Solar Reality in the UK
UK averages 1,400-1,800 sunshine hours annually (vs 3,000+ in Spain). Expect 2-4 effective sun hours per day in summer, 0.5-1.5 in winter. This means sizing panels accordingly.
Panel Types Compared
- Monocrystalline - 20-22% efficiency, premium price, best performance in low light. UK recommended for vans.
- Polycrystalline - 15-17% efficiency, mid-price, adequate for budget builds
- Flexible/Rigid - Flexible mounts to curved surfaces, less efficient, lower profile
Sizing Calculator
Daily usage example: Lights (30Wh) + Phone (50Wh) + Laptop (200Wh) + Fridge (600Wh) = 880Wh. With 3 effective sun hours and 70% system efficiency: 880 ÷ (3 × 0.7) = 420W minimum recommended.
UK Weather Considerations
South-facing panels maximise UK sun angle. Angle adjustable mounts help in static setups. Shadow dramatically reduces output - even partial shade cuts power by 50%. Clean panels regularly (pollen, bird droppings).
Recommended UK Suppliers
Bing Solar, Photonic Universe, and 12V Planet offer UK-specific van solar kits. Expect £200-£600 for a 200-400W system including mounting and wiring.
Recommended Gear
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Last updated: 26 August 2026