How Much Solar Power Do You Need for a Campervan? (Real Examples)

Solar power is one of the most misunderstood parts of campervan travel. Some people overbuy expensive panels they don’t need, while others underestimate how much power everyday devices actually use.

In this guide, we explain how much solar power you really need for a campervan, using real-world examples, realistic expectations for Europe, and simple setups that actually work.

Recommended Campervan Solar Setups
Portable solar panels and accessories that work reliably for European campervan travel.

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TL;DR – campervan solar power requirements

• 100W solar: helps slow battery drain

• 200W solar: often enough to run a fridge in summer

• 300–400W solar: supports fridge + laptops + phones

• Portable solar is best for rental vans and flexible travel

• Solar output varies heavily by location and season

Who this guide is for (and who it’s not)

This guide is for:

• Campervan owners and renters in Europe

• People using portable power stations

• Travellers staying off-grid for multiple days

• Couples and families on road trips

This guide is not for:

• Large RVs with roof-mounted fixed systems

• Permanent camper conversions with hard-wired electrics

Step 1: understand your daily power usage

Before choosing solar, you need a rough idea of what you’re powering.

Typical campervan devices:

• Camping fridge

• Phone charging

• Laptops or tablets

• Lights and small accessories

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How much power does a camping fridge use per day?

A typical 30–40L compressor camping fridge:

• Uses ~40–60W when running

• Averages 400–600Wh per day

• Uses more power in hot weather

This makes the fridge the single biggest power draw in most campervans.

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“Best Camping Fridges for Campervans (12V & Portable)”

How much power can solar panels actually generate?

Solar panels don’t produce their rated output all day.

Realistic European averages:

• 100W panel: ~300–500Wh/day

• 200W panels: ~600–1,000Wh/day

• 300–400W panels: ~1,200–2,000Wh/day

Output depends on:

• Season

• Cloud cover

• Panel angle

• Location (UK vs southern Europe)

Real campervan solar setups (examples)

Example 1: Fridge only

• 30–40L compressor fridge

• Daily use: ~500Wh

Recommended solar:

• 200W portable solar panel (summer)

This setup often keeps a fridge running indefinitely in good weather.

Example 2: Fridge + phones + laptop

• Fridge (~500Wh)

• Phones (~50Wh)

• Laptop (~150Wh)

Total: ~700Wh/day

Recommended solar:

• 200–300W solar

• 1,000Wh power station

Example 3: Family setup

• Large fridge

• Multiple devices

• Lights and accessories

Total: 1,000Wh+ per day

Recommended solar:

• 300–400W solar

• Larger power station

• Or frequent driving / campsite charging

Portable vs fixed solar panels

Portable solar (recommended for most people)

• No installation

• Works with rental vans

• Can be angled toward the sun

• Easy to store

Fixed solar panels

• Permanent installation

• Good for full-time van life

• Less flexible when parked

For most Driftly readers, portable solar is the better option.

Common solar mistakes to avoid

• Assuming solar replaces batteries

• Oversizing panels without storage

• Expecting winter solar to match summer output

• Blocking airflow or shading panels

Solar works best when paired with adequate battery capacity.

Need guidance on power banks? Read our guide here.

Does solar work in the UK, Germany, and France?

Yes — but expectations matter.

• UK: lower output, still useful in spring/summer

• Germany: good balance of sun and travel days

• France: excellent solar conditions for most of the year

Even partial solar input meaningfully extends off-grid time.

Frequently asked questions

Is 100W solar enough for a campervan?
Usually not on its own. It helps slow battery drain but rarely powers a fridge fully.

Can solar run a fridge all day?
Yes, with ~200W solar in summer conditions.

Do you need solar if you drive every day?
Not strictly, but solar reduces reliance on driving and campsites.

Is portable solar worth it?
For rental vans and flexible travel, yes — it’s one of the best upgrades.

Final recommendation

For most European campervan trips:

• 200W portable solar

• ~1,000Wh power station

• 30–40L compressor fridge

If you are unsure which camper fridge to choose, see our guide on the best campervan fridges here.

This setup balances flexibility, cost, and real-world performance.

👉 View campervan solar pannels on Amazon →