power even in overcast conditions. While output is lower on cloudy days than in direct sunshine, Scotland receives sufficient daylight hours to make solar a practical and worthwhile charging solution throughout the year. We generally recommend sizing systems slightly larger than the minimum to account for Scotland's weather and shorter winter days.

How Much Solar Do You Need?

The right panel size depends on your power consumption and how your vehicle is used. As a general guide:

100–200W — suitable for basic use: lighting, phone charging, small fridge, occasional device use
200–400W — suitable for most campervans running a compressor fridge, devices and moderate electrical use
400W+ — for vehicles with higher demand, full-time use or those wanting extended off-grid capability

We'll calculate the right size for your vehicle based on your actual usage and available roof space.

Scotland's Victron Approved Installer for Leisure Vehicles

As Scotland's Victron Approved Installer for leisure vehicles, every solar installation we carry out uses Victron MPPT controllers configured correctly for your battery type. Where you have an existing Victron system, solar integrates directly into your existing monitoring and management setup.

Frequently Asked Questions — Solar Installations

Can solar panels charge lithium batteries?
Yes — but the solar controller must be configured correctly for lithium charging profiles. We install Victron MPPT controllers which are fully programmable for all lithium battery types. If you have an existing PWM controller it will likely need replacing.

How long does a solar installation take?
Most solar installations take one day. More complex systems involving battery upgrades, inverter installation or significant rewiring may take two days.

Can I add solar to an existing system?
Yes — in most cases solar can be added to an existing electrical system. We'll assess your current setup and advise on any changes needed to integrate it correctly.

What if I already have a solar controller?
We'll assess the existing controller as part of the installation. If it's suitable for your battery type and sized correctly for your panels it may be retained. If not, we'll advise on replacement options.

Do you offer a mobile or call-out service?
No — all work is carried out at our workshop in Callander, Perthshire. Please bring your vehicle to us.

How much does a solar installation cost?
A basic solar installation starts from around £416 fitted. Larger systems or those combined with battery upgrades will be priced accordingly. See our Prices page for indicative costs and contact us for a quotation.

Where are you based?
Callander, Perthshire — 45 minutes from Edinburgh and Glasgow, within easy reach of Perth, Stirling and the Highlands.